Stupid people who complain about dogs just enjoying themselves.

Alfasudcrazy

Just back from walking the dobies along their favourite riverbank. My dogs take no interest in other people unless they also are walking a dog - obviously its the dog that interests them. Anyway I always put them back on the lead again when walking past people walking other dogs just in case. My dogs are by now well socialised with both people and other dogs - I am still working on cats. :rolleyes:

Today there was no other person around for miles ( the river bank is about three miles long) except this lady (not walking a dog) who when about 300 feet from my dogs stops and stands like a statue.
Naturally such strange behaviour interests the dogs who almost ask 'what's up with her' so just in case they run towards her I put them back on the leads.

So when walking past I get a big lecture about leaving dogs roam around, that it was 'so unfair' etc - even though they were on leads when walking past her.

Some people are such prudes - kinda spoiled my walk - most people compliment me on my dogs and admire the way they are so controllable by me. :rolleyes:

peasant

Not everybody likes dogs, some people even are afraid of them.

That's something we dog owners have to realise, consider and respect.

Arcadian

In fairness you can't really blame her for stopping dead at the sight of two off lead doberman! Dogs which by law shouldn't be off lead anyway;)

junkyard

Arcadian wrote:

In fairness you can't really blame her for stopping dead at the sight of two off lead doberman! Dogs which by law shouldn't be off lead anyway;)

I didn't know such a law existed I thought as long as they're under control everything was O.K. Some people make a huge deal out of nothing tbh and its not just about dogs either.;)

Alun

junkyard wrote:

I didn't know such a law existed I thought as long as they're under control everything was O.K. Some people make a huge deal out of nothing tbh and its not just about dogs either.;)

Rules relating to certain breeds of dog

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 442 of 1998) impose additional rules in relation to the following breeds (and strains/cross-breeds) of dog in Ireland:

* American Pit Bull Terrier
* English Bull Terrier
* Staffordshire Bull Terrier
* Bull Mastiff
* Dobermann Pinscher
* German Shepherd (Alsatian)
* Rhodesian Ridgeback
* Rottweiler
* Japanese Akita
* Japanese Tosa
* Bandog

The rules state that:

* These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling them
* These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be muzzled whenever they are in a public place
* These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times.

kenmc

I was walking my two this afternoon, (both on leads) when we approached a guy who had his two off the leads. One of them ran up towards mine agressively, I stood still and asked him to call his dog back. He tried to but the dog kept approaching - my dog is very nervous and she backed out of her collar and panicked and ran off.

When I told him that he really should have his on leads if he can't control them, he got very abusive and told me "theres nothin' wrong with my dogs!'. A$$hole.

I don't have a problem with people who can control their animals off the lead and collar them when there are other people and obviously nervous dogs around. I do have a problem with people who think their dogs are angels and can do whatever they bloody well want. Ignorant effers.

Jotter

my husband loves dobes and begged me to get one, i was unsure as I had never met a dobe before so called around to my parents neighbour who has one. The dog looks so scary, hes bigger than most but hes the most gentle fool going. But she walks this dog off the lead and the times that I had previously seen the dog in the park (i dont know the lady) I almost would walk out of my way to avoid them bec he does look so powerful and intimidating. Now I have no probs with him bec I know hes fine but sometimes owning a particular breed of dog means you have to accept that not everyone is going to think 'oh what a beauty', theyre going to think 'oh doberman, theyre aggressive, hope they dont tear me to shreads'!
I own a boxer, very common breed, but still people in my area are scared of him and hes just a pup, certain kids in the area wont play on the green if im walking him and parents call their kids away or cross the road even though hes on the lead all the time in the estate. I think its strange but Ive accepted it as just one of those things!
We didnt get a dobe in the end bec I just didnt think I had the experience needed to handle one, but hope to have the pleasure of owning one in the future as I have since changed my mind about them!

Nala

Alfasudcrazy wrote:

just in case they run towards her I put them back on the leads.

Exactly. She was probably afraid they would run towards her. Not everyone wants two Dobermanns bounding up to them. You were breaking the law anyway by not having them on a lead and muzzled.

