Guest LittleMissOdie Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Just wanted to hear some thought about an incident I experienced & wondering if I was in the wrong. The area I live in is very dog friendly and there are lots of off lead areas that are shared. The area that I frequent has an off lead area which is unfenced and is shared with kids, joggers & bikers (lots of walking paths). I frequently walk through this area no problem with my dog on a leash. Though she is very friendly, I do not let her off lead as her recall is not reliable and she is still learning polite doggy manners - she tends to be boisterous so I'm very careful with her interactions with other dogs. Today we went for our usual afternoon walk. I have been using a long leash to walk her as we are practicing recall and its a great way to practice calling her off distractions and lets me reel her in when needed. It also gives her a bit more room to (politely) greet other dogs if they run up to her. So far there has been no issues at all. The other owners have been lovely and I've met some "regulars" that let me practice my recall/distraction training with their dogs which I'm very grateful for as it helps immensely with training. Today there was a lady and her kids who had a big black dog off leash. We were making our way from the car towards the walking track when this dog started charging at my dog and barking. The lady called it away but it continued to stalk us as we walked, charging and barking at my girl who looked a bit unsure but did not react. After the 3rd time it charged I picked my dog up and called out for the lady to call her dog off please. She responded (quite angrily) "it's because your dog is on a lead!" Just wondering if I was in the wrong here? I understand dog's body language changes when they are restrained but my dog was not acting aggressively in any way. Is taking her to an area like this a bad idea? I know that it's not advisable to keep a dog leashed in a fenced in dog park but this was more of an open area that was shared. Just genuinely curious what others would do in this situation or suggestions on what to do next time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdierikx Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 My opinion? The person with the uncontrolled dog was in the wrong... and I'm pretty sure even in an off leash area, all dogs must still be under effective control. If she couldn't or wouldn't call it away from your dog, then she is legally in the wrong. T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabbath Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I find it common for owners of dogs that are not under effective control to blame others. You're not in the wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tazar Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I do not believe you were in the wrong. From what you have described the other owner did not have control over her dog, as she was unable to call it back...simple... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 As already said the other dog was not under control so don't feel bad - her problem not yours :) Having said that there are often 'issues' when it comes to offlead areas ....................... and that's why I avoid them like the plague Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LittleMissOdie Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I find it common for owners of dogs that are not under effective control to blame others. You're not in the wrong. Thank you. I was very surprised at her reaction especially as I called out politely and her dog came charging from a few meters away.. It's the 2nd time someone has mentioned my dog being on a leash around off leash dogs, I just want to double check that I'm not doing the wrong thing, especially as its my 1st time being a dog owner in Australia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara8430 Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Thats happened to us before as well when we first took abbey to the beach, I was mad feel guilty for attracting another persons dog because I had Abbey on long line leash if you don't have 100% trust of your own dogs recall you shouldn't be made to feel bad for having your dog on a leash. Doesn't sound like the other dog was under control, I would have been nervous and angry myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LittleMissOdie Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 As already said the other dog was not under control so don't feel bad - her problem not yours :) Having said that there are often 'issues' when it comes to offlead areas ....................... and that's why I avoid them like the plague Thanks I feel much better! Where are all of you sensible dog owners hiding and how come I never come across you in real life?? :) I avoid any fenced dog park situation but as I mentioned where I live is very dog friendly... There are so many off leash areas everywhere and even the non off leash areas are dominated by off leash dogs which can be frustrating... I suppose I need to look harder for quieter spots to train my pup! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Some people seem to think that not only is an "off leash" area a free for all, but people with dogs on leads shouldn't be there. Being allowed to have your dog off leash is a privilege and with it comes the responsibility of keeping your dog under effective control and that includes not allowing it encroach on others, steal other dogs toys, join family picnics, stalk or charge, run circles around or bark at other owners and their dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LittleMissOdie Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Thats happened to us before as well when we first took abbey to the beach, I was mad feel guilty for attracting another persons dog because I had Abbey on long line leash if you don't have 100% trust of your own dogs recall you shouldn't be made to feel bad for having your dog on a leash. Doesn't sound like the other dog was under control, I would have been nervous and angry myself. I definitely felt nervous and I hated having to pick my dog up... I don't like picking her up in any situation because I want her to work out situations for herself and not encourage any "small dog syndrome" but the other dog would not leave her alone. Her recall is getting better every day but I still cannot trust that she'll come back to me under all circumstances so until then we'll keep training... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LittleMissOdie Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Some people seem to think that not only is an "off leash" area a free for all, but people with dogs on leads shouldn't be there. Being allowed to have your dog off leash is a privilege and with it comes the responsibility of keeping your dog under effective control and that includes not allowing it encroach on others, steal other dogs toys, join family picnics, stalk or charge, run circles around or bark at other owners and their dogs. Agreed, I really wish I came across more owners with the same attitude. People often seem puzzled when they realise my dog is friendly and happy to play, I always get asked why I don't just let her off the lead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 (edited) Thanks I feel much better! Where are all of you sensible dog owners hiding and how come I never come across you in real life?? :) I avoid any fenced dog park situation but as I mentioned where I live is very dog friendly... There are so many off leash areas everywhere and even the non off leash areas are dominated by off leash dogs which can be frustrating... I suppose I need to look harder for quieter spots to train my pup! We go to sports ovals (when not being used :laugh: ), parks and basically anywhere you're allowed to have a dog - even the park NEXT TO the offlead park. She has a very good recall so I have no problem training her offlead. I also take her to the local obedience club, although we have never joined their group training, and that's where she gets to know other dogs under control - we go there to practice ringwork for trials. I took her everywhere when she was younger BUT never an offlead park and she doesn't seem to have suffered for missing out on the experience. I sometimes wonder if the dogs owners need those parks (for socialising) more than their dogs ETA have you tried an Obedience Club? Edited July 12, 2013 by gsdog2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
korbin13 Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I am confused as to why she would think a dog on a lead would make her dog reactive My experience is it is usually the dog on the leash that reacts. But yes, you did nothing wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverStar-Aura Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 (edited) I am confused as to why she would think a dog on a lead would make her dog reactive My experience is it is usually the dog on the leash that reacts. But yes, you did nothing wrong. Korbin there are actually instances of this happening. I think sometimes the dogs can get too familiar with their surroundings and deem the park to be 'theirs'. It happens at my local park with some of the dogs who go every day. One dog in particular actually approaches and barks at people who walk through the park without a dog, but he's fine with people who have dogs with them and yes, I've seen all too often a herd of dogs rush up to an on lead dog and bark in its face. Most of the regulars are pretty quick to call their dogs away, but the way I see it, they should be more aware of people approaching and stop their dogs before they have the chance to rush off. It is very intimidating to both dog and owner to be rushed at -- even if they are all friendly dogs. To the OP, you've unfortunately encountered the attitude I absolutely HATE regarding off leash areas. For some reason, the majority of people who use them seem to be of the opinion that the park is for their dogs to become involved in a massive 'free for all'. I tried commenting on one particular off leash park's FB page that I'm allowed to do any type of training I want in an off leash park without having dogs rush at me. I was vehemently shot down saying that if I want to do training, go elsewhere and if I didn't want my dogs interacting with other dogs, I shouldn't be at the park. How one is supposed to work on a reliable recall with distractions when you're not allowed in a place that creates distractions is beyond my comprehension. This particular park also has a ban on bringing toys to the park for your dogs to play with. I can sort of understand this rule as some dogs get highly possessive, however, if I bring a toy to toss for my dog, I shouldn't have everyone else's dogs stealing the toy away. Again, I've been told if I want to play fetch, do so in my own backyard not at the park. When I commented that not everyone has a backyard, I got shot down again with replies of 'why even have a dog then?' The attitudes of this particular crowd is one I avoid like the plague -- as others have mentioned. I commend you for being responsible enough to keep your pup on a lead whilst you work on its training. Recall is by far one of the hardest things to teach a dog -- unless you're one of the lucky ones who owns a dog that naturally just wants to hang around with no recall training whatsoever! Stick to your guns; you're definitely within your rights to walk your dog how you see fit. Off leash area doesn't make being off leash compulsory. Edited July 12, 2013 by RiverStar-Aura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ann21 Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 (edited) My dog is abit ball obsessed and if there was a ball at an off leash park he would definitely go for it. I would also probably have to spend the whole time holding onto my dog if the person with the ball stayed there. So no, I don't think it's fair if people bring toys to the off leash park and expect dogs not to be attracted to them. If the dog was just holding the toy in the mouth the whole time I could probably still manage it, but throw in a game of fetch and squeaky noises and I have got no chance. Edited July 12, 2013 by ann21 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 My dog is abit ball obsessed and if there was a ball at an off leash park he would definitely go for it. I would also probably have to spend the whole time holding onto my dog if the person with the ball stayed there. So no, I don't think it's fair if people bring toys to the off leash park and expect dogs not to be attracted to them. If the dog was just holding the toy in the mouth the whole time I could probably still manage it, but throw in a game of fetch and squeaky noises and I have got no chance. Then you need to do some more training with your dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I agree WW, my dog loves balls and will fetch for hours but I would never think it was ok for her to steal another dogs ball. I wouldn't have her off leash if that was the case, it can be controlled with training. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdierikx Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 My Lab will fetch other dogs' balls, but if told to "give" she'll spit them out quick smart. She sometimes used to take the ball back to the thrower and drop it at their feet if I didn't yell "give" fast enough for the owner's dog to get the ball themselves... most people thought that it was quite funny, but I actively discouraged her taking other dogs' balls. She also has very good recall, so if I saw her going for another dog's ball, I'd call her back pretty smartly - she's bloody fast though, and can see things being thrown from a very long distance... *grin* T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LittleMissOdie Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 We go to sports ovals (when not being used :laugh: ), parks and basically anywhere you're allowed to have a dog - even the park NEXT TO the offlead park. She has a very good recall so I have no problem training her offlead. I also take her to the local obedience club, although we have never joined their group training, and that's where she gets to know other dogs under control - we go there to practice ringwork for trials. I took her everywhere when she was younger BUT never an offlead park and she doesn't seem to have suffered for missing out on the experience. I sometimes wonder if the dogs owners need those parks (for socialising) more than their dogs ETA have you tried an Obedience Club? Good on you gsdog, sounds like you have a very well trained pup! Obedience class is next on our list - we've been working 1 on 1 with a trainer to resolve the recall/excitement issues first before we move onto a class, I've been trying to "proof" some commands around distraction. She's very smart and obedient at home but all that training goes out the window when she sees other dogs. In hindsight I really wish I had taken your more structured approach to socialisation - I made the mistake of letting her play with every friendly dog that came along and well, now that's all she wants to do :laugh: I will definitely be doing things differently with my next pup, it's been a huge learning experience for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverStar-Aura Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I agree WW, my dog loves balls and will fetch for hours but I would never think it was ok for her to steal another dogs ball. I wouldn't have her off leash if that was the case, it can be controlled with training. That's how I view it too. I'm mean I'm not a toy nazi at all and am quite happy to have other dogs join in a game of fetch provided it's on my terms. I need to know the other dog well before I'll include them in a game because if it's a strange dog, I don't know if it has possession issues or not. My own dog Zeus also likes to glomp in on others' games of fetch because he enjoys chasing the dogs, not the toys. However, I call him back before he even gets near the other dogs and distract him with food or his own toy. If he continues trying to approach the playing dogs, I leash him and take him to a quieter spot away from the games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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