RANT: Friendly-Aggressive Off Leash Dogs….

[CountingCoup]

So she just assumed that it was her dog and not her that might have been bitten? – kidding, I know you said it was her dog that could have gotten it…

Self absorbed dog owners like that are really annoying and seem to be clueless about the whole “dog and space” subject.

Thought Bubble: “I wish there was a Cesar Milan electric shock wand for owners rather than their dogs…”

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[luludog]

I relate to this so much!! I am so irritated about off leash dogs and honestly, pretty freaked out every time I walk my dog. I have a recently adopted dog that is not friendly with other dogs when she is on her leash. I am so amazed at how thoughtless people are with their off leash dogs. PLEASE…it doesn’t matter how friendly your dog may be – mine is not, and when my dog growls and wants to fight your “friendly” dog, as you will see…your dog will not be so friendly anymore and a fight will ensue.

I had a situation that was similar to the one above, although I was not pregnant, but I had just had surgery. I was not supposed to tugging on anything, and a huge dog ran out or an open door, with the owner yelling, “don’t worry, she’s friendly” and of course the dogs started fighting and I had to use muscles I was not supposed to use. In addition, the owner of the “friendly” dog had to kick his dog very hard several times to separate them as his little girl looked on. It was just so disturbing and unnecessary.

Put your dog on a leash regardless of what their temperament is. The fact is, you do not know the temperament of the dogs he/she may approach, and the reality is…that is not fair to your own dog, let alone others.

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[CountingCoup]

With only a few exceptions to dog owners who are really in tuned with their dogs and likewise (and they are out there) I agree 100%…

What is really annoying is when distracted disinterested owners allow their dogs to bumrush or bully other dogs in off leash parks, but that is another thread.

Thanks for the great advice for all dog owners.

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[LisaM]

Ugh, I relate too. My dog was attacked by 2 off leash dogs several months ago while we were on a (leashed) walk and now I have had to hire a trainer to “desensitize” him to other dogs. I haven’t been able to take him hiking or to neighborhood parks because he is now so protective when an off leash dog approaches – it quite frankly sucks…

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[EmmyJane]

I’m going to add one part to this… small dogs that are off leash. Just because your dog is small and probably can’t physically do a lot of damage to someone doesn’t mean its safe or legal to have it off leash. Not to mention those dogs are usually poorly trained. I have a neighbor with a small dog who I have NEVER seen on leash and who comes running at my dog yipping at least twice a month. It terrifies my poor little Rottweiler and brings back horrifying memories of the time the kitten attacked her. I wish I was kidding…

If she has to “defend” herself then I’m guessing no one will be bringing up the fact that the pseudo dog was off leash, but will remember the horrible Rottweiler that attacks poor little dogs.

I’m not proud of my ignorance, but I’m from a small town in Idaho and I’m not even sure its illegal to have your dog off leash there. We regularly walked our dogs off leash and when I came to the big city I didn’t think a thing of having my dog off leash. I quickly learned the law from all the signs but learned my etiquette from all you bloggers. So all this bit**ing does do some good if it makes anyone feel better. :-)

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[goodgraces]

Couldn’t agree more with all of this. My husband and I have a code when we’re out walking our leashed brood: “O.L.D!” (off leash dog), which means: GET READY. Ugh.

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[Julie]

Maybe instead of licensing dogs we should license dog owners. Maybe you should have to have a license to prove you’ve had proper training in dog ownership before you can acquire a dog. Dog owners without licenses would be required to attend courses/be fined/have their dogs taken away….

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[mpento]

I notice one of our local dog person goes for a walk with the dog with a BIG stick. I think it is a good idea. Another option would be a spray bottle with some kind of skunk juice to bring the message home to the loose dog owner :)

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[flowerpetal]

A well trained dog is a wonderful thing. If an off-leash dog runs up to greet other dogs it is not well trained, or, as Julie suggested, the owner is not well trained.

Its true that this topic has been “done to death” and I am getting why rants are important in the forums. Ranters probably don’t change the actions of many; but they do get a chance to preach to the choir; and hopefully feel better! LisaM, truly a scary story; and one that many dog owners fear experiencing. I hope your pooch is doing better.

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