Can some dog owner explain this to me? (VENT)

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I am not really a dog person, and I can understand that there are other people who are -- so maybe one of you who is can explain why people think it's OK to allow their dogs to scare other people.

We just got back from a fantastic vacation in Colorado. The place we stayed was a townhouse style condo. Where our condo was located we had to walk down a narrow walkway (condo on one side, drop off on the other) and then around a corner and past another townhouse to get anywhere, including our car. I was there with a friend, her daughter, my DS and me.

The first night we were there we came in, unpacked and then started to go out to go to the pool and this dog came barrelling down the walkway barking and growling. My friend's DD was mauled by a dog a few years ago in her own backyard, and is understandably terrified. They ran inside and shut the door (they were ahead of us so we hadn't gone out yet). The dog then sat there watching our door for several hours. We called the rental company who called Animal Control who assured us that the dog would be kept inside or on a leash.

The next day we pulled up in our car and there was the dog running around loose. The owners were outside this time and I got out and said "our kids are afraid of your dog, can you please put him inside so they can get out of the car" and they did.

However, practically every time after that if we came out the dog was out unaccompanied. The third time I got out -- no one was in sight or at home so I called the dog over, and it ran away from me -- turns out it was "all bark and no bite". I tried to get near enough to hold his collar while the kids walked to the house but I couldn't. Seeing this the kids felt safe enough to walk with me to the door. Several times the people saw me going past with my DF's DD clinging to me and eyeing the dogs nervously. They never called the dog or indicated in any way that they recognized how scared she was.

 

[doxdogy]

In one word irresponsibility. As a dog owner I really can't explain it. Because I don't allow my dogs to roam the neighborhood.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

In one word irresponsibility. As a dog owner I really can't explain it. Because I don't allow my dogs to roam the neighborhood.

By the end of this I couldn't really decide who I felt worse for -- the kids who missed that first night of swimming, and one of whom was very scared everytime we came or went from the condo, or the dog who was so neglected. This was a part of Colorado where there were posted warnings about bears, coyotes etc . . . Leaivng a dog outside seemed very unsafe to me.

 

[pat fan]

This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. We have never let our dog roam free as I feel it is a great disservice to the dog. It could be hit by a car, attacked by a wild animal, get ticks in the woods, get stolen....anything could happen!

No one on our road agrees with us though. They ALL let their dogs roam free which means I can't walk my dog down the road for fear of running into an aggressive loose dog. And don't say call animal control, they are impossible to get ahold of.

 

[Mike Jones]

In simple terms, the owners are behaving irresponsibly and are certainly not doglovers, whatever they call themselves. Anyone who lets their dog roam should be prevented from keeping animals.. it's not just the reaction they may cause in someone afraid of dogs - whatever the temperament of the dog, they could cause an automobile accident, and of course they will leave their mess wherever they fancy, causing additional distress and possible infection. Ban them.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Agree, these people are NOT doglovers. They are irresponsible people, which are a dime a dozen these days.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I don't let my dogs outside unless I am watching them. I am too afraid they would get hit by a car. Plus, the boxer (75lbs) loves to run right at you and then doesn't swerve. I can't tell you how many times I have ended up on the ground. Since he does this, I make sure that I am watching him, so he doesn't hurt anyone.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I agree - this is irresponsible and possibly neglect. Our dog is under our control at all times. When I walk him and I meet others along the way, I bring him in close and keep both hands on his leash...not for him as he is a big dork and thinks everyone should be his buddy (people or other dogs), but for the peace of mind of the other person. Once I can tell the other person is OK with him, then I let him go to see the other person.

My mom had a similar situation where the neighbors two large dogs kept coming on to her property, especially when she was out in her yard. The owners were very neglectful. Their response was the dogs wouldn't hurt her - well, that doesn't matter: it was my mom's property and those dogs needed to be restrained. She had to call dog warden a few times to get them to do anything.

The sad fact is there are many dog owners who should not have dogs at all.