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.

iguana

Graces7 wrote: »

I find also your appraisal of dogs irrelevant and inaccurate also.

Inaccurate really? And your anthropological credentials are? The synergetic relationship between humans and dogs is well documented. We would not be where we are as a species without them.

But I do take massive issue with utter hyperbole surrounding the supposed issue of "safety". In lots of countries dogs have even far greater freedoms than they do in Ireland to no detrimental effect. In highly densely populated London dogs are allowed off lead almost everywhere, yet attacks in public places by off-lead dogs are extremely rare. Poorly exercised, badly socialised dogs become frustrated. Frustrated dogs are far more likely to be aggressive. It's why most dog bites in this country are done by the most highly energetic dog breeds.

lrushe

Graces7 wrote: »

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

How?? As the owner of a RB I am genuinely interested. You said you were lucky in that your dogs had a field to exercise in, not everyone has that luxury.

DBCyc

iguana wrote: »

But I do take massive issue with utter hyperbole surrounding the supposed issue of "safety".

+1. We have become obsessed with this perception of safety. Lets ban everything and live like hermits as Jinxi has suggested so that we can all be safe :rolleyes:

We have too many Helen Lovejoys around in my opinion.

cocker5

Personally i dont see the problem if dogs are walked off lead....
but for me it should be under simple conditions...

1. a safe area for the dog where they cannot get knocked down... i walk my cocker on a enclosed beach every evening..... my guy is not street wise!

2. they cannot be an agressive dog or offend (annoy / jump up) people... im luck my guy has little interest in strangers... plus he's a total pussy cat... he's very gentle...

I dont mind dogs off lead coming over and jumping up on me etc... but then again i love dogs...

There have been many occasions where other dogs (off lead) have gone for my dog... for me ANY dog with agression issues should NEVER be off lead :rolleyes:

Graces7

lrushe wrote: »

How?? As the owner of a RB I am genuinely interested. You said you were lucky in that your dogs had a field to exercise in, not everyone has that luxury.

What has that to do with this, please? :rolleyes:

I have said repeatedly that we would NEVER allow our dogs offlead in any public place ..

We have lived where we had to walk on leads; it is not a great problem. And certainly our doge have always been well exercised.

Graces7

DBCyc wrote: »

+1. We have become obsessed with this perception of safety. Lets ban everything and live like hermits as Jinxi has suggested so that we can all be safe :rolleyes:

We have too many Helen Lovejoys around in my opinion.

Who?

This is ridiculous "reasoning".. As many here have said, it is simply courtesy to others. And safety OF OTHERS does matter.

That is not obsessive, what tends ot the obsessive is dog owners who insist on their terms.

Someone mentioned other countries. In Canada for example dogs must b on lead unless in a designated dog area; they can be and are impounded.owners fined else.

You need to work towards more dog areas surely

Jinxi

I am no expert but IMO walking a dog on a leash would be like me strolling around my house every day. Enough to keep me from going insane, and with a reduced diet, it would stop me being overweight and my joints seizing up. But by no means would I be fit and at optimum health.

Again, I understand that dogs should be on leash in certain situations, around kids, joggers, in town, etc., but don't fool yourself into thinking that walking a dog on leash for 40 mins everyday is sufficient for optimum health(medium breeds+)

As for comparisons to other countries and their norms/laws concerning walking dogs in public...this is a moot point because you live HERE!

In a perfect world, there would be doggie parks where we could go with our well behaved/socialised pooches and stay out of grouchy peoples way.

DBCyc

Graces7 wrote: »

Who?

This is ridiculous "reasoning".. As many here have said, it is simply courtesy to others. And safety OF OTHERS does matter.

That is not obsessive, what tends ot the obsessive is dog owners who insist on their terms.

Someone mentioned other countries. In Canada for example dogs must b on lead unless in a designated dog area; they can be and are impounded.owners fined else.

You need to work towards more dog areas surely

Helen Lovejoy

You can extend the appropriate courtesy to others by training your dog adequately that they can be safely let off the lead without bothering anyone or any other dog. If you cannot achieve this for whatever reason, then by all means you should keep your dog on the lead.

The actions of a couple of irresponsible owners should not preclude the rest of us from excercising our dogs in public off the lead. It is ridiculous "reasoning" to suggest that because of a few idiots, the rest of us should suffer.

cocker5

DBCyc wrote: »

Helen Lovejoy

You can extend the appropriate courtesy to others by training your dog adequately that they can be safely let off the lead without bothering anyone or any other dog. If you cannot achieve this for whatever reason, then by all means you should keep your dog on the lead.

The actions of a couple of irresponsible owners should not preclude the rest of us from excercising our dogs in public off the lead. It is ridiculous "reasoning" to suggest that because of a few idiots, the rest of us should suffer.

Love it!! the link.... Hilarious made me burst out laughing... now all my work mates are looking at me funny!

rainbowtrout

Graces7 wrote: »

Who?

This is ridiculous "reasoning".. As many here have said, it is simply courtesy to others. And safety OF OTHERS does matter.

That is not obsessive, what tends ot the obsessive is dog owners who insist on their terms.

Someone mentioned other countries. In Canada for example dogs must b on lead unless in a designated dog area; they can be and are impounded.owners fined else.

You need to work towards more dog areas surely

But we are not in Canada. You could take plenty of European examples where dogs are allowed pretty much everywhere (unlike Ireland) and are perfectly well behaved off lead. I've seen dogs on the U-Bahn in Berlin, and in shops, restaurants and supermarkets in Holland. All perfectly well behaved and many off lead. I have two dogs, both Jack Russells and full of energy. I walk them off lead all the time. They need it, a walk on a lead would not be enough to tire them out and they would have the house destroyed from all the extra energy they would have. They can both walk 10 miles no bother and still spend the evening chasing each other around the house. Although both have good recall, one of them has a tendency to run up to other dogs and bark. So when I see other people approaching with dogs I put him on a lead until we have passed the other dog and then leave him off again. Everyone's a winner. I live in a small town, so I am seen walking the dogs around the area regularly and I've had a few people mention in passing how well behaved my two are off lead. To be honest there are plenty of children who are very badly behaved and would benefit from being on leads instead of annoying the general public.

As for more dog areas. I'm sure many people here would welcome more areas to walk their dogs, particularly if they live in urban areas, but not if it meant those were the only places they could bring their dogs. That's no way to socialise a dog. Don't tar all dog owners with the same brush.

seamus

Graces7 wrote: »

I find also your appraisal of dogs irrelevant and inaccurate also.

History lessons aside, studies have shown that people who own pets live longer, are less stressed and less depressed than those who don't. More specifically dog owners and get more exercise than people who don't have dogs.
So ignoring any past benefit, there's a list of reasons as long as your arm as to why we should be encouraging people to have dogs and treat them with respect rather than as a pest that we should hide away from other people.

Especially in a very simple safety issue.

An overblown safety issue is what it is. The vast majority of dog bites are perpetrated by a dog known to the "victim". In the Unites States, fatal attacks make up about 0.0007% of dog bites. Out of all deaths in the US, they account for 0.00001% of deaths. That's close enough to be statistically insignificant.

Your odds of being killed by a dog attack this year are about 1 in 13 million. Think of all of the everyday things we do which carry a far higher risk, yet don't receive anything approaching the column inches.

For example, you are:
26 times more likely to choke on a piece of food or suffocate while sleeping (because you rolled onto your face)
1300 times more likely to commit suicide (no, really).

You get the picture. I'm not trying to downplay dog attacks - they're very unlikely to be fatal, but that doesn't mean there are very few of them. However the severity of an attack and the relative risk to oneself posed when you are attacked is very low compared to any other kind of incident. We spend a lot of time worrying about potential minor injuries from animals when there are a lot of other things out there which pose a far higher danger. Far more people end up dead and in hospital every year from simply falling over in their own home. Where are the headlines? Where are the people screaming about the humanity of it?

Graces7

Jinxi wrote: »

I am no expert but IMO walking a dog on a leash would be like me strolling around my house every day. Enough to keep me from going insane, and with a reduced diet, it would stop me being overweight and my joints seizing up. But by no means would I be fit and at optimum health.

Again, I understand that dogs should be on leash in certain situations, around kids, joggers, in town, etc., but don't fool yourself into thinking that walking a dog on leash for 40 mins everyday is sufficient for optimum health(medium breeds+)

As for comparisons to other countries and their norms/laws concerning walking dogs in public...this is a moot point because you live HERE!

In a perfect world, there would be doggie parks where we could go with our well behaved/socialised pooches and stay out of grouchy peoples way.

And here I would not allow my dogs offlead in a public place - period.

So because some of us have different ideas we get called "grouchy"! You are so funny! Not.

So many incidents like the OPs that it is hardly a few of course.

Many run wih their dogs, or even cycle. There are always ways. Always.

Jinxi

Graces7 wrote: »

So because some of us have different ideas we get called "grouchy"! You are so funny! Not.

Way to take things pesonally:rolleyes:

YOU have the right not to ever let your dogs off leash in public


Just as I have to right to let mine off if I judge her to be under my control!

Live with it!:cool:

sambuka41

If we keep dogs on the lead and away from children and busy areas we WILL CREATE THE VERY THING YOU ARE AFRAID OF a poorly socialized dog that's likely to bite. Allowing them to be around people,noise and other distractions is how we train them not to bite or generally be a nuisance. Its how they learn.

sambuka41

Graces7 wrote: »

Many run wih their dogs, or even cycle. There are always ways. Always.

I live near the city center the roads are very narrow as well as very,very busy. I would put MORE people in danger by trying to cycle with my dog. The pathways are also busy so running would be hard. BUT there is a great big park that she runs around daily and she is a healthier dog for it.

Graces7

sambuka41 wrote: »

If we keep dogs on the lead and away from children and busy areas we WILL CREATE THE VERY THING YOU ARE AFRAID OF a poorly socialized dog that's likely to bite. Allowing them to be around people,noise and other distractions is how we train them not to bite or generally be a nuisance. Its how they learn.

That is rubbish. A dog on a lead is acessible to all. It is far easier to socialise a dog if it is on a lead. And being on a lead does not prevent them being away from busy areas, noise etc; in fact it enhances that ability. As then they can be walked anywhere. And be moe widely socialied while still under control.

And children are easier to accustom to dogs if they are on a lead.

it is the ones allowed to run free in public who are causing issues; please read the OP again and the thread on boxers.

Graces7

Jinxi wrote: »

Way to take things pesonally:rolleyes:

YOU have the right not to ever let your dogs off leash in public


Just as I have to right to let mine off if I judge her to be under my control!

Live with it!:cool:

My ! Such aggression! I think that this answers the OP wonderfully and fully.. Over and out...

Quality

I spend a lot of time walking my dog on the beach, the way I see it, is that if someone approaches me with their dog on a leash, I leash up my dog,

If they approach me with the dog off the leash, well then I leave my dog off the lead,

My dog is a lab so she is big but very friendly, generally she will just go over for a sniff and jump around for a while.


I hate when I have my dog on a lead and someone has their dog off the lead and they are following me up the road cause it is hard to manage my big friendly lab, who just wants to play!

Most people are friendly but some people can be very rude, I have been verbally abused, even after I have apologised and explained my dog is just a pup.



I think people should just have a bit of cop on, and try and judge the situation.

sambuka41

Graces7 wrote: »

That is rubbish. A dog on a lead is acessible to all. It is far easier to socialise a dog if it is on a lead. And being on a lead does not prevent them being away from busy areas, noise etc; in fact it enhances that ability. As then they can be walked anywhere. And be moe widely socialied while still under control.

And children are easier to accustom to dogs if they are on a lead.

it is the ones allowed to run free in public who are causing issues; please read the OP again and the thread on boxers.

Firstly I have the most excitable puppy in all the world and she is under my control at all times,I dont need the lead, I trained her that way. So the lead makes no difference to me bringing her anywhere.

In my experience children want to play with a dog,not admire it like adults. Ruby is mad for kids,they love how she runs circles around them. And im there to stop her if she gets to hyper, also without the lead.

There is the problem that means that your dog only knows how to behave in a given situation on a lead, what happens if your dog escapes or for some reason comes across a child and its not on the lead? They wont know how to react in that situation,they may get carried away with excitement of the children. If they are accustomed to being around people without the lead then theres a better chance that they will come to you when called.

There are people out there that dont put time or effort into training their dogs but why should the rest of us suffer for it. Also why should the kids and dogs suffer for it. Ruby has her own little friends down the road that she would miss playing with.

ISDW

Again, we come back to the 'under control' bit. A dog can be under control off a lead, and definitely not under control on a lead. I'm sure we've all seen dogs on a lead pulling their owner along, even fighting, so obviously not under the owner's control.

I've had dogs in the past that I have let off the lead at parks, beaches, forests etc, and they came back when called and behaved beautifully. However, now I have huskies and malamutes, I don't let them off the lead and yes, I think its quite sad, I love to see them run but we're lucky, I bought a house with land and paid a fortune to have it fenced, so they have an area where they can run free.

I totally understand that some people are very scared of dogs, but we come yet again to the under control bit. If you have taken the time to train your dog, then they shouldn't go near strangers and frighten them. But, not everybody does take that time, so loose dogs do scare people, but then so do some on leads as yet again, they may be attached to the owner, but they are not under control.