Starbucks
Well-Known Member
You too Tia!
I wish I could make my dogs behave like yours!! Maybe I should just send them back to the kennels, for their own safety!
So when should dogs be on a lead then??
- Thread starter Starbucks
- Start date
woolly
Well-Known Member
Re: Original poster
Haven't read all the posts but this was the sort of thing that drove us mad.
Our dog was an 86kg Wolfhound. The most passive animal ever but he was constantly 'bounced on' 'played with' and the 'oh so tried and tested....he's just being friendly'. Our dog hated being bounced on and sniffed and if he was on a lead I would expect any loose dog to be on lead until as owners we could ascertain that both dogs could be leadless.
Here is a scenario for you...
Our dog had a very expensive operation for OCD of the shoulder and was doomed to resticted lead walking for 8 weeks. I was walking him and he was bounced on by a Westie. He was only 10 months old but was so scared he smashed into my leg causing me injury and damaging his own leg, thankfully not seriously. It was in a public place. Is that fair?
Has it also occurred to you that my dog (who never ever retaliated by biting even when attacked visciously) might one day retaliate? H was a Wolfhound....designed to kill wolves....a smaller dog would not have stood a chance! He, if absolutely cornered resorted to a broadsiding headbutt which was a show of strength and merely took the other dog off it's feet. That's lucky for the other dog!
Our dog aged 2 preban dispatched a biggish dog fox in one without a sound at the run......yet he never attacked even nasty dogs...lucky again!
Our dog was often leadless in places we knew the regular walkers and often he came into contact with 20 or so off lead dogs no problems but we all knew each other and had made the original contact correctly.
Sniffing wasn't a problem as long as it wasn't so intent it was pestering, being bounced on was!
GinaB
Well-Known Member
QR:
Mine are very rarely on leads but they've got good recall and are friendly with other dogs. However, if we come across a dog on a lead I will restrain mine as you don't know how the dog reacts. Tina hates being on a lead. I use slip leads as they are easy to slip on over their heads and saves you trying to find with collars and clips.
I was out walknig the Beastie one evening and had her on the lead as we were just going round the duck pond and she would chase the ducks
and another schnauzer (off the lead) came up and wouldn't leave her alone. Beastie obviously felt threatened by the dogs behaviour and growled and then snapped at the other dog yet the owner gave me a dirty look and said 'oh I guess yours doesn't like other dogs' and I was like no, she does but your dog was making her feel threatened and as she was on a lead my dog couldn't go anywhere to get away (I was trying to drag her on away from the dog which kept following) I was very annoyed by his attitude over it. As we all know Beastie is an angel
Mine are very rarely on leads but they've got good recall and are friendly with other dogs. However, if we come across a dog on a lead I will restrain mine as you don't know how the dog reacts. Tina hates being on a lead. I use slip leads as they are easy to slip on over their heads and saves you trying to find with collars and clips.
I was out walknig the Beastie one evening and had her on the lead as we were just going round the duck pond and she would chase the ducks
MurphysMinder
Well-Known Member
I am sorry but I think you are being irresponsible letting your dog run up to other dogs when they are on lead. It is more than likely they are on lead for a purpose. As I said in the other thread, my friend has a male GSD who is sometimes (not always) dog aggressive. He is actually very well trained, and has Working Trials qualifications but does not like other dogs invading his space. If one of your dogs ran up to him, particularly if it was a male, I am afraid there is a chance he would have a go at them. He is an oversize dog (28" to the shoulder, and could do some serious damage to a smaller dog. I should add that this has never happened because most other dog owners keep their dogs under control. As to when dogs should be on a lead, I would say obviously when on the road, when around livestock, and when around other dogs unless you are able to keep your dog away from them until you know they are friendly.
And also please bear in mind that if dogs have a fight, people often get injured
And also please bear in mind that if dogs have a fight, people often get injured
Booboos
Well-Known Member
Dogs on a lead are restricted and can't diplay natural behaviour such as backing down or running away to avoid a confrontation. They are also very close to their owner which may trigger protective instincts. I think this is what makes it really unfair to allow loose dogs to approach dogs on the lead. It can lead to scuffles and fights, but even if it doesn't, it does cause stress for the dog on the lead, so why cause that?
