Campaign To Allow Dogs In More Public Places

[Christina]

It totally pisses me off that my dogs are hardly welcome anywhere.

This attitude is the reason why there there is so much trouble, complaints & attacks here, over reaction to health issues & general intolerance to dogs.

When will people realise that most illness & disease is caught from other people not dogs & it is people who make the most mess not dogs. More people are attacked & harmed by other people than dogs too.

As long as they are on a lead in busy places & near traffic & not in food shops I can't see why they are banned from so many places.

How can the dogs become socialised & bomb proof if they can hardly go anywhere & living rural its even worse you have to travel to find a crowd & traffic to get them used to it.

I doubt the australian people will become more tolerant but good luck with it.

[BarbedWire]

I just googled dogs in Europe and it came back with some awful images. https://www.google.com.au/search?q=dogs+in+europe&rlz=1C1CHWA_enAU620AU620&espv=2&biw=1600&bih=775&tbm=isch&imgil=a1lalOeaoEd3EM%253A%253BIJbzemf4cqfHsM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.esdaw.eu%25252Fthe-strays-in-europe.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=a1lalOeaoEd3EM%253A%252CIJbzemf4cqfHsM%252C_&usg=__OWUw3Z4U30u98J1kPoaIdduE4u4%3D&ved=0ahUKEwiE3fOwmJTMAhXiL6YKHcFHBmYQyjcILQ&ei=fboSV8SqHOLfmAXBj5mwBg#tbm=isch&q=dogs+in+europe&imgrc=_

Why do Australians always think that what other countries do is better? I am happy with the way it is here at the moment. The other day I saw a dog in Bunnings and I gave it a wide berth because I did not want to be watching it as well as searching the shelves for what I wanted. I also hate dogs (and misbehaving children) in cafes because I want peace when I drink my coffee.

[Lhok]

Also in all of those photos you put up in your facebook link people only had one dog with them. Would that be the rule or would they be able to take multiple dogs with them? If they are allowed to take multiple dogs with them it become a lot more crowded. Also even assistance dogs can have off days while out in public, which means if there are more dogs the likelyhood of a dogs having an off day becomes greater and no one really wants to have a dog barking somewhere like a shopping centre where the sound echos.

--Lhok

[coogie]

I wonder if part of the issue is that it all seems pretty arbitrary in Australia,and there are big differences in what you can and can't do depending on were you are, we are very lucky in the area I live. Within a ten minute radius I can go to a dog friendly beach (pick of on or off leash), go to some very dog friendly cafes and restaurants,go to a market etc. Within a 30 minute radius I can take them for a walk in the state forest, go to any number of creeks and swimming holes, access public agility equipment; and they are allowed in the local pet related shops - Pet Stock, Petbarn and the independent Pet Cafe. I personally would not want to take them into other shops - every second person wants to pat them/talk about them/offer me sage advice about how I should be looking after them, they are terrible time wasters LOL.

In the event we want a night out with them (not that I do very often ) we can take them to the drive- in, or to the marina for fish and chips. There are a number of doggy friendly events in the cooler months - Pet Expo,Bark in the Park, Green Fairs etc.

Yet friends in other areas and states seem to have pretty much no where they can go with their dogs. There doesn't seem to be any consistency.

We always obey the rules where we are, keep the dogs close to us, pick up mess, take their bowls and our own water dish and there are certain times we avoid areas we would be "allowed" because of 1080 baiting and various other things, but we seem to have a reasonable variety of options for social outings, I would hate to be in an area where I felt I couldn't take them anywhere.

[LisaCC]

I just googled dogs in Europe and it came back with some awful images. https://www.google.com.au/search?q=dogs+in+europe&rlz=1C1CHWA_enAU620AU620&espv=2&biw=1600&bih=775&tbm=isch&imgil=a1lalOeaoEd3EM%253A%253BIJbzemf4cqfHsM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.esdaw.eu%25252Fthe-strays-in-europe.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=a1lalOeaoEd3EM%253A%252CIJbzemf4cqfHsM%252C_&usg=__OWUw3Z4U30u98J1kPoaIdduE4u4%3D&ved=0ahUKEwiE3fOwmJTMAhXiL6YKHcFHBmYQyjcILQ&ei=fboSV8SqHOLfmAXBj5mwBg#tbm=isch&q=dogs+in+europe&imgrc=_

Why do Australians always think that what other countries do is better? I am happy with the way it is here at the moment. The other day I saw a dog in Bunnings and I gave it a wide berth because I did not want to be watching it as well as searching the shelves for what I wanted. I also hate dogs (and misbehaving children) in cafes because I want peace when I drink my coffee.

It's a google image search none of them have context. I just did the same for 'dogs in Australia' and I also got some mange ravished puppies, some dingoes dead and strung up on a fence, and oh look, the exact same stock images of aggressive dogs...

