Truly On Lead Parks/locations?

[mowgliandme]

I feel absolutely terrible but ive let my puppy had 1.5 bad experiences with other dogs approaching her.

She was at the vet a couple of days ago, all dogs have to be on lead at the vet, and a husky came in on a retractable lead, she didn’t like the way it approached so she moved back into a corner and I asked the owner to call his dog back, to which he said “he’s friendly just saying hi”, and continued to let the dog approach, she was backed into a corner even though it was just sniffing and she did a howly bark before the owner called his dog back. I feel so disappointed in myself that she had to protect herself from this dog and I didn’t do it for her, but we were in a waiting room and there was only one way out.

Ive been trying to find places to take her where she can see other dogs, but they don’t come into her personal space/charging at her as I don’t want her to become dog reactive.

From my research dogs have to be on lead on the streets, the vet, in pet stores and in the on lead section of parks.

But last time I went to the local pet shop (without her), one of the workers there had her dog off lead in the store, and all the parks in my area have both an onlead and offlead section and but most owners are just letting their dog off lead at their car or anywhere (ive driven to a few without her to scope them out).

So I tried walking her in my very quiet street and then another dog came running off lead straight at us, as soon as I saw this, I moved us in the opposite direction with a cheery “lets go”. But it was still running (away from its owners towards us) so I picked her up and asked the owners to call their dog back, to which I got another “oh hes just friendly!” and I said she doesn’t like dogs charging at her, she didn’t see much of this dog so I cant say she had a negative experience with it.

Other than training is there any areas where dogs actually are always kept on lead and not allowed to approach others? I am in the Glen Eira/Bentleigh area but willing to travel and want to prevent dog reactivity in my puppy!

[Two Best Dogs!]

Flipping uncontrolled dogs in multiuse areas and on lead only areas have been the bane of my life.

Avoid multiuse areas if it isn't a controlled situation like dog classes (aka other ppl and trainers can get between me and the lazy inconsiderate owners carelessly letting their dogs accost on lead dogs).

The Melbourne city gardens are usually pretty good. Parliament gardens, treasury, Fitzroy, botanical... Go during business hours when the Gardeners and Rangers are patrolling about. Especially botanical gardens. Seen someone get a fine there for letting the dog off for a run and good. It was an onlead area only.

I had a good experience with dididog in Williamstown botanical garden. Only saw one offlead dog. There were many others, leashed. Keep in mind it does open up to the offlead dog park so pick your exits carefully.

I've practiced in parks that are unfenced and close to trains. Keeps owners with uncontrolled dogs away.

I have blatantly crosses the road when being followed and harassed by a dog because when it comes down to it I prefer my dogs safety over the offlead dogs safety. Owner shouldn't have let it offlead or following us.

Scope out local stores and develop your friendship with the staff. I walk in to the local store and since the staff know me and my dog (reactive) - the few times there's been an offlead they've been asked to leash it. One time a lady kept "accidentally" dropping her puppy's lead and laughing at it run about. She was politely told off.

I have some very good back up and defenders at my stores :) far from you tho.

Go at quiet hours. Ie I'll be in 2 pet stores tonight between 7 and 9 pm. Just training and socialising.

I've recently started training in Bunnings. No other dogs there. Call ahead to find out rules for puppies. I have a big adult so must be muzzled.

Go to state forest for exploration and training :) less ppl = less dogs especially if you go off the tourist paths! Don't go to far from car though you don't want to get lost.

That wharf area in the dock lands is an interesting training environment. Have seen ppl breaking the rules though.

I think there's like a dog therapy rehab place down your way. They have enclosed dog parks you're allowed to use and others wait. Or at least they said it was ok for me to put up a no entry sign while using it as long as I don't hog it for hours. I never ended up going though...

No matter where you go there's a chance some inconsiderate selfish ass is breaking the rules and letting their dog run offlead. Ruining the location or place for everyone else. There's not much you can do I find, except report the Rangers and hope they'll get a fine.

*edit*

More places if anyone is looking for similar!

Search for locally:

Botanical garden

Community garden

Reserve

Bike paths

I've been having lots of luck lately finding places where the only dogs present were few and on lead! Seems the trick is to avoid the word "park"...and you avoid most dog owners!