If dogs are loose and the owner does not call them I would assume they are happy to play with mine, which can be quite good fun for dogs that are not threatened by this kind of thing. However, as I have four dogs I always put some of them on the lead (or call them to heel where I know they will stay), as four work as a pack and can be quite overwhelming to other dogs. I have a GSD who is the softest, most reliable dog in the world, but I immediately put him on the lead if other people look scared. They have no reason to be scared, but that is besides the point - they are actually scared and that is enough reason.
If dogs are loose and the owner does not call them I would assume they are happy to play with mine, which can be quite good fun for dogs that are not threatened by this kind of thing. However, as I have four dogs I always put some of them on the lead (or call them to heel where I know they will stay), as four work as a pack and can be quite overwhelming to other dogs. I have a GSD who is the softest, most reliable dog in the world, but I immediately put him on the lead if other people look scared. They have no reason to be scared, but that is besides the point - they are actually scared and that is enough reason.
severnmiles
Well-Known Member
Anytime my dogs are in public they are on a lead, in my opinion a dog is unpredictable. Anytime my horses are in public they are kept under control, you wouldn't see us letting them loose so I feel the same re. dogs.
What narks me is peoples unruly dogs, loose, running upto mine.
What narks me is peoples unruly dogs, loose, running upto mine.
Patches
Well-Known Member
When you're taking it for a walk in MY fields! I can't abide owners that let their dogs run loose in our silage crop. They have access to a public footpath NOT the entire field to trample over. As the one footpath runs the length of our farm (some 230 acres) it's not really financially viable to fence it off.
Makes me so angry to see people throwing frizbees for their dogs. Actually, I can see a woman now out of my window. I've been down the field and spoken to her before but she doesn't give a stuff.
Bugs me when people won't clean up after their dogs because "it's only farmland". Our cows have slipped calves in the past that has been linked to dog faeces. I don't walk my own dog over land grass that is silaged or in fields where the cows are.
Grrrrrrr!
Actually that had NOTHING to do with your post, but it did feel so good to get that off my chest.
Makes me so angry to see people throwing frizbees for their dogs. Actually, I can see a woman now out of my window. I've been down the field and spoken to her before but she doesn't give a stuff.
Bugs me when people won't clean up after their dogs because "it's only farmland". Our cows have slipped calves in the past that has been linked to dog faeces. I don't walk my own dog over land grass that is silaged or in fields where the cows are.
Grrrrrrr!
Actually that had NOTHING to do with your post, but it did feel so good to get that off my chest.
Acolyte
Well-Known Member
I've read all the posts and think that Tia summarises very well, however to put my own point of view in.....
Sorry to say this Starbucks, but you are the sort of person I dread meeting on a dog walk. Talisker (my lurcher) is a rescue who has never been comfortable with being bounced on, sniffed at or otherwise given attention by other dogs, therefore I put him on a lead when I see other dogs approaching.
When (as happened last night) some idiot with two labradors lets them run up to him, sniffing him and otherwise harrassing him, Talisker gets distressed, and this manifests itself in aggression.
Why should my dog be distressed just because some ignorant dog owner can't be bothered to control their dogs by putting them on a lead/calling them to heel??
It is just thoughtless and ignorant of people who think it is 'OK' for their dogs to harrass other peoples dogs on the basis that 'oh they are just being friendly, they won't hurt a fly'
BTW - the guy you met with the Staffie on a lead? (a) I have no doubt he felt intimidated by 10 loose dogs coming towards him and (b) Staffies get such a bad press now that he probably thinks it is safer to keep his dog on a lead to avoid any accusations that it bit someone/something
Sorry to say this Starbucks, but you are the sort of person I dread meeting on a dog walk. Talisker (my lurcher) is a rescue who has never been comfortable with being bounced on, sniffed at or otherwise given attention by other dogs, therefore I put him on a lead when I see other dogs approaching.
When (as happened last night) some idiot with two labradors lets them run up to him, sniffing him and otherwise harrassing him, Talisker gets distressed, and this manifests itself in aggression.
Why should my dog be distressed just because some ignorant dog owner can't be bothered to control their dogs by putting them on a lead/calling them to heel??
