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Dogs On Melbourne Trains


PepitoVFR
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Am thinking of taking my small Maltese into the Melbourne CBD yesterday and taking the train instead of the car.

According to this I shouldn't have a problem:

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/luggage-bikes-and-animals/animals-on-public-transport/

However I'd feel silly putting a muzzle on her (assuming they even make them in her size?)

Has anybody here had any experience taking their small dog on Melbourne trains?

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No personal experience but I've seen plenty of small dogs without muzzles being walked on and off trains, including past PSOs (only pulled aside so the PSO could let the lady know her dog was cute).

But I have also seen a small muzzled pup be escorted off because "not allowed on" so I guess better safe than sorry and stranded?

To clarify - it was the train driver who kicked the dog off, not a PSO. and the train driver was in the wrong but I guess they didn't want trouble.

Edited by Thistle the dog
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Most people with small dogs get away with it. But I have to muzzle my large dog on the train so I don't see why it should be one rule for small dog owners and another for me. Small dogs still have teeth.

I would still muzzle my dog regardless because I've had people try to intentionally scare and physically provoke my dog on the train and I don't want her to be put in a position to get in trouble.

And if you do get a narky PSO if your dog is muzzled they won't have a reason to be able to ask you off the train.

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Just wondering with the laws but what if like my griff or say a pug they have no muzzle to put a muzzle on?

Get him a false nose from a party shop and whack a muzzle on that :)

Thanks for the responses everybody.

I actually didn't know such small muzzles were available. Think I'll order one today for future trips.

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Just wondering with the laws but what if like my griff or say a pug they have no muzzle to put a muzzle on?

I found this website that makes them custom to order. They also have a wire basket design at the bottom of the page too.

Not sure how well they would go on the really really flat faced individuals though.

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Its a stupid rule! I doubt you'd have any trouble. :)

I don't think it's a stupid rule. I think it's stupid that PSOs pick and choose which dogs they enforce it on.

The fact that anyone can bring their potentially aggressive dog on a train which in itself can freak dogs out on top of the fact they are in a confined space with a lot of people (some of which can be very hostile) means requiring dogs to be muzzled or crated is probably a pretty good idea.

It's just a prevention method that really isnt a big deal for dog and owner to uphold. All we need is someone's unmuzzled dog to bite someone on a train and then no dogs will be allowed on. Small dogs can already go on Vline, buses and trams if crated, the train is the only option for people like me with a large dog and no license/car.

I'm sure OP will probably have no issues catching the train unmuzzled, nor will their dog pose a threat to other passengers but it's a rule. I don't see the point in keeping my dog on lead in empty on lead parks since she has good recall and I pick up after her, but it's a rule so I follow it on matter of principle...

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Its a stupid rule! I doubt you'd have any trouble. :)

I don't think it's a stupid rule. I think it's stupid that PSOs pick and choose which dogs they enforce it on.

The fact that anyone can bring their potentially aggressive dog on a train which in itself can freak dogs out on top of the fact they are in a confined space with a lot of people (some of which can be very hostile) means requiring dogs to be muzzled or crated is probably a pretty good idea.

It's just a prevention method that really isnt a big deal for dog and owner to uphold. All we need is someone's unmuzzled dog to bite someone on a train and then no dogs will be allowed on. Small dogs can already go on Vline, buses and trams if crated, the train is the only option for people like me with a large dog and no license/car.

I'm sure OP will probably have no issues catching the train unmuzzled, nor will their dog pose a threat to other passengers but it's a rule. I don't see the point in keeping my dog on lead in empty on lead parks since she has good recall and I pick up after her, but it's a rule so I follow it on matter of principle...

+2, I think it's a very real risk that people seem to forget. It only takes one person breaking the rule to make it go from "dogs with restrictions" to "no dogs at all". We've been lucky so far with our dogs on public transport (not causing trouble), but even one stressed out little small dog could give a nasty bite to someone :/ and then none at all. This way, your bases are covered.

Although I did not think vlines let them go on at all, even with a carrier? did that get changed?

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I train travelled daily for years with my dogs, often I had two with me. Never was I asked to show a ticket for them or told to put a muzzle on them. Most inspectors would give them a pat and keep going. I would keep a muzzle with you but not put it on unless asked. As long as your dogs is calm and quiet I wouldn't think you would have an issue.

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V Line allow only small dogs in carriers which is discrimination :mad

I think 10kg and under last time I checked?

I don't really think muzzles are necessary but I think if any dog needs to be muzzled they should all be muzzled.

ETA: Just checked, carrier + pet cannot weigh over 15kg.

Edited by Dame Aussie
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V Line allow only small dogs in carriers which is discrimination :mad

I think 10kg and under last time I checked?

I don't really think muzzles are necessary but I think if any dog needs to be muzzled they should all be muzzled.

ETA: Just checked, carrier + pet cannot weigh over 15kg.

Somewhat confusing : "Small domestic animals can be carried in an approved animal container (weighing no more than 15 kg, 56 cm long/30 cm wide/38 cm high on trains only. V/Line staff may refuse carriage of pets." - off the back of my V/Line ticket.

And if the train is cancelled, as ours are so often, you can't take your properly contained pet on the replacement bus. One poor bloke & his chihuahua was stranded at Albury/Wodonga for five hours recently when the train was replaced by a bus again.

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