Also look for places with ponds/lakes and therefore a lot of bird life + BBQ hotspots. People are much less likely to let their dogs off lead if they're going to run off after birds and up to BBQs (not a guarantee of course)

Edited October 15, 2016 by Thistle the dog

[Papillon Kisses]

The only thing I can honestly think of on account of all the idiots around is a well-run, non free-for-all, puppy preschool or dog training classes. If your pup has finished/aged out of puppy preschool but is too young for regular classes, you may find some around for senior puppies. Do make sure it's positive reinforcement based, but you know all that. :)

None of this helps for places that aren't training though does it!

I do know good places to avoid seeing off leash dogs but that also generally equates with not seeing ANY dogs.

Edited August 26, 2016 by Papillon Kisses

[mowgliandme]

I don’t think she is reactive at this stage, but I don’t want her to continue to have more dodgy experiences like the first one :/

In general, she has had more positive experiences than negative (few pups at puppy school and a few more adult dogs while at cafes/walks who have greeted her nicely and happily). I don’t want to avoid seeing dogs altogether just not have them be soo “intrusive” and run at us which I think is a bit rude and unfair for a little puppy!

Thanks for all the tips – I’ll try the city parks and calling up pet stores and shops before and befriending them.

She has done one puppy school at the vet (which wasn’t a free for all one) and now she is at puppy school/training at positive k9 in kew (well she has only had one class) which was great and they don’t let dogs socialise before class, I will see how she goes this sunday, she was very social last week, so hopefully that hasnt changed too much?

I think I’ve seen your posts in the positive k9 facebook social group with thistle? She is such a cutie :)

Edited August 26, 2016 by mowgliandme

[Two Best Dogs!]

Haha yes that is me! You are welcome to say hi, advance apologies if I look a bit frazzled ???? I'm generally thinking so much about rewarding or distracting thistle and keeping an eye out for bad offlead dogs (they seem to hone in on the one dog who doesn't want to meet them?). I try to be calm but when I open my mouth I babble XD it's not personal, T and I both take a couple of Laps to chill.

Thistles jacket really just means "don't let your dog jump on her" these days so happy to chat about places with our dogs sitting.

Starkhere is also at classes - she's got the very good rottie pups. You could try speaking to her on this forum or at class. her puppies are so impressive!

All the regulars are pretty good and if you hang around and ask them about socialising politely they could hook you up compatable puppies to sniff :)

And as you get to know ppl and their dogs you could ask to practice greets and the like before and after class :)

[Diva]

I find walking along busy streets the safest, there are fewer off lead dogs, and when we have been attacked in those locations drivers have stopped to help us.

[Simply Grand]

I think the most useful thing YOU can learn as a responsible dog owner is don't be afraid to manage other people's dogs in order to keep yours safe.

Try to be calm and polite but never be afraid to position yourself in front of your puppy as a dog approaches, steer you and your pup away or the other dog away, talk to the other dog so it focuses on you instead of your puppy, and even if you have to, physically steer other dogs away by the collar.

So that your puppy can interact with appropriate dogs, stand back and observe first and see how certain dogs and owners behave, if you see some that are being polite and appropriate (dog AND owner) see if you can approach and say hello.

I also find that my dogs sometimes respond better if I get them to focus on me for some training as other dogs approach (as long as they are just intrusive, not aggressive), then my dogs are not interesting for the other dog because they are not focusing on it, and I can "stare pointedly" at the other owner until they move their dog away.

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

I reckon footpaths next to busy roads are least likely to have out of control off lead dogs with clueless owners. Ie those dogs would not live very long.

However - my dog is terrified of busy roads (more than two cars going in opposite directions flat out).

There's no place guaranteed not to have off lead dogs, but some places are less likely to. Eg close to football games, or in shopping areas.

I did encounter quite a few off lead dogs on the promenade path between Henley and Grange jetties last Sunday. My solution was to feed them. Tho one shot by me and my dog without stopping - half it's family were behind me and the other half ahead and they lived at a house right on the promenade. The guy even cleaned up after his dog - so he was only half irresponsible. Ie never mind all the cyclists and joggers that had to avoid that dog.

I have seen dogs off lead at the botanic gardens in Melbourne and on the bike track that goes next to the Yarra. They were very well behaved mostly. Ie not the clueless say hello to every other dog sort. I was quite surprised dogs were in the botanic gardens - that's not allowed in Adelaide.

[Rayhay]

I feel your pain...

