I'm Becoming Afraid To Walk My Dogs

[hankdog]

I've often thought that should one of the many off lead fluffies get to Jake he would probably be blamed for doing damage. I just had to cut my walk short because of an off leash BC roaming next to a four lanes of traffic.

I really think any efforts to stop attacks should take into account that any dogs behaviour is an interaction between the dogs temperament (that may or may not have anything to do with it's breed) and the way the dog is managed.

The worst of dogs correctly managed is going to be less of a problem than a normal dog allowed to roam and do as it pleases.

This weekend I'm taking hubby and video to get some footage of two littles terrors who are allowed to patrol and attack in their street. Last week my daughter blocked them whilst I got Jake past and the one had a go at her. I'm finally out of patience with them.

Edited August 30, 2013 by hankdog

[Dame Aussie]

Oh Stan's mum, a fractured skull?!!? I hope he is ok.

[Dame Aussie]

We were rushed by a SWF that escaped its yard. Owner saw the whole thing and did f*** all.

It bolted across the road snarling and snapping and was quite surprised when it copped a kick. No way are my dogs getting into trouble for reacting to that. Neither of them did luckily.

[Rosetta]

Oh dear. It is all so despressing really and sad.

I thought of this thread this morning as I walked out of my gate with my five only to see a couple of houses up Walter the Weimaraner wandering down the footpath.

Now I know where Walter lives and he is a lovely dog, but I have one highly reactive little dog who sets the others off, particularly if there is a dog on the loose, so I didn't care to see how placid Walter would be with my lot telling him he should not be there.

When Walter saw me and mine, he started loping towards me, naturally, as any dog out having a wander and sniff would do.

I dragged mine back down the garden, shut them inside, looked back to see Walter's rear end poking out of my side garden, tail going like a windmill obviously having a a great time.

However, by the time I'd unsnipped the dogs' leads and gone outside again with a spare lead and a handful of treats, he was nowhere to be seen. I checked a couple of neighbours' yards, but couldn't see him. His colour of course is a wonderful camouflage.

So I set out again with just two dogs figuring they'd be the "tethered goat" and hopefully would flush Walter out :D :D . I didn't see him again, but heard him when I passed by his house on my return journey.

This is the second time in as many days that I have found Walter wandering. Do you need to be told? ...... his owners have tradesmen working in their yard.

I'll be popping in later to let them know ...... as if they didn't .

Tradesmen used to be a huge problem in the suburbs with their dogs on sites roaming free to harass passers by - I haven't noticed it happening so much these days though.

[casowner]

I have had some awful experiences with my dogs in public. The latest was only last week when I was walking my two dogs, a woman was heading towards us on a narrow walkway with her Anatolian Shepherd running off leash in front of her, I sat my dogs and stood in front of them and called to the woman to place her dog on the leash, she ignored me and the dog started to run at us, I yelled that one of my dogs was reactive and for her to put her dog on the leash, eventually she caught the dog and hit it putting it on the leash and walking past me, I was shaking with anger and fear by this stage, Abbie remained sitting behind me but Yogi Whippet was barking and carrying on( but still under control) as the woman passed me I told her that dogs had to be leashed in public and she told me that aggressive dogs weren't allowed in public.

I rang the ranger when I got home and asked if I was at fault in anyway or could have handled the situation better, he said that I did all I could to keep the situation safe and that if he had seen the incident the woman would have been fined for having her dog off leash and not under adequate control.

Unfortunately I now I feel that I do not want to walk my dogs in the area where I had this happen as I don't trust that she would put her dog on the leash if she came across us again.

There is no instance I would ever have my ASD or CAS off lead, they have no recall and have extreme drive. I don't care how well you think people know their dogs, once they are in drive mode it is almost impossible to recall them. Posts like yours Robbi make me fear for the future of my breeds

Edited to add by drive I mean whatever they are focused on - running, playing etc not being protective. Once Azure is focused on anything she goes and there is nothing I can do to distract her, I swear she chases imaginary rainbows half of the time

Edited August 30, 2013 by behluka

[Loving my Oldies]

Tradesmen used to be a huge problem in the suburbs with their dogs on sites roaming free to harass passers by - I haven't noticed it happening so much these days though.

