Please leash your dog - Vent

[Breezy_Carol]

I also agree with this. And I hate the retractable leashes. While the dog may be on a leash, letting the dog go as far as he wants without controlling the dog is really pretty worthless.

 

[locolala]

I completely agree. I can't tell you how many times we've been out on the horses on trails and had strange dogs run up to us. My horse kicked a dog once, the dog ended up with 3 broken ribs. I felt bad for the dog, because had his owner been responsible he wouldn't have gotten hurt. The dog owner took us to court (I was under 18 at the time, so my parents were involved) and tried to sue for vet bills. The judge threw out the case, since (a) there are leash laws in the park we were in and (b) the dog owner wasn't supposed to be on that trail, it was a bridle path only.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

My dogs are always on a lesh when we camp as it is also the rule at all of the campgrounds we have stayed at. This weekend is the second time my leashed dog has had a problem with an unleashed dog being aggressive. This time wasn't so bad as the other dog didn't have a chance to do anything, but the 1st time with my old dog was not pretty. My 1st dog was a German Shepherd mix and was very protective of her family, we were walking her around a campground one night when a little dog from a few rows over decided to come after us. The dog 1st got between DH who had our dog and me and the boys, then it started nipping at the boys and then at our dogs heels. Things did not go well for the little dog it was maybe 10lbs, my dog was 120lbs. My dog picked the little dog up and started to shake it, DH yelled for her to release and she let the dog go but not before she left some deep puncture wounds. DH did give the dog's owners our vet's number and dog's and told them he hoped their dog was ok, but would not give them any other information.

This has never happened to me, but I'm always terrified it could. My GSD is a sweetheart who likes other dogs, but if she thought another dog was trying to hurt any human, but even more especially HER humans, she'd try to kill that dog, and she'd likely succeed.

As DH points out, it's not our fault, especially if the dog was attacking one of us, but still. Why do people just let their dogs run loose, unmannered, unsocialized and then glare at me for having the audacity to have a "dangerous breed" dog on a leash, behaving herself, on the same sidewalk with them. Sigh.

 

[okeydokey]

I don't see the big deal as long as the owners of the dog can control there dog off the leash

It's against the law for a dog to be off leash. It is a big deal for lots of people.

 

[OceanAnnie]

We spent a long weekend camping at a nearby state park and hiking some of the trails there. The trails are muliti-use trails so they are shared by bikers, hikers and horseback riders. During the time we were there we encountered about 15 dogs that were running free ahead of their owners, the law in Michigan is that dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times.

I love dogs as much as the next person, in fact I have a 6mo. Husky mix, that went camping and hiking with us, but not everyone wants your large sometimes muddy dog running up to great them.

Please consider these things before you let your dog run free.

1. The other people on the trail might be shy or afraid of unfamiliar dogs. Most of the dogs we encountered were larger dogs, and only 1 owner attempted to call the dog back before it ran up to greet my sons 9 & 7. A year ago that would have caused big problems for my older son, while he loves dogs, he needed to feel safe with the dog.
2. Are you positive your dog is good with all the other animals on the trail. We met one lab that ran over to greet our puppy, and then began to get aggressive with him, luckily DH was there and used his leg to push the other dog away from our dog and kids.
3. The horses on the trail might spook at a dog running full speed at them, a dangerous situation for both dog, horse and rider.
4. How does you dog react to bikers, there were a lot of mountain bikers on the trail, and I am sure they did not appreciate all of the dogs that ran up to them on the trail.


Thanks for letting me vent- it really irritates me when I see dogs running off leash and the owners thinking it is cute to let them approach eveyone on the trail.

I agree with you. I love dogs too. But it's the law. I don't like to be thrown into a situation either.

I agree I also want to add that they should also clean up behind their dogs.

Agreed! Don't get me started!

 

[torinsmom]

This happens in our neighborhood quite a bit and most often it is one particular dog. I walk my dog on a leash and this lady walks her dog without one. Everytime we cross paths, her dog runs up and starts challenging my dog. My dog DOES NOT like to be sniffed or growled at by another dog at all. When we are walking, I always reel him in(retractable leash) and move to the other side of the road or path when we are meeting another dog. That doesn't work when a dog is off leash. This lady swears her dog has never gotten in a fight with any other dogs, just mine. I really could care less if that is true---I can't get my dog away from hers if hers is not on a leash. Last time I ended up getting cut by the leash trying to separate them. I told her that next time I will just drop the leash and let my dog teach hers a lesson. If we are on public property and her dog is the one unleashed, I am not liable for any damage to her dog.