I have a reactive Rotty.... Says it all really, I love it when someones scruffy little off leash dog comes rushing at us saying "don't mind her, she's friendly" as my dog is literally pulling my arms out of my socket and doing cartwheels and in "high alert" and going all kinds of nuts, due to this I may actually lose focus on mine, try and combat the silly mutt fast approaching, the imbecile owner and my own dog who is not listening due to "friendly" said mutt.

Worse still is the big dogs off lead who are "friendly" but come bounding in our direction...sigh.

Incase any are on this forum and looking on this page, your dog might be footloose and fancy free and friendly, that's great, some of us have poured our heart and soul into trying to create a friendly, well adjusted animal too, but sometimes, you just get "one of those dogs" where nothing really worked and it is an inbuilt behaviour and they may or never will become relaxed and happy to greet others..I have one of those...sadly.

Your dog might be friendly, others may be fire breathing dragons, who wants to put their dog in either situation?? Both are being set up to fail dismally.

All owners, friendly, unfriendly, naughty, kind, obedient, non obedient, ugly, pretty, large, small have a responsibility and a duty of care for not only our own dogs but the welfare of each other and theirs as well, we all need to understand that "other peoples dogs may not like your "friendly dog" all up in their grill! pity there are lots of imbecile dog owners out there that ruin the fun for everyone.

R

Edited August 27, 2016 by Rayhay

[mowgliandme]

Haha yes that is me! You are welcome to say hi, advance apologies if I look a bit frazzled ???? I'm generally thinking so much about rewarding or distracting thistle and keeping an eye out for bad offlead dogs (they seem to hone in on the one dog who doesn't want to meet them?). I try to be calm but when I open my mouth I babble XD it's not personal, T and I both take a couple of Laps to chill.

Thistles jacket really just means "don't let your dog jump on her" these days so happy to chat about places with our dogs sitting.

Starkhere is also at classes - she's got the very good rottie pups. You could try speaking to her on this forum or at class. her puppies are so impressive!

All the regulars are pretty good and if you hang around and ask them about socialising politely they could hook you up compatable puppies to sniff :)

And as you get to know ppl and their dogs you could ask to practice greets and the like before and after class :)

I'll see if i can find you! :) I am also generally frazzled when i am there too because its too early, and im trying to get the puppy to walk nicely which isnt easy with so many distractions... We are in the 9am class so I think the regulars are just coming in when we are leaving, my puppy is only 14 weeks so she generally gets soo tired by the end of class, so dont think she could hang around until the end off the adult classes at this stage, but i think i saw Starkhere last time as we were leaving :)

[mowgliandme]

I find walking along busy streets the safest, there are fewer off lead dogs, and when we have been attacked in those locations drivers have stopped to help us.

I reckon footpaths next to busy roads are least likely to have out of control off lead dogs with clueless owners. Ie those dogs would not live very long. However - my dog is terrified of busy roads (more than two cars going in opposite directions flat out). There's no place guaranteed not to have off lead dogs, but some places are less likely to. Eg close to football games, or in shopping areas. I did encounter quite a few off lead dogs on the promenade path between Henley and Grange jetties last Sunday. My solution was to feed them. Tho one shot by me and my dog without stopping - half it's family were behind me and the other half ahead and they lived at a house right on the promenade. The guy even cleaned up after his dog - so he was only half irresponsible. Ie never mind all the cyclists and joggers that had to avoid that dog. I have seen dogs off lead at the botanic gardens in Melbourne and on the bike track that goes next to the Yarra. They were very well behaved mostly. Ie not the clueless say hello to every other dog sort. I was quite surprised dogs were in the botanic gardens - that's not allowed in Adelaide.

I'll try the busy road tomorrow but that makes a lot more sense than my quiet street in hindsight!

I think the most useful thing YOU can learn as a responsible dog owner is don't be afraid to manage other people's dogs in order to keep yours safe. Try to be calm and polite but never be afraid to position yourself in front of your puppy as a dog approaches, steer you and your pup away or the other dog away, talk to the other dog so it focuses on you instead of your puppy, and even if you have to, physically steer other dogs away by the collar.So that your puppy can interact with appropriate dogs, stand back and observe first and see how certain dogs and owners behave, if you see some that are being polite and appropriate (dog AND owner) see if you can approach and say hello. I also find that my dogs sometimes respond better if I get them to focus on me for some training as other dogs approach (as long as they are just intrusive, not aggressive), then my dogs are not interesting for the other dog because they are not focusing on it, and I can "stare pointedly" at the other owner until they move their dog away.