It is just thoughtless and ignorant of people who think it is 'OK' for their dogs to harrass other peoples dogs on the basis that 'oh they are just being friendly, they won't hurt a fly'
BTW - the guy you met with the Staffie on a lead? (a) I have no doubt he felt intimidated by 10 loose dogs coming towards him and (b) Staffies get such a bad press now that he probably thinks it is safer to keep his dog on a lead to avoid any accusations that it bit someone/something
Patches
Well-Known Member
I should really answer your post.
I have a cute and fluffy cocker spaniel. He used to be fine with other dogs but as he's gotten older, he is a bit less tolerant and seems to think dogs running up to him are about to "have a go".
I keep Jasper on a lead at all times in public and when out on our farm, as you never know who may be about with a dog. I have him on a lead because I don't want him to mingle with other dogs as I am wary of how he may react, depending on what behaviour the other dog displays.
As Tia says, me having my dog on a lead should let you know that I do not want him running around with other dogs. Therefore I'd be quite anxious to see your dogs bounding up to him if I were out with him and would be incredibly upset if a fight resulted from it.
I would also be very nervous myself to see 10 dogs charge towards me, knowing there is bugger all I can do to prevent what may happen next. It's not fair.
I have a cute and fluffy cocker spaniel. He used to be fine with other dogs but as he's gotten older, he is a bit less tolerant and seems to think dogs running up to him are about to "have a go".
I keep Jasper on a lead at all times in public and when out on our farm, as you never know who may be about with a dog. I have him on a lead because I don't want him to mingle with other dogs as I am wary of how he may react, depending on what behaviour the other dog displays.
As Tia says, me having my dog on a lead should let you know that I do not want him running around with other dogs. Therefore I'd be quite anxious to see your dogs bounding up to him if I were out with him and would be incredibly upset if a fight resulted from it.
I would also be very nervous myself to see 10 dogs charge towards me, knowing there is bugger all I can do to prevent what may happen next. It's not fair.
piebaldsparkle
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I don't complain at people for having their dogs on a lead, but on the lead people seem to bitch about off the lead ones all the time!
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WTF have you got to complain about re: lead walkers? They're not allowing their dogs to rush up to yours uninvited. Has it every occurred to you that the other dog might be on a lead because it is injured or recovering from an Op.? And is on restricted exercise, thus yours rushing up is not just irresponsible and rude, but also putting the other dog in danger of making its injuries worst or prolonging its recovery?
I regularly walk all 4 dogs together (2 x Labs, 1 x ESS & 1 x JRT), I rarely put any of them on a lead (except on roads) as they all come back immediately when called and all walk to heel (off lead), thus if I see someone with a dog on a lead, I either avoid them (if open park land) or I call mine to heel and they stay at heel until we have passed the other dog. Why? Because I am a responsible dog owner and have the good manners to respect others wishes, and not to foist my views on everyone else!!!
I don't complain at people for having their dogs on a lead, but on the lead people seem to bitch about off the lead ones all the time!
[/ QUOTE ]
WTF have you got to complain about re: lead walkers? They're not allowing their dogs to rush up to yours uninvited. Has it every occurred to you that the other dog might be on a lead because it is injured or recovering from an Op.? And is on restricted exercise, thus yours rushing up is not just irresponsible and rude, but also putting the other dog in danger of making its injuries worst or prolonging its recovery?
I regularly walk all 4 dogs together (2 x Labs, 1 x ESS & 1 x JRT), I rarely put any of them on a lead (except on roads) as they all come back immediately when called and all walk to heel (off lead), thus if I see someone with a dog on a lead, I either avoid them (if open park land) or I call mine to heel and they stay at heel until we have passed the other dog. Why? Because I am a responsible dog owner and have the good manners to respect others wishes, and not to foist my views on everyone else!!!
piebaldsparkle
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Makes me so angry to see people throwing frizbees for their dogs. Actually, I can see a woman now out of my window. I've been down the field and spoken to her before but she doesn't give a stuff.
[/ QUOTE ]
Shot the frizbee, then her, then the dog!!!! I hate selfish, ignorant people, who think they have a god given right to do what they like when they like.