Glowing

As far as I know, if your dogs cause any damage or injury while off the lead, then you're 100% liable, even if it was attacked by another dog who was on the lead at the time. Just be careful .....

tallus

A neighbour of mine lets his two Rottweilers run off the lead on a field near the house, but they are usually well behaved, they do scare me tho but my fear is an irrational one as I have never been bitten by a dog but it's the thought of the damage that a dog of that size could inflict on someone, namely me that scares me. I didn't realise that they were supposed to be kept on the lead all the time. Beautiful creatures tho.

artieanna

I love dogs right but, yet I am quite afraid of dogs like doberman, German shepards. They do get some negative press and that's partly to blame, also they are quite large.

I am also wary of any dog that is not my own, be it a terrier or a irish wolfhound. Your dog is your darling but he may not be a darling when he meets a stranger, and I say the same about my own dog.

My own shetland collie is obedient but she is territorial and is very alert and can verge towards agressive, which is not tolerated by me. She has never bit anyone and I don't ever want there to be a first time.

Someone meeting your dog for the first time does not know what his temperament is and is or should be naturally wary. This is a good thing as no dog owner wants their dog to bite anyone and no one wants to be bitten.

Caution on behalf of the owner and stranger is required, I say.

what_car

Alfasudcrazy wrote:

Just back from walking the dobies along their favourite riverbank. My dogs take no interest in other people unless they also are walking a dog - obviously its the dog that interests them. Anyway I always put them back on the lead again when walking past people walking other dogs just in case. My dogs are by now well socialised with both people and other dogs - I am still working on cats. :rolleyes:

Today there was no other person around for miles ( the river bank is about three miles long) except this lady (not walking a dog) who when about 300 feet from my dogs stops and stands like a statue.
Naturally such strange behaviour interests the dogs who almost ask 'what's up with her' so just in case they run towards her I put them back on the leads.

So when walking past I get a big lecture about leaving dogs roam around, that it was 'so unfair' etc - even though they were on leads when walking past her.

Some people are such prudes - kinda spoiled my walk - most people compliment me on my dogs and admire the way they are so controllable by me. :rolleyes:

when walking a dog in a public place it must be on a lead at all times, thats what i think the law is?
people are entitled to walk there too without being afraid...... remember some people are afraid of dogs,

i have a dog too and never let her off the lead in a public place....
what if your dog suddenly goes beserk, and starts attacking someone?

and dont tell me that your dog would never do that.......... you can never be sure 100% that your dog wouldnt .......


hope im not sounding too harsh

macshadow

I had a gorgeous german shepard years ago,when the garage we both worked
at closed i took him home with me.he the guard dog and me the petrol pump attendant. when guarding the car compound at night he was ferocious but
during the day the most affectionate dog you could meet. i even trained him
to take the petrol money from customers.
my point being that some dogs on the dangerous dogs list doberman included
are a lot safer than some that are not on the list.

macshadow

only dogs classified as dangerous must be on lead.

cee_jay

I wouldn't call her a prude tbh
I have an irrational fear of dogs and would probably have had the same reaction.
You can never trust what a dog will do - and how does the lady you met know your dogs are so well behaved?
Basically your dogs should have been on a lead
And tbh you probably spoilt her walk too

neacy69

There are bye-laws in certain localities where you allow dogs off their leads in certain area's at certain times so the OP may be within the law to allow the dogs off the leads where they were.

I understand where the person was coming from being wary of your dogs most people probably would when they don't you or your dogs from adam

cold_filter

When i was younger my gran had a german shepherd, he was enormous, the side wall and gate was a good t8/9 foot high he used to jump over it at will and onto the green in front of the house he used to chase the kids down, me included and trip them up with a paw swipe and lick their faces (it tickled so much!) he was a gentle giant if a bit boisterous but if my gran went out and called him in he'd do it straightaway. Even though he was great because of his breed lots of people were terriofied and in the end he was sent to a "farm in donegal"

I now have my own german shepherd but pretty much always keep him on the lead unless we are in an enclosed park or green, i bring him up to killiney hill late at night and let him wander but if i bring him up during the day he's always on the lead. He's very well behaved but i wouldnt take the chance.