[korbin13]

I do love the way dogs are welcomed in parts of Europe. Not so keen on the copious amounts of dog poop and random puddles of pee and the cocking of legs though (saw a dog cock its leg in a shop in Amsterdam and the owner let it finish and walked off!). Nice if there could be a balance of our way and their way.

[Ivory & Beau]

I take Ivy anywhere they allow me. I normally ask the shop owner and they say yes and then they absolutely adore her behavior.

Really wish I could get an exemption for the muzzle wearing at Bunnings. Though they've let me take her in the garden section recently and the door ladies loved her.

[moosmum]

I am comfortable with having enough places to take my dog - but also live in Adelaide and we have amazing access to dog friendly beaches - miles of suburban beaches are off leash till 10am and on leash friendly all day.

But (flame suit firmly on), it seems to me that Australians (and our dogs) are not ready to allow dogs in more places.

I was in California last year, and spend many hours down by the beach - where there was a path that went for miles along the foreshore - about 5 metres wide, two way, shared by walkers, skateboarders and cyclists - and around half the people (all modes of transport) with dogs - and it was a busy, busy path

What I noticed was - dogs were non reactive, several had pinch collars on, owners were very aware of what their dogs were doing, and the dogs around them. I didn't see a single pinch collar 'used' - loose leads everywhere.

But, they were there so if a dog did decide to pull/take off/become a nuisance, then the owner would have had a lot more 'instant' control than a flat collar.

The only time I did see a situation where there may have been a bit of 'something' was a guy who was skateboarding and had a dog trotting next to him. Dog decided that another dog was 'interesting'. Skateboarder immediately got off his skateboard and moved a few metres away to a quieter area. No fan fare, no yelling/correction or anything else. He simply stood still for about 5 mins. Dog became bored - when all was back to calm, he simply moved off.

I could just imagine it in Australia - reactive dogs every where, people being tripped up etc - all because unfortunately there are a lot of people here who have dogs and don't believe/understand that dogs need work and training, and that a dog should have boundaries - they can still be outgoing and have a happy and healthy life without annoying others.

On a different topic (but same theory) as children - it is not mean if I don't want to 'enjoy' interacting with your child (or dog) :-)

You basically just described the foreshore in Cronulla, only the path is MUCH NARROWER for a lot of it. There are stacks of dogs, runners, kids on bikes. On a nice weekend morning, it's very busy. The dogs don't cause any trouble, though. They pass each other, bikes, and runners on the footpath calmly, and there are bag dispensers so they are cleaned up after. Dogs that are brought up walking that path several times a week are unsurprisingly very good at it, just like dogs that are raised walking paths at the beach in California are very good at it. The problems we encounter in Cronulla on the dog beach or in the mall are with dogs that are making their first outings. They do have to learn how to handle these environments, and they won't learn it if they aren't ever allowed there.

Also describes a resort town in Canada. Only incident that came to my attention was through the paper, reporting an injured dog and charges laid when a 'tourist' took a short cut through a private property, the resident dog took exception to the G.S.D with the tourist who stepped in resulting in resident dog being injured and needing Vet. treatment. The tourist wore the charges and costs.

No, every one doesn't do the right thing. But I do think the culture is much more aware of their responsibilities in general, with more opportunities and example to learn FROM.

I think the value of training is better understood, because its benefits are demonstrated every day in contrast to those who don't. Also noted the pound in that area covered pretty much the whole county and was rarely full.

The Vet. provided a spey and neuter for pound dogs through his 'Angel' fund, where a donation could be made for a beautiful certificate on velum ( I have one) in memory of a loved pet.

The community had funded through their own efforts for a 'Police' dog and out fitted van. AND Vet. treatment for the previous dog that ran into thousands from complications due to a broken leg sustained in a ball game. Like community mascots. I was lucky enough to meet both.

Edited April 17, 2016 by moosmum

[WoofnHoof]

I think it would be great to be able to take dogs more places, on lead and with poo bags of course :)

[JulesP]

I'm quite content with the number of places I can take dogs around were I live. There are quite a number of gardens, markets, cafes etc were they are welcome. I wouldn't want to take them to the shops anyway.

[Nushie]

I think it depends on where you live. I used to live in Sydney and it was really hard to find parks etc that allowed off leash dogs. Even parks that weren't sporting grounds or had play equipment were mostly on leash only. The only other options were dog parks and I try to avoid them if I can, but even they were few and far between.

Melbourne is fantastic and a lot more dog friendly. We live in northern suburbs and there are a number of off leash parks and their are a lot of creek walks that allow dogs which is great as it means we can walk in nicer places other then streets and the dogs get to smell new things. A lot of cafes will allow you to sit out the front with dogs and all the ones I have stopped at with ours will bring out a bowl of fresh water for them.