Makes me so angry to see people throwing frizbees for their dogs. Actually, I can see a woman now out of my window. I've been down the field and spoken to her before but she doesn't give a stuff.
[/ QUOTE ]
Shot the frizbee, then her, then the dog!!!! I hate selfish, ignorant people, who think they have a god given right to do what they like when they like.
sloulou
Well-Known Member
Mine is mainly off lead - but because of where we walk we do see lots of dogs on leads - if I see a dog on a lead, I call him back to heel and keep him close by - then send him on, away from the on lead dog.
I don't mind dogs coming up to him when we are walking - he's friendly
but becasue he is intact - if another intact male omes over - there can be a bit of posing (on both sides) and I did have to shout at a woman the other day to call her dog away (a choc lab) as it was growling as it approached us
I mainly find people get arsey when they let their dog come up to mine and it doesn't go well (for whatever reason eg. bitch in season, dominant male not keen on my intact boy) - but really that is their problem, they let their dog come over.... We once had to put a lead on a dog that bounded over and started demanding submission from mine - he was so pushy and Loki was just trying to avoid him - we handed him back to a very apologetic owner.
I don't mind dogs coming up to him when we are walking - he's friendly
I mainly find people get arsey when they let their dog come up to mine and it doesn't go well (for whatever reason eg. bitch in season, dominant male not keen on my intact boy) - but really that is their problem, they let their dog come over.... We once had to put a lead on a dog that bounded over and started demanding submission from mine - he was so pushy and Loki was just trying to avoid him - we handed him back to a very apologetic owner.
CorvusCorax
Deary me...
When I see other dogs, my two go on a lead, no exceptions. They get free exercise in the woods and on the beach but are leashed everywhere else, or, as mentioned, when there are other dogs around.
I have had GSDs my whole life and I love them but I would never trust any dogs, my own or anybody else's, 100%.
They are not human, they are animals, no one knows what goes on in their minds.
I don't know what the other dogs are like, and I don't know if on some particular occasion, one of mine might 'snap' and I am not willing to take the chance.
GSDs are only partly losing the bad reputation they had for so many years and I don't want to contribute to the image of 'big monsters running loose'.
My mother was told that a red setter was 'friendly' and let our old girl off to play - the setter had her pinned on the ground in a few seconds.
To be honest I find walking dogs in the park is a nightmare because of other dog walkers and I haven't done so for years.
And if I met ten dogs off leash while I was walking mine, I would feel intimidated, sorry!
I have had GSDs my whole life and I love them but I would never trust any dogs, my own or anybody else's, 100%.
They are not human, they are animals, no one knows what goes on in their minds.
I don't know what the other dogs are like, and I don't know if on some particular occasion, one of mine might 'snap' and I am not willing to take the chance.
GSDs are only partly losing the bad reputation they had for so many years and I don't want to contribute to the image of 'big monsters running loose'.
My mother was told that a red setter was 'friendly' and let our old girl off to play - the setter had her pinned on the ground in a few seconds.
To be honest I find walking dogs in the park is a nightmare because of other dog walkers and I haven't done so for years.
And if I met ten dogs off leash while I was walking mine, I would feel intimidated, sorry!
Lea789
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry to say this Starbucks, but you are the sort of person I dread meeting on a dog walk.
[/ QUOTE ]
I totally agree. I do let our dog off the lead if I can clearly see that there are no other dogs about, otherwise she's usually on the lead. She will growl at other females and has got into a fight with a neighbour's dog. I would just not trust her with another bitch. So when I'm walking her I really dread seeing other dogs bounding up to us. Luckily that doesn't often happen around here. I usually have our two-year old son with us, which makes dealing with other dogs (and possible fight between the two dogs) even more difficult.
I really think it is, as others have said, irresponsible and discourteous. And I really don't understand, Starbucks, how you can say that you would not feel responsible if your dog ended up biting another dog who is on the lead?! Surely legally the responsibility would rest entirely with you?
Sorry to say this Starbucks, but you are the sort of person I dread meeting on a dog walk.
