Dog Walkers Fight Over Leash

[Salukifan]

Actually, not that I would have admitted it to this joker, but had his dog not been in a group of other dogs I would have put my dog on-leash as a courtesy simply because his dog was on a leash. I still don't understand why people will take shy, anxious or aggressive dogs to off-leash areas, but there's no law against it.

In my case, I was in an on leash area. I do take my dogs to offleash areas but only if they are empty.

[Diva]

If it is the area I am thinking of it isn't a fenced dedicated off lead area, although we have those too. It is probably one of the multi use ovals. I walk my dogs alongside such an oval because that is where the footpath goes, but we don't often actually go out onto the oval. The footpath is not part of the offlead area but there is no physical barrier. I have had people literally run aross the oval with their off lead dogs to interact with mine even though we are obviously just walking past, and even when their dogs are clearly not comfortable with mine, which are quite large.

I find it weird, although all the people are generally very pleasant, lol. No flying fists

Edited June 4, 2013 by Diva

[Blackdogs]

The guy who threatened me and kicked Toby this afternoon had a very nervous dog. But he'd seen that Toby was friendly with other dogs, Toby came when I called him, and it's an off-leash area with an on-leash area 10m back from the beach with beautiful park-lands.

Some people are just dicks.

Yep. But I'd expect the worst reactions from protective or worried owners. I've had a fear aggressive dog attacked because it reacted negatively to another dog's approach. Not fun. Again I didn't punch anyone.

Easy solution - I don't let my dogs approach other people's dogs unless I know them. Period.

Yes, that seems a sensible approach, sad that it would have to go that way though. One thing I like particularly about where we live is that it does have a great off-leash area, and because everyone is walking there are rarely any problems between the dogs.

Actually, not that I would have admitted it to this joker, but had his dog not been in a group of other dogs I would have put my dog on-leash as a courtesy simply because his dog was on a leash. I still don't understand why people will take shy, anxious or aggressive dogs to off-leash areas, but there's no law against it.

Because shy dogs need exercise too, and dogs should still be under effective control, according to the law, even if it's an off-leash area.

[Dame Aussie]

I wouldn't have beaten him up for it, but it's not ok for him to let his dogs rush other people and their dogs barking and growling.

Maybe now he might keep them on lead or at least under control.

[Aidan3]

I still don't understand why people will take shy, anxious or aggressive dogs to off-leash areas, but there's no law against it.

Because shy dogs need exercise too, and dogs should still be under effective control, according to the law, even if it's an off-leash area.

There are lots of ways to exercise shy dogs, and if they are miserable being around other dogs then it's not doing them any favours to put them in that situation.

My dog is definitely under effective control and I called him as soon as I realised that the other dog wasn't comfortable. But the fact is, it was high tide and that dog was having to deal with dozens of off-leash dogs in close proximity. When he was on-leash anyway, surely it would make more sense to walk through the on-leash park behind the beach? It wasn't like he was having a run around.

ETA: I had a reactive dog for 9 years. Although I lived right next to this beach, I would take her elsewhere for walks.

Edited June 4, 2013 by Aidan2

[frufru]

There are nut jobs everywhere

However, I don't expect people to let their off leash do rush/run up to a dog who is on lead even if it is an off leash area. Use your brains people and call your dog back if it wants to go interact with a dog that is on lead. I do not want your dog to interact with mine that is why I leave it on a leash until I get to an area where there is no one about. I do not let my dogs interact with dogs that I don't know.

Off leash areas are not just used by people who like dogs to mingle - some of us take our dogs for exercise and fun

I would think that if a dog is on lead that is a clear signal that they would rather not be approached by other dogs!!!!

[Aidan3]

Although I don't let my dog run up to dogs on leash generally (this particular dog was amongst other off-leash dogs who were playing), I don't think being on-leash in an off-leash area is a clear signal that the dog doesn't want to be approached. They might have a poor recall, or they might not want their dog to go swimming. There are a lot of people who will approach us with their on-leash dogs, and ask if their dog can play with mine because their dog plays roughly or gets carried away some times.

So there are lots of reasons why a dog might be on-leash in an off-leash area. And on a very popular dog beach at peak times you would expect those with unsociable dogs to avoid it, particularly where there are options nearby.

[BlackJaq]

Although I don't let my dog run up to dogs on leash generally (this particular dog was amongst other off-leash dogs who were playing), I don't think being on-leash in an off-leash area is a clear signal that the dog doesn't want to be approached. They might have a poor recall, or they might not want their dog to go swimming. There are a lot of people who will approach us with their on-leash dogs, and ask if their dog can play with mine because their dog plays roughly or gets carried away some times.

So there are lots of reasons why a dog might be on-leash in an off-leash area. And on a very popular dog beach at peak times you would expect those with unsociable dogs to avoid it, particularly where there are options nearby.