I don't think dogs need to be in shopping centres or in restaurants. I am 100% happy with what I can do with my two dogs where we live. I do wish that there were more national park type places where you could go for really decent walks with dogs (onleash). But that's about it.

Even rentals are more pet friendly down here :)

[JulesP]

I was going to say it would be good if you could go into some national parks as I am right near one but I wouldn't be going in there by myself anyway!!

The council wants to build a path through the Dandenongs and it would be good if dogs were allowed on that.

[Akayla]

I am going to against the grain and say I would like to see dogs (perhaps where they have obtained a certain level of obedience?) allowed in more places.

An example would be my GSD. From almost the day I got him I carried him in a bag. Most people never even knew he was there but I just wanted him to be exposed to these places even if he couldn't actually get his paws on the ground. Particularly the local schools. I live within 2 minutes of 5 schools. So it was something he would see a lot of even if he didn't get that close.

He is a far more laid back dog when it comes to those sorts of experiences. Of course he eventually got to big to carry and we have to keep quite a distance away (not staffies or SWF because apparently those are OK on school grounds :/ ). I can see the huge difference it has made to him and I can just imagine how much more I could have done with him with given the chance. Of course I still work on his training and he is proving a very good boy but not AS good as he could be.

This reminds me of the discussion years ago about training off lead behaviour. Many people felt that training in small pockets of dog park would bomb proof their dog if it ever got offlead and I disagreed. Not saying run out and let your dog off the lead immediately but that at a certain level of training it would be beneficial to work with them offlead in more varied situations. My opinion isn't going to be popular but its based on a lot of experience and factual information. I think its best to be prepared than to hope your dog will just cope in any situation. At least where possible.

I know my sister who lives in Sweden agrees with letting dogs into more places. Her opinion isn't just based on a holiday, she has lived most of her life there. She plans to move here but the way in which we treat our dogs does put her off a little. We have so much more space (in our homes) but we keep them locked away a lot more. Although I am sure some people have life styles that suit keeping their dog with them more often I wouldn't say that's often the case. Many dogs spend hours and hours day in and day out stuck in one backyard. Bit sad when you think of what amazing creatures they are. I know I would LOVE to be able to have my dog with me sometimes when I need to make a run to the shops after dark. I feel a bit of edge with two young girls on my own and a dogs presence would just help me feel safer. Selfish I know :laugh:

[MonElite]

To clarify - I didnt just go on holidays and observed this, I lived in Europe for half of my life.

I understand that people might not want a dog in a supermarket, but what about a corner store, when you just duck out from home to get milk?

I recall my previous shop owner allowing me to walk in with a dog. I now moved and pretty much drive everywhere.

I would love to be able to take my dog/dogs on public transport and go to the city sometimes.

I live far and driving is very expensive, plus no parking. I could catch a train on a Sunday and walk around Darling Harbour or Hyde Park or go to Manly, but that is not possible with the dog.

I'm not talking about letting dogs run wild everywhere, I think a well behaved dog on leash and sometimes muzzled (lets say on public transport) is no issue.

What about some old person that can no longer drive and cant walk to the vet? They cant even take a dog to the vet on a bus or train, as they are not allowed. They have to rely on family or neighbours, as most taxis wont take a pet either. Could be a life or death situation for someones beloved pet.

Few years ago I went with my extremely well behaved dobermann to Darling Harbour., I was with a group of friends Wanted to stop for a drink in an OUTDOOR cafe/bar and was not allowed.

I said Ill stay outside with the dog as there was a bench right near the flower pots making a boundary of the cafe, but they wouldn't allow me to have a drink there. Pretty damn sad situation.......

Yes I could have left the dog at home, but why should I? He was the only dog at the time, I worked full time and he was alone 5 days a week. I wanted to enjoy an outing with friends and with the dog, but no, not possible.

I never wanted to go inside the building, just sit at a corner table (that was free) with the dog under the table.

[MonElite]

BTW the page has almost 140 likes, with those supporting the cause please help me get it over 250 this week, you need to share it and invite friends to like it.

[JulesP]

Is this a state issue? You can take dogs on trains in Victoria (muzzled).

[MonElite]

In in NSW

[denali]

Is this a state issue? You can take dogs on trains in Victoria (muzzled).

can't in qld at all.

[Dame Aussie]

Is this a state issue? You can take dogs on trains in Victoria (muzzled).

Not on vline if they're of a certain size

I would love to see dogs allowed wherever. I see feral people at the shops all the time. I'd much prefer dogs.

Fact is unless you live like a hermit you will have to put up with people, their kids and their animals in life.

Edited April 18, 2016 by Dame Aussie

[Rascalmyshadow]

If dogs were actually allowed most places and those that did the wrong thing were penalised most of the issues we see now would slowly decrease and eventually people would start to become more responsible and dogs would be less problematic.