I'm Becoming Afraid To Walk My Dogs

[RubyStar]

Sorry Steph I wasn't clear about what I meant, I was just taking about an ordinary people park not a off leash dog park.

Of course in a dog park everyone must mix together, no point in going to one of those and expecting to be in your own bubble of personal space. I've only ever been to an off leash beach for small dogs, I've never had a problem, my little girl is easy going and mixes well. She's even good with tiny puppies. ????

I meant dog owners in an ordinary park letting their dogs off leash, I come across that regularly, some dogs are ok but others seem to take a dislike to my easy going well behaved little dog. I often wonder if she was more agressive would that put them off menacing her or would it make matters worse? ????.

Agree with Trudy. I don't do those fenced offlead dog parks, but I do shared parks with people and dogs. If my dog is onlead and your offlead dog bounds up to mine in one of these parks, I will be one of those people up in arms about it. I have every right to be there, too, and not be harassed!

[Alison03]

Sorry Steph I wasn't clear about what I meant, I was just taking about an ordinary people park not a off leash dog park.

Of course in a dog park everyone must mix together, no point in going to one of those and expecting to be in your own bubble of personal space. I've only ever been to an off leash beach for small dogs, I've never had a problem, my little girl is easy going and mixes well. She's even good with tiny puppies. ????

I meant dog owners in an ordinary park letting their dogs off leash, I come across that regularly, some dogs are ok but others seem to take a dislike to my easy going well behaved little dog. I often wonder if she was more agressive would that put them off menacing her or would it make matters worse? ????.

Agree with Trudy. I don't do those fenced offlead dog parks, but I do shared parks with people and dogs. If my dog is onlead and your offlead dog bounds up to mine in one of these parks, I will be one of those people up in arms about it. I have every right to be there, too, and not be harassed!

[Alison03]

I avoid the fenced off dog parks too Ruby, because (no offense big dog owners) I'm not happy about mixing my little dog with large dogs that are off leash in an enclosed area, it's my hang up I know I may get over it one day.

I found a dog beach in Port Macquarie, where there is a section for small dogs, I holiday there a few times a year so thats the only time Bonny gets her chance to be off leash with other dogs of a similar size to her. If my husband is with me, I have been to a different dog beach with her and not had an incident, Bonny shoots back to us if she feels threatened at all, she seems to be able to pick the less than friendly dogs. If her tail starts to drop (she's a Shihtzu and has a high tail that curls on her back) down low, I know she has trust issues with the dog nearest to her. She'll slowly walk away back to us, I watch the dog she's marked as unstable and sure enough it will have a go at another dog.

In public parks I absolutely expect to be able to walk my dog on leash without being harassed by off leash dogs, no matter how "friendly" they are.

[Steph M]

Sorry Steph I wasn't clear about what I meant, I was just taking about an ordinary people park not a off leash dog park.

Of course in a dog park everyone must mix together, no point in going to one of those and expecting to be in your own bubble of personal space. I've only ever been to an off leash beach for small dogs, I've never had a problem, my little girl is easy going and mixes well. She's even good with tiny puppies. ????

I meant dog owners in an ordinary park letting their dogs off leash, I come across that regularly, some dogs are ok but others seem to take a dislike to my easy going well behaved little dog. I often wonder if she was more agressive would that put them off menacing her or would it make matters worse? ????.

Agree with Trudy. I don't do those fenced offlead dog parks, but I do shared parks with people and dogs. If my dog is onlead and your offlead dog bounds up to mine in one of these parks, I will be one of those people up in arms about it. I have every right to be there, too, and not be harassed!

Sure you do, but like I said do I go to parks and complain there's kids near me? I can't stand children so I steer clear.

If it's an off lead park TBH it's to be expected you'll probably be approached at some point. I try to keep Gus away from the on lead dogs, but every now and then he'll go say hi. Lucky everyone is friendly and we've never had a problem but I did see one woman with her dog who had recent surgery scars along its back, still with stitches in screaming at everyone who came near her dog. I thought Jesus lady, I wouldn't want to undo whatever had been done and I would be steering well clear of off lead parks. It just seemed a crazy risk to me.

I think you have to have a degree of being reasonable. Control is one thing, most people at our park don't have a great problem calling their dogs back but the expectation is you come to an off-lead park, you'll probably see off lead dogs and they're probably used to being allowed to socialise in such situations.

