Unleashed Dogs on The Beach

dubsontour

Hi lads and lassies. Long time reading this site but 1st time to post.
Moved to the Rush a few years ago. Not a bad place still settling in I suppose.
My main problem down here is on the beach where I like to run, beautiful as it is there are way too many dogs with owners that do not know what the lead they are swinging in their hand is for..So far I have lost count of the amount of dogs that have jumped on me and one particularly scary encounter with a snarling boxer dog
Just want to know if anyone else is having similar problems.
Rang Fingal and all they say is they will send the dog warden down.

Clare Bear

It's the same everywhere. On every beach, grounds, walking paths etc. I keep mine on a leash because he's a brat but even if he wasn't I still would. I let him run all he wants when I go down home and he has our fields to run in but otherwise he's kept on a leash when I'm in Dublin, for my own piece of mind more than anything. I don't think there's a whole lot you can do about it to be honest, one of the many rules that gets broken. Dogs that are well behaved off a leash don't bother me really but the ones that are a menace obviously do as you unfortunately found with the boxer, that's not on. Not making light of your point but people not picking up the dogs' poo bothers me a lot more to be honest than a dog that isn't bothering anyone.

The Hill Billy

I know what you mean. I live beside Ardgillan Demesne & there are always dogs off the leash. I don't mind it too much if they are off in a remote part of the park, but not on the paths where they can be a nuisance to other walkers, especially young children who can be particularly fazed by dogs jumping on them & barking in their face.

I'm fed up hearing "Oh, he won't bite" or "He wouldn't hurt a fly". I don't care. I want your dog out of my kid's face. NOW.

(Slightly off-topic: Oh, & pick up their crap too.)

Clare Bear

Actually in Malahide Castle the other day I had a woman come up to me to say I was being cruel by having my JRT on a leash! Despite us being right next to a sign that said dogs must be kept on a leash at all times! She said I should let him run free like her dog as that's the way dogs are meant to be. I later saw her dog snap at another dog for no reason. Smart lady :rolleyes:

Grolschevik

There was a thread recently in Animals and Pets about what the law says about the control of dogs. Apparently, it just says something like "under proper/effective control", which a lot of people were saying meant that, as long as your dog was well-trained/obedient/a good dog and would obey commands, it didn't have to be on a lead.

[Edit: found it: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055996602]

However, I read recently in the local magazine that Fingal Co Co are discussing amending the local bye-laws to require dogs to be on a lead when in parks etc.

Martron

i absolutely love dogs. the gf on the other hand is petrified on any dog.

when out walkiing ( i would not notice) she would freeze on the spot when a dog comes walking up. and i would literally freeze on the spot. i understand dogs need a good ol run around but surely there is designated spots?

dubsontour

Hill Billy wrote: »

I know what you mean. I live beside Ardgillan Demesne & there are always dogs off the leash. I don't mind it too much if they are off in a remote part of the park, but not on the paths where they can be a nuisance to other walkers, especially young children who can be particularly fazed by dogs jumping on them & barking in their face.

I'm fed up hearing "Oh, he won't bite" or "He wouldn't hurt a fly". I don't care. I want your dog out of my kid's face. NOW.

(Slightly off-topic: Oh, & pick up their crap too.)

Ah yes the " he won't bite" favourites that dog owners use a lot. As I said to a lady last week "has he got teeth" she says of course I said so he WILL bite.
Another one is "he only wants to play":mad::mad:
Maybe as another poster said, have a designated area like in the States where they have dog parks.

hidinginthebush

I guess it depends on your viewpoint, I've had dogs all my life and gladly let them off the lead when out walking. I've also been on the other end of the stick and have had my heels nipped at when running down on portmarnock beach.

I guess I would be more likely to let this go than you op, plus I can't imagine getting charged by a snarling boxer is in any way fun. I suppose you just need to be sensible about when and where you do it. For example I won't let the dogs off if I'm up in the football pitches and there's a match on, nor will I bring them down the beach any time when it's even slightly populated. That said, I have no problem letting them go when the time and place suits it.

Edit: I will also add, from my own experience as both a dog walker and as one who has been chased by dogs while running, that if you run a dog will generally chase you. If you stop and hold out your hand palm facing up and let them sniff your hand, or give a rub on the head, or even sometimes look at it and point away, like back to the owner, they'll generally scamper off on their merry way. I understand this can be a pain if you have to break your stride, but it's always worked for me.

dcr22B

Hill Billy wrote: »

I know what you mean. I live beside Ardgillan Demesne & there are always dogs off the leash. I don't mind it too much if they are off in a remote part of the park, but not on the paths where they can be a nuisance to other walkers, especially young children who can be particularly fazed by dogs jumping on them & barking in their face.

I bring my dog down to Ardgillan at least once a week and let her run free through the entire complex and I've never had any bother from the staff about it. I guess I'm lucky in that if I see kids in the distance, I call her back to me (every single time without fail) and there's never a bother out of her as long as you keep moving (she doesn't like people who stand still strangely enough).

However, I can see why people would have a problem with it as different dogs bring different temperaments to the table.

The Muppet

dubsontour wrote: »

Ah yes the " he won't bite" favourites that dog owners use a lot. As I said to a lady last week "has he got teeth" she says of course I said so he WILL bite.
Another one is "he only wants to play":mad::mad:
Maybe as another poster said, have a designated area like in the States where they have dog parks.

I let my lab off the leash so he can do exactly what you are doing ie excercise effectively, IMO he got just as much right to that as us humans have.

DubArk

dcr22B wrote: »

I bring my dog down to Ardgillan at least once a week and let her run free through the entire complex and I've never had any bother from the staff about it. I guess I'm lucky in that if I see kids in the distance, I call her back to me (every single time without fail) and there's never a bother out of her as long as you keep moving (she doesn't like people who stand still strangely enough).

However, I can see why people would have a problem with it as different dogs bring different temperaments to the table.

It is clearly signed in Ardgillan that all dogs must be kept on a lead, so I’m at a loss why these rules don’t apply to you?

Again it’s signed on the beaches that dogs, during certain times, in the summer season are not permitted on the beech and yet….. like clock work…. some one walks down the beach with their dogs off the lead…. Kids crying, people grabbing food stuff from prying dog noses… you get the picture.

As for the off topic Doggy Do…. walk around the head in Skerries and be guaranteed, if you take your eye off the ball, you’ll be scraping dog crap off your shoes.


BTW I have always been a dog lover. Have two.

dubsontour

[QUOTE=hidinginthebush;6801623

Edit: I will also add, from my own experience as both a dog walker and as one who has been chased by dogs while running, that if you run a dog will generally chase you. If you stop and hold out your hand palm facing up and let them sniff your hand, or give a rub on the head, or even sometimes look at it and point away, like back to the owner, they'll generally scamper off on their merry way. I understand this can be a pain if you have to break your stride, but it's always worked for me.[/QUOTE]


Oh dear God no I'm not that brave:eek:. I do always stop though if I think the dog is gonna chase me.
Might try the pointing back to the owner trick though.

Martron

well in fairness why should i stop and placate your dog by showing it that i am not a threat by holding out my hand. i dont mind dogs and a dog running over to me would not bother me in the slightest.

but i know my girlfriend would have a freak attack if this happened. there is a time and a place for everything and if its signed not to do it there is a reason why.

there is plenty of places around in which the dogs can exercise. and i doubt the dog even notices that its in the scenic area of ardgillan or the beach. althought these are open and ideal. there is much less populated areas in which a loose dog wont pose so much of a problem.

PeakOutput

dogs off a lead are not the problem

owners who cant control their dogs are

if i can control my dog and know my dog will not snap at another and will return to me immediately if i call then, imho, i have every right to have my dog off a lead, especially in a relatively empty park(like malahide castle) or beach

PeakOutput

Martron wrote: »

if its signed not to do it there is a reason why.

ye there are two reasons why there are leash laws,

irresponsible dog owners are the main one

whingy non dog owners are the other


in a public park or on a beach i will make my own mind up about weather i can let my dog off the lead without it being a nuisance, danger or annoyance to anyone. i really dont care what a sign says. if a warden is there and decides to fine me then i can accept that too

DubArk

PeakOutput wrote: »

dogs off a lead are not the problem

owners who cant control their dogs are

if i can control my dog and know my dog will not snap at another and will return to me immediately if i call then, imho, i have every right to have my dog off a lead, especially in a relatively empty park(like malahide castle) or beach

Not if the signs clearly state that you're Not allowed to have your dog there without a lead on. Its not a automatic Right.

The Muppet

The Muppet wrote: »

I let my lab off the leash so he can do exactly what you are doing ie excercise effectively, IMO he got just as much right to that as us humans have.

No, I'm afraid it's a dog, it does not have equal rights as us humans have.

I like dogs. I don't like the self entitled attitude of some dog owners. If someone's toddler ran up to me and jumped all over me I'd kick it over, too, but am pretty sure toddlers aren't allowed to behave like that in public. So why your dog?

PeakOutput

DubArk wrote: »

Not if the signs clearly state that you're Not allowed to have your dog there without a lead on. Its not a automatic Right.

as i said i really dont care what the signs say

PeakOutput

Deleted User wrote: »

So why your dog?

its not and it dosnt and it wont, i completely agree that dogs that cant be controlled or belong to owners that wont control them should not be off the lead. thats not every dog or even most dogs though

DubArk

PeakOutput wrote: »

as i said i really dont care what the signs say

A rebel without a lead! Bully for you….. the westies must be brickin it! LOL

The Hill Billy

Calm down, calm down.

HB

PeakOutput

DubArk wrote: »

A rebel without a lead! Bully for you….. the westies must be brickin it! LOL

great response *golf clap*

i just find it funny that people get their knickers in a twist over those by laws when the very same people probably break 'more serious' laws every day like driving laws etc

im big enough and ugly enough to make my own decisions and accept the consequences and not just blindly follow a rule a few crusty councillors push threw cause they think they know best, if you cant make your own mind up about things like that then by all means let other people decide for you

Grolschevik

PeakOutput wrote: »

great response *golf clap*

i just find it funny that people get their knickers in a twist over those by laws when the very same people probably break 'more serious' laws every day like driving laws etc

im big enough and ugly enough to make my own decisions and accept the consequences and not just blindly follow a rule a few crusty councillors push threw cause they think they know best, if you cant make your own mind up about things like that then by all means let other people decide for you

With all due respect, life in a functioning democracy requires that most people obey most of the rules most of the time...

tbh

PeakOutput wrote: »

im big enough and ugly enough to make my own decisions and accept the consequences

one would hope that the consequences only apply to you, and not, say, some innocent four year old who gets bitten by the dog you were convinced would never bite.

dcr22B

DubArk wrote: »

It is clearly signed in Ardgillan that all dogs must be kept on a lead, so I’m at a loss why these rules don’t apply to you?

There used to be a sign at the car park saying that but it wasn't there at the weekend when I was up there.

The lads who drive around the demesne in the blue Toyota pickup have stopped on occasions to admire my dog and they've never said anything to me about keeping her on a lead. That said, if it's a busy day up around the car park and the playground, she's kept on a lead until well away from any kids as I can appreciate parent's concerns even though (and yes I know it's a cliché), my little one is a very sociable dog.

Ardgillan is a big enough demesne where there is plenty of room for dogs to roam free without bothering anyone else.

dcr22B

DubArk wrote: »

BTW I have always been a dog lover. Have two.

Given your displeasure with what I do in Ardgillan, (genuine question) is there anywhere that you could suggest I take my dog for a run in the area of Rush/Lusk/Skerries?

tbh

genuine answer - if you want to give your dogs a run off the leash - totally understandable - why don't you take them out at 5/6 am when there's no-one else around?

Trappers Son

tbh wrote: »

genuine answer - if you want to give your dogs a run off the leash - totally understandable - why don't you take them out at 5/6 am when there's no-one else around?

This is what I do.. Not cause the dogs are brats.. They're 2 sisters.. On their own they obey commands! Out together one just follows the other!

They will run over to say hello if a dog comes towards them but they are quite big so id be terrifed of them bumping into a child beside a dog...

dcr22B

tbh wrote: »

genuine answer - if you want to give your dogs a run off the leash - totally understandable - why don't you take them out at 5/6 am when there's no-one else around?

Simple, my dog is a 3 year old cocker spaniel and she gets a 30 minute run in the morning before I go to work. It's more the evening time that I'd be looking for somewhere to run her.

In fairness, I tend to go to Ardgillan or Donabate beach when I know it's going to be quiet and the day that someone complains to me about my dog is the day I'll move on elsewhere. I fully appreciate people's concerns re unleashed dogs but there are so few places to take dogs for a run these days that I'll take full advantage of the facilities that are on my doorstep and until such a time that I'm told otherwise by someone in authority, I will continue to do so (I don't intend for this to sound obnoxious or arrogant, that is fully NOT my intention here).

As I stated in a previous post, Ardgillan has enough room for everyone to go about their business without causing undue harm to others and that has always been my mantra when i take my dog up there.

The Muppet

Deleted User wrote: »

No, I'm afraid it's a dog, it does not have equal rights as us humans have.

I like dogs. I don't like the self entitled attitude of some dog owners. If someone's toddler ran up to me and jumped all over me I'd kick it over, too, but am pretty sure toddlers aren't allowed to behave like that in public. So why your dog?

Says who?

I wouldn't advise you to go kicking Dogs, you would deserve to be bitten for such action IMO.

tbh wrote: »

one would hope that the consequences only apply to you, and not, say, some innocent four year old who gets bitten by the dog you were convinced would never bite.

Thats a pretty sweeping statement. I know my dog wouldn't bite anyone, I'm never than a few yards away from him when he's off lease. He knows he's not allowed to intefers with other people and he doesn't. IMO he is as entitled to use the park and beach as I am.

Allownaces have to be made for youn dogs whi need to be trained to behave properly.

tbh wrote: »

genuine answer - if you want to give your dogs a run off the leash - totally understandable - why don't you take them out at 5/6 am when there's no-one else around?

If you want to run on the beach why not go a 5/6am when theres no dogs around, its the runner that has the issue not the dog owner.

Clare Bear

Personally if a dog is behaved then it doesn't bother me in the slightest if they're off their lead. I know they love it so if they're not a menace (like my little brat to other dogs unfortunately) then that's fine with me. It just annoyed me last week when that woman gave out to me for being cruel by having mine on a leash yet her dog snapped at another dog a few minutes later.

Anyone here around Malahide that wants to walk their dog off the leash without worrying about children/people you can let them run around on Paddy's Hill next to Gannon Park/Robswall. It's a great place to walk them, there's often days I'm up there and I don't meet a soul.

dubsontour

If you want to run on the beach why not go a 5/6am when theres no dogs around, its the runner that has the issue not the dog owner.[/QUOTE]


The day I was attacked on the beach by a boxer dog it was before7am. The dog owner the dog and myself were the only 3 people on the beach.The dog was beside the sand dunes I was at the waters edge (tide was out) and he ran across to me. Came that far his owner did not catch up with him for about a minute or more(felt like an hour) while he circled me snarling and pouncing.
So I now don't go out early, at least later there are witnesses if I get attacked

The Muppet

dubsontour wrote: »

The day I was attacked on the beach by a boxer dog it was before7am. The dog owner the dog and myself were the only 3 people on the beach.The dog was beside the sand dunes I was at the waters edge (tide was out) and he ran across to me. Came that far his owner did not catch up with him for about a minute or more(felt like an hour) while he circled me snarling and pouncing.
So I now don't go out early, at least later there are witnesses if I get attacked

I agree you have a point there and some dogs shouldn't be allowed off leash in a public place if there are other people around.

Where I don't agree with you is your initial point that all dogs should be kept on leash on the beach. Responsible dog owners know how their dog will behave off leash and should act accordingly.

I know my lab loves to get a good run off leash and he needs it too, Keeping him on leash all the time would be cruel to him IMO.

dubsontour

The Muppet wrote: »

I agree you have a point there and some dogs shouldn't be allowed off leash in a public place if there are other people around.

Where I don't agree with you is your initial point that all dogs should be kept on leash on the beach. Responsible dog owners know how their dog will behave off leash and should act accordingly.

I know my lab loves to get a good run off leash and he needs it too, Keeping him on leash all the time would be cruel to him IMO.

Don't think I said all dogs should be leashed just the ones who chase bark growl and generally be a menace to other users of parks beaches etc

Corsendonk

dubsontour wrote: »

Hi lads and lassies. Long time reading this site but 1st time to post.
Moved to the Rush a few years ago. Not a bad place still settling in I suppose.
My main problem down here is on the beach where I like to run, beautiful as it is there are way too many dogs with owners that do not know what the lead they are swinging in their hand is for..So far I have lost count of the amount of dogs that have jumped on me and one particularly scary encounter with a snarling boxer dog
Just want to know if anyone else is having similar problems.
Rang Fingal and all they say is they will send the dog warden down.

Afraid to say letting dogs run free in Rush seems to be common over the years. My Uncle who was a dog lover told me the story of coming out of the Old Church in Rush in I think was the 50s and the local sheep farmer(they didnt just have veg in Rush then) had a number of dead dogs he had shot hanging up on the back of his truck waiting for the owners to recognise their dogs that had attacked his sheep.

I would be against unleashed dogs myself mainly due to the fact that you see very few owners willing to follow them around to clean up the dogs droppings, at least with a leash the dog is kept close so you have a chance of them spotting the dog going to the toilet and you can stop it going to the toilet during the walk using the lease.

dubsontour

Corsendonk wrote: »

Afraid to say letting dogs run free in Rush seems to be common over the years. My Uncle who was a dog lover told me the story of coming out of the Old Church in Rush in I think was the 50s and the local sheep farmer(they didnt just have veg in Rush then) had a number of dead dogs he had shot hanging up on the back of his truck waiting for the owners to recognise their dogs that had attacked his sheep.

I would be against unleashed dogs myself mainly due to the fact that you see very few owners willing to follow them around to clean up the dogs droppings, at least with a leash the dog is kept close so you have a chance of them spotting the dog going to the toilet and you can stop it going to the toilet during the walk using the lease.

Totally agree unfortunatly in Rush you don't see many owners doing it ,I'v seen 1 since I have lived here, 5 years:rolleyes:.
Never heard that about the sheep farmer, unbelievable . Bet the owners never claimed them either:eek:.

Grolschevik

The Muppet wrote: »

I agree you have a point there and some dogs shouldn't be allowed off leash in a public place if there are other people around.

Where I don't agree with you is your initial point that all dogs should be kept on leash on the beach. Responsible dog owners know how their dog will behave off leash and should act accordingly.

I know my lab loves to get a good run off leash and he needs it too, Keeping him on leash all the time would be cruel to him IMO.

I do see your point, but it's also probably true that responsible dog owners with well-trained dogs are in the minority. The rules (where there are rules) are in place to try to control the actions of irresponsible dog owners with untrained (or mistrained) dogs.

If someone sees you and your lab running free, they won't know which category you fall into.

It's another unfortunate example of rules having to be made to control the actions of the irresponsible, which unfortunately affects the freedom of the responsible.

Lamper.sffc

I walk my dog 4 to 5 times a week on the beach and let him off the leash. The dog needs it and the beach is a facility for all. (including dogs and there owners). I agree that aggressive dogs should never be let off the leash in a public place but I cant see the problem with a dog who happens to simply break the stride of a jogger or whatever. It aint exactly the end of the world.

Bar when it comes to dangerous dogs, I think some people need a major unbunching of ones panties when it come to dogs. (im not talking about people who have a genuine fear of dogs btw). We all have to live in this world and there is a lot bigger problems than stepping in dog poo or the occasional pooch coming up to you to play or for a pat on the head. I mean serioulsy have we really become that bad that this is a problem.

I also see that on some beaches Horses are not allowed. Ridiculous

Btw, I pick my dogs poo up and bin it. Unfortunately when he is not feeling well it tends to run through my fingers

Lamper.sffc

dubsontour wrote: »

Don't think I said all dogs should be leashed just the ones who chase bark growl and generally be a menace to other users of parks beaches etc

dubsontour wrote: »

Hi lads and lassies. Long time reading this site but 1st time to post.
Moved to the Rush a few years ago. Not a bad place still settling in I suppose.
My main problem down here is on the beach where I like to run, beautiful as it is there are way too many dogs with owners that do not know what the lead they are swinging in their hand is for..So far I have lost count of the amount of dogs that have jumped on me and one particularly scary encounter with a snarling boxer dog
Just want to know if anyone else is having similar problems.
Rang Fingal and all they say is they will send the dog warden down.

To be fair your first post did indicate that you where implying all. Its the way it came across to me anyway.

I believe that the rule for horses is that they are only allowed on the beach between September and May... might be wrong about this, my mother brings her horse to the beach in Wexford all the way through the winter. I can understand this. For one thing (I know it's "cleaner" but still...) you can't really stop and pick up your horse's poo. For another, my mother and her mates are not exactly having a quiet trot along the sands... and while they're perfectly in control and can pull the horses up when they see people or dogs, for safety's sake the summer ban on horses on the beach is very logical.

I get uptight about this dog issue because I dated a guy for a few years who was afraid of all animals, large or small, and was forever intercepting or distracting dogs who looked like they might be making a beeline for him, just to play or even just have a sniff and say hello. That said, we didn't go walking in parks or places where dogs might be loose, very often. An unfortunate sptinger spaniel came tearing right up to him in a gleeful fit and got a smack of a shopping bag, which unfortunately for the dog contained a few logs of firewood. I was apologetic to the owner, but the line on who's right, and who's wrong on this occasion was a bit blurred.

I'm all for letting dogs have a run, they have to. I've grown up with dogs, albeit "down the country" so this was never an issue, so I can see it from both sides. While loose dogs don't bother me, "only playing" and "just saying hello" is not acceptable no matter what the temperment of the dog, because some people just plain don't want to play, or say hello. In that case the onus is on the owner to make sure the dog isn't being a nuisance, and if they can effectively do that, then sure, have them off the lead. I just found in those few years a total disregard by some owners in this respect.

dubsontour

Lamper.sffc wrote: »

I walk my dog 4 to 5 times a week on the beach and let him off the leash. The dog needs it and the beach is a facility for all. (including dogs and there owners). I agree that aggressive dogs should never be let off the leash in a public place but I cant see the problem with a dog who happens to simply break the stride of a jogger or whatever. It aint exactly the end of the world.

Bar when it comes to dangerous dogs, I think some people need a major unbunching of ones panties when it come to dogs. (im not talking about people who have a genuine fear of dogs btw). We all have to live in this world and there is a lot bigger problems than stepping in dog poo or the occasional pooch coming up to you to play or for a pat on the head. I mean serioulsy have we really become that bad that this is a problem.

I also see that on some beaches Horses are not allowed. Ridiculous

Btw, I pick my dogs poo up and bin it. Unfortunately when he is not feeling well it tends to run through my fingers

The dangerous dogs are the ones I am talking about. The owners have to know their dog and knows if a dog will chase a runner.
We had a dog ourselves and it took us a very short time to realise he went ape after joggers, so we did not let him off the lead unless there was no one around. As I said I have been attacked by 2 dogs and it was terrifying so you can make light of it if you wish but for me it is a serious matter. I also would not put myself in the "fear of dogs" category as we had dogs in the family all my life.

Lamper.sffc

Deleted User wrote: »

I believe that the rule for horses is that they are only allowed on the beach between September and May... might be wrong about this, my mother brings her horse to the beach in Wexford all the way through the winter. I can understand this. For one thing (I know it's "cleaner" but still...) you can't really stop and pick up your horse's poo. For another, my mother and her mates are not exactly having a quiet trot along the sands... and while they're perfectly in control and can pull the horses up when they see people or dogs, for safety's sake the summer ban on horses on the beach is very logical.

I get uptight about this dog issue because I dated a guy for a few years who was afraid of all animals, large or small, and was forever intercepting or distracting dogs who looked like they might be making a beeline for him, just to play or even just have a sniff and say hello. That said, we didn't go walking in parks or places where dogs might be loose, very often. An unfortunate sptinger spaniel came tearing right up to him in a gleeful fit and got a smack of a shopping bag, which unfortunately for the dog contained a few logs of firewood. I was apologetic to the owner, but the line on who's right, and who's wrong on this occasion was a bit blurred.

I'm all for letting dogs have a run, they have to. I've grown up with dogs, albeit "down the country" so this was never an issue, so I can see it from both sides. While loose dogs don't bother me, "only playing" and "just saying hello" is not acceptable no matter what the temperment of the dog, because some people just plain don't want to play, or say hello. In that case the onus is on the owner to make sure the dog isn't being a nuisance, and if they can effectively do that, then sure, have them off the lead. I just found in those few years a total disregard by some owners in this respect.

This maybe the case for horses. Iv just seen a sign up banning horses and im sure i seen it up before may, but im open to correction. There was also a piece a while back on the news about a beach banning horses completely.

I understand that some people have a major fear of dogs and it can be really bad for them, this is where I can find little justification for having a dog off their lead but it would be unfortunate for all dogs to be leashed for just this scenario
As for you saying that having a dog come up to you, playing, saying hello is not acceptable no matter what, well this is where i have the problem. Basically the way i feel about it is, get over it. Its a minor inconvenience for a moment and then its over. I dont understand how people have this problem.

Iv had plenty of dogs come up to me on a beach (even bafore I had a dog) or where ever and to say hello and play and you know what, sometimes get dirt on me:eek: I lived to to tell the tale and life went on.

SilverFox261

I don't think the owner knowing their dog should have anything to do with whether or not the dog should be on a leash. I have 2 German Shepard's and while I know they very good natured and have never shown an aggressive streak, as a poster previously pointed out, if it has teeth it will bite. My fear would be that something/someone would antagonise them and they would react, especially a young child.

Maybe my fear is born from the breed of the dog I keep but I believe a dog should always be on a leash.

Lamper.sffc

dubsontour wrote: »

The dangerous dogs are the ones I am talking about. The owners have to know their dog and knows if a dog will chase a runner.
We had a dog ourselves and it took us a very short time to realise he went ape after joggers, so we did not let him off the lead unless there was no one around. As I said I have been attacked by 2 dogs and it was terrifying so you can make light of it if you wish but for me it is a serious matter. I also would not put myself in the "fear of dogs" category as we had dogs in the family all my life.

All I said was that your first post came across that you where making it out to be all dogs. Which in fairness to myself, the sentence I highlighted does seem to indicate this.

As for me making light of it. I hav nt. So please dont try and tar me with something I didnt do.
The bit you highlighted of my post shows that i wasnt making light of dangerous dogs.
I already said that dangerous dogs should be on a leash.

My only problem is people thinking all dogs should be on a leash regardless of how the dog is behaved. The beach is for all imo.


Your original post did imply that all dogs should be on a leash. Maybe you should have worded it differently and leaving out the smiley might also have been a good idea.

Oh and by the way. Its now two dogs that attacked you? Which is it?

The Muppet

dubsontour wrote: »

The dangerous dogs are the ones I am talking about. The owners have to know their dog and knows if a dog will chase a runner.
We had a dog ourselves and it took us a very short time to realise he went ape after joggers, so we did not let him off the lead unless there was no one around. As I said I have been attacked by 2 dogs and it was terrifying so you can make light of it if you wish but for me it is a serious matter. I also would not put myself in the "fear of dogs" category as we had dogs in the family all my life.

You didn't make it clear in your OP that you were only talking about dangerous dogs, I don't think you'll get many people arguing that dangerous dogs should be off leash.


I don't agree with the if it has teeth it will bite comment, I don't believe there is any evidence to support that statement.

If I considereed my dog dangerous I'd muzzle him when out.

dubsontour

Lamper.sffc wrote: »

All I said was that your first post came across that you where making it out to be all dogs. Which in fairness to myself, the sentence I highlighted does seem to indicate this.

As for me making light of it. I hav nt. So please dont try and tar me with something I didnt do.
The bit you highlighted of my post shows that i wasnt making light of dangerous dogs.
I already said that dangerous dogs should be on a leash.

My only problem is people thinking all dogs should be on a leash regardless of how the dog is behaved. The beach is for all imo.


Your original post did imply that all dogs should be on a leash. Maybe you should have worded it differently and leaving out the smiley might also have been a good idea.

Oh and by the way. Its now two dogs that attacked you? Which is it?

Yeah it was 2 dogs that attacked me but the 1st one was 4 years ago so I was only posting about the most recent.

Corsendonk

Dogs seem to be an emotive subject!! The law says the following breeds or cross breeds must be kept on a short leash of less than 2ms and muzzled in public places as they are considered dangerous breeds.


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


http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1998/en/si/0442.html

Lamper.sffc

Lamper.sffc wrote: »

As for you saying that having a dog come up to you, playing, saying hello is not acceptable no matter what, well this is where i have the problem. Basically the way i feel about it is, get over it. Its a minor inconvenience for a moment and then its over. I dont understand how people have this problem.

Iv had plenty of dogs come up to me on a beach (even bafore I had a dog) or where ever and to say hello and play and you know what, sometimes get dirt on me:eek: I lived to to tell the tale and life went on.

Me too. Like I said earlier, I spent a few years trying to distract and intercept playful dogs coming close while I was dating the guy who was scared of dogs. Doesn't bother me when dogs come to say Hi. But you don't know how any random person will react to your dog, which is why I feel the onus is on the dog owner to make sure it isn't meeting and greeting everyone in it's path. My grandparents had a glorified carpet of a golden retriever, really that dog had no personality whatsoever. They used to bring it to the park and let it wander up to people. The majority of people would coo and awww over her (which is what they revelled in anyway) but the odd person would be disgusted and sidestep her, and some would shriek and run from her. My grandmother saying "Really, she only wants to say hello!" is not an excuse. It is this attitude that I dislike in some dog owners. I don't mind playing and saying hi to dogs, but not everyone wants to, some people just really don't like dogs, whether for fear or just plain dislike. It's not very fair to tell them to "just get over it" because the dog means no harm. Better to be sure your dog isn't going to bother anyone when you want to let it run loose. That is my only gripe on this issue.

Lamper.sffc

Deleted User wrote: »

Me too. Like I said earlier, I spent a few years trying to distract and intercept playful dogs coming close while I was dating the guy who was scared of dogs. Doesn't bother me when dogs come to say Hi. But you don't know how any random person will react to your dog, which is why I feel the onus is on the dog owner to make sure it isn't meeting and greeting everyone in it's path. My grandparents had a glorified carpet of a golden retriever, really that dog had no personality whatsoever. They used to bring it to the park and let it wander up to people. The majority of people would coo and awww over her (which is what they revelled in anyway) but the odd person would be disgusted and sidestep her, and some would shriek and run from her. My grandmother saying "Really, she only wants to say hello!" is not an excuse. It is this attitude that I dislike in some dog owners. I don't mind playing and saying hi to dogs, but not everyone wants to, some people just really don't like dogs, whether for fear or just plain dislike. It's not very fair to tell them to "just get over it" because the dog means no harm. Better to be sure your dog isn't going to bother anyone when you want to let it run loose. That is my only gripe on this issue.

Fair enough, We tend to agree on most things except one little point which is fine. It is a difficult topic to completely pin point who is and isnt in the right. Like all things in this world, its isnt a case of just Black or White.

Lamper.sffc

Corsendonk wrote: »

Dogs seem to be an emotive subject!! The law says the following breeds or cross breeds must be kept on a short leash of less than 2ms and muzzled in public places as they are considered dangerous breeds.


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


http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1998/en/si/0442.html

What about my lad (Cairn terrier) Im thinkin he should be top of that list:D



ggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

scifi77

Now I remember why I DON'T have a dog!:)