In saying that there are a lot of idiots out there, about a year ago i was walking my dog and i seen a dog a few hundred yards down the road with an elderly man so didnt think much of it, when it got closer i realised it was a pitbull without a muzzle and was not on a lead, he charged over towards me and my dog mouth open teeth showing, he got a swift kick in the head from me but still came back my dog pinned him to the ground by the throat, pulled by dog back and gave him another boot, all the time the owner is across the road saying "ah he's just playing" he got a piece of my mind, if that had been a little girl with one of those rat dogs that could have been the end of the girl...

cold_filter

macshadow wrote:

only dogs classified as dangerous must be on lead.

True but from having a big dog, my experience is that the only dogs that bark or attack my dog are usually those litte rat creature dogs, and 1 pitbull!
A guy up the road has a huge great dane and a pretty mean looking rotty never once has their been any agression from either of those

fits

Alfasud, I personally dont think you did anything wrong. I think you acted responsibly in the circumstances.

Some people have a phobia about dogs, my niece being one. She has a completely irrational fear of them. I'm always conscious that I may meet someone like this when walking mine in a public place.

Bex01

I dont think its really fair that dogs on the dangerous dogs list should be the only ones that should be on a lead.
I have a German Shepherd and because I know a lot of people seem to be afraid of them even though she's so friendly I keep her on a lead. But i remember when she was a puppy and a jack russell off the lead came running up and attacked her. The owner was some old man who gave out to me for owning a german shepherd!!
I think people's opinions need to change with large dogs, small dogs can be just as 'dangerous'.

cowzerp

I have a large rotty and he is the most friendly dog you could meet-it makes me angry that im expected to muzzle him while labradors and collies would bite people much quicker and are not expected to be muzzled-i have a lab and love her very much so am just using a fair example! also small dogs are the 1's that bite every one anyway-most the dogs on the dangerous dog list only bite when guarding there homes and this is a good thing imho..my rotty is not scared of other dogs so never gets aggresive with them, scared dogs are the ones that attack..

Danes

It might not be fair, but those of us who own larger dogs have to be seen to be even more "responsible" than those who own small breeds.

Two of mine are full grown Great Danes and are big soft eejits but I never walk them off lead in public places. A lot of people who have an irrational fear of dogs have been frightened by a dog when they were young and I dont want any child to grow up frightened of dogs because one of mine bumped them or something similar. Also, while I know my dogs are gentle, how could a stanger know this?

Loose dogs of any size are a menace in public places in my opinion. I'm fed up taking mine out leashed only to have them annoyed and somethimes attacked by loose dogs whose owners do the "oh sure theyre only playing" thing. Right so, I'll let mine off their leads and see if its a big deal then, shall I?:mad:

Saw two CKC spaniels knock a child off her bike over the weekend while the owner stood like a lemon with their leads in his hands. Poor little girl got a terrible fright and her Daddy wasnt best pleased. Same CKCs off the lead tearing around the green again today.

Glowing

I agree with you Danes, its so irresponsible.

Whats the point in keeping mine on a lead if yours is just going to run up and cause a fight anyway? Dogs feel vulnerable while on a lead and it can cause an even more aggressive/panicked response.

My two (greyhounds) are fantastic with people and children alike. But what happens if I let mine off a lead and they mistake a small child/dog for a rabbit at half a mile? I'm just not going to take that chance.

peasant

Slightly OT ...but there is the other extreme as well ...people so keen on dogs that they throw all caution to the wind.

With our two big, hairy fluffballs, sometimes all we hear are cries of "DULUX DOOOOG" and all sorts of people (children and adults) throw themselves on our dogs uninvited and without asking, wanting to pet and hug them.

Now our dogs are suckers for attention and absolutely looove being adored, but still ...some people have no sense and "attack" them from behind or bend over suddenly or fling arms and hands in their direction without warning.
:eek:

Another reason to keep your dogs close ..some people just have no sense.

V1llianous

My parent's neighbours also have one of the friendliest dogs I have ever seen, an yep it is a fairly large Rotty.

I agree with some posters saying they don't see why they should have to muzzle their good natured dogs while others can have bad natured dogs and don't have too.