I would be totally on side if it were an on lead park, but as someone said about parks in another thread it's all about measured risk, if for whatever reason you or your dog really doesn't enjoy contact with off lead dogs you might want to consider your route or times.

I hope I'm not coming off rude or denying your right to be there, I agree and I see your point, but I think the amount of on lead parks and ovals is far outnumbering the number of off-lead parks, and of those many have on lead time restrictions.

I love our off lead park. I love chatting to the owners and letting Gus have a swim and a play, it does both of us so much good but to have to worry about someone getting up in arms about a dog doing a doggy thing in a doggy area just makes the whole thing a lot less enjoyable, and it must do for you as well.

Like I said, he's pretty good, I have a feeling this will be mostly retorted with 'control your dog' type posts, but he really is a fab little guy, just every so often a dog on a leash crosses our path and he says hi, they have a sniff and we both keep walking.

[kelpiecuddles]

I tend to agree with you Steph. My parents dog was killed by a DA dog in an offlead park. Mum's dog was offlead and didn't even approach the other dog, just ran past it about 5 metres away. The DA dog was a large mastiff cross that had been trained as a guard dog and was on an extendable lead! Even though it was an offlead park and the owner was clearly stupid and couldn't control his animal nothing could be done because mum's dog was offlead at the time and the other one was on (a completely inadequate) lead. After much investigation my father managed to track the DA dog down to it's address and it turned out the neighbours were terrified of it and yet the owner got off scot free.

Edited September 2, 2013 by kelpiecuddles

[Rosetta]

I avoid the fenced off dog parks too Ruby, because (no offense big dog owners) I'm not happy about mixing my little dog with large dogs that are off leash in an enclosed area, it's my hang up I know I may get over it one day.

I found a dog beach in Port Macquarie, where there is a section for small dogs, I holiday there a few times a year so thats the only time Bonny gets her chance to be off leash with other dogs of a similar size to her. If my husband is with me, I have been to a different dog beach with her and not had an incident, Bonny shoots back to us if she feels threatened at all, she seems to be able to pick the less than friendly dogs. If her tail starts to drop (she's a Shihtzu and has a high tail that curls on her back) down low, I know she has trust issues with the dog nearest to her. She'll slowly walk away back to us, I watch the dog she's marked as unstable and sure enough it will have a go at another dog.

In public parks I absolutely expect to be able to walk my dog on leash without being harassed by off leash dogs, no matter how "friendly" they are.

Not a hang up at all - only sensible IMO. Plenty of small dog owners agree with you. :)

[Diva]

I avoid the fenced off dog parks too Ruby, because (no offense big dog owners) I'm not happy about mixing my little dog with large dogs that are off leash in an enclosed area, it's my hang up I know I may get over it one day.

I found a dog beach in Port Macquarie, where there is a section for small dogs, I holiday there a few times a year so thats the only time Bonny gets her chance to be off leash with other dogs of a similar size to her..

Not a hang up at all - only sensible IMO. Plenty of small dog owners agree with you. :)

So do plenty of big dog owners. I avoid off lead play with littlies. It doesn't need an aggressive incident for damage to occur with a big size difference.

Edited September 2, 2013 by Diva

[Steph M]

I tend to agree with you Steph. My parents dog was killed by a DA dog in an offlead park. Mum's dog was offlead and didn't even approach the other dog, just ran past it about 5 metres away. The DA dog was a large mastiff cross that had been trained as a guard dog and was on an extendable lead! Even though it was an offlead park and the owner was clearly stupid and couldn't control his animal nothing could be done because mum's dog was offlead at the time and the other one was on (a completely inadequate) lead. After much investigation my father managed to track the DA dog down to it's address and it turned out the neighbours were terrified of it and yet the owner got off scot free.

That really is very sad, how awful for everyone. And worse for them to just get away with it!

There's one nasty Kelpie at our park, the owner uses the 'oh he doesn't like dogs younger or smaller than him' which is particularly worrisome when he has a pup Gus's age too, and I've seen the dog go for the pup a few times and everyone knows the dog by name and warns anyone walking that way they happen to pass that 'X is over that way' most of the time these days he's muzzled, but at very least he's leashed, but he's an awful dog who just breaks off his leash when need be. Everyone steers clear of him, he's an accident waiting to happen.

There's always one, I just really wish they would play ball elsewhere.

