My puppy is dangerous?! Yours is unleashed!
For the last six months, I have fully embraced puppy-ownership. As a first-time dog owner, I have no problem scooping the poop, taking my puppy –an eight-month pit bull named Diesel – on long walks and even buying his expensive food. But, here’s my pet peeve: Unleashed dogs.
At least twice a day as I’m walking Diesel in our complex, minding my business, we’re approached by a dog that shall remain nameless. He’s taller, much older and never on his leash.
A few weeks ago, his owner asked me “Is your dog vicious?”
Something is wrong with this picture.
My dog is always on his leash, in my neighborhood. The other dog is not on his leash. And the owner has the nerve to ask me if my dog is vicious? If she’s worried about such what-ifs, shouldn’t she contain her own dog?
Now, I know I’m new to this dog owner thing, but shouldn’t a good owner always have his or her dog on the leash when in public, especially if the owner is scared of other dogs or worried about them being vicious?
Am I overly critical? Do you see my point? What do you think? What are your pet peeves?
In other news: Don’t let a giant pig trap you inside your home.
You are being a good pet parent! Check your local laws which are posted here and if there is a leash law law in your area have it enforced. Your have the right to enjoy a walk with your pet without worrying about other dogs off lead.
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[…] My puppy is dangerous?! Yours is unleashed!As a first-time dog owner, I have no problem scooping the poop, taking my puppy an eight-month pit bull named Diesel on long walks and even buying his expensive food. But, here s my pet peeve: Unleashed dogs. At least twice … […]
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Okay let me be the first he is soooo cute.
I think outside all dogs should be on a leash or in a fence, in a perfect world.
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This is a pet peeve for me too. I walk my dogs in a county park, and every time I am there we see at least one dog off leash. Once, I was walking my dog (a large Rottweiler) on a leash and two large white dogs came up out of nowhere and were challenging my dog. He was about to react when the owner strolled up with an “I am sorry, they usually stay with me”! Another time there was a large dog swimming in the river, when I walked by with my small dog on leash it came up to us growling and trying to get my dog. I picked up a big stick, and held it up like I would hit it if it came closer. The owners never said a word and just watched from the river bank.
There are leash laws, people. Unless you are in your fenced yard with your dog it should always be on a leash!
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Thank you A Nony.Mouse! I too like to think he’s adorable but I’m biased. To GM edit, I too have had that experience where a dog approached Diesel and I could not find his or her owner. This dog tried to steal Diesel’s ball (his favorite and actually the one he’s holding in the top photo) and was fully engaged in our game of catch. Now, I don’t mind play dates but I had no idea who this dog was or his personality. His owner, never showed his or her face.
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I HATE people who let their dogs run free on the streets and in the neighborhoods. It is unsafe for the dogs and unsafe for people. My dog is very well-behaved, and is always leashed when we walk. She was actually attacked by an aggressive dog in an apartment complex where we lived. The owner did nothing as I laid on top of my then 3-month-old puppy to prevent his Akita from killing her. I got bitten on my legs until I finally put his dog in a strangle-hold until he came to get him. I think he only came over because he thought I’d hurt his dog - which I would have! It tried to kill my puppy!
People seriously need to be much more considerate with their pets. Some people are just plain afraid of dogs, and they should be able to enjoy their walks too, without fearing some crazy beast will come running at them.
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When I walk my dog, I like to carry my Taser. It makes encounters with other unleashed dogs more managable. If I do it quick enough the owner of the other dog never knows why his dog is asleep.
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My dog is always on his leash, in my neighborhood. The other dog is not on his leash. And the owner has the nerve to ask me if my dog is vicious? If she’s worried about such what-ifs, shouldn’t she contain her own dog? Now, I know I’m new to this dog owner thing, but shouldn’t a good owner always have his or her dog on the leash when in public, especially if the owner is scared of other dogs or worried about them being vicious?
Am I overly critical? Do you see my point? What do you think? What are your pet peeves?
No, you are NOT being overly critical; yes, her dog should be leashed; yes, she has some nerve.
See, here’s the thing. Responsible dog ownership means that I am responsible for my dog, and how he acts in public. Many people think it’s perfectly OK to allow their dogs to be loose in public, but the problem with this is that 1.) It’s against the law, 2.) Some people do not want dogs in their space, and that is their right; 3.) Many dogs allowed this freedom have not earned it yet, and end up scaring other dogs, or bothering people, or causing problems.
