Irresponsible Owners

[Cinnamontoast]

Ugh. We were crossing Mugdock Park on the upper moorland trail when we heard screaming coming from the trail below us that goes next to the loch. We also heard a lot of barking and presumed it was a dog-related incident. Our route went nowhere near it, and we decided to stay on course to the carpark, since taking our horse into the middle of a dog fight or something would be monumentally stupid.

A bit later, after I'd put Hermosa out into her field, I saw one of the yard teens at her stable with her parents, looking very, very upset. The screaming had been her. Sound carries far, and she'd been about a mile away. She'd been out on her own with her steady, sensible cob when they got attacked by three English bull terriers. She said the horse had been rearing and kicking at them and thinks he made contact. A random walker stayed with them and got pictures of the owners gathering their dogs and getting the hell out of dodge. It was a family -- a mum and dad and a kid. W*nkers. They told the teen and the witness that they would not give details because they're concerned about their privacy. Then scarpered. Teen's parents raced into park to help teen and horse get home.

I had a good look over the horse. He had blood on him, but I couldn't find any injury so I don't think it was his. I hope he did some serious damage to those dogs.

They've been in touch with the police. Their witness may have some ID on the vehicle. I hope so.

I feel bad for not going to help when we heard the screaming, though I know that's irrational because (a) I had no way of knowing it was a fellow livery and (b) bringing another horse into the situation probably would have made things worse and been very, very stupid.

Also a bit freaked out. That could have been us if we'd chosen a different route today.

Poor kid is totally traumatized.



Leash laws for everyone.

Oh my god, I can’t believe the dog owners’ attitude! Worried about their privacy, my ar$e. Terrified they’d be prosecuted, more like. Total idiots.

 

[misst]

I saw my first XLB up close when I took little terrier x man to the vet for his librella. I came out into the car park and one was standing there on lead. I assume the owner had been asked to wait in the carpark. I walked as far away as possible and kept Moti the far side of me (on lead). As we hurried by the lacy holding it with two hands said "no not the small dog!". Not sure what that meant. The dog didn't do anything as such but I felt really uncomfortable.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Less irresponsible, more unobservant, was walking to work this morning, couple of women, one with a GR and the other a Lhasa or Shih Tzu (can't tell the difference TBH) were too busy gassing away to notice the small dog was way behind them had found a discarded polystyrene takeaway container with a sausage in it, they were away down the bottom of the road when they noticed the small dog wasn't there, by this time it had worked the sausage out of the box and had carried it a small way and was now eating it.

I seem to be in the minority of not actually wanting my dogs to be out of my sight on a walk, where they may be chasing things, picking up/eating things they shouldn't, shitting everywhere....

 

[Morwenna]

I seem to be in the minority of not actually wanting my dogs to be out of my sight on a walk, where they may be chasing things, picking up/eating things they shouldn't, shitting everywhere....

I’m constantly being told I’m a bad owner for keeping my dog on a lead / longline. Her recall is dodgy at the moment (the joys of adolescence) and she’s very easily distracted from coming back to me and I do not want her bouncing up to everyone and everything, being a nuisance and gettting up to all sorts. She can have offlead freedom back when she’s earned it.

 

[Clodagh]

I went to the seaside yesterday and was walking over a narrow foot bridge when a big black and white, half docked (looked like a Hound x foreign rescue) came running up to me, properly staring at my face. I said ‘no’ and put my hand up and it stopped, looked at me, pushed past me and carried on the other side. The owner, complete with earphones and mobile gave me a cheery smile and said ‘sorry’. Sadly he didn’t hear my reply, with his earphones, or he thought it would be better not to engage.
I didn’t have any dogs but what if I had been someone who was really scared? The bridge had very low sides. I could have fallen over.

 

[cauda equina]

Riding on a stubble field this morning past the village playing field where there was a group of people with loose dogs
A cocker was tearing round on the stubble and going onto a neighbouring property, accompanied by ineffectual peep-peep-peeps on a whistle
After a while it appeared to have gone back to its owner but as we were going up the road it shot through the hedge in front of us, ran up the road and disappeared round a bend

 

[CorvusCorax]

Christ me, heard a jogger coming behind so put dog into verge and locked his head into my knee and kept walking, older woman coming the other way with offleash small spitz type which was behind her, runner came past and her dog launched itself at him growling. He literally had to jump over it. She didn't even notice. I gave a very loud OOP! which made her realise something had happened.

 

[gunnergundog]

So, today I think I had a lucky escape. but am interested to know what others would have done in this situation. I really didn't have time to think and acted instinctively, which may not have been appropriate with the breed of dog concerned.

So, I was walking on the perimeter of private land that borders a Woodland Trust property with three dogs, all off lead; two old entire males and a younger, relatively new to me, neutered dog that was coupled to one of the oldies. Dogs were 10 foot in front of me when 20 yards or so in front out pops a tan and white dog of bully type from the Woodland Trust side of the fence. American or XL, I don't know, but I had never seen it before and it was big - not a staffie. It was quickly followed with shouts from a deep male voice of 'don't you f***** dare, get f****** back here you f****** bastard.' I whistle my dogs to stop and then down. Followed by a 'watch me' to stop eye balling, which at least two out of three did. The bloke came flying out of the wood and almost threw himself on to the dog, which did just stand there, not doing anything BUT the body language and eye contact was, for me, scary. The guy put the dog on a leash, asked where I was headed and said he was going to go elsewhere. Couldn't say if the dog was fully mature; am guessing if it was an XL about 12-18 months...ie adolescent. It kept eye balling looking back all the time it was dragged away until out of sight, but didn't once bark or growl.

Am I getting paranoid? Was my fear justified? How else would you have handled the situation? (I know you don't know my dogs but interested in suggestions.) I was so scared, more for my dogs, given the recent press, that I didn't have it in me to say that he was trespassing and now on private property. I am so disturbed by this, as I told my dogs to be submissive, yet, instinctually, ,my body language was the exact opposite. I walk with a beating stick and use it to make me look big, act as a barrier if needs be. I won't be going back there. Have told the landowner, but the fencing won't be changed.

 

[cauda equina]

2 Yorkshire terriers killed in Thetford Forest

Two Yorkshire Terriers killed in horrific Thetford Forest attack

Two Yorkshire Terriers have been killed by two large black dogs during a horrific attack in Thetford Forest.

www.edp24.co.uk

 

[Clodagh]

I would have done the same as you, my instinct is always to prevent escalation if possible. At the end of the day, if it had attacked, whether or not your dogs had confronted it would not have made a difference to the outcome.
I am paranoid nowadays, mainly through posts on here!

 

[AmyMay]

I’d also have done the same @gunnergundog

 

[misst]

2 Yorkshire terriers killed in Thetford Forest

Two Yorkshire Terriers killed in horrific Thetford Forest attack

Two Yorkshire Terriers have been killed by two large black dogs during a horrific attack in Thetford Forest.

www.edp24.co.uk

When ever I see something like this I feel physically sick and tearful. I cannot imagine what those little dogs suffered. How does an owner ever recover from that kind of trauma. Just awful.

 

[skinnydipper]

the dog, which did just stand there, not doing anything BUT the body language and eye contact was, for me, scary.

It kept eye balling looking back all the time it was dragged away until out of sight, but didn't once bark or growl.

Predatory aggression is silent. The dog that tried to kill my lurcher never made a sound.

I think you did the best thing you could in the circumstances.

 

[rabatsa]

I am paranoid but it is because of the ridgebacks that live next door. They have jumped onto my property after my GSD half a dozen times now. The owners know and are trying to blame the jack russell for starting it.

I have stock boarded the fence line where any eye contact could be made between their kenneled dogs and my dog but my dog is not the only one scared now.

 

[Goldenstar]

On a happier note I was out yesterday in the village we will be moving to do a some let’s see how dirty we can get a the other house ,we had a quick sandwich in the local golf club which is a busy small place where the food is great value .
In we go , seven dogs in a small space all beautifully behaved came out and there must have been twenty five dogs all heading from or to the beach .
All well behaved and not one reactive one it was really pleasant .

 

[Cinnamontoast]

When ever I see something like this I feel physically sick and tearful. I cannot imagine what those little dogs suffered. How does an owner ever recover from that kind of trauma. Just awful.

I don’t thi they ever will. This makes me terrified, tearful and extremely angry. How could the attacking dog’ owners just leave? I hope they’re found. I would be far too scared to have little dogs because of this.

Two poodles had a pop at Goose yesterday, fortunately he just gallops past trouble after an initial submissive crouch. It just terrifies me. It’s a good job Bear wasn’t on the path, he would’ve had a go back.

 

[misst]

Because my dogs are small and one is super friendly (a bit daft really) and the other is quite reactive especially to big dogs I am always hyper aware anyway and leads come out if I see any unknown dogs or dogs which I know Moti doesn't "like" or those who are not keen on Ruby being a bit over friendly. ( ie any dog we don't know very well!). There are lots of terriers and poo x spaniels/bichons/etc so they have plenty of interaction if they want it. I head the other way if off lead big dogs are heading our way.

I also feel sorry for large breed owners who have nice dogs who might just lay down as we approach and be obviously friendly. I think they think I am unfriendly as mine go on lead regardless as I don't like Ruby playing with heavy dogs (she's 6kg) and Moti will growl and air snap no matter what their body language if he gets close. Then if he does that who is to blame if the big dog reacts to my 5kg terrier? Me I believe for allowing it to happen, but Moti wouldn't stand a chance if it happened.

I am definitely on the lookout for aggressive looking dogs nowadays though far more than in the past.

 

[Smitty]

Grumble time. Im on holiday camping nr Swanage. Campsite rules, ALL dogs on leads, we don't care how well behaved or how old, if it's not on a lead you will be asked to leave immediately. This doesn't appear to apply to Spaniels owners though, as the one next to me is throwing balls left right and centre. Fortunately my tied up terrier is too knackered now to bark in excitement.

On the beach: Dogs all over, bothering people with no dogs, weeing on sandcastles, loose GSDs having a pop at other dogs. And dog poo.

The best bit was when my friend took her Lab swimming, it ran back into the cafe where the rest of us were sitting and SHOOK itself dry over a couple on the next table . She eventually emerged from the sea and put it on a lead, but bit late really .

 

[misst]

Grumble time. Im on holiday camping nr Swanage. Campsite rules, ALL dogs on leads, we don't care how well behaved or how old, if it's not on a lead you will be asked to leave immediately. This doesn't appear to apply to Spaniels owners though, as the one next to me is throwing balls left right and centre. Fortunately my tied up terrier is too knackered now to bark in excitement.

On the beach: Dogs all over, bothering people with no dogs, weeing on sandcastles, loose GSDs having a pop at other dogs. And dog poo.

The best bit was when my friend took her Lab swimming, it ran back into the cafe where the rest of us were sitting and SHOOK itself dry over a couple on the next table . She eventually emerged from the sea and put it on a lead, but bit late really .

I really hate it when rules aren't enforced and also when other dog owners give responsible ones a bad rep

 

[Chucho]

@gunnergundog that sounds similar to the encounter I had with an American bull terrier (although it was off leash and ownerless). The vibe from the dog was extremely disconcerting. I think you were right to keep body language v neutral and non provocative. Tbh it's basically what we do if we see a bear on a trail. The way some of these dogs behave doesn't seem that different.

 

[splashgirl45]

This morning on my walk, mine were on lead when a mini pinscher came up to them and owner was useless, but it was ok because she told me he was friendly!!!! Apart from the fact that he was tiny and couldn’t have been a threat to mine it’s lucky that mine are friendly whether on or off lead . This was only 6 months old and I suggested that she is careful as other dogs may not be as friendly as mine. She said it’s ok he is really quick and I don’t want to keep him on the lead all of the time. Seems like a really nice girl with absolutely no idea of the danger she is putting her tiny dog in… she had to pounce on it as it didn’t come to call , so many owners are like this , I don’t know what the answer is

 

[Annette4]

This morning on my walk, mine were on lead when a mini pinscher came up to them and owner was useless, but it was ok because she told me he was friendly!!!! Apart from the fact that he was tiny and couldn’t have been a threat to mine it’s lucky that mine are friendly whether on or off lead . This was only 6 months old and I suggested that she is careful as other dogs may not be as friendly as mine. She said it’s ok he is really quick and I don’t want to keep him on the lead all of the time. Seems like a really nice girl with absolutely no idea of the danger she is putting her tiny dog in… she had to pounce on it as it didn’t come to call , so many owners are like this , I don’t know what the answer is

The longer I have 2 reactive dogs, the more I think there should be dog park type spaces where these idiots can put them and their dogs at risk to their hearts content and all other spaces should be on lead only and it should be policed correctly. In reality it won't work as there isn't the resources to deal with serious issues never mind this but until their are enforced sanctions for people like that or their dog is seriously injured/killed they simply won't change their attitude.

 

[splashgirl45]

It frightens me as that little dog was lovely and I really hope he doesn’t meet a reactive dog as his owner is unaware of the dangers, apart from the harm it does to the reactive dog as well

 

[cauda equina]

Although there is a lot of resistance to the suggestion that all dogs should be leashed in public areas it would protect dogs like this from the stupidity of their own handlers

 

[SilverLinings]

Although there is a lot of resistance to the suggestion that all dogs should be leashed in public areas it would protect dogs like this from the stupidity of their own handlers

That is the saddest thing about a lot of the current dog-related problems in society; an awful lot of dogs need protecting from the actions of their own (often stupid and/or selfish) owners

 

[scats]

Our resident Rottweiler strikes again!
This morning it escaped from home (apparently) headed to our farm and was in adjoining field to my friends horses and unfortunately bumped into a poor unsuspecting dog walker and their dog on the footpath. It proceeded to attack the dog and then attack the dogs owner, who ended up having his hand bitten. Police were called, once again.

I was at the farm about 15 minutes after it all happened and dread to think what might have happened if I’d come face to face with it off lead.

Im hoping something is finally going to be done about it, but Im not holding out much hope. It’s been reported several times for attacking dogs, the police visited it and gave it a ‘good report’, it’s gone on to attack several more dogs and now a person. It’s only a matter of time before it kills someone.

 

[AmyMay]

Oh @scats . How awful. Let’s hope the police have seized it !

 

[SilverLinings]

Our resident Rottweiler strikes again!
This morning it escaped from home (apparently) headed to our farm and was in adjoining field to my friends horses and unfortunately bumped into a poor unsuspecting dog walker and their dog on the footpath. It proceeded to attack the dog and then attack the dogs owner, who ended up having his hand bitten. Police were called, once again.

I was at the farm about 15 minutes after it all happened and dread to think what might have happened if I’d come face to face with it off lead.

Im hoping something is finally going to be done about it, but Im not holding out much hope. It’s been reported several times for attacking dogs, the police visited it and gave it a ‘good report’, it’s gone on to attack several more dogs and now a person. It’s only a matter of time before it kills someone.

I know that you have posted a few times about this dog and owner, I really hope that something is done by the police after this latest incident and that you no longer need to worry about meeting them at the yard or when out and about. The 'good report' thing seemed ridiculous, I can't see why a reported attack can be trumped by the dog being friendly to a policeman when he visits.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Our resident Rottweiler strikes again!
This morning it escaped from home (apparently) headed to our farm and was in adjoining field to my friends horses and unfortunately bumped into a poor unsuspecting dog walker and their dog on the footpath. It proceeded to attack the dog and then attack the dogs owner, who ended up having his hand bitten. Police were called, once again.

I was at the farm about 15 minutes after it all happened and dread to think what might have happened if I’d come face to face with it off lead.

Im hoping something is finally going to be done about it, but Im not holding out much hope. It’s been reported several times for attacking dogs, the police visited it and gave it a ‘good report’, it’s gone on to attack several more dogs and now a person. It’s only a matter of time before it kills someone.

That's utterly appalling.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Our resident Rottweiler strikes again!
This morning it escaped from home (apparently) headed to our farm and was in adjoining field to my friends horses and unfortunately bumped into a poor unsuspecting dog walker and their dog on the footpath. It proceeded to attack the dog and then attack the dogs owner, who ended up having his hand bitten. Police were called, once again.

I was at the farm about 15 minutes after it all happened and dread to think what might have happened if I’d come face to face with it off lead.

Im hoping something is finally going to be done about it, but Im not holding out much hope. It’s been reported several times for attacking dogs, the police visited it and gave it a ‘good report’, it’s gone on to attack several more dogs and now a person. It’s only a matter of time before it kills someone.

Whilst I suspect that 'attacking a person' is probably the other dog owner sticking their hand in and getting bitten, I'm sorry but that's a dog that needs put in someone's car and taken on a one-way trip. Even if it's to the pound. If the police won't do something....