A vet told me a long time ago that having tradesmen working in the house and/or yard is the most dangerous time for dogs. Tradesmen too busy/forgetful about gates and doors.

When I have tradesmen here, I don't leave the house.

Edit: Sorry, I see you mean the dogs owned by tradesmen. Yes, they can be a problem too. Neighbours on both sides used get in mower people to do their lawns who would bring their dogs. The mowing was bad enough to set my dogs off, let alone having a strang dog running the fences. Hasn't happened for a long time though.

Edited August 30, 2013 by Danny's Darling

[Dame Aussie]

I have had some awful experiences with my dogs in public. The latest was only last week when I was walking my two dogs, a woman was heading towards us on a narrow walkway with her Anatolian Shepherd running off leash in front of her, I sat my dogs and stood in front of them and called to the woman to place her dog on the leash, she ignored me and the dog started to run at us, I yelled that one of my dogs was reactive and for her to put her dog on the leash, eventually she caught the dog and hit it putting it on the leash and walking past me, I was shaking with anger and fear by this stage, Abbie remained sitting behind me but Yogi Whippet was barking and carrying on( but still under control) as the woman passed me I told her that dogs had to be leashed in public and she told me that aggressive dogs weren't allowed in public.

I rang the ranger when I got home and asked if I was at fault in anyway or could have handled the situation better, he said that I did all I could to keep the situation safe and that if he had seen the incident the woman would have been fined for having her dog off leash and not under adequate control.

Unfortunately I now I feel that I do not want to walk my dogs in the area where I had this happen as I don't trust that she would put her dog on the leash if she came across us again.

There is no instance I would ever have my ASD or CAS off lead, they have no recall and have extreme drive. I don't care how well you think people know their dogs, once they are in drive mode it is almost impossible to recall them. Posts like yours Robbi make me fear for the future of my breeds

Edited to add by drive I mean whatever they are focused on - running, playing etc not being protective. Once Azure is focused on anything she goes and there is nothing I can do to distract her, I swear she chases imaginary rainbows half of the time

Yes. My ASD X is NEVER off lead.

[RazorBlade]

Oh dear. It is all so despressing really and sad.

I thought of this thread this morning as I walked out of my gate with my five only to see a couple of houses up Walter the Weimaraner wandering down the footpath.

Now I know where Walter lives and he is a lovely dog, but I have one highly reactive little dog who sets the others off, particularly if there is a dog on the loose, so I didn't care to see how placid Walter would be with my lot telling him he should not be there.

When Walter saw me and mine, he started loping towards me, naturally, as any dog out having a wander and sniff would do.

I dragged mine back down the garden, shut them inside, looked back to see Walter's rear end poking out of my side garden, tail going like a windmill obviously having a a great time.

However, by the time I'd unsnipped the dogs' leads and gone outside again with a spare lead and a handful of treats, he was nowhere to be seen. I checked a couple of neighbours' yards, but couldn't see him. His colour of course is a wonderful camouflage.

So I set out again with just two dogs figuring they'd be the "tethered goat" and hopefully would flush Walter out <img src='http://www.dolforums.com.au/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<img src='http://www.dolforums.com.au/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />' /> <img src='http://www.dolforums.com.au/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<img src='http://www.dolforums.com.au/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />' /> . I didn't see him again, but heard him when I passed by his house on my return journey.

This is the second time in as many days that I have found Walter wandering. Do you need to be told? ...... his owners have tradesmen working in their yard.

I'll be popping in later to let them know ...... as if they didn't <img src='http://www.dolforums.com.au/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_smile_mad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<img src='http://www.dolforums.com.au/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_smile_mad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />' /> .

Tradesmen used to be a huge problem in the suburbs with their dogs on sites roaming free to harass passers by - I haven't noticed it happening so much these days though.

If its done responsibly it shouldn't be a problem. The lady who lives next to the house I'm working on at the minute, comes over to steal Toby and puts him in her back yard for a play date with her two dogs.