Leash laws aside, it is irresponsible for a dog owner to allow a dog offleash in an area where his presence or behavior can negatively impact others’ enjoyment of that space. The only dogs that should be offleash at all in public are ones that excellently trained and do not approach people or other dogs without permission.
If your dog is not this well trained, he should be leashed, period.
If he IS this well trained (this is actually rare, unfortunately), you are still breaking the law, and if you get a ticket, or your dog is injured in a fight with a leashed dog (or hit by a car, etc.), do not complain.
I am all about dogs being offleash, when it is appropriate. On private property, or in dog-centric areas, fine…as long as they respond excellently to your commands, regardless of the distraction.
Otherwise, don’t assume everyone wants your dog in their space. Some dogs may object to your dog bounding up to them (and rightly so) while they are leashed. If your dog plows up to a leashed dog and that leashed dog tells your dog to back off, and a fight ensues, you are at fault. NOT the leashed dog, or his owner!
It’s time for the dunderheads who let their untrained dogs be loose to bother those of us who are trying to train our dogs, and act responsibly, to get a clue.
If your dog does not respond at the first command, every time, he isn’t ready to be offleash. And even if he is, you still owe people in that public area respect.
And if you think the fact that you yell, “It’s OK; he’s friendly!” as your untrained dog is bounding up to someone makes it OK, you are an idiot.
It’s not about whether your dog is friendly. It’s about respecting others, and about not doing things that make those people want dogs to be banned.
Idiots who only care about themselves are ruining it for dog owners everywhere, and ultimately, ruining it for dogs.
Rant over.
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Like many others in my neighborhood, I walk my dogs on a leash daily and yes I pick up after them when they do their ‘business’…but that’s not my peeve. We have one or two people who walk their Pitts on ae chain type leash and they start yelling at you to keep your dog away from theirs as soon as they see you coming. It’s obvious their dogs are very dangerous. Not because they’re Pitts, we have a few in the neighborhood that are as friendly and lovable as they can be. The ones I am afraid of are part of an image and the, for lack of a better word I will use owners, like the idea that their dogs are the biggest and baddest. Some dogs are just friendly and trusting snd may possibly go up to these dogs and get torn apart. I also worry what if one breaks away from the person walking them and attacks an innocent dog or person. My neighbors are concerned as well but there’s little we can do at this point.
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You absolutely need to report this. I’ve run into plenty of dog owners in apts who tell me their dogs are so obedient, they don’t require leashes and actually, I am sure that some of them are! However, I passed giving these people the benefit of a doubt nine years ago when my LEASED terrier mix was attacked my an unleashed yellow lab. My dog was bitten in the eye and of course, ended up losing it. I really don’t have any problem telling even a chihauhau owner to leash their dog these days.
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I think “dog realist” said it all and said it well. I am a long time dog owner, usually two, sometimes three. We have always regularly walked my dogs. In earlier years I was one of the dunderheads who let my dogs go off-lead, firmly believing in their response to my voice commands. “But I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now”. Early one crisp Autumn morning around 5:30 my “Greymation” took out after a cat. I was yelling “wait” at the top of my lungs. He ran into the street and was hit by a passerby who didn’t stop. Fortunately the firefighter coming home from his shift, did. My dog was alive, but his front leg was broken. The firefighter helped my dog and me to the emergency clinic. That was twelve years ago. My “Greymation” recovered fine. We still walk regularly, along with my Whippet and Mutt, and always on the leash.
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my dog has taken to wetting the bed. the problem is its me and my wife’s bed. if we keep him isolated from our bedroom, he will not pee while we are gone for the work day or for jsut a few hours in the evening or on the weekend. if he has access to our bed, even if we are gone for just an hour or two, we more often than not come home to find out sheets wet with dog urine. how do we curb our beagle of this problem?
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Another fun thing to do when you find unleashed dogs in the park is to squirt them with skunk scent. You can buy this at Bass Pro Shop. The owner of the dog will be left with the most nasty vilest smelling dog they can think of. It takes days for the smell to totally go away.
Sometimes for fun I do this to may neighbors dog when he lets him go play in the back yard. I’ve thought about squirting it on his kids, but I haven’t got that devious yet.