[Alison03]

I tend to agree with you Steph. My parents dog was killed by a DA dog in an offlead park. Mum's dog was offlead and didn't even approach the other dog, just ran past it about 5 metres away. The DA dog was a large mastiff cross that had been trained as a guard dog and was on an extendable lead! Even though it was an offlead park and the owner was clearly stupid and couldn't control his animal nothing could be done because mum's dog was offlead at the time and the other one was on (a completely inadequate) lead. After much investigation my father managed to track the DA dog down to it's address and it turned out the neighbours were terrified of it and yet the owner got off scot free.

[Alison03]

I tend to agree with you Steph. My parents dog was killed by a DA dog in an offlead park. Mum's dog was offlead and didn't even approach the other dog, just ran past it about 5 metres away. The DA dog was a large mastiff cross that had been trained as a guard dog and was on an extendable lead! Even though it was an offlead park and the owner was clearly stupid and couldn't control his animal nothing could be done because mum's dog was offlead at the time and the other one was on (a completely inadequate) lead. After much investigation my father managed to track the DA dog down to it's address and it turned out the neighbours were terrified of it and yet the owner got off scot free.

[Alison03]

I tend to agree with you Steph. My parents dog was killed by a DA dog in an offlead park. Mum's dog was offlead and didn't even approach the other dog, just ran past it about 5 metres away. The DA dog was a large mastiff cross that had been trained as a guard dog and was on an extendable lead! Even though it was an offlead park and the owner was clearly stupid and couldn't control his animal nothing could be done because mum's dog was offlead at the time and the other one was on (a completely inadequate) lead. After much investigation my father managed to track the DA dog down to it's address and it turned out the neighbours were terrified of it and yet the owner got off scot free.

[Alison03]

I just did a disappearing post, very annoying. ????

I think off lead parks are enter at your own risk places, there is probably signs that say that I'm guessing. So if an incident occurs there is not much that can be done about

Sorry to hear about your Mums dog Kelpie, she must have been devastated.

When I go on the off lead beach, if I see a leashed dog I assume it's either one of those dogs that doesn't come back or it has an uncertain temperament so I steer my dog away from it, although she's fairly good at picking a trouble maker. I don't like those extender leashes either, they are misused and not easy to reel in.

There is always one person who spoils it for everyone else. ????

Edited September 2, 2013 by Trudy08

[Alison03]

I avoid the fenced off dog parks too Ruby, because (no offense big dog owners) I'm not happy about mixing my little dog with large dogs that are off leash in an enclosed area, it's my hang up I know I may get over it one day.

I found a dog beach in Port Macquarie, where there is a section for small dogs, I holiday there a few times a year so thats the only time Bonny gets her chance to be off leash with other dogs of a similar size to her..

Not a hang up at all - only sensible IMO. Plenty of small dog owners agree with you. :)

So do plenty of big dog owners. I avoid off lead play with littlies. It doesn't need an aggressive incident for damage to occur with a big size difference.

[Alison03]

I sometimes wonder if I'm over sensitive about the dog attack we had, not long ago in a public park an off leash cattle dog charged us, I picked my dog up and screamed at the owner, she shouted back her dog was friendly and there was no need to get nasty. I told her my dog had nearly been killed by a charging dog and she said "You should get therapy then". I shouted back that her dog should be on a leash.

[Alison03]

I tend to agree with you Steph. My parents dog was killed by a DA dog in an offlead park. Mum's dog was offlead and didn't even approach the other dog, just ran past it about 5 metres away. The DA dog was a large mastiff cross that had been trained as a guard dog and was on an extendable lead! Even though it was an offlead park and the owner was clearly stupid and couldn't control his animal nothing could be done because mum's dog was offlead at the time and the other one was on (a completely inadequate) lead. After much investigation my father managed to track the DA dog down to it's address and it turned out the neighbours were terrified of it and yet the owner got off scot free.

That really is very sad, how awful for everyone. And worse for them to just get away with it!

There's one nasty Kelpie at our park, the owner uses the 'oh he doesn't like dogs younger or smaller than him' which is particularly worrisome when he has a pup Gus's age too, and I've seen the dog go for the pup a few times and everyone knows the dog by name and warns anyone walking that way they happen to pass that 'X is over that way' most of the time these days he's muzzled, but at very least he's leashed, but he's an awful dog who just breaks off his leash when need be. Everyone steers clear of him, he's an accident waiting to happen.

There's always one, I just really wish they would play ball elsewhere.

[kelpiecuddles]

She was devestated. Holly was only 5 months old at the time and wasn't even interested in playing with or approaching other dogs, just wanted to chase the ball and was running it back to mum when this other dog appeared with it's owner and the dog lunged out and grabbed her. Owner of course didn't have time to click the lock on the extending lead(and really it wasn't likely to have stopped 45kg + of mastiff on a mission). When they managed to drag the dog off her the guy just disappeared, didn't even ask if she was OK. Thousands of dollars later at the emergency vet she passed away.

Neighbours actually offered to drop some baited meat over the fence that was how strongly they felt about it, they were scared to go in their own yard. By all accounts the owner was a rude, arrogant scumbag so no surprise he raised a dog with issues.

That was 16 years ago now so i don't know whether the results would be different now but it cetainly made my mum very nervous taking her next dog to the park.

[Robbi]

I sometimes wonder if I'm over sensitive about the dog attack we had, not long ago in a public park an off leash cattle dog charged us, I picked my dog up and screamed at the owner, she shouted back her dog was friendly and there was no need to get nasty. I told her my dog had nearly been killed by a charging dog and she said "You should get therapy then". I shouted back that her dog should be on a leash.

Trudy, I completely understand, I have come home from walks thinking maybe I do need therapy Why is it that when you ask people to put their dogs on leash( In an area they are meant to be leashed any way) does it end up a very stressful situation, never have I had someone put their dog on a leash without being rude or abusive. I always initially ask politely but have been known to end up yelling like a banshee when situations require it, suprisingly the times that I have ended up yelling at someone my dogs have behaved impeccably!

Edited September 2, 2013 by Robbi

[Steph M]

I can see why the neighbours offered, KelpieCuddles. Not condoning it but when I first read that I did think that might well be how it ends for the dog eventually, as awful as it is.

I know where you're coming from too, Trudy. Mum has a shih-tzu too, the happiest little chubber out but does not like big dogs, lost her eye to a misc x breed next door who took palings off the fence one night and went for her. I can't say I blame her, she's come miles but still doesn't love being loomed over by a big dog. Lucky most big dog owners tend to understand when you explain she's a bit nervy, but it's hard not to panic for her, which makes it worse!

Robbi I love when you're in the right and your dogs are being angels, there's nothing more satisfying!

[Steph M]

I had a coffee and was thinking how to clarify myself a bit better (I felt kind of like a jerk walking away after posting that

Didn't mean to be so abrasive!)

I was thinking if you really want off lead dogs off the street there needs to still be somewhere they can go and be dogs, it just feels to me like another step toward a dog intolerant society.

Lots of us place lots of importance on exercising and socialising our dogs, we all do it differently and heaps of us choose to avoid dog parks which is totally understandable, but for those of us who don't they serve a huge purpose. I sure don't live on an acreage (as much as I would love to one day) and day to day urban life isn't incredibly stimulating for all dogs, mine wouldn't enjoy a lap around the block and back to the yard once every few days, I know to wear Gus out takes an off lead run, some fetch and probably a swim.

For a lot of people the park is invaluable training and exposure time, as properties get smaller and yards more often paved a good romp in the grass can be rare.

I am the first to stand up and say I'm not a super dog trainer, I wish I was but it's a work in progress here. I've come to realise I'm still sometimes miles above Joe Public with their first puppy and 3 kids in tow, not always mind you, I've been put to shame before and will again.

There's always going to be dogs trained less than perfectly or in ways you disagree with and dogs will be dogs, even a seemingly perfectly trained dog might still ignore or miss the odd command?

Does that make them less deserving of off lead park time or does it give the owner a chance to get an idea of what they have to work on and catch any issues early and reward the good stuff?

There was some discussion in another thread about an acceptable recall and someone posted something from a council (from memory) saying the dog who will return within 3 attempts to call them back has an acceptable recall, everyone has different levels of acceptable training and I guess that's something you come up against, most of all in an off lead dog park with good smells and distractions and fun things to do. If that really really stresses you or your dog out, I can't imagine why you would want to walk there. Sounds like my nightmare! :laugh:

[mita]

I sometimes wonder if I'm over sensitive about the dog attack we had, not long ago in a public park an off leash cattle dog charged us, I picked my dog up and screamed at the owner, she shouted back her dog was friendly and there was no need to get nasty. I told her my dog had nearly been killed by a charging dog and she said "You should get therapy then". I shouted back that her dog should be on a leash.

She needs the therapy for empathy deficiency.