Irresponsible Owners

[splashgirl45]

Took mine for a walk by the river early this morning and my 2 younger ones lurcher and terrier had a great time swimming, they did quite a bit so they are now very settled at home . My other terrier managed a sedate paddle and he is crashed out as well .. it’s one way of exercising without the danger of heatstroke ..

 

[Parrotperson]

talking of irresponsible owners my husband was in charge of dog walk today and decided in his wisdom to climb over a wall, go through some brambles and down quite a steep slope al whilst carrying dog to get to the stream so said dog "could have a paddle".

 

[Chuffy99]

His heart was in the right place PP but his brain had overheated

 

[Parrotperson]

His heart was in the right place PP but his brain had overheated

Mmm. I guess I’ll give him a pass!!! Just……

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Dog walker is taking ours out early for a short one, then it's kibble on the lawn, kongs etc. River again at the weekend if it hasn't cooled down by then.

 

[Boulty]

The hooligan has been clipped fairly short & has been going out at about 7/8am in a morning & about 7/8 at night. We’re lucky to have had a decent breeze most days so far & it’s mostly been bearable in the shade (although we did hide in the house during the hottest part of Monday as I deemed the garden too warm even in the shade). We’re lucky that we’ve got quite a few nicely shaded walks in woodland fairly close by (& a lot of them have little streams & similar that he can go in & out of if he wants) & if we time it right the pavements to get there are pretty well shaded. He’s an absolute liability if he doesn’t go out & this way he actually will rest in the hotter parts of the day rather than bouncing about like a loon!

Not entirely his friend tonight though… after doing a beautiful impression of the worlds best trained dog checking in with me every 50 metres or so in between his sniffing, ignoring the dog walking a few hundred metres in front of us & not going too far away he decided to leg it back up the track we were on & through an open gate (that I’d specifically put him back on lead to walk past… thought we were far enough past to release him again… clearly not!) into a hayfield to chase the birds! Little sod came back & acted like he was being a good boy & coming with me (more fool me for believing him!) before sodding off again. Safe to say lead was put back on upon his return the second time. Blooming spaniel!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Managed to give the JRT a short (30 min) local walk last night and this morning, so she's much happier. We found an acceptable-to-her way of wetting her coat before each walk, to help keep her cool. Gentle sponging on of tepid water from a bucket was even appreciated. She absolutely refuses to wear any sort of cool coat, she just stands still or walks backwards in one.

I might think of getting her a kong. She can get rather obsessed about treats, the 2022 dog advent calendar had to be hidden away for good after about Dec 3 . When we first got her as a nearly 3yo we got her one of those giggle balls. She got so over excited chasing it around that she would have made herself ill, so that had to go, too.

 

[CorvusCorax]

It was still 23 degrees last night between 7-8pm so the lads were definitely not going out in that. They went out between 10-11pm.

I worked the young female on grass three times in ten minute increments, two quite high impact and one short track, as I do believe in conditioning younger dogs to the heat, where appropriate.

 

[some show]

Managed to give the JRT a short (30 min) local walk last night and this morning, so she's much happier. We found an acceptable-to-her way of wetting her coat before each walk, to help keep her cool. Gentle sponging on of tepid water from a bucket was even appreciated. She absolutely refuses to wear any sort of cool coat, she just stands still or walks backwards in one.

I might think of getting her a kong. She can get rather obsessed about treats, the 2022 dog advent calendar had to be hidden away for good after about Dec 3 . When we first got her as a nearly 3yo we got her one of those giggle balls. She got so over excited chasing it around that she would have made herself ill, so that had to go, too.

I sponge down my greyhound before a walk too And because I take water/bowl out with us he sometimes gets some of that on his bonce/under the armpits too half-way around!

Kongs are great, mine loves a frozen peanut-butter one.

 

[skinnydipper]

Early morning walk for us, taking water as a precaution. Pm walk replaced with home entertainment.

@Tiddlypom. Will your little one retrieve? If so, she might like a game with one of the Chuckit indoor toys. I have the Chuckit indoor roller for the big girl.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I sponge down my greyhound before a walk too And because I take water/bowl out with us he sometimes gets some of that on his bonce/under the armpits too half-way around!

Kongs are great, mine loves a frozen peanut-butter one.

Tipping water over her during a walk from her Vivaglory posh insulated dog water bottle is apparently not acceptable in JRT world. We tried that last year when it was hot, and she's only just forgiven us and started drinking from it again!

Happy to stand in the shower to be cleansed after muddy winter walks, though. Weird things, dogs.

 

[Nasicus]

I might think of getting her a kong. She can get rather obsessed about treats, the 2022 dog advent calendar had to be hidden away for good after about Dec 3 . When we first got her as a nearly 3yo we got her one of those giggle balls. She got so over excited chasing it around that she would have made herself ill, so that had to go, too.