Playing the Devil's Advocate to that statement my wife was in a panic the other day as a dog came bounding over to my 1 year old son who was walking (well tottering anyway) beside the playground in our local park and got a bit of a fright.

Regardless of what breed a dog is I think it should be on the lead and not just "under control" (in inverted commas as it is the owner who think they are in control but may or may not be - on the lead takes the possibility away) near children's play areas.

I'm not saying this as a worried parent but logically, as people do have irrational fears of dogs probably from an incident when young to avoid a vicious repeating cycle of irrational fears by putting dogs on leads in areas or around children would reduce the chance of an incident creating these fears.

houndsoflove

I agree with regards to small dogs can be just as dangerous as big dogs. I am a dog groomer and the worst behaved dogs coming into my salon are the small dogs, such as the westie. I would wash, and cut a dobermans nails any day.

Also a client of mine has a 1yr old westie who has just bitten their neighbours child and now the neighbour wants my client to get their dog put down or get rid of it! :mad:

Nicola.

Nala

As for the thread title- just because someone doesn't like your dog running around off their lead doesn't mean they are "stupid". I wasn't stupid when a dog ran into my garden, went for my cat, pulled her hip out of its socket and shattered her hind leg. She died from her injuries. Maybe that dog was "just enjoying herself" as well? So I'm being a "prude"? And guess what the first thing the dog's owner said?

"My dog isn't vicious, she'd never attack a cat".

It doesn't matter even if your dogs weren't being vicious, if they jumped up on someone and knocked them over they could hurt them.

2funki4wheelz

I have dogs but even the sweetest best behaved dogs you unfortunately can't trust 100%. You never know what could prokove them or if something's wrong with them.

We do let ours off for a run when we can but we always put them straight back on the lead when we see someone else arrive.

I do understand the dilemma with trying to let them get good excercise though and I wish there were areas people could safely set their dogs free, unless your lucky enough to own a big field!

We have the opposite at home, a 'no dog' park, (because it's mostly for children) but I imagine it is nice to have somewhere to go if you are afraid of dogs. You just have to understand it like any other phobia, and it must be tough on people cos there's dogs everywhere!

fits

Look the OP did nothing wrong... He had the dogs off the lead when there was no one around, and he put them back on when he saw the lady. What on earth is the problem here???

I'm certainly not going to keep my dogs on the lead all of the time.. just because I 'might' meet someone. Thats just ridiculous.

Gillie

I bring my GSD to a wooded area where I can see about 200 yards ahead of me. He is off the lead unless we meet ppl and/or dogs.
On more than one occasion he has been "attacked" by other dogs off the lead while he was on it.
It really písses me off when I make the effort to control my dog and someone else doesn't bother their arse.

I sympathise with you OP but you cannot blame that woman for freezing when she saw your doggies!

She has absolutely no idea what kind of dogs they are!

I have often met a chap out jogging with his rottie and the rottie runs along side him. The dog came in our direction one day (my gsd was on the lead) and I got the classic "Don't worry he won't touch you!"

Oh well that's great news guy I don't know! I felt better instantly!

If I have to put my dog on a lead - other ppl should have to too if we cross paths! Why should I bother if they don't?

Danes

fits wrote:

Look the OP did nothing wrong... He had the dogs off the lead when there was no one around, and he put them back on when he saw the lady. What on earth is the problem here???

Thats not strictly true. As someone else pointed out, Dobermans are listed under restricted breeds and by law MUST be leashed and muzzled while in a public place. If anything were to happen because his/her dogs were un leashed, he/she would be 100% responsible and unfair as it might be, the dogs could end up being destroyed.

Certain types of dog get enough bad press as it is so we have to be extra careful to present a positive image of them to the non-dog loving public.

peasant

Danes wrote:

Certain types of dog get enough bad press as it is so we have to be extra careful to present a positive image of them to the non-dog loving public.

bit of a theoretical question ...

What conveys a "better" image ...A "restricted" dog off the lead that comes when you call it, or a dog on a short lead with a muzzle?

It's the bloody muzzle that makes the dog instantly identifyable as "dangerous" ...even if it isn't ...and makes people even more afraid.

The dogs that really need to be muzzled never are anyway, because their owners couldn't give a toss.

fits

Danes wrote:

Thats not strictly true. As someone else pointed out, Dobermans are listed under restricted breeds and by law MUST be leashed and muzzled while in a public place. QUOTE]

I'm afraid that I personally think the restricted breeds laws in Ireland are complete and utter bullsh1t....

These dogs were under control, and thats all that matters to me.

Jimkel

We all know that some of the most vicious dogs are the smaller terrier type dogs and dogs belonging to the "toy" dog group. Im a dog lover but I have an intense dislike of cranky little dogs. When I was younger my nan used to have a German Sheperd/Great dane Cross, The biggest dog I have ever seen! whereass small dogs tend to bring home twigs, sticks, and other small items it found. this dog used to bring home everything from Push Bike frames to car tyres in its mouth! Never harmed a soul, never muzzled, never trained, roamed freely around coolock minding its own business and was much loved by the whole neighbourhood. now a days usually the only dogs I see unleashed are little muts snarling at me when I walk by their garden, or chasing my bike. All the big dogs I see are muzzled and on a lease, well behaved and controled. While the snarling little muts are free to nip and annoy anyone they choose, Because they are usually thought of as "little angels" by there owner. Litttle Feckers in my book.

Not all small dogs are like this I know.Most are kept indoors and well trained. but in my opinion they're far worse then the big dogs , And if your gonna be weary of any dogs, it should be the little toy dogs. Sure they cant do as much damage as a doberman, but they can make it up in small amounts.)

stovelid

Alfasudcrazy wrote:

Just back from walking the dobies along their favourite riverbank. My dogs take no interest in other people unless they also are walking a dog - obviously its the dog that interests them. Anyway I always put them back on the lead again when walking past people walking other dogs just in case. My dogs are by now well socialised with both people and other dogs - I am still working on cats. :rolleyes:

Today there was no other person around for miles ( the river bank is about three miles long) except this lady (not walking a dog) who when about 300 feet from my dogs stops and stands like a statue.
Naturally such strange behaviour interests the dogs who almost ask 'what's up with her' so just in case they run towards her I put them back on the leads.

So when walking past I get a big lecture about leaving dogs roam around, that it was 'so unfair' etc - even though they were on leads when walking past her.

Some people are such prudes - kinda spoiled my walk - most people compliment me on my dogs and admire the way they are so controllable by me. :rolleyes:

No offence but not everyone likes dogs. I like them just fine but am admittedly a bit nervous around large, unleashed dogs I don't know. This certainly doesn't make me stupid.

Danes

peasant wrote:

bit of a theoretical question ...

What conveys a "better" image ...A "restricted" dog off the lead that comes when you call it, or a dog on a short lead with a muzzle?

While I see your point, in my opinion, a large dog running loose is more frightening to a person not used to dogs than a leashed one. I do some transport for various rescues and I'm always happy to see Rotties, lurchers, GSDs and Greys but I'm wary of yorkies and westies. Most non-dog people would find this strange To many, big dog = dangerous dog.

Fits, whether we agree with the current laws or not, they exist. I believe that I can carry on a conversation on my hand held mobile phone while driving, no problem - the law says not so while I dont agree, I have to abide by it.

fits

Danes wrote:

Fits, whether we agree with the current laws or not, they exist. I believe that I can carry on a conversation on my hand held mobile phone while driving, no problem - the law says not so while I dont agree, I have to abide by it.

Well the dangerous dogs law is one law I'd have no problem in breaking, and I would do so if I owned one of the breeds on the list... provided it was well trained.

Attol

I think it's a touch unfair to say that little dogs are all snappy little things. I have a bichon who doesn't bark at all and who has never bitten anyone. He is very well trained and admittedly he did have a little aggression and used to bark when his brother was around but he would only bark when his brother started and they would only attack each other, never another dog or any person. Neither was neutered.

Our neighbour's westie on the other hand is a vicious little thing. She means it as playing but will bite you while doing it and she has sharp teeth. Kept trying to eat my trousers and my toes yesterday! It's just ridiculous to say that all little dogs are that way or all big dogs are another way.

My dogs are always on a lead when they go for walks. They're let out only in the garden to roam free or in an area where they can't run away or bump into other people. I think whether you have a big or small dog it is your responsibility to keep it away from harm, from harming others and to make sure to clean up after it. Anything else is just totally irresponsible imo. Nobody can judge how the dog will react and I know that i get scared to death when I see two pitbulls running towards me (some neighbours where we used to live had them running around freely. Scared me to death when walking my dogs as these ones would jump all over you and you'd just get the owner laughing saying they're grand). You can't judge how a person will act by looking at them, nor a dog. People will be scared regardless so it's just fairer on everyone imo.

Gillie

fits wrote:

Well the dangerous dogs law is one law I'd have no problem in breaking, and I would do so if I owned one of the breeds on the list... provided it was well trained.

The training thing isn't the issue here fits.
I don't muzzle my GSD but I will put him on the lead if I need to.
He is well trained also but I feel its just good manners for me to put him on a lead if ppl/dogs are approaching!

macshadow

It's just struck me reading this thread, if i see a dog running towards me i would prefer to know what kind the owner is than what kind the dog is.:D

fits

Gillie wrote:

The training thing isn't the issue here fits.
I don't muzzle my GSD but I will put him on the lead if I need to.
He is well trained also but I feel its just good manners for me to put him on a lead if ppl/dogs are approaching!

Huh
I've said nothing to contradict that...
I've pointed out on this thread that I put mine on the lead when I see people approaching. The OP put his on the lead when he saw that lady... We're not disagreeing on anything thus far...

I do object to having to keep a dog on the lead all of the time just because some politician/civil servant decided that they're dangerous..... as long as they are well trained in recall and trustworthy and the situation is appropriate.

Glowing

fits wrote:

as long as they are well trained in recall and trustworthy and the situation is appropriate.

These are the key words here ... hardly anyone these days know how to train their dog, or care whether or not the 'situation is appropriate'. Thats what bugs me - there are a lot of muppet dog owners out there who are more interested in dressing it up in cute coats rather than spending some time training it.

On another point, can you ever consider a dog 'trustworthy'?

fits

Glowing wrote:

On another point, can you ever consider a dog 'trustworthy'?

I thought about that while writing... and was toying with 'fairly trustworthy', 'reasonably trustworthy', '99% trustworthy'... Just left it at trustworthy in the end...:D

Gillie

fits wrote:

Huh
I've said nothing to contradict that...
I've pointed out on this thread that I put mine on the lead when I see people approaching. The OP put his on the lead when he saw that lady... We're not disagreeing on anything thus far...

I do object to having to keep a dog on the lead all of the time just because some politician/civil servant decided that they're dangerous..... as long as they are well trained in recall and trustworthy and the situation is appropriate.

Sorry fits. Misread!
We're on the same page so;)

Gillie

Glowing wrote:

These are the key words here ... hardly anyone these days know how to train their dog, or care whether or not the 'situation is appropriate'. Thats what bugs me - there are a lot of muppet dog owners out there who are more interested in dressing it up in cute coats rather than spending some time training it.

Training a dog is unbelievably simple once it is done at the right age!

The follow up work is most important.
In particular how you respond if the dogs ignores a command/shíts in the house/chews the leg off the table etc.
I think that's where most ppl fall down!

Jotter

I was talking to someone about the dangerous dog list recently and apparantly its based on how much damage the dog would do if it attacked. Not sure how true this is or how they weigh up what the outcome of the attack would be, I dont think the dangerous dog list is of any use, although the only one I would agree with is the pitbull, they scare me to death particularly bec they attack silently - eg no warning snarl or growl, this comes from their fighting genes and that to me is just crazy scary. At least every other dog on the list will most likely give you some indication its p**sed off so you can try defuse the situation before it attacks.

Raam

I was out cycling the other day and a small dog (Jack Russell type, don't know the exact breed) ran out in front of me. It was pretty dangerous as there were cars passing me on my right and there was a junction right ahead of me. He has done this before (maybe 3 other times) so I was prepared for him and was able to stop safely, upon which he nipped me on the foot. He was in the company of a group of young lads, maybe 15 years old. So I told them to keep him on a leash as he is dangerous and if he chases me again I'll be reporting the incident to the dog wardens. They were quite understanding and told me that he was knocked over by a cyclist before and showed me his bad leg, so maybe thats why he chases me. (He doesn't seem to chase cars).

This dog probably isn't on the "dangerous dogs list", for want of a better name. My worry is that the next time I won't see him coming, or else some other cyclist will fall afoul of him and end up badly injured, or possibly the dog ends up dead. I don't want any of those things to happen.

What is the best course of action? Are dogs required to be leashed at all times or is it only certain breeds?

P

golden

King Raam wrote:

I was out cycling the other day and a small dog (Jack Russell type, don't know the exact breed) ran out in front of me. It was pretty dangerous as there were cars passing me on my right and there was a junction right ahead of me. He has done this before (maybe 3 other times) so I was prepared for him and was able to stop safely, upon which he nipped me on the foot. He was in the company of a group of young lads, maybe 15 years old. So I told them to keep him on a leash as he is dangerous and if he chases me again I'll be reporting the incident to the dog wardens. They were quite understanding and told me that he was knocked over by a cyclist before and showed me his bad leg, so maybe thats why he chases me. (He doesn't seem to chase cars).

This dog probably isn't on the "dangerous dogs list", for want of a better name. My worry is that the next time I won't see him coming, or else some other cyclist will fall afoul of him and end up badly injured, or possibly the dog ends up dead. I don't want any of those things to happen.

What is the best course of action? Are dogs required to be leashed at all times or is it only certain breeds?

P

All dogs no matter what breed are required to under the control, however only the stated breeds as mentioned on this thread are required to be on a lead. Having said that like other posters have said sometimes its the smaller dogs to be more carefull.

olaola

I have to say - I'm not afriad of any dog, just its owner.

When I see young fellas walking (straining on the leash) pitbull/german shepard
I am doubtful of their abilties to restrain their dog. They can barely train it to walk on the leash properly, let alone anything else.
You see some guys get these dogs as some bizarre status symbol, but don't have a clue how to train it properly. :mad:

Glowing

olaola wrote:

You see some guys get these dogs as some bizarre status symbol, but don't have a clue how to train it properly. :mad:

Did you not know? These guys are double-hard! :rolleyes:

GG66

I've had a GSD for 2 years, wonderful dog, intelligent, loyal and friendly.

We live in the country with a big garden, my wife and I work from home so he had plenty of space and company.

Any time he was taken for a walk he was leashed, we became aware of other peoples fears of large dogs as irrational as they seemed. He was obedience trained and all our friends and family loved him. Visitors to the house were impressed by how friendly he was.

I can repeat similar stories as those others have relayed, small dogs always attacking him on the beach when he's on a lead, people crossing the street when they see me walking him on a lead. I loathed the idea of muzzling hime because of others fears. We did put in a 40 sq mtr dog run for times when he was unattended.

One particular neighbour were set against him from the beginning, in fact the first time they spoke to me after we moved here was about my Dog, how big they are etc. (FEAR) he was a 2 months old pup.

Our dog never warmed to them (I can see why). We got increasingly irritated by their complaints that he barked as they went by the house (their dog barks when I go into my back garden, he's 100 mtrs away).

They always responded to his bark with provocation, rattling the gate or trying to rise him, yet they claimed to be afraid of him.

On Saturday, I was putting him into the car to take him for a swim when the neighbour came up the road, the gate was open and he trotted towards her, she freaked out and started screaming, dog started barking. It all happened within seconds. The end results is that she claims he bit her. I didn't see it form 10 ft away but the Gardai (yes they called them) says they witnessed a dog bite.

Bottom line is the dog has to go!

I thought my dog would never bite, he has a wonderful temperment but he had been provoked over time. In hindsight I've thought, if only I had a muzzle on him or had the lead on him.

Truth is it happened so fast there was probably nothing I could do.

I agree that the first poster took the necessary steps to control his dogs but what if someone had approached more suddenly.... The possibility is there that an altercation could arise as much to do with the persons reaction than the dogs.

Sometimes it's hard to take the step of muzzling your dog or putting him on a lead when you feel there's no-one around. Now that he has allegedly bitten someone I'm open to legal action and I've lost my dog....

Consider carefully which is the worst fate.