Marsha

 

[samshane]

Huge pet peeve of mine - I couldn't agree more. Leash your dog... I have 3 dogs and one strongly dislikes other male dogs it does not know. He has been in a couple of scuffles with non-leashed dogs who ran over to us on walks (he was leashed)... thankfully no one was hurt.

 

[4greatboys]

I agree. Our dog is always leashed when she is outside of our house, unless she is in our backyard. She loves everyone however I know not everyone loves her.

 

[Cat0727]

Oh, don't get me started on this! it also always baffles me how people let AGGRESSIVE dogs run around with no leashes on

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I was in Central park this weekend and LOTS of dogs off leash. Not so bad, even when a couple came up to me. But I am allergic to them.

In any case--I thought it was cool until we came across a sign that stated that all dogs must be on leash.

No idea what the law is in NYC--but surprised that many were breaking the rules.

I don't mind so much of dogs are well trained. I do mind when your dog is not and feels the need to be my friend.

Here in cozy Florida--my neighbor lets his dogs out unleased AND unaccompanied to do their business some times. I find lots of presents in my yard even though I don't own a dog. One time, I'm have tempted to toss it into their lushly landscaped back yard where clearly they can't deal with poop.

 

[kelleyrn2000]

I agree with OP. Dogs need to be on leashes unless in a private /fenced area, rather than be let loose where there are people unfamiliar to the dog.

We live in a somewhat rural area, a subdivision with large lots, most people don't have fences at all. My toddler was out back with DH and not within arms reach, when suddenly a huge Doberman comes running into the yard and toward DS. DH's eyes got huge and bolted to pick up DS before the dog got to him, not knowing this dog at all! Turns out it belonged to their adult son who was visiting and was a friendly dog, but who is to know when they see a strange dog running up to them?

 

[NeverlandClub23]

My dog was almost attacked a week ago by a German Sheppard who was off of the leash and walking beside his owner. I carry dog mace with me (made so it will stop the dog but not do permanent damage to the dog). After I had sprayed the dog the owner said "He's NEVER gone after any dog. EVER." Luckily I have quick reflexes (and carry the mace in my hand) or my dog would most likely be dead (she's 10 lbs.). The dog made no sound of aggression until we were almost right beside each other and his dog lunged for her (luckily I never pass closely to people with other dogs as I don't trust other people's dogs that I don't know). It was terrifying and only happened because his dog is "well behaved" and had never gone after any other dog before and therefore he felt like it didn't need to be leashed (there's leash laws here).

I go for lots of walks and have been many times greeted by a dog running ahead of their owner. 99% of them are friendly (some are a little too friendly) but when you have a 80-100 lbs. dog running at you (especially when you have a little dog) it makes me feel very uneasy (and I LOVE dogs and have always had big dogs before this one). I walk my dog on a 26 ft. retractable leash but lock it all the way in when people are passing or when we're passing other people (with or without dogs). Most campgrounds I stay at have a 6 ft. leash rule so I bring her 6 ft. retractable leash for that. I only let her have the 26 ft. when we're in an empty field and she likes to chase all of the birds/squirrels around.

 

[2Eskiedogs]

If you are in a state campground when this happened, why didn't you make a complaint with the park ranger. That is their job to enforce the ordinances. Several of the state parks that we go to, you see the park ranger going around and putting tickets on campers that left their animal unattended, or that their dog is barking a lot, or they have the dog off leash.

That being said, last year when we camped at this one state park, DH and the boys went for a hike, leaving me in the pop up camper with the 2 dogs. I was taking a nice nap with the dogs in the camper, when there was a knock on my camper door by the ranger. He was there to give me a ticket for leaving my dogs unattended. I told him I hadn't left the camper, only my hubby and my boys left. He didn't give me the ticket, but it made me wonder, someone was watching our camper pretty closely to see that hubby and the boys left(thinking it was all of us).