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I know what you mean. I live in a very pet friendly neighborhood and for the most part, all of the other dog owners are very respectful and leash their dogs and clean up after them as well. I always leash my dogs in addition to cleaning up after them. This is not only for their safety but for the safety of my neighbors and their pets.
Any dog can potentially be aggressive or attack in the wrong situation. Even small dogs can attack if the circumstances present themselves. Regardless of the actual circumstances, dogs can act aggressively even if they incorrectly perceive a threat. That being said, the way to always have control over your dog is to keep them on a leash or, if in an off-leash area or your fenced-in backyard, never leave your dog unsupervised. I have two Pugs and while I don’t worry about my dogs acting aggressively, I know that dogs are animals and no matter how much we try to project human characteristics on them, they will always have certain instincts and lack the same reasoning abilities that humans possess. I do not want them to get into a bad situation and I don’t want them exposed to other potential dangers, such as cars, that might result from being off-leash.
Keeping your pet on-leash and under your control is the responsible and kind thing to do, both for your own pets and for your neighbors.
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Dog Lover, that’s a great idea! And it keeps that bad dog owner wondering, “what the heck is wrong with my pup.” Kind of evil when you think about it but not after reading some of everyone’s horror stories about these unleashed dogs.
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I’m a pet sitter and this issue drives me BATS! Twice, in different neighborhoods, I’ve had unleashed dogs challenge the leashed dogs I was walking. Both times, the unleashed dog was smaller and initiated the confrontation. The worst was when I was walking two dogs, on the side walk, and the other person’s dog was unleashed in the front yard. Instead of doing anything to restrain her dog, this woman just stood there shrieking as I struggled to control my client’s two dogs and keep her dog away from them. For pete’s sake, people, control your dogs if you love them!
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Amen, DogRealist!
I am now relocated to Charleston and am temporarily residing in a condo complex. Amazing how many people have dogs there and how many are STUPID about it!
We have three dogs, and one gets particularly protective of us when we are out and about. Now this is something we are working on, but still. TWICE has this one particular dog been running loose (one time with the wife, the other with the husband). The first time my one dog is snarling and going nuts. I had nowhere to walk away but back inside, and I’m sorry but he had to pee! So I’m holding him back, and this dog, who appeared friendly, is making his way over to us. I am trying to put myself inbetween this dog and my dogs, and the owner is la-de-da-ing her way up to us and does NOT apologize when she sees how I am trying to separate the dogs. The second time my husband was with me and took two of our dogs who had already gone potty in, but I was with my Finlay, who still needed to pee, but who is at least very friendly. So I’m keeping Finlay on a short leash and trying to keep this dog away but I am not so successful as they start playing ON MY LEGS. This would be fine, but this dog is probably 60-70 pounds (boxer mix), and Finlay is all of 20 pounds. The owner (the husband this time) again la-de-das his way up to me and leashes his dog, no apology. I still have the bruises on my leg from this dog trying to play with my dog while my dog was on a leash. Now every time I see them I try to get done quickly, but if I see that dog off-leash again I will yell for him to leash his dog now.
Another time I was out, and this girl with a super cute schnauzer puppy decides that she wants to socialize my dogs with hers. So she’s bringing her dog closer, and my one starts growling, snarling, etc. Instead of walking away, she comes closer! I said, “I’m sorry, I don’t think this is going to go well if your dog comes any closer.” So instead of walking AWAY, she makes her dog lie down and starts a conversation with me! The whole time I am trying to keep Seamus under control until finally I had to excuse myself.
It’s not just the off-leash dogs that drive me nuts; it’s the people with dogs on leash who think socialization is an automatic right since I am out with my dogs. If I had a private space for them to go potty in, I would use it!
