Why is it impossible for some dog owners to walk their dogs on a leash?

andrewire

I understand some people don't like it but come on. It's a safety measure. I was walking my dogs once and this horrible dog (some small ball of hair) came to attack my two puppies (his owners were a bit further away, no leash or anything). Every time I walk my dogs I see a bunch of people walking their dogs with no leash. As if it weren't enough, their dogs are USUALLY aggressive. Why on Earth are these people allowed to have dogs in the first place?

Where are the dog wardens when you need them? I'm sure those irresponsible owners don't even have a dog license. What to do?

DBCyc

There's nothing wrong with having a dog off the leash as long as you can control it, i.e. good recall.

To say that dogs that you see off the leash are usually agressive is quite ridiculous to be fair

falabo

there is nothing wrong with well behaved dogs off the lead.

get over this IN IRELAND ! don't become like the Americans wanting to find an excuse to sue someone for no reason.

It's perfectly OK to walk a dog off the lead, they need exercise. If you don't want to meet dogs in your daily life, then stay locked into your house.

andreac

andrewire wrote: »

I understand some people don't like it but come on. It's a safety measure. I was walking my dogs once and this horrible dog (some small ball of hair) came to attack my two puppies (his owners were a bit further away, no leash or anything). Every time I walk my dogs I see a bunch of people walking their dogs with no leash. As if it weren't enough, their dogs are USUALLY aggressive. Why on Earth are these people allowed to have dogs in the first place?

Where are the dog wardens when you need them? I'm sure those irresponsible owners don't even have a dog license. What to do?

Theres no law to have your dog on a lead so people can walk them off lead if they like.
Yesits not nice to be harassed by disobedient/aggressive dogs but by law they dont have to be on a lead unless its a restricted breed (:rolleyes:)

If you are bothered by off lead dogs then walk somewhere where no public walk, or bring their dogs, then you wont be hassled.

Graces7

Assuming the last two posters let their dogs run off leash..

Is there not a law about this in Ireland?

The number of threads there have been here about dogs and people being attacked by free-running dogs..

There are places to run dogs off leash eg in a field, where they cannot be a danger or a nuisance...

Whispered

Graces7 wrote: »

Is there not a law about this in Ireland?

There is a law about this in Ireland. The law states that all dogs must be under control. And then certain parks will have designated times or parts etc.

If all owners had to find secret little places to run their dogs we'd have a nation of completly un-socialised dogs. Both of the previous posters mentioned there being no problem with "well behaved" dogs off leash. I assume they are not allowing their dog run riot as is happening in the OPs case.

OP where do you walk your dogs, where does this happen? Is it the same few dogs? Is it every dog you see off leash?

Steve30x

I only leave my dog off the lead when I see nobody is about and when she is in the park. She is good at recall and she is not agressive but I do know that a lot of people will be uncomfortable to see the dog off the lead. There may not be a law against having the dog off the lead but you should show some respect to other people and have the dog on the lead when there are other people about.

ISDW

The law, as stated above, says the dogs have to be under control, so they can be walked off leash, but as said they have to be under control. I have no issues with off lead, controlled dogs, but I totally understand the OP's frustration with people who have their dogs running free with no control. Why should responsible people not be able to walk their dogs without being harassed by off lead, out of control dogs?

By out of control I don't mean dogs coming to say hello, and dogs playing together off lead, I mean dogs going up to other dogs and starting a fight etc. One of my dogs isn't great with other dogs, although he has improved hugely, and so if someone's dog comes charging over to him I ask the owner - usually have to shout as they're so far away from their dog - to call them back, but they very, very seldom do, and if they do, the dog generally doesn't listen to them. Therefore, those dogs are not under control. Yet, if my dog who is under control then has a go at their dog who has invaded his space, you can guarantee I would get the mouthful of abuse for having a nasty dog:rolleyes:

andreac

Graces7 wrote: »

Assuming the last two posters let their dogs run off leash..
Is there not a law about this in Ireland?

The number of threads there have been here about dogs and people being attacked by free-running dogs..

There are places to run dogs off leash eg in a field, where they cannot be a danger or a nuisance...

And?? What is the problem? There is no law to say your dog must be on a lead so cant understand why you posted that?

Yes, i do understand that its not nice to be harassed/attacked by loose, out of control dogs, i have been that person, but i dont agree that all dogs should be walked on a lead.

Graces7

andreac wrote: »

And?? What is the problem? There is no law to say your dog must be on a lead so cant understand why you posted that?

Yes, i do understand that its not nice to be harassed/attacked by loose, out of control dogs, i have been that person, but i dont agree that all dogs should be walked on a lead.

No need to take this tone at all, at all.. Simply asking as not sure.. Really!

andreac

Graces7 wrote: »

No need to take this tone at all, at all.. Simply asking as not sure.. Really!

Sorry, but i had already answered there is no law to have your dog on a lead apart from the resticted breeds law so was wondering why it still seemed to be an issue as you seemed to have an issue with us letting our dogs off the lead, thats all.
You seemed to be taking a tone when you said "assuming the last 2 posted let their dogs run off leash..." as if its a bad thing?

lrushe

I walk my dogs off leash everyday, I have done this with every dogs I've owned, I couldn't imagine walking a dog on a leash (unless it had issues), what good is that???
Of my three dogs the two older ones are bomb proof, I could bring them anywhere without a leash (they are trained to heel on and off leash) , but I do carry leashes for crossing roads, areas where there are alot of people etc. All three of my dogs have excellent recall, I do keep a sharper eye on the youngest one, not that she has ever given me any reason not to trust her but just because she's at that age (13 months) where things can be distracting.
While I do firmly believe dogs need to be allowed off leash, I don't think it would be any harm for people to have to complete an obedience course before they were allowed to let their dogs off leash.

Graces7

andreac wrote: »

Sorry, but i had already answered there is no law to have your dog on a lead apart from the resticted breeds law so was wondering why it still seemed to be an issue as you seemed to have an issue with us letting our dogs off the lead, thats all.
You seemed to be taking a tone when you said "assuming the last 2 posted let their dogs run off leash..." as if its a bad thing?

andreac; please realise that posts go through at different times and allow for that? When I posted, there were only two posts. And both seemed very critical of the OP, the second especially.. By the time my post went up you had posted!!!:rolleyes:

And please try not to read into posts what is not there either? Thank you.

I am not keen on dogs running loose in public places, no, and I would never allow mine to do so. That is my free choice. Because of trusting other people's dogs as so many posters say.

When in Town I hate seeing dogs loose and at risk of being run over.

I am not Irish so was not sure re the legal issues here.

Thankfully we have a small field here where the dogs can run so it has never been a problem for us, and, as I have said before, it really must be hard for town/city folk to run ther dogs.

A Changer

I feel the same way as the OP. I hate walking outside when people are walking their dog(s) (or more like the dog are walking them), and they're not on leashes. I've had horrible experiences in my childhood of getting chased by St. Bernards, Great Danes, Alsatians, you name it, that I have a bit of an aversion to big dogs. Little ones don't bother me as much, but when I see those monstrosities of creatures, seemingly big enough for their owners to buy saddles and ride them to the shops, running around without leads, I feel extremely uncomfortable.

I mean, it's fine for the owners out there. You aren't worried about getting leapt on/slobbered over. I almost got hit by a car once, as one owner's dog charged at me as I was going through a housing estate. While it's probably a separate issue, I hope most of you would sympathise with the situation when a dog is let loose unattended. That happens more often than the unleashed attacks, and I have nothing but contempt for those who'd let a dog out unsupervised. :mad:

andreac

Graces7 wrote: »

andreac; please realise that posts go through at different times and allow for that? When I posted, there were only two posts. And both seemed very critical of the OP, the second especially.. By the time my post went up you had posted!!!:rolleyes:

QUOTE]

Ok, sorry, i apologise for that:o

DBCyc

I think that people are entitled to have their dogs off leash on walks if they are in control. It's perfectly fine to let your dog have a run about if you know that they will not bother anyone else.

I really don't agree with people who let their dogs roam about off their property. These dogs make people nervous I would imagine without any owner with them. Plus they will crap everywhere with nobody to pick it up.

I understand that some people are afraid of dogs, but they cant really complain when a few dogs are off the leash in a park as long as they are with responsible owners.

Graces7

andreac wrote: »

Graces7 wrote: »

andreac; please realise that posts go through at different times and allow for that? When I posted, there were only two posts. And both seemed very critical of the OP, the second especially.. By the time my post went up you had posted!!!:rolleyes:

QUOTE]

Ok, sorry, i apologise for that:o

sambuka41

I have a collie cross and she has oodles of energy if i had to walk her on the lead all the time,it would take about 7 hours to drain her!! Aside from the fact that her instincts are screaming at her to run around a big field!!

I walk her on the lead on the way to the park and back. Its a public park where lots of other dogs run around too. So far I have met a few slightly aggressive dogs while walking but I haven't need the owner so far Ive been able to handle it.

Trappers Son

I let my dogs off the lead but usually only late in the evening when in a safe area.. might only be 1 or 2 other dog walkers around..

They usually run over to say hello and come follow me once I walk by..

Is that Ok OP? I'm not being smart.. Genuinely interested if it pisses people off..

morganafay

The problem I'd find if I let my dogs off lead in a park, is that they'd go up to other dogs. The other dogs mightn't like that and might attack mine, which has happened when my dogs were on leads. But obviously those dogs have the right to go for a walk and it'd be my fault for letting my dogs go up to see them.

I have no problem with dogs being off lead if they are under control, but if you have to keep them away from other dogs, since you can't guarantee if another dog is friendly or not, then how do they socialise with other dogs safely? Wouldn't it be easier to let them sniff a dog from a few feet away, if the dog seems friendly then let them go up to each other, on leads.

My dogs seem to have no instinct as to what dogs are friendly, and will go up to any dog to say hello! Though now through bad experiences they've become scared of terriers, staffies, boxers and dogs with pointy ears :rolleyes:

I think it's fine to have your dog off lead if it doesn't go up to people or other dogs, unless you let it. But for their own safety, I wouldn't let mine off the lead.

Jinxi

sambuka41 wrote: »

I have a collie cross and she has oodles of energy if i had to walk her on the lead all the time,it would take about 7 hours to drain her!! Aside from the fact that her instincts are screaming at her to run around a big field!!

I walk her on the lead on the way to the park and back. Its a public park where lots of other dogs run around too. So far I have met a few slightly aggressive dogs while walking but I haven't need the owner so far Ive been able to handle it.

+1 on all the above, and a few aggressive people

Shenshen

falabo wrote: »

there is nothing wrong with well behaved dogs off the lead.

get over this IN IRELAND ! don't become like the Americans wanting to find an excuse to sue someone for no reason.

It's perfectly OK to walk a dog off the lead, they need exercise. If you don't want to meet dogs in your daily life, then stay locked into your house.

Having been attacked by a dog without leash when I was 6 years old, I find that kind of offensive. The owner was still claiming "he's only playing" when he already had a good firm hold of my leg and was drawing blood. I got shouted at for having tried to run away when I saw it charging towards me, which according to the owner "must have set him off in the first place".

I don't have a problem with people leaving the dog off the leash in the countryside somewhere, where there are no or very few people and/or other dogs. When you're around people and especially around children, keep the dog on a leash.

morganafay

Shenshen wrote: »

Having been attacked by a dog without leash when I was 6 years old, I find that kind of offensive. The owner was still claiming "he's only playing" when he already had a good firm hold of my leg and was drawing blood. I got shouted at for having tried to run away when I saw it charging towards me, which according to the owner "must have set him off in the first place".

I don't have a problem with people leaving the dog off the leash in the countryside somewhere, where there are no or very few people and/or other dogs. When you're around people and especially around children, keep the dog on a leash.

I'm sorry that happened, but that was that owner's fault.

If the dog was not aggressive and the owner had proper control over it without a lead, then that wouldn't really be a problem.

LisaO

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shenshen
Having been attacked by a dog without leash when I was 6 years old, I find that kind of offensive. The owner was still claiming "he's only playing" when he already had a good firm hold of my leg and was drawing blood. I got shouted at for having tried to run away when I saw it charging towards me, which according to the owner "must have set him off in the first place".

I don't have a problem with people leaving the dog off the leash in the countryside somewhere, where there are no or very few people and/or other dogs. When you're around people and especially around children, keep the dog on a leash.

morganafay wrote: »

I'm sorry that happened, but that was that owner's fault.

If the dog was not aggressive and the owner had proper control over it without a lead, then that wouldn't really be a problem.

And therein lies the problem. Yes, it was the dog owner's responsibility (or lack of it) that caused the incident yet the dog owner would deny this & insist the cause of the problem was the child not behaving in a manner appropriate to the situation!

I think all dog owners who use this forum can see the absurdity of such a stance yet there would seem to be many dog owners "out there" who hold the same or at least a similar view, judging by the posts received on this & other related subjects.

As advocated by others perhaps there should be some kind of standard to be attained by owners before they are allowed own a dog/allow dog of-lead, etc
But can't see how that could be policed or enforced

andrewire

Trappers Son wrote: »

I let my dogs off the lead but usually only late in the evening when in a safe area.. might only be 1 or 2 other dog walkers around..

They usually run over to say hello and come follow me once I walk by..

Is that Ok OP? I'm not being smart.. Genuinely interested if it pisses people off..

I don't mind friendly dogs off the lead; they usually come to say hi and that's it. The ones that have annoyed me in the past are small, frantic dogs who have attacked my two puppies for no reason. They just come running to bite and growl at them. Owners don't give a ****. It really pisses me off because I don't let my dogs run free in a public space without supervision. This are generally the same people that never clean after their dogs too.

andrewire

Whispered wrote: »

There is a law about this in Ireland. The law states that all dogs must be under control. And then certain parks will have designated times or parts etc.

If all owners had to find secret little places to run their dogs we'd have a nation of completly un-socialised dogs. Both of the previous posters mentioned there being no problem with "well behaved" dogs off leash. I assume they are not allowing their dog run riot as is happening in the OPs case.

OP where do you walk your dogs, where does this happen? Is it the same few dogs? Is it every dog you see off leash?

It has happened a couple of times in the Phoenix Park and around Kilmainham. I can't recall the name of the breed but it's usually the same type of small, fluffy dog with a darkish coat. I think they are Shih Tzu. I hate them because all the ones I know are extremely aggressive.

TaraR

Im the same I can not stand people that don't walk there dog/s on a leash. Some people pay upto €50 for a leash and then not use it .What a waste! I hate bringing my RB's dogs out because its either the free roaming estate dogs that come up and torture mine or the off leash dogs that come running up nipping and barking! I mean Im sure there is an off leash park somewhere USE IT!

Shenshen

morganafay wrote: »

I'm sorry that happened, but that was that owner's fault.

If the dog was not aggressive and the owner had proper control over it without a lead, then that wouldn't really be a problem.

Oh, I'm well aware of that.
But I have to ask, how do you tell from a distance, when having a walk in the park for example, which owners are responsible and have good-natured and well-behaved dogs, and which are the ones that don't? From my experience, you can only really tell the difference when it's too late to run.

So until there is some sort of certification that dog owners are obliged to get for every dog, and are forced by law to dsiplay visibly on their pet, I prefer not to be around dogs that are off the leash, thank you very much.

iguana

Shenshen wrote: »

I prefer not to be around dogs that are off the leash, thank you very much.

And I prefer not to be around babies. Many women who are victims of serious male violence prefer not to be around men. Recently recovering alcoholics prefer to not see alcohol adverts and tv characters drinking alcohol every 5 minutes on television. Diabetics may prefer not to be around people chomping cake in a restaurant. Vegetarians don't like watching people stuff their faces with burgers on the bus. People with kidney problems find it unhelpful to smell the lovely salt and vinegar scent of chips when they could die from eating them.

But that's life, we all have to cope with things we might prefer not to. Most dogs NEED to be exercised off lead. It's necessary for their energy levels and their socialisation. Keeping them on the lead all the time is cruel. And you know what, our species created dogs and flourished for it. We would never have advanced the way we did as a species without our relationship with dogs. They contributed far more to our hunting abilities than they required in nutrition in return. Not only that but the way we have bred dogs into different species which are suseptible to species specific health problems is now providing utterly invaluable information on the causes and treatments of life threatening human illness, such as congenital heart failure. As such we are responsible for dogs, we have a rather symbiotic relationship with them and we owe it to them that we meet their needs.

Jinxi

Shenshen wrote: »

So until there is some sort of certification that dog owners are obliged to get for every dog, and are forced by law to dsiplay visibly on their pet, I prefer not to be around dogs that are off the leash, thank you very much.

I actually agree with you. Everyone who goes out the door does so with the knowledge that there are dogs out there off leash, cars that are driven by morons, accidents that happen all the time, maniacs who can hurt you walking about etc. You CHOSE to go out into the world each day assuming some risk.

There will always be dogs off leash, there will always be unresponsible owners, there will always be a perfectly placid dog who will out of chartacter snap.

I am a recent dog owner. But even before I got a dog, I never had a problem with dogs off leash. Owners know their dog temprements. 99% of dogs are off leash because owners trust them around other people/dogs/children etc. The owners that know their dog is a risk and let them off leash are psycho, but they exist too. Its the ones on leash I worry about.

You can tell by a dogs body language if they want to be petted or not. A good rule of thumb is ignore and don't scream(this can freak out even a placid dog).

But if you chose to go out into the world, you assume the risk. Your alternative is to become a hermit.

Graces7

iguana wrote: »

And I prefer not to be around babies. Many women who are victims of serious male violence prefer not to be around men. Recently recovering alcoholics prefer to not see alcohol adverts and tv characters drinking alcohol every 5 minutes on television. Diabetics may prefer not to be around people chomping cake in a restaurant. Vegetarians don't like watching people stuff their faces with burgers on the bus. People with kidney problems find it unhelpful to smell the lovely salt and vinegar scent of chips when they could die from eating them.

But that's life, we all have to cope with things we might prefer not to. Most dogs NEED to be exercised off lead. It's necessary for their energy levels and their socialisation. Keeping them on the lead all the time is cruel. And you know what, our species created dogs and flourished for it. We would never have advanced the way we did as a species without our relationship with dogs. They contributed far more to our hunting abilities than they required in nutrition in return. Not only that but the way we have bred dogs into different species which are suseptible to species specific health problems is now providing utterly invaluable information on the causes and treatments of life threatening human illness, such as congenital heart failure. As such we are responsible for dogs, we have a rather symbiotic relationship with them and we owe it to them that we meet their needs.

Such a .... far fetched comparison/set of analogies.. Really! In many countries dogs HAVE to be on a leash unless in a designated dog area.

Which is safe for all concerned. See the thread in the pre-mod section here re the boxers.

I find also your appraisal of dogs irrelevant and inaccurate also. Especially in a very simple safety issue. Which this is.

Many owners manage just fine to exercise their dogs well without allowing them to be offleash.