 

[RF536]

The dogs we met were all on the trails which are several miles long, by the time we found a ranger the dogs would have been long gone. Believe me I have no problem reporting people who let their dogs run off leash.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Another dog owner here who agrees 110%.

Also, don't bring your dog to the playground if there's a sign saying he's not allowed, or at least not inside the playground fence. If you tie your dog outside the fence, please do so in a place where he doesn't block access to the gate. There's a playground here where people routinely tie their big dogs to the actual gate post, and when you try and enter with your child they call "don't worry he's friendly". So, not cool.

Thank you!
Some idiot brought their dog to the local playground a few weeks ago and the dog bit some kid on the face. I don't understand why on earth they though it was a good idea to have their dog in the middle of the play equipment. Then on top of that they had a kid about 3 years old holding the leash. Some people should not own animals.

 

[agnes!]

If it's a law or campground/park regulation, dogs should be on leashes. Period.

In the OP what still bothers me is that these clueless dog-owners think it's ok to let their animals run free when people are riding horses in the same area or on the same trail. Are they NUTS?!? Horses can spook so easily, they can get the bit in their teeth and run or buck if they feel threatened and riders or bystander can and do get hurt. And if the horses have the temperament for it they will also go after a dog if it comes after them. Dog? Meet HOOF. Dog loses.

agnes!

 

[memster]

I don't see the big deal as long as the owners of the dog can control there dog off the leash

It is a big deal that's why there are laws I was attacked by a leashless dog riding my bike I was knock down and biting, I was on the other side of the street at the time. There is NO controled dog without a leash know matter how well trained.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

lol, I walked half of the AT years ago with a German Shepherd, and friends. I'm glad that there weren't leash laws back then. Of course, back then, it was a different group on the trails and in the camp ground.

 

[goofy!]

It is a big deal that's why there are laws I was attacked by a leashless dog riding my bike I was knock down and biting, I was on the other side of the street at the time. There is NO controled dog without a leash know matter how well trained.

That is actually not true.

Depending on the breed, which is the majority of breeds, a well trained dog is just as reliable on voice control as a leash.

All you have to do is watch a police dog demonstration to know that. A dog can be in full attack mode and upon command will drop to the ground in a down stay. My 4-h teacher years and years ago used to train police dogs. It made such an impression on me when I watched Argos, this gorgeous GSD, leap into the air to attack and then land on his feet and drop to his belly because while in the air, the trainer had issued a second command to stop.

It made an impression on all of us preteens on how important it was to make sure your dog was properly obedience trained.

My breed, Komondor, and most of the Livestock Guardian Dogs, cannot be used for police work due to the fact that their desire to please and work for man has been bred to a minimum. They are independent thinkers and while they can be obedience trained, this group of dogs are never 100% reliable. They should never be off leash. In other words, you may see the sanitation worker as somebody desirable taking your trash away. Your dog views it as a thief stealing the owner's property. The dog was bred to make independent decisions, so may ignore you and protect your garbage.

 

[MichelleVW]

I don't see the big deal as long as the owners of the dog can control there dog off the leash

but mostly they can't and they don't!!

I agee. Also, cat owners should not let their cats roam.

It is a big deal. Did you see the part of the OP that said the law is that dogs need to be leashed? I walk my dog in a 200+ acre park where there are signs that clearly state all dogs must be leashed. It has gotten so bad that they brought in one of those huge police signs that they use on highways saying that and to pick up after your dog (both of which are required by law). It's the whole rules don't apply to me mentality. I love dogs, but I don't need random ones running up to me when I'm out. My dog is not good with other dogs. When I see another dog coming, I shorten her leash and pull her to the opposite side. I can't tell you the number of times people have said, "It's okay, my dog is friendly" Even when I say, "Mine's not good with other dogs" some of them try to insist.

That happened to me on the Outer Banks. I was walking my two dogs on their leashes and dogs kept running up to us and their stupid owners were saying, "it's ok, he's friendly" Well dummy, MINE AREN'T!!

lol, I walked half of the AT years ago with a German Shepherd, and friends. I'm glad that there weren't leash laws back then. Of course, back then, it was a different group on the trails and in the camp ground.

Did you have good voice control over your dog? Because I don't care if your dog is off a leash as long as it's well trained.