Kongs are great, especially frozen ones on a warm day! I had to stop using peanut butter due to the calories, but I've switched to using the Meatiful Sausage/chubs, or the JR Pates if I'm feeling spendy haha!
I just whizz them up in the blender, add a bit of water to the JR ones as they're a bit more crumbly than pastey once blended, pack it in the kong and chuck in the freezer. I have 5 tiny kongs and 5 large kongs, and one meatiful chub will do all of them so Mum and I are set for a few days. They keep the dogs going for longer than frozen PB too, as PB doesn't freeze solid due to the oil content. You can kinda get around that by mixing it with water, but it's a lot of effort to get it to blend haha

 

[equinerebel]

It absolutely boils my p*ss seeing people drag their poor dogs around in this heat. I live in a seaside town that's very popular with tourists, and I cannot begin to tell you how many people I see dragging their panting dog(s) around with them as they go about their day ....... bonus points if the dog is on lead but unmonitored and jumps out into the road to avoid the throngs of people making their way to and from the beach.

Mine is at home with a fan on for her and the cat.

 

[Jenko109]

I almost always walk mine about 5am anyway, all year round, so nothing has changed for us. 5am is chilly enough for me to want a hoodie on, so no concerns with letting the dogs have a good gallop about.

I've not seen anyone walking in the middle of the day for the last few days. Tuesday was an overcast 24 degrees. I saw a few people out then and allowed mine a literal ten minute skip round the short block for a sniff at lunch.

I try not to pass judgement when I see someone walking. It isn't always clear to see if they are actually out for a walk, or if they have just nipped the dog out for a toilet break and a quick leg stretch for a few minutes.

 

[Annette4]

Mine just haven't been out this week between rest days and running hubby to and from minor injuries and a&e but I do generally do some heat conditioning closely controlled with lots of water and milk etc as they do have to compete in heat and 2 have been performing at Dogfest which has been warm. They certainly aren't out in the heat of the day but they are out earlier/later than pet dogs or retirees would be.

 

[some show]

Brown romanian-type dog came after me and my dog this morning, slipped under a kissing gate and stood there growling and barking at us, then advanced, growled a bit more, meanwhile woman is up on the higher path ineffectually calling its name I shout at her to please come and get it and she calls down in a very irritated voice 'I'm trying, but there are stinging nettles'. Like I'm the inconvenience here! Dog advances on us once more despite me telling it to get lost in my best 'no nonsense' tone before she finally appears at which point it runs back under the gate and off they go, nary an apology in sight. Or a lead. Wonder how many other dog walkers/horse riders she annoyed on that walk. Gah.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I was the irresponsible one this morning, a woman I know to see and casually chat to, came through a gap in the hedge onto the lane suddenly and gave the small one a shock and she kicked off barking. All's well that ends well, they ended up having a careful introduction then a massive love in/cuddle....and then small one threw another tantrum when the woman had the audacity to walk away and leave her and she had to grudgingly come home with me, sigh.....

 

[paddy555]

nearly killed one today. An off lead dog ran out from behind a parked vehicle right under my front wheels. No idea how I stopped. Very lucky owner not to be burying her dog tonight. I did point out the benefits of a lead.

 

[Caol Ila]

Irresponsible snake owners? Or a slow news day on BBC Scotland?

Is it OK to let your snakes sunbathe in the park?

A man who takes his snakes to his local public park sparks a debate about what animals are acceptable in public spaces.

www.bbc.co.uk

In fairness, the snakes probably don't run (well, slither) up to harass people's on-lead dogs, chase birds and squirrels, and I bet they have amazing recall.

I had corn snakes as a kid -- and they live for years, so my parents still have one who is over 30 years old -- and they were quiet, friendly well behaved creatures. My brother and I used to construct mazes in the basement and let them loose to find their way through. Amazed that (a) our parents let us do this and (b) we never lost a snake. I said they had good recall.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Irresponsible snake owners? Or a slow news day on BBC Scotland?

Is it OK to let your snakes sunbathe in the park?

A man who takes his snakes to his local public park sparks a debate about what animals are acceptable in public spaces.

www.bbc.co.uk

In fairness, the snakes probably don't run (well, slither) up to harass people's on-lead dogs, chase birds and squirrels, and I bet they have amazing recall.

I had corn snakes as a kid -- and they live for years, so my parents still have one who is over 30 years old -- and they were quiet, friendly well behaved creatures. My brother and I used to construct mazes in the basement and let them loose to find their way through. Amazed that (a) our parents let us do this and (b) we never lost a snake. I said they had good recall.

If people are being asked to report the presence of snakes on 101, they will be long gone by the time any police officer gets there!

 

[Pippity]

If people are being asked to report the presence of snakes on 101, they will be long gone by the time any police officer gets there!

They'll be dead of old age by the time police get there!

 

[CorvusCorax]

In all seriousness, I see a few people on socials say they'd rather have snakes in a park than offleash dogs. We have to think about how we as dog owners, impact on non dog owners. There's a leash rule in our local park, as well as several spacious off leash areas, but hardly anyone sticks to it.