[/ QUOTE ]
I totally agree. I do let our dog off the lead if I can clearly see that there are no other dogs about, otherwise she's usually on the lead. She will growl at other females and has got into a fight with a neighbour's dog. I would just not trust her with another bitch. So when I'm walking her I really dread seeing other dogs bounding up to us. Luckily that doesn't often happen around here. I usually have our two-year old son with us, which makes dealing with other dogs (and possible fight between the two dogs) even more difficult.
I really think it is, as others have said, irresponsible and discourteous. And I really don't understand, Starbucks, how you can say that you would not feel responsible if your dog ended up biting another dog who is on the lead?! Surely legally the responsibility would rest entirely with you?
HeatherAda
Well-Known Member
Where we walk our dogs in local woods, most dogs are off the lead. Darcy is learning her recall and is doing very well but it is not perfect yet. However I will let her run up to other dogs if the other dog is doing the same. Without a doubt if I see a dog on a lead, she immediately goes on hers... for her own sake really. In the local park she is always on her lead as she can't be trusted not to play with everyone and everything in sight... that and it is surrounded by roads and so is not safe for her to be off.
My concern is her safety and she is my responsibility. We have come across a few scary dogs off their leads. She has sensed this soon enough and comes back to me quick smart.
My concern is her safety and she is my responsibility. We have come across a few scary dogs off their leads. She has sensed this soon enough and comes back to me quick smart.
sloulou
Well-Known Member
I think it makes a difference if you have experience of owning a nervous or defense agressive dog... my parents collie is like that - she walks near you - never goes up to other dogs and actually prefers not to interact with strange dogs.
I have over the years walked her alot...
I found it very stressful when strange dogs would run up to her - she would curl her lip at them and then if they didn't go away immediately she snaps the air - still staying near us. More than once a dog has not liked her warning them and has gone for her - leaving me trying to disentangle two fighting dogs while the owner is miles away.
So although Loki is friendly, I also know what its like to walk an unfriendly dog. (My parents do realise that her issues could have been prevented with differnt handling, but she is 11 now and intolerant.)
I have over the years walked her alot...
I found it very stressful when strange dogs would run up to her - she would curl her lip at them and then if they didn't go away immediately she snaps the air - still staying near us. More than once a dog has not liked her warning them and has gone for her - leaving me trying to disentangle two fighting dogs while the owner is miles away.
So although Loki is friendly, I also know what its like to walk an unfriendly dog. (My parents do realise that her issues could have been prevented with differnt handling, but she is 11 now and intolerant.)
Starbucks
Well-Known Member
Ok I get the point. I'll get them on the lead in future.
sloulou
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Ok I get the point. I'll get them on the lead in future.
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Is more that you shouldn't let them run up to other dogs - they don't need to stay on the lead
Ok I get the point. I'll get them on the lead in future.
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Is more that you shouldn't let them run up to other dogs - they don't need to stay on the lead
Acolyte
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Where we walk our dogs in local woods, most dogs are off the lead. Darcy is learning her recall and is doing very well but it is not perfect yet. However I will let her run up to other dogs if the other dog is doing the same. Without a doubt if I see a dog on a lead, she immediately goes on hers... for her own sake really. In the local park she is always on her lead as she can't be trusted not to play with everyone and everything in sight... that and it is surrounded by roads and so is not safe for her to be off.
My concern is her safety and she is my responsibility. We have come across a few scary dogs off their leads. She has sensed this soon enough and comes back to me quick smart.
[/ QUOTE ]
What a really good approach to take Dandelion - I wish everyone was like this
You have managed to put it much more clearly than I could
I assume that is Darcy in your sig - she looks lovely
Where we walk our dogs in local woods, most dogs are off the lead. Darcy is learning her recall and is doing very well but it is not perfect yet. However I will let her run up to other dogs if the other dog is doing the same. Without a doubt if I see a dog on a lead, she immediately goes on hers... for her own sake really. In the local park she is always on her lead as she can't be trusted not to play with everyone and everything in sight... that and it is surrounded by roads and so is not safe for her to be off.
My concern is her safety and she is my responsibility. We have come across a few scary dogs off their leads. She has sensed this soon enough and comes back to me quick smart.
[/ QUOTE ]
What a really good approach to take Dandelion - I wish everyone was like this
I assume that is Darcy in your sig - she looks lovely
Starbucks
Well-Known Member
Yea I meant when I see other dogs on a lead. God if they were on leads all the time I'd literally have to walk all day to tire them out!
skinnydogs
Well-Known Member
You could also try some training and brain games for them. Exersise isnt the only thing that will wear them out
Starbucks
Well-Known Member
like what?
skinnydogs
Well-Known Member
Here's a few suggestions for you, clicker training is also good.
Hide and seek: Ask your dog to 'stay' and hide in another room of the house, then call him and let him find you. Start hiding in easy places such as behind a door or under a table, and give your dog a treat when he finds you. You can make it harder to find you as your dog gets better at this game.
Barrier game: Roll a ball through the gap under a wide board or stretched-out blanket, so your dog has to go around the obstacle to retrieve the ball.
Jumping games: Cut a circular hole in a sheet and fasten it to a doorframe. From the opposite side, hold out a treat to coax your dog to jump through the hole. Start a few inches high and raise the jump as the dog gets more practised.
Box game: Let your dog watch you place a treat or toy in one of two boxes that differ in size, shape or colour, then move the boxes around and encourage him to search for the object. Leave the boxes open or loosely covered at first; later, use boxes your dog has to open to help develop his dexterity.
Sniffing out the goods: Hide food treats around the house, then ask your dog to 'find it!'. This games works best if you hide treats in front of your dog first of all, so he learns what 'find it' means. Then hide treats out of sight of your dog and let him 'find it' by sniffing them out with his nose.
Hide and seek: Ask your dog to 'stay' and hide in another room of the house, then call him and let him find you. Start hiding in easy places such as behind a door or under a table, and give your dog a treat when he finds you. You can make it harder to find you as your dog gets better at this game.
Barrier game: Roll a ball through the gap under a wide board or stretched-out blanket, so your dog has to go around the obstacle to retrieve the ball.
Jumping games: Cut a circular hole in a sheet and fasten it to a doorframe. From the opposite side, hold out a treat to coax your dog to jump through the hole. Start a few inches high and raise the jump as the dog gets more practised.
Box game: Let your dog watch you place a treat or toy in one of two boxes that differ in size, shape or colour, then move the boxes around and encourage him to search for the object. Leave the boxes open or loosely covered at first; later, use boxes your dog has to open to help develop his dexterity.
Sniffing out the goods: Hide food treats around the house, then ask your dog to 'find it!'. This games works best if you hide treats in front of your dog first of all, so he learns what 'find it' means. Then hide treats out of sight of your dog and let him 'find it' by sniffing them out with his nose.
cefyl
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
If a dog is that dangerous that it is capable of killing another dog on or off the lead, is it really suitable for it to be walking in a public park AT ALL?
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It a DOG not a machine and they have something called instinct and survival reactions. Any dog can kill given the provocation no matter how sweet and gentle little fluffy normally is.
This has been done to death in another post. For all KEEP YOUR DARN DOGS ON A LEAD AWAY FROM YOUR OWN PROPERTY. If you must let the run and play and annoy others join an agility club or similar dog club.
If you do not want to take responsilbility for a dog and it's needs and WALK IT ON A LEAD then don't have one in the first place.
Every time I am walking one or several of my own dogs - and I do most days regardless of the fact we have lots of our own land for them to run on. I am sick of dogs approaching us - particularly on the beach and the owners wandering off oblivious, or as in the case yesterday of two black labs with hackles raised "oh they are OK, they are only curious" well my dogs see hackles raised / tails raised as a threat. And I shall do as I have done in the past pick up ANY little pest (Border Terriers the last time) that do NOT have a collar and ID on and walk off with them to the dog warden. Regardless of the fact the supposed owner THEN cares about her dog enough - well sorry madam it is loose, no ID, and it was trying to hump my bitch who is ON A LEAD.
If a dog is that dangerous that it is capable of killing another dog on or off the lead, is it really suitable for it to be walking in a public park AT ALL?
[/ QUOTE ]
It a DOG not a machine and they have something called instinct and survival reactions. Any dog can kill given the provocation no matter how sweet and gentle little fluffy normally is.
This has been done to death in another post. For all KEEP YOUR DARN DOGS ON A LEAD AWAY FROM YOUR OWN PROPERTY. If you must let the run and play and annoy others join an agility club or similar dog club.
If you do not want to take responsilbility for a dog and it's needs and WALK IT ON A LEAD then don't have one in the first place.
Every time I am walking one or several of my own dogs - and I do most days regardless of the fact we have lots of our own land for them to run on. I am sick of dogs approaching us - particularly on the beach and the owners wandering off oblivious, or as in the case yesterday of two black labs with hackles raised "oh they are OK, they are only curious" well my dogs see hackles raised / tails raised as a threat. And I shall do as I have done in the past pick up ANY little pest (Border Terriers the last time) that do NOT have a collar and ID on and walk off with them to the dog warden. Regardless of the fact the supposed owner THEN cares about her dog enough - well sorry madam it is loose, no ID, and it was trying to hump my bitch who is ON A LEAD.
HeatherAda
Well-Known Member
thank you Acolyte. I've always had dogs growing up but this is the first to be just mine, and just my responsibility (well me and OH) so I'm doing the best I can.
And yes, that is the madam in question. She's my shadow and pretty much goes everywhere with me
And yes, that is the madam in question. She's my shadow and pretty much goes everywhere with me
echodomino
Well-Known Member
I've not read all of this thread, currently I don't have the energy! But I'll add my bit
I'm a firm believer in free running exercise for dogs and leave mine off the lead as much as possible - for obvious reasons never off lead on/by roads.
I let mine run with other people's dogs but will avoid people or put mine back on their leads temporarily if other people have their dogs on leads. I know my lot are friendly but it's just inconsiderate to let 5 hyper dogs bombard other walkers. Aside anything else that dog is possibley on it's lead because it's agressive (whether through fear or temper) and I for one don't want chunks taking out of my dogs as it's not fair on anyone.
I leave them loose around cattle and horses (their are both where I keep my horse) as I know that 4 will ignore them completely and the youngest will run a bit then come back (don't all jump on me for him chasing them, he only goes with my horse and I know the farmer!!). I don't trust them loose with sheep so avoid going through the same fields as. That said I train for agility in one of four sheep filled fields so we sometimes get company, again it's the youngest male.
ETA:
Some people have said let the dogs free run but don't let them run up to other dogs, this is easy enough if you're quick enough to recall and put them back on the lead/change direction (as I try to do with mine) BUT even a dog with the best recall will sometimes wonder to say hello, they are at the end of the day animals, and pack ones at that.
I'm a firm believer in free running exercise for dogs and leave mine off the lead as much as possible - for obvious reasons never off lead on/by roads.
I let mine run with other people's dogs but will avoid people or put mine back on their leads temporarily if other people have their dogs on leads. I know my lot are friendly but it's just inconsiderate to let 5 hyper dogs bombard other walkers. Aside anything else that dog is possibley on it's lead because it's agressive (whether through fear or temper) and I for one don't want chunks taking out of my dogs as it's not fair on anyone.
I leave them loose around cattle and horses (their are both where I keep my horse) as I know that 4 will ignore them completely and the youngest will run a bit then come back (don't all jump on me for him chasing them, he only goes with my horse and I know the farmer!!). I don't trust them loose with sheep so avoid going through the same fields as. That said I train for agility in one of four sheep filled fields so we sometimes get company, again it's the youngest male.
ETA:
Some people have said let the dogs free run but don't let them run up to other dogs, this is easy enough if you're quick enough to recall and put them back on the lead/change direction (as I try to do with mine) BUT even a dog with the best recall will sometimes wonder to say hello, they are at the end of the day animals, and pack ones at that.
Oneofthepack
Well-Known Member
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Why not just train your dog!
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I do train my dogs..........to be nice and mix properly with other dogs! To follow on from the previous thread I wouldn't be happy if an aggresive dog came up and attacked my dog and I would hold the owner responsible and I would probably give them both a good kicking, but my dogs aren't aggresive and if an owner calls out that their dog is scared I would of course call mine back, but I'd still think the owner was ignorant of the way dogs sort their differences out and feel sorry for the dog that it wasn't able to make up it's own mind who it wanted to play with.
Why not just train your dog!
[/ QUOTE ]
I do train my dogs..........to be nice and mix properly with other dogs! To follow on from the previous thread I wouldn't be happy if an aggresive dog came up and attacked my dog and I would hold the owner responsible and I would probably give them both a good kicking, but my dogs aren't aggresive and if an owner calls out that their dog is scared I would of course call mine back, but I'd still think the owner was ignorant of the way dogs sort their differences out and feel sorry for the dog that it wasn't able to make up it's own mind who it wanted to play with.
Tia
Well-Known Member
I am struggling to get my head around where you are coming from here. Have you ever witnessed a dog fight? It sounds like you haven't - I have, a number of times, and death was the outcome twice, and a good deal of damage was done at other times. You're right about one thing, dogs WILL sort out who they wish to play with and who they won't; let's hope your dogs don't come across those who don't.
CAYLA
Well-Known Member
My dogs are kept on their leads near roads or busy public places...my AKITA never gets off the lead, unless on my own property....she is very well socialised...however if a strange dog came running towards her and invaded her space or became aggressive....in the time I could even get to her no matter how close.... she could cause immense damage...I also walk 10 dogs at a time...and will call them back in good time if I see a dog on or of the lead...it must be pretty terrifying to see a pack of dogs and not have a clue how well the owner can handle them and not knowing wether this could be your dogs last day alive
My dogs are very well socialised they meet new dogs on a constant basis...but they are a pack and as Tia pointed out...if one of my dogs was to be attacked by someones unleashed dog/s...then the rest will do what comes natural to (protect their own) and attack the imposter
needless to say...it would not stand a chance....my walk includes my rotti, akita, deerhound...and me
I have indeed booted a few dogs for attacking my whippets before I had my akita and rotti...now it would take a brave dog to try and attack them
I do get rather pissed whe people allow their dogs to come hurtling over to mine...when they can cearly see I have put them on a lead....this is something I need not do...as they wont leave my side....but I don't trust other people to be so responsible...so I would rather air on the side of caution.
My dogs are very well socialised they meet new dogs on a constant basis...but they are a pack and as Tia pointed out...if one of my dogs was to be attacked by someones unleashed dog/s...then the rest will do what comes natural to (protect their own) and attack the imposter
I do get rather pissed whe people allow their dogs to come hurtling over to mine...when they can cearly see I have put them on a lead....this is something I need not do...as they wont leave my side....but I don't trust other people to be so responsible...so I would rather air on the side of caution.
CorvusCorax
Deary me...
Sorry if I'm going over old ground, I didn't see the other thread.
"I'd still think the owner was ignorant of the way dogs sort their differences out and feel sorry for the dog that it wasn't able to make up it's own mind who it wanted to play with."
I don't think 'ignorant' would describe my dog experience, or many of the other posters on here.
I have seen how some dogs sort their differences out - a trip to the vets to pop one of our dog's eyes back into its socket was at least one result. Until that time he had been perfectly fine sharing a kennel with his son, who was the one that did the damage.
My dogs never 'make up their own minds' on issues like this - I don't think it is wise to let a large dog call the shots.
I'm sorry, you CANNOT predict how an animal will react to certain situations.
Mine mix with other dogs when I say so, in a controlled atmosphere, on leads.
Don't feel sorry for my dogs, I would feel sorry for you IF they decided to take a lump out of yours.
"I'd still think the owner was ignorant of the way dogs sort their differences out and feel sorry for the dog that it wasn't able to make up it's own mind who it wanted to play with."
I don't think 'ignorant' would describe my dog experience, or many of the other posters on here.
I have seen how some dogs sort their differences out - a trip to the vets to pop one of our dog's eyes back into its socket was at least one result. Until that time he had been perfectly fine sharing a kennel with his son, who was the one that did the damage.
My dogs never 'make up their own minds' on issues like this - I don't think it is wise to let a large dog call the shots.
I'm sorry, you CANNOT predict how an animal will react to certain situations.
Mine mix with other dogs when I say so, in a controlled atmosphere, on leads.
Don't feel sorry for my dogs, I would feel sorry for you IF they decided to take a lump out of yours.