On the topic of people being scared to walk their dogs. I'm amazed at so many people have had enough consistent, negative experiences to put then off.

Edited August 30, 2013 by RazorBlade

[Cosmolo]

For those that don't understand how some have so many bad experiences- you ay be lucky enough to be in an area where loose dogs and dogs not under effective control aren't prevalent. As someone who walks dogs in many different areas- each area is different. Some are terrific, others are dreadful.

[megan_]

What's the verdict on bentleigh east :-) ?

[BlackJaq]

Wow, this thread is so depressing.

When we were living in town I used to kick and chase any dog that approached off lead, with owner or without and always went the same way so the resident dogs knew me and avoided me like the plague.

We still got into trouble and even had dogs charge me when I was out on the horse but I used to follow them home and go past their place the next day whilst leading the horse and with my dressage whip in hand....

Most of them learned quickly but I will never know how my horse stayed so dog friendly, even after being nipped by various cattle dog crosses when I couldn't get off quickly enough and assume the defensive position (with the horse behind me lol)

Of course when the owner was around there was usually a lot of bitching about me hitting their dog but that's just tough titties, that's what leashes are for, protecting their dog from the crazy horse whip lady...

[OSoSwift]

I once had an idiot set his cattle dog on my horse and myself as I was riding down a road. I heard him and waited as my horse wasn't scared of dogs. As it charged I was ready, spun the horse, charged the dog and chased it back where it came from, horse had ears back and teeth bared ( she was actually fine with dogs and mine could walk around her legs)

I missed the bloke by centimetres who was standing just behind a tree so he couldn't be seen sic'ing his dog onto my horse. Scared crap out of him and I told him next time I would totally give her her head and the dog would be toast. Never had an issue after that.

I just don't get it. Around here there are some issues but not as bad as some areas and I do worry more now I have Whippets than I did when I had Dobes. I stand I front roar and kick. So far it has worked!!!

[Rocketeer]

Bring a can of pepper spray and spray these roaming mutts with them.

[Rocketeer]

On another note. How about if there were larger penalties for off lead dogs? I think all dogs should be on-lead unless behind a fence or at an off lead park. A lot of dog attacks that have happened have been by off-lead or dogs who've escaped.

I know of people who've bailed their dogs out of the pound on a number of occasions or who've had dogs returned to their house by neighbours. And to them it's like "oh, not again", " He must of jumped the fence again". That type of poor/ignorant attitude towards public safety. And it's these dogs that are causing problems as we've seen in recent times.

In some parts of the world roaming dogs that 'look' menacing can be shot by police officers on the spot. Lets not let things get to that point.

I say any offlead or roaming dog/s get impounded and temp assessed, release fees increased, larger fines for off-lead dogs, repeat offenders get BANNED from ownership, breach of DD enforcements get dog PTS.

[RazorBlade]

On another note. How about if there were larger penalties for off lead dogs? I think all dogs should be on-lead unless behind a fence or at an off lead park. A lot of dog attacks that have happened have been by off-lead or dogs who've escaped.

I know of people who've bailed their dogs out of the pound on a number of occasions or who've had dogs returned to their house by neighbours. And to them it's like "oh, not again", " He must of jumped the fence again". That type of poor/ignorant attitude towards public safety. And it's these dogs that are causing problems as we've seen in recent times.

In some parts of the world roaming dogs that 'look' menacing can be shot by police officers on the spot. Lets not let things get to that point.

I say any offlead or roaming dog/s get impounded and temp assessed, release fees increased, larger fines for off-lead dogs, repeat offenders get BANNED from ownership, breach of DD enforcements get dog PTS.

What a ridiculous idea. The simple act of having a dog off a lead does not automatically mean irresponsible ownership. Nor is every off lead dog a vicious beast that is running around the neighbourhood terrorising pensioners and eating small fluffy dogs. More legislation, laws and regulation are not the answer. There are plenty of options available already, the problem is they aren't enforced. People need to be personally responsible for their actions and the actions of their animals.

[Rocketeer]

On another note. How about if there were larger penalties for off lead dogs? I think all dogs should be on-lead unless behind a fence or at an off lead park. A lot of dog attacks that have happened have been by off-lead or dogs who've escaped.

I know of people who've bailed their dogs out of the pound on a number of occasions or who've had dogs returned to their house by neighbours. And to them it's like "oh, not again", " He must of jumped the fence again". That type of poor/ignorant attitude towards public safety. And it's these dogs that are causing problems as we've seen in recent times.

In some parts of the world roaming dogs that 'look' menacing can be shot by police officers on the spot. Lets not let things get to that point.

I say any offlead or roaming dog/s get impounded and temp assessed, release fees increased, larger fines for off-lead dogs, repeat offenders get BANNED from ownership, breach of DD enforcements get dog PTS.

What a ridiculous idea. The simple act of having a dog off a lead does not automatically mean irresponsible ownership. Nor is every off lead dog a vicious beast that is running around the neighbourhood terrorising pensioners and eating small fluffy dogs. More legislation, laws and regulation are not the answer. There are plenty of options available already, the problem is they aren't enforced. People need to be personally responsible for their actions and the actions of their animals.

Not every offlead dog is a danger. But I believe keeping all dogs on-lead when not in a secure yard or dog park will reduce a lot of "accidents". Roaming dogs can cause car accidents, roadkill and the obvious dog fights, attacks on people. I think the simple act or keeping a dog on leash or contained in a secure yard could have reduced a lot the recent "accidents" that have happened.

Now, what are the "plenty of options" avaliable that you are talking about? and how do you think they can be enforced?

How can we make people personally responsible for their actions and the actions of their animals?

[RazorBlade]

On another note. How about if there were larger penalties for off lead dogs? I think all dogs should be on-lead unless behind a fence or at an off lead park. A lot of dog attacks that have happened have been by off-lead or dogs who've escaped.

I know of people who've bailed their dogs out of the pound on a number of occasions or who've had dogs returned to their house by neighbours. And to them it's like "oh, not again", " He must of jumped the fence again". That type of poor/ignorant attitude towards public safety. And it's these dogs that are causing problems as we've seen in recent times.

In some parts of the world roaming dogs that 'look' menacing can be shot by police officers on the spot. Lets not let things get to that point.

I say any offlead or roaming dog/s get impounded and temp assessed, release fees increased, larger fines for off-lead dogs, repeat offenders get BANNED from ownership, breach of DD enforcements get dog PTS.

What a ridiculous idea. The simple act of having a dog off a lead does not automatically mean irresponsible ownership. Nor is every off lead dog a vicious beast that is running around the neighbourhood terrorising pensioners and eating small fluffy dogs. More legislation, laws and regulation are not the answer. There are plenty of options available already, the problem is they aren't enforced. People need to be personally responsible for their actions and the actions of their animals.

Not every offlead dog is a danger. But I believe keeping all dogs on-lead when not in a secure yard or dog park will reduce a lot of "accidents". Roaming dogs can cause car accidents, roadkill and the obvious dog fights, attacks on people. I think the simple act or keeping a dog on leash or contained in a secure yard could have reduced a lot the recent "accidents" that have happened.

Now, what are the "plenty of options" avaliable that you are talking about? and how do you think they can be enforced?

How can we make people personally responsible for their actions and the actions of their animals?

There are also plenty of dogs that are walked every day, all over the country, off lead without incident. Just because a few off lead dogs cause a problem you support restricting everyone instead if penalising the wrong doer? There are incidents of dogs being walked on lead biting people/dogs walking past. They sometimes also break free and cause road accident and get in fights. Should we ban everyone from walking their dogs on leads just because some dogs may break free and cause a problem? No that would be ridiculous.

[koalathebear]

Reading all of this, I guess I've been pretty lucky. I live in Melba in Canberra. We have three dogs and rarely encounter aggressive off-leash dogs. I see the occasional off-leash dog but there has never been any issue. If I see a dog approaching, depending on which dog I'm walking I might walk in a different direction but generally I'll just keep walking.