My middle dog got mobbed last night by three kids and very much enjoyed the scritches, but he was on leash and by my side and they came over and asked.

 

[GSD Woman]

Coal Ila,

I love this article. I have a nasty, racist, alcoholic neighbor who is terrified of snakes. (I call her Drunken Neighbor.) I suppose it would be mean to print it out and mail it to her. I'm cracking myself here.

 

[Splash2310]

Love the snakes in the park!

We were victim of the weird “on lead dog being the problem” this morning. Saw a JRT on the path ahead in a muzzle, immediately called ours back and popped him on the lead - as we got closer the owner shouted in a rather pissed off manner “oh well now I’ve got to hold her because she attacks other dogs if they are on leads” - WTH?!

 

[GSD Woman]

Splash2310, maybe you should carry a snake around your neck on your next outing.

Reading all of this is actually making me sort of happy that I'm sidelined with an injury. My dogs are getting plenty of exercise out back with their tennis balls and helping me with the plants.

 

[Caol Ila]

In all seriousness, I see a few people on socials say they'd rather have snakes in a park than offleash dogs. We have to think about how we as dog owners, impact on non dog owners. There's a leash rule in our local park, as well as several spacious off leash areas, but hardly anyone sticks to it.

My middle dog got mobbed last night by three kids and very much enjoyed the scritches, but he was on leash and by my side and they came over and asked.

The snakes, by all accounts, were very well behaved. Most snakes are quite shy critters by nature. They are not going to bound up to you, bite you, attack your dog (well, unless it's a big boa or python, and you have a chihuahua). I was bemused by the people flapping about the snakes in the park, when any pet snake you are likely to encounter is a far more innocuous, harmless animal than a dog. Obviously not if you have a 30ft anaconda or a venemous species, but those aren't the snakes people keep.

 

[CorvusCorax]

As someone said on Twitter 'Snakes on a plain' was *right* there.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

The snakes, by all accounts, were very well behaved. Most snakes are quite shy critters by nature. They are not going to bound up to you, bite you, attack your dog (well, unless it's a big boa or python, and you have a chihuahua). I was bemused by the people flapping about the snakes in the park, when any pet snake you are likely to encounter is a far more innocuous, harmless animal than a dog. Obviously not if you have a 30ft anaconda or a venemous species, but those aren't the snakes people keep.

There’s a bloke in Miami who wanders round with a massive albino python round his neck. My OH is phobic, but everywhere we went, this bloke seemed to be there! Snake seemed very passive, but its sheer size was intimidating.

 

[Caol Ila]

There’s a bloke in Miami who wanders round with a massive albino python round his neck. My OH is phobic, but everywhere we went, this bloke seemed to be there! Snake seemed very passive, but its sheer size was intimidating.

Imagine how people who are phobic of dogs feel! It's pretty unusual to see someone taking their snake for a walk, but dogs are everywhere.

To be fair, I wouldn't have let my snakes loose in an open park. They could be speedy, and I'd be too paranoid about them slithering off into some brush or long grass, never to be seen again. This chap's snakes must be better trained than mine.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Two in one walk this morning, lucky us! Both involving so-called professional dog walkers.

The first had four or five off-lead, we watched as they upset one on-lead dog and another off-lead and as they caught up to us the woman said 'here come the naughty dogs' to us. I think because one of the other owners had a word with her. Perhaps she was hoping we'd think it was funny but I just gave her a bit of mild side eye and carried on walking.

The second one had seven dogs (I think, it was chaos) between two people but one of them was carrying a dog like a baby so not much use with no hands free. Not an ounce of control over any of these dogs, including two in the river, one just running around barking at everything (probably not loving the chaos itself) and another bogging off in to the woods. Lots of loud, ineffectual calling of names and whistling and "oh don't do that Fluffy".If I could have swerved I would have just to save the hassle but it's not an open enough space (which also annoys me that walkers decide it makes an appropriate setting to have a group of dogs all off-lead anyway) so we shortened our lead and tried to muddle on past.

Fine enough until three of them suddenly rushed at Ivy's tail, were crowding her and being OTT so I fairly assertively said "ah ah, that's not okay" to which the woman got really shirty and rude saying of course it's not and she was getting them (she wasn't, presumably because she wasn't a literal octopus with enough limbs to deal with those three plus the other one that kept running off and also because she'd decided among the chaos was the time to start telling me how beautiful my dog was). She aggressively asked me what my problem was to which I came back with a "you, you are my problem!" and asked her they were her dogs or if she was a "professional" (complete with air quotes) dog walker, and walked off.

My favourite part of this interaction was overhearing her tell the man with her not to get involved because clearly I was having a bad day just like the person yesterday!!! Like seriously lady the common fecking denominator is you and my day was fine until you rocked up in it.