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I live in a rural area but there is a leash law. Many allow their dogs to run free and we had a neighbor whose dogs always ran to others yards to relieve themselves, dig up newly planted shrubs and plants, bark incessantly and chase neighborhood children and adults who were out for walks etc. And the dogs would jump up on neighbors and knock them to the ground. Many of the neighbors complained to her directly and were told ‘these are country dogs’, implying that they should be able to circumvent the laws and let them run. Many neighbors finally got fed up and called animal control and the offenders were fined, then after several instances told to either get a fence, control the dogs or have them removed. Finally they put up a very expensive fence but still allowed the dogs out to run the neighborhood..why I don’t know. But one day there is a huge ruckus over there and I found out that there were three other dogs that were running free who attacked and killed one of hers. She was so upset and complaining about the other dogs running free and wanted me and anyone else to kill them like they killed her dog. It not once dawned on her that her’s was running free too and creating havoc for years for her neighbors, their children and their animals! It’s always amazed me that the irresponsible pet owners are the first to point fingers at others when they should be controlling and minding their own business and animals. I have two dogs and they are kept in a fenced in yard or on leashes…no exceptions. Its for my safety and for others safety. I have trained them not to bark at my neighbors when they are out and I never, ever let them chase children or adults wanting to enjoy a walk or ride. One thing you needed to do is point out to the inconsiderate and rude woman who asked if your dog was dangerous is that there is a leash law and that because yours is on one he is safe but if he is attack by one that isn’t on a leash you will allow him to tear them apart. (not that you would do that but she doesn’t have to know that!) If she continues to allow her dog to run then call your county animal control and report her, you can do this anonymously and they will warn her several times before fining her if it becomes necessary. And too, thank you for being a considerate and responsible pet owner, its best for the humans and the animals.
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Unleased dogs is a huge pet peeve of mine but even bigger than that is owners who don’t pick up after their dogs!! I pick up my dogs “business” in my own yard and it really makes me mad that others let their dogs go in someone’s else’s yard without picking it up. I have actually yelled at them before and even once when they knew I saw them let their dog use our yard I returned their dog’s “business” onto their front porch.
Be respectful of other people
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Okay I have one dog. The Shar Pei; Bruce, has to be leashed even in our fence. He can literally get out of anything. It would be funny if I did not have to deal with it.
How hard is it to put a leash on the dog.
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I don’t know if the off leash offender is a small dog, but I have noticed people with little dogs seem to be more apt to allow them off leash, I guess because they are small….sorry if this seems like a generalization…but it’s just my experience.
I have been terrorized by a Yorkie in my neighborhood and when he ran up to me snapping, my Aussie gently pinned him to the ground with his mouth. Didn’t even leave a mark, just doggie behavior for back off!
My dog was leashed, theirs was not. Finally, owner came running up the driveway screaming, grabbed her dog and told me to stand there while she called the police.
Police showed up…my dog is leashed sitting calmly at my side with his Rabies tag on. Her dog is in her arms snapping and carrying on at the PO and almost bit him when he tried to look at the dog’s neck.
Police asked for Rabies verification from both of us, I had it, she didn’t, said she lost the records but also couldn’t remember where she got it done. I happily provided the name of my vet.
PO pointed out that there is a leash law in Cobb County and that if her dog had bitten me, it would have been quarantined in animal control for 10 days and this was her one and only warning to keep her dog on leash and vaccinate for Rabies. All this going on, while my Jack is in a perfect sit at my side. PO patted his head as he got back in his car.
Never saw the dog or the lady again.
My point is, no you’re not being overprotective, you’re being responsible. And this person’s dog was to be harmed by being off leash, the owner doesn’t have a leg to stand on if you have a leash law in your area.
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I just got a new baby “mutt”. I walk him and his big sister on leashes. They are both small dogs. I have warned my neighbors that if their unleashed dogs come after mine, I will kill to protect my dogs. 27 years ago while I was walking my dog on his leash, he was attacked and killed by a neighbors very large Dane mix. I also was bitten trying to pry my dog out of his mouth. I will never go through that again, the anguish and guilt, not to mention an image I can never forget. The leash laws are there for a reason and should be enforced. I carry a metal baton with me now when walking my dogs. (I have for years)
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It’s always amazed me that the irresponsible pet owners are the first to point fingers at others when they should be controlling and minding their own business and animals.
This is absolutely true. They honestly believe that it is their “right” to let their dog do whatever he wants, and they think that everyone should be hunky-dory with this, because “he’s friendly.”
Hogwash. Leash your dog, train it, and only unleash it when it is very well-trained–and even then only in private areas.
I’m not kidding about this: dog owners are losing our rights and privileges daily because of irresponsible dog owners who think it is their “right” to be selfish and stupid. They do not even consider how their choices affect others, or they simply don’t care. But let someone else’s dog, or kid, damage their property or bother them, and boy howdy, you will be slapped with a lawsuit before you can sneeze.