Then again, we've been going to the Casey dog park every week for three years without incident whereas if you read a lot of posts here, you'd assume that dog parks were canine massacre-grounds. We bring all of our non-puppy foster dogs there for careful socialisation as well.

I guess we just try to be vigilant, keep an eye out for uncomfortable situations and exit the scene if things don't seem right. I only walk one dog at a time which makes it easier to be flexible.

My dogs have only been attacked twice - and neither times was while out walking or at a dog park. Both times were during an agility class, which isn't where you'd normally expect to see that sort of thing ...

Edited August 30, 2013 by koalathebear

[BlackJaq]

Not every offlead dog is a danger.

I actually disagree. Unattended dogs can form packs and do things that each individual dog would never dream of doing on their own. They are not only a danger to motorists due to causing accidents and pedestrians due to attacking them or harassing their on lead dogs, but they are also a problem for livestock and pet owners because a pack of dogs will often go hunting together.

All dogs need to be contained, even the friendly ones. A friendly dog will often kill just as many sheep, and just as fast as an unfriendly one.

ETA: I am referring to dogs who are not under effective control, with or without an owner present basically.

Edited August 30, 2013 by BlackJaq

[Rocketeer]

On another note. How about if there were larger penalties for off lead dogs? I think all dogs should be on-lead unless behind a fence or at an off lead park. A lot of dog attacks that have happened have been by off-lead or dogs who've escaped.

I know of people who've bailed their dogs out of the pound on a number of occasions or who've had dogs returned to their house by neighbours. And to them it's like "oh, not again", " He must of jumped the fence again". That type of poor/ignorant attitude towards public safety. And it's these dogs that are causing problems as we've seen in recent times.

In some parts of the world roaming dogs that 'look' menacing can be shot by police officers on the spot. Lets not let things get to that point.

I say any offlead or roaming dog/s get impounded and temp assessed, release fees increased, larger fines for off-lead dogs, repeat offenders get BANNED from ownership, breach of DD enforcements get dog PTS.

What a ridiculous idea. The simple act of having a dog off a lead does not automatically mean irresponsible ownership. Nor is every off lead dog a vicious beast that is running around the neighbourhood terrorising pensioners and eating small fluffy dogs. More legislation, laws and regulation are not the answer. There are plenty of options available already, the problem is they aren't enforced. People need to be personally responsible for their actions and the actions of their animals.

Not every offlead dog is a danger. But I believe keeping all dogs on-lead when not in a secure yard or dog park will reduce a lot of "accidents". Roaming dogs can cause car accidents, roadkill and the obvious dog fights, attacks on people. I think the simple act or keeping a dog on leash or contained in a secure yard could have reduced a lot the recent "accidents" that have happened.

Now, what are the "plenty of options" avaliable that you are talking about? and how do you think they can be enforced?

How can we make people personally responsible for their actions and the actions of their animals?

There are also plenty of dogs that are walked every day, all over the country, off lead without incident.

Yes there are plenty of dogs walked off-lead without incident. But there are far more dogs involved in "accidents" that are OFF-lead than ON-lead.

It's about minimising the risks. Not all people that Speed crash. There are plenty of people that speed everyday all over the country, without incident. But case studies clearly show that speed is a factor for many car accidents. And if we can reduce car accidents with limits on speed then why not?

Just because a few off lead dogs cause a problem you support restricting everyone instead if penalising the wrong doer?

It's Not about 'restricting' everyone. Again, It's about risk minimisation. Looking at accidents that are happening,looking at the contributing factors and then how to reduce the risk.

Are speed limits about 'restricting' everyone? Because not everyone who speeds crashes.

Should we be able to drive as fast as we want and only punish those who crash, when they crash? Would that reduce car accidents? Or should we take a more preventative approach?

There are incidents of dogs being walked on lead biting people/dogs walking past. They sometimes also break free and cause road accident and get in fights.

I agree. On-lead dogs can break free and become Off-lead dogs. Then the chances of accidents happening increase.

Should we ban everyone from walking their dogs on leads just because some dogs may break free and cause a problem? No that would be ridiculous.

So what is you proposal?