Regarding the bolded part, you may be surprised to know that a dog who is on leash and being approached by an off leash dog may have a very strong reaction, compared to the same dogs in a situation where both dogs are off leash. It may be in your dogs' best interest not to let them approach dogs on leash simply to avoid being hurt by an on leash dog overreacting.

I hope if your dog approached an on lead dog and received a negative reaction you would not have been complaining, since it would be your own fault for letting it approach a dog on leash.

[JulesP]

2 times in the last week I have put my dogs back on lead in an off leash area. The first time was because the other person had little toddlers with her, the second time the man was elderly. My dogs tend to be very enthusiastic about saying hi to people, so I like to have them on lead. Both times the other people couldn't control their dogs. Neither dog approached in a fairly friendly manner which caused Poppy to guard me. Luckily there wasn't much trouble either time but one dog did get told off for being rude.

But I had control of my dogs and the other people didn't.

Had I then had a third encounter in the same week I may have reacted in what would have seemed to be an out of control manner! Not that I would actually punch someone but I would have got fairly cross.

I would be fairly feral about your dog Aidan as I have had a very bad experience and do get tense with that breed now. Get a bit of PTSD if they run at me. Funnily after the attack I did a heap of dog with the attacked dog to make sure he was ok but I forgot about me! I guess you just don't know what history is provoking the reaction. Like the whole ape thing!

When I am in an off leash area I always put mine back on lead if I see an on lead dog approaching.

[corvus]

It can be challenging figuring out ideal etiquette. I've had people get all anxious because I've put my dogs ON leash as they approached with their dogs. They were all like "Oh no, are your dogs unfriendly?" "No, I just didn't want them to scare your dogs." "Why, don't they like other dogs? Should I keep mine away?" "No, they love other dogs, I just didn't know if your dogs would love them." Blank look... I eventually decided it made more sense to loosen up a bit seeing as leashing them seemed to cause more trouble than letting them do what they liked. When we go to places where people don't know them we take a more conservative approach and expect a lot more self control. That seems to work out all right, as the dogs naturally exhibit more self control in unfamiliar places.

ETA I don't know why this always has to be such a big deal. Most of us just take our dogs out and walk them and play with them and try to be considerate of the other people using the same public spaces as we are. I don't want to upset anyone or scare their dogs. Those are my guiding principles. Following those principles means I need to be flexible, because some people have different values and assess situations differently to me. It is easy to manage this if everybody is polite and communicative.

Edited June 4, 2013 by corvus

[JulesP]

It can be challenging figuring out ideal etiquette. I've had people get all anxious because I've put my dogs ON leash as they approached with their dogs. They were all like "Oh no, are your dogs unfriendly?" "No, I just didn't want them to scare your dogs." "Why, don't they like other dogs? Should I keep mine away?" "No, they love other dogs, I just didn't know if your dogs would love them." Blank look... I eventually decided it made more sense to loosen up a bit seeing as leashing them seemed to cause more trouble than letting them do what they liked. When we go to places where people don't know them we take a more conservative approach and expect a lot more self control. That seems to work out all right, as the dogs naturally exhibit more self control in unfamiliar places.

It seems like if you have cute looking fluffy dogs then this is the reaction. If you have other dogs people might want to punch you!

People always think I am concerned about their dogs when I put mine back on lead! I am either trying to stop mine from approaching the people or I don't want them being bossy to the other dog.

[Aidan3]

Although I don't let my dog run up to dogs on leash generally (this particular dog was amongst other off-leash dogs who were playing), I don't think being on-leash in an off-leash area is a clear signal that the dog doesn't want to be approached. They might have a poor recall, or they might not want their dog to go swimming. There are a lot of people who will approach us with their on-leash dogs, and ask if their dog can play with mine because their dog plays roughly or gets carried away some times.

So there are lots of reasons why a dog might be on-leash in an off-leash area. And on a very popular dog beach at peak times you would expect those with unsociable dogs to avoid it, particularly where there are options nearby.

Regarding the bolded part, you may be surprised to know that a dog who is on leash and being approached by an off leash dog may have a very strong reaction, compared to the same dogs in a situation where both dogs are off leash. It may be in your dogs' best interest not to let them approach dogs on leash simply to avoid being hurt by an on leash dog overreacting.

I hope if your dog approached an on lead dog and received a negative reaction you would not have been complaining, since it would be your own fault for letting it approach a dog on leash.

I wouldn't be surprised by anything. I owned a reactive dog for 9 years, and I specialise in behaviour modification for reactive and aggressive dogs. I've lived with it, and I've seen a large spectrum of dogs with issues around other dogs and people.

I also know my dog, and I've seen him around a lot of reactive and aggressive dogs. He avoids trouble.

An accident is not anyone's fault, but I think people who take shy or reactive dogs to off-leash dog beaches at peak times when there are on-leash options nearby are lacking in common sense and shouldn't complain when - surprise, surprise - they run into a lot of off-leash dogs playing nicely with each other. It's not nice for their dog or for people who are rightfully using that area as it has been designated.

My dog is the least of their problems, but I think this ill-placed sense of entitlement that some people have needs to be kept in check. In my area there are a range of excellent options to suit every sort of dog. I live right by this beach, but in 9 years I didn't take my reactive dog there because it wasn't fair to other users or to her.

[BlackJaq]

It has nothing to do with dogs being reactive, which you should know seeing as you have amazing dog behaviour qualifications. As I said, the same dog might be fine if it was off leash as well.

Your sense of entitlement clearly tells you that your dogs should be free to approach anyone they like at an off leash area , whether their dogs are on leash or not, and that person and dog better like it and not react badly! This speaks volumes for your supposed knowledgeability about dogs.

Edited June 5, 2013 by BlackJaq

[Aidan3]

It can be challenging figuring out ideal etiquette. I've had people get all anxious because I've put my dogs ON leash as they approached with their dogs. They were all like "Oh no, are your dogs unfriendly?" "No, I just didn't want them to scare your dogs." "Why, don't they like other dogs? Should I keep mine away?" "No, they love other dogs, I just didn't know if your dogs would love them." Blank look... I eventually decided it made more sense to loosen up a bit seeing as leashing them seemed to cause more trouble than letting them do what they liked. When we go to places where people don't know them we take a more conservative approach and expect a lot more self control. That seems to work out all right, as the dogs naturally exhibit more self control in unfamiliar places.

It seems like if you have cute looking fluffy dogs then this is the reaction. If you have other dogs people might want to punch you!

People always think I am concerned about their dogs when I put mine back on lead! I am either trying to stop mine from approaching the people or I don't want them being bossy to the other dog.

Yes, that's the other problem. I've even been told that if my dog is so aggressive that I shouldn't have had him off-leash in the first place :laugh:

But I don't worry about that sort of thing too much, it's a bit like ringing my bell when I pass people on the bike track. 99% of the time they have a heart attack (if they aren't listening to an ipod), but the one time you don't ring the bell they abuse you - and in that case they are in the right.

[raineth]

It has nothing to do with dogs being reactive, which you should know seeing as you have amazing dog behaviour qualifications. As I said, the same dog might be fine if it was off leash as well.

Your sense of entitlement clearly tells you that your dogs should be free to approach anyone they like at an off leash area , whether their dogs are on leash or not, and that person and dog better like it and not react badly! This speaks volumes for your supposed knowledgeability about dogs.

Rude

[teekay]

Having been a dog forum member for many years now, I know that you shouldn't let your dog run up to other dogs on lead at off leash areas. Problem is, I don't think the vast majority of the public realise this. All they think is, my dog is friendly and we come to the off leash area for a run around and for him to play with other dogs.

With that in mind, I would never take a nervous or reactive dog to an off leash area while other dogs were present. It's not worth putting my dog in that situation.

Now, being rushed by an off lead dog when we are in an on leash area? That makes my blood boil and happens all too frequently round by me

[Aidan3]

It has nothing to do with dogs being reactive, which you should know seeing as you have amazing dog behaviour qualifications. As I said, the same dog might be fine if it was off leash as well.

Your sense of entitlement clearly tells you that your dogs should be free to approach anyone they like at an off leash area , whether their dogs are on leash or not, and that person and dog better like it and not react badly! This speaks for your supposed knowledgability about dogs.

Pardon me, but I'm not sure what you are referring to? Why on earth would you be so critical of me personally? That's really hurtful, I didn't say I was amazing but it is a fact that I have a breadth of experience and I fully understand these issues. You'd spoken to me like I had no idea, which was rude to begin with.

I'm also not sure when my dogs have been free to approach anyone they like? Where did you get that idea from? I've been saying almost the complete opposite.

When are off-leash dogs supposed to be off-leash on an off-leash beach during peak times? By your standards, never.

[Aidan3]

Having been a dog forum member for many years now, I know that you shouldn't let your dog run up to other dogs on lead at off leash areas. Problem is, I don't think the vast majority of the public realise this. All they think is, my dog is friendly and we come to the off leash area for a run around and for him to play with other dogs.

With that in mind, I would never take a nervous or reactive dog to an off leash area while other dogs were present. It's not worth putting my dog in that situation.

Now, being rushed by an off lead dog when we are in an on leash area? That makes my blood boil and happens all too frequently round by me

Yup, a common sense approach and I agree fully. The whole reason for designating areas as on-leash or off-leash is so that different dogs can enjoy themselves safely in appropriate environments.

[Aidan3]

Another thing - how about people with dogs on-leash in off-leash areas not approaching dogs who are playing off-leash? Or does it only work the other way?

[Dame Aussie]

I'm not comfortable with my dogs being off lead around other unknown dogs and my Anatolian doesn't understand the concept of recall *rolleyes* so they are always on lead unless we have an area to ourselves.

If other dogs are around, they go back on lead. I don't appreciate being approached by unknown dogs, however if it happened and said dog was friendly, I'd get over it.