I agree with calling Animal Control when you encounter unleashed dogs. It’s your civic duty, and will ultimately benefit you as well as others. Do it.
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LOVE the skunk spray suggestion!!! Too dang funny!!!
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I love my neighbors dog like a niece but she can be quite bothersome at times. We live in a rural subdivision and my boys have a room and small fenced area to stay in when we are not at home and the run of a big yard when we are at home, thanks to their collars. My neighbors dog has the run of the subdivision and uses this “freedom” to drag shoes,hats brushes, you name it, into MY yard. She digs holes, has torn up the irrigation system in our flower beds and tries to bother my cats on their own porch, which she tore up trying to get to them. I just had to say something when she tore up the irrigation but all that caused for her was a week chained to a tree whimpering constantly. I felt worse than she did! She was recently hit by a car (because she chases them!)and has to be kept still for awhile so she’s tied to the tree whimpering again. I feel sorry for her. Sometimes I think I worry and fret more about her than her owners. The owners don’t mistreat her, they just don’t treat her like I would. If I didn’t like her so much it would be easier for me to say something rather than grin and bear it for the sake of peace.
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Amen to all of you responsible pet owners. I have lost the right to take my dog places because others cannot clean up after or control their pets. When that happens we all suffer.
Several years ago my husband was walking our dog on a leash and she was attacked by a much larger off-leash dog. We have worked with her and, while much better, she is still skittish of any dog that approaches her too quickly. People think that by calling out that their dog is friendly that it’s OK. It still scares our dog and I tell them she doesn’t like being approached by strange dongs. What if our dog wasn’t friendly - they don’t even check!
Don’t even get me started on the dog poop thing. I always carry bags with me and I’ve been prematurly chastized by people when I walk by with calls of “you better pick up after your dog” etc. I can’t blame them, but I’m not the problem. I usually just point to the bag and say I’m prepared.
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I have a very large, very well trained German Shepherd. Does she obey me without hesitation off leash? Darn tootin’ she does. She is shutzhund trained. Do I walk her in neighborhoods unleashed? Absolutely not. Not because I have any fear that she would disobey me, but because it is my responsiblity as a pet owner to follow the law. I have my local animal control in my cell phone and when I encounter an animal off leash that is approaching my dog in an aggressive manner, and the owner is right there, I always politely ask them to get their dogs and hang on just a moment while I dial animal control as well as my local police department. You would be amazed at how quickly they contain their animals. I have no problem turning them in if it happens again. B/c I walk the same neighborhoods frequently, it’s only been necessary to call the cops & animal control a couple of times. It appears that these irresponsible pet owners -can- be taught after all…..And also, any time you are out walking your dogs, you should always carry your cell phone just in case of an emergency. Or if you need to call animal control.
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My pet peeve is people that think their dog has to go everywhere with them.I’ve seen small dogs in the grocery cart inside the store.I’ve seen dogs downtown during festivals where there are lots and lots of people.Only some are on leash.
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My daughter is 13 and walks dogs for extra cash. She has a client that is a French mastif. He is super well behaved and can be controlled with the end of her finger on his collar. Literally. The trick is to keep the dog with-in reach. Being the Moose that he is he is not up for much of a run. I go back to this if the dog is 30 40 or more feet away he is not under control.
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Because I don’t want to be prohibited from taking my dogs, in the future, to places we enjoy I am vocal and pro-active when it comes to poop-scooping. When I see people walking their dogs and it’s not visable that they have a bag in their pockets I will say something. Once I had a guy tell me he was prepared and pulled a couple of plastic bags from his pockets. More often than not the dog walker has told me to mind my own business. In return I tell them it is my business and it’s the law. I’m not losing anything, I wouldn’t want to know or be friends with inconsiderate types in the first place.
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I could have written this post! I also have an 8-month-old pitbull (mix), and I also frequently encounter a larger, older, unleashed dog in my condominium complex’s non-fenced dog area. The owner has never gone so far as to ask us if our dog is vicious, but it’s gotten to the point that I cannot bring my dog into the area if her dog is there, as he always runs toward us and barks (despite her calling his name, as if that was the magic formula for obedience). I’m sure he’s a great dog, but even a canine lover and a social pit pup don’t want other dogs charging at us! Thanks for reminding everyone that leashes are THE LAW, with very few exceptions.
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Hi fordsdad, just wanