Approaching a Dog Owner

pervertedcoffee

Hey guys,

I was walking into work today and I saw a woman struggling to walk her boxer dog. Bless him, he was pulling away on the lead like there was no tomorrow. The owner was becoming increasingly frustrated and whacked him with a riding crop she had in her hand!

At first, I was really furious and I wanted to say something but I realised that wouldn't be helpful as she (and as anyone who gets approached by a furious stranger would) get annoyed and defensive.

Does anyone have any ideas about how to approach someone about these things constructively, to give advice without being condescending or provoking? How would you like to be approached if someone saw you do something "wrong" with your pet? I would like to say something if I see her again but I want to make a friend, not an enemy!

tk123

"Oh a lovely boxer - how hold is he? I love them etc etc? My <insert relative> has one but he was too strong for them so they got a front attach harness for him and now they're able to manage much much better and everyone is happy.

I know how you feel - somebody in my park is walking a small beagle with a prong collar - I haven't managed to catch them to bring it up - only passed them as they we're leaving and we were coming in and was too shocked to say anything - they saw my jaw drop and left in a hurry. They're not Irish though so possibly those type of collars are acceptable where they're from..
I'll say something like - "I've noticed you have a prong collar - are you having problems with her pulling because a front attach harness like I use for Bailey would be much kinder. Do you know that the pet shop in Blanchardstwon were taking those types of collars in and giving money off humane harnesses/haltis? a few weeks ago?

Actually the boxer you saw - was it around Botanic Ave/Mobhi Road area?

pervertedcoffee

tk123 wrote: »

"Oh a lovely boxer - how hold is he? I love them etc etc? My <insert relative> has one but he was too strong for them so they got a front attach harness for him and now they're able to manage much much better and everyone is happy.

I know how you feel - somebody in my park is walking a small beagle with a prong collar - I haven't managed to catch them to bring it up - only passed them as they we're leaving and we were coming in and was too shocked to say anything - they saw my jaw drop and left in a hurry. They're not Irish though so possibly those type of collars are acceptable where they're from..
I'll say something like - "I've noticed you have a prong collar - are you having problems with her pulling because a front attach harness like I use for Bailey would be much kinder. Do you know that the pet shop in Blanchardstwon where those types of collar's in and giving money off humane harnesses/haltis? a few weeks ago?

Actually the boxer you saw - was it around Botanic Ave/Mobhi Road area?

That's brilliant advice, especially the insider knowledge about the pet shop! Thanks! Hopefully I catch the pair again soon.

No, not anywhere near there! All the way down in Blackrock

tk123

It was PetStop - not sure if they're still doing it but a great idea.

FoxyVixen

A RIDING CROP!!!!!

:mad::mad::mad:

tk123

FoxyVixen wrote: »

A RIDING CROP!!!!!

:mad::mad::mad:

Somebody in our area walks a boxer with one of those walking pole things you see in camping shops which is why I wondered if it was the same dog... and another man walks a JRT with a metal rod/stick that looks like a piece off a golf club!

Hooked

tk123 wrote: »

Somebody in our area walks a boxer with one of those walking pole things you see in camping shops which is why I wondered if it was the same dog... and another man walks a JRT with a metal rod/stick that looks like a piece off a golf club!

I walk my dog with a similar hiking/walking pole??? It's not for my dog... It's for when other dogs, off lead, attack. As soon as I drop it down by my side (I usually have it tucked under my arm) the majority of off lead dogs are recalled and held/put on a leash.

Not having a go at anyone here... Just pointing out that not all these sticks and rods are for correcting or beating with.

SV

There was someone walking a bull mastiff around the river a few years ago, anyway he was pulling on the lead and choking the dog every few seconds because the dog was pulling on the lead constantly.
This goes on for about 20-30 metres until the person kicked the dog in the side for pulling ahead on the lead..
Well that was the end of that, a person driving by obviously seen this, got out of the car and hit the chap walking the dog an almighty box leaving him stunned and dazed on the ground. Picked up the dog and put him/her in the car and roared abuse at the chap on the ground before driving off again.



I wouldn't encourage this kind of behaviour but hey, it works!

EazyD

SV wrote: »

There was someone walking a bull mastiff around the river a few years ago, anyway he was pulling on the lead and choking the dog every few seconds because the dog was pulling on the lead constantly.
This goes on for about 20-30 metres until the person kicked the dog in the side for pulling ahead on the lead..
Well that was the end of that, a person driving by obviously seen this, got out of the car and hit the chap walking the dog an almighty box leaving him stunned and dazed on the ground. Picked up the dog and put him/her in the car and roared abuse at the chap on the ground before driving off again.



I wouldn't encourage this kind of behaviour but hey, it works!

He stole the dog??!!!

SV

EazyD wrote: »

He stole the dog??!!!

Yep! Not sure if this was always the intention but I like to imagine it was because the guy was abusing the dog. Never heard anything come of it

FoxyVixen

Hooked wrote: »

Not having a go at anyone here... Just pointing out that not all these sticks and rods are for correcting or beating with.

That's fair enough and I've seen that. But a riding crop wouldn't be long enough to reach an oncoming dog like the walking stick.

tk123

Hooked wrote: »

I walk my dog with a similar hiking/walking pole??? It's not for my dog... It's for when other dogs, off lead, attack. As soon as I drop it down by my side (I usually have it tucked under my arm) the majority of off lead dogs are recalled and held/put on a leash.

Not having a go at anyone here... Just pointing out that not all these sticks and rods are for correcting or beating with.

TBH if I see somebody with a stick I see them and being a bit unpredictable and give them a wide berth because I don't want my dog gettig hit and getting afraid of people as he's already shy enough - all of the dogs in our park get on and have their little groups etc so there's not going to be a need for anyone walking in it to need a stick except for playing fetch! But I understand not everyone has a safe environment like that for their dogs.
The woman I see out with the boxer lol - he has NO interest in other dogs and the poor chap they have no interest in him either but she's decided he has to be kept away from males and asks us every time she sees us if our dogs are male ..and has been asking or the last 3+ years!!... "Yes he's still a boy!!" :P.

Hooked

tk123 wrote: »

TBH if I see somebody with a stick I see them and being a bit unpredictable and give them a wide berth...

The woman I see out with the boxer lol - he has NO interest in other dogs and the poor chap they have no interest in him either but she's decided he has to be kept away from males and asks us every time she sees us if our dogs are male ..and has been asking or the last 3+ years!!... "Yes he's still a boy!!" :P.

Unfortunately the first point above is exactly why I bring a walking stick. People reckon I will use it and they restrain their dogs. Without it, we were usually attacked or approached angrily. We walk a similar route daily - so I know who needs the stick treatment. It's a deterrent. I've only had to defend us twice.

As for getting asked the same question by that woman. I know what you mean!

There's a man with a really nasty, hyper collie that we meet - the dog zig zags, lunges and walks in circles (on a lead). I give him the evil eye and stick treatment every week and only last month he (while barely restraining his dog) said to me... 'He's fine, won't attack'... To which I replied...

You've a very short memory! He bit him (I look at Hugo) up at that roundabout (points towards the shopping centre) this time last year. And he won't be doing it again.

I have to 'look' like the bad guy (with my stick) to prevent Hugo getting another nasty gash (was very near his eye).

One bitten, twice shy!

Now, walkies!!!!!

Papillon!

the riding crop is bad enough but then i had to google what a prong collar is :eek::mad::mad::mad:

Tranceypoo

Papillon! wrote: »

the riding crop is bad enough but then i had to google what a prong collar is :eek::mad::mad::mad:

I was reading the local paper yesterday and a pet shop in the city (part of a large chain, not sure I can name them) have a weekly 'advice' column and this week they giving advice about collars and leads, including a choke collar which 'provide effecting training and retraining when used correctly and on appropriate dogs', I was quite shocked but then in previous columns they've also promoted the use of electric collars/fencing so I guess I shouldn't be!

Papillon!

Tranceypoo wrote: »

I was reading the local paper yesterday and a pet shop in the city (part of a large chain, not sure I can name them) have a weekly 'advice' column and this week they giving advice about collars and leads, including a choke collar which 'provide effecting training and retraining when used correctly and on appropriate dogs', I was quite shocked but then in previous columns they've also promoted the use of electric collars/fencing so I guess I shouldn't be!

Sounds like they're trying to cover their tracks by wording it like that because they know they're wrong. It's a disgrace. No dog should be walked with something pulling it by the neck. Harnesses are far more comfortable and effective. This stuff makes my blood boil

pervertedcoffee

Tranceypoo wrote: »

I was reading the local paper yesterday and a pet shop in the city (part of a large chain, not sure I can name them) have a weekly 'advice' column and this week they giving advice about collars and leads, including a choke collar which 'provide effecting training and retraining when used correctly and on appropriate dogs', I was quite shocked but then in previous columns they've also promoted the use of electric collars/fencing so I guess I shouldn't be!

Don't suppose anyone knows the paper because I will write the classic angry email!

It's a wonder there isn't any responsible pet ownership modules on the second level syllabus in Home Ec (where they teach you how to look after a baby) or in CSPE (where they teach you how to be a responsible citizen).

tk123

Papillon! wrote: »

the riding crop is bad enough but then i had to google what a prong collar is :eek::mad::mad::mad:

Ah it was terrible - the beagle calmy steped forward to greet my guy making the collar dig in and she just recoiled back..then he didn't know what she was afriad of and got a bit unsure himself and stepped away from her!

JustAThought

Hooked wrote: »

I walk my dog with a similar hiking/walking pole??? It's not for my dog... It's for when other dogs, off lead, attack. As soon as I drop it down by my side (I usually have it tucked under my arm) the majority of off lead dogs are recalled and held/put on a leash.

Not having a go at anyone here... Just pointing out that not all these sticks and rods are for correcting or beating with.

Quite the opposite. You go out carrying a pole to beat off all the attacking dogs off with - daily?

Are you mad?

justaskin likeyakno

Personally I wouldn't mind someone approaching me if I thought thier advice was genuine and promoted better handling of my dog, but pet ownership is very individual. Some people treat thier pets like a family member, while others have them just to exert some pent up power trip they have no one else to take it out on. The majority of people here would be greatful of advice from a stranger but there is the few that would say,(I don't mean anyone here) it's none of your business and kick the dog just to show you that thay can.

I walk in a woods near my house, sometimes I carry a stick purely to help me up some of the hillier bits. The one day I didn't have it two medium sized dogs attacked my GSD and he lost a tooth, so I see why some people feel the need to carry a stick, but it should be for the person, not hitting the dog. When the owner of the two dogs came up to me and started to blame me...for not having him muzzled....it was a kind stranger who stepped in and took over as I was left very shaken.

So I for one would be happy to be approached, but not everyone cares for the advice of others no matter how well meant it is.
Even if I am approached by other dogs I just hold out the vertically and would never hit the dog, it's just a deterant and always makes an off lead dog go away.

Tranceypoo

pervertedcoffee wrote: »

Don't suppose anyone knows the paper because I will write the classic angry email!

It's a wonder there isn't any responsible pet ownership modules on the second level syllabus in Home Ec (where they teach you how to look after a baby) or in CSPE (where they teach you how to be a responsible citizen).

I can PM you the name of the paper and the name of the petshop chain if you want, I wrote an email to the paper myself registering my disgust!

tk123

Tranceypoo wrote: »

I can PM you the name of the paper and the name of the petshop chain if you want, I wrote an email to the paper myself registering my disgust!

PM me the petshop name please so I can boycot them!

pervertedcoffee

Tranceypoo wrote: »

I can PM you the name of the paper and the name of the petshop chain if you want, I wrote an email to the paper myself registering my disgust!

That would be great if you would, please! If enough people make noise they can't keep ignoring responsible pet ownership.

Hooked

JustAThought wrote: »

Quite the opposite. You go out carrying a pole to beat off all the attacking dogs off with - daily?

Are you mad?

As you'll see from my other reply above - I've used that pole twice in two years. Our dog is waked minimum twice daily, so feel free to do the math...

It's used as a deterrent - and it works. Simple as. Too many people walk dogs off lead that have little recall and/or agressive behavioural issues. Therefore, I see one, drop the pole down by my side, and snappy mc angry dog is held or put on a lead. As you can imagine, I know all the dogs on my route after 2 years of walking it.

I'd sooner be thought mad than nursing another gash under Hugos eye... Or worse. On myself.

You have a rottie, GSD, bull mastif or or any breed for that matter lunge at you and your OH while walking your dog ON LEAD and tell me I'm mad. I need my hands and fingers for work, thanks very much...

LauraK85

Hooked wrote: »

Unfortunately the first point above is exactly why I bring a walking stick. People reckon I will use it and they restrain their dogs. Without it, we were usually attacked or approached angrily. We walk a similar route daily - so I know who needs the stick treatment. It's a deterrent. I've only had to defend us twice.

As for getting asked the same question by that woman. I know what you mean!

There's a man with a really nasty, hyper collie that we meet - the dog zig zags, lunges and walks in circles (on a lead). I give him the evil eye and stick treatment every week and only last month he (while barely restraining his dog) said to me... 'He's fine, won't attack'... To which I replied...

You've a very short memory! He bit him (I look at Hugo) up at that roundabout (points towards the shopping centre) this time last year. And he won't be doing it again.

I have to 'look' like the bad guy (with my stick) to prevent Hugo getting another nasty gash (was very near his eye).

One bitten, twice shy!

Now, walkies!!!!!

I think we must walk in the same area. I often meet this collie. He does seem to have issues. He's fine with my dog, he just has a sniff and moves on. My dogs a female so that probably makes a difference for him.

tk123

Does your dog not miss out on socialisation then if people are afraid of the stick and give you a wide berth?

Hooked

tk123 wrote: »

Does your dog not miss out on socialisation then if people are afraid of the stick and give you a wide berth?

Not at all. We stop chatting regularly to all the other well behaved pets. He has 2 Husky girlfriends that we meet and numerous other dogs. My dads or friends dogs call to play weekly out in the yard. He's in UL every Saturday or Sunday where we meet loads but being a Husky, he's not an off lead dog - well, with us in a controlled environment he is. And with the odd other owner who we let them loose to play. We visit maxi zoo fortnightly... Met 3 gorgeous lurchers a fortnight ago and they all got on great.

I realise I'm coming across as a bit of a 'prìck with his stick' but feel I must bring it as a deterrent. I have it up under my arm, so its not noticable unitil i drop it down by my side - to get a reaction - and a wide berth.

The one time he was bitten, the collie locked on to him and narrowly missed his eye. I couldn't get between them to stop it as I'd have lost a finger. Another time, a huge lab came bounding towards us, barking, snarling and the owner stood watching. That day I had to kick the dog in the chest right as he lunged at Hugo. In an area with signs that state ALL dogs are to be in leads. And the owner just walked on. 3 dogs came at us in UL one afternoon and gave my OH a terrible fright. The owners reaction, to tell my OH off for using bad language??? She swore out loud with the fright.

After that, the stick became part of the walking 'dress code'.

noddyone2

EazyD wrote: »

He stole the dog??!!!

I too done this a good few years ago. I would recommend it: the dog got a good home with me, the previous ''owner'' learnt a hard lesson. So everyone got something.

pervertedcoffee

Hooked wrote: »

I realise I'm coming across as a bit of a 'prìck with his stick' but feel I must bring it as a deterrent.

I don't think so at all. My Bam Bam is a bit dog reactive so I always, ALWAYS have him on a lead outside for other dogs' protection and his own!

I get so furious when I put so much effort into making sure I can walk a dog reactive dog safely and someone's off lead dog bounds up to him and sticks a nose under his tail.

Invariably the owners says, 'Ah, he's grand, only wants to say hello' while I pray to God that my fella's training doesn't fall apart - because Bam Bam being an American Bulldog, who's fault is it going to be when a scuffle breaks out... :mad:

tk123

Hooked wrote: »

I have it up under my arm, so its not noticable unitil i drop it down by my side - to get a reaction - and a wide berth.

My dog would probably bark at you to throw it - "Can I have a go of that stick please mister?" :pac::p

Hooked

tk123 wrote: »

My dog would probably bark at you to throw it - "Can I have a go of that stick please mister?" :pac::p

Ha ha! Funny I mentioned the 3 lurchers this morning above... Just spotted on maxi zoos Facebook page. Stick wielding daddy just out of shot.