Funny you should mention that, Jiggers. I was just down at Lincoln Park, and saw the usual at least three or four off-leash dogs.
On my walk along the beach trail between Lowman Beach, and Colman Pool, I saw two people with large dogs ON leash, that jumped aggressively at each other. Couldn't really tell if it was playful aggressive, or "I wanna piece o' you" aggressive, but, these people had enough trouble keeping the dogs apart, on relatively short, strong leashes (And one person had *two* large dogs!) I could only imagine what would happen had any, or all, off those dogs been off leash.
On my way back, through the upper park, I was walking along the cliffside trail that overlooks the beach, and a guy with a small dog on leash was approaching my direction. His *other* small dog was *off* leash, jumping up the side of a tree, apparently interested in some critter up there. The guy was calling to the dog, but not in a real forceful way, and was pretty much continuing to walk away from the dog and the tree, as the dog stayed there, continuing to jump, for probably a good thirty seconds that I saw. (I guess the on leash dog must me the poorly trained one, that doesn't respond immediately to voice commands, and thus needs to be leashed! ;-) )
Now, admittedly, I don't confront the scofflaws on this matter, because I go down there to walk, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the park and beach, and don't want to ruin it for myself, by confronting others, and possibly getting into an argument. Mostly, because, I figure I'll get a shoulder shrug as you did, an "F you!", or simply ignored. I have to say though, I came close on this one. And, I'd *definitely* confront the owner, should the dog behave aggressively toward me, another person, or another critter, domesticated or not.
Mike
westseattleblog
West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Blog