That is true, I think i was a bit naive when it happened and thought surely no one would NOT call their dog away when asked! I will definitely step between them next time

I feel your pain...I have a reactive Rotty.... Says it all really, I love it when someones scruffy little off leash dog comes rushing at us saying "don't mind her, she's friendly" as my dog is literally pulling my arms out of my socket and doing cartwheels and in "high alert" and going all kinds of nuts, due to this I may actually lose focus on mine, try and combat the silly mutt fast approaching, the imbecile owner and my own dog who is not listening due to "friendly" said mutt.Worse still is the big dogs off lead who are "friendly" but come bounding in our direction...sigh.Incase any are on this forum and looking on this page, your dog might be footloose and fancy free and friendly, that's great, some of us have poured our heart and soul into trying to create a friendly, well adjusted animal too, but sometimes, you just get "one of those dogs" where nothing really worked and it is an inbuilt behaviour and they may or never will become relaxed and happy to greet others..I have one of those...sadly.Your dog might be friendly, others may be fire breathing dragons, who wants to put their dog in either situation?? Both are being set up to fail dismally.All owners, friendly, unfriendly, naughty, kind, obedient, non obedient, ugly, pretty, large, small have a responsibility and a duty of care for not only our own dogs but the welfare of each other and theirs as well, we all need to understand that "other peoples dogs may not like your "friendly dog" all up in their grill! pity there are lots of imbecile dog owners out there that ruin the fun for everyone.R

I was so shocked at the "friendly dog" = let it do whatever mindset of these people, these dogs werent even on effective voice control, I can imagine it would be harder with a reactive dog

[alpha bet]

One of the things you want to do is learn how to handle the situations where things go wrong. It is more about you and your dog learning to deal with fools.... We hold clinics each month which are set to build your skills in this... Dogs of varied ages and skills - fully enclosed arenas and an indoor school to help you.

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

That is true, I think i was a bit naive when it happened and thought surely no one would NOT call their dog away when asked!

I find yelling "call your dog" - even when mine is clearly trying to eat the other dog - does not work. For some reason the other owner thinks it will all be fine because their dog is "friendly".

I find yelling "Bad IDEA" as their dog approaches - works better. Nobody wants to be on the receiving end of "I told you so" situations.

And if I get the chance - I just say "my dog had a bad experience with a dog that looks like yours - so now she thinks they're all bad" (completely "racist" dog I have). Some people think that means I should never exercise my dog but I just refer them to the state law on dogs harrassing other people or dogs or the state law about dogs being on lead on footpaths.

chucking a handful of kibble in the face of some dogs (Eg most labs and lab crosses) may give you enough time to escape but if that dog ever sees you again - it's going to be charging up for its treats which isn't helpful.

PS I have to yell "Bad idea" in a happy (but maybe slightly mocking tone) or my dog will try to help with the scolding. Also not good.

Edited August 27, 2016 by Mrs Rusty Bucket

[Two Best Dogs!]

Wish me luck, I'm going to go circle mowgli's class and try to identify which puppy is them*!

*without getting so close as to be a big distraction

:D :D If you read this while I'm in our class, we tried to spot you. Probably set that fence dog off

*edit* I set the fence dog off. Wasn't sure which person was you in the classes? It was a lovely sunny day towards the end there. Thistle gave a lab face kisses.

Edited August 28, 2016 by Thistle the dog

[mowgliandme]

Wish me luck, I'm going to go circle mowgli's class and try to identify which puppy is them*!

*without getting so close as to be a big distraction

:D :D If you read this while I'm in our class, we tried to spot you. Probably set that fence dog off

*edit* I set the fence dog off. Wasn't sure which person was you in the classes? It was a lovely sunny day towards the end there. Thistle gave a lab face kisses.

I am so sorry we couldnt come to class this morning, i was so looking forward to saying hi too! but the pup decided that 4:30am this morning was a great time to get diarrhoea and then vomittng at 7:30 am (and then 10am) she is otherwise still in great spirits but i dont think i should bring a sick puppy to class just in case its contagious or something

shes on chicken and rice for now and i have spoken to the vet, so hopefully its just a day thing and we can come to the next weeks class! Sorry again

[Two Best Dogs!]

After yesterday's vomit-apocalypse with thistle, I completely understand! I was hesitant this morning but she'd made it through the night and seemed alright. Hopefully the same for yours, chicken+rice+a good nights rest!

bicarb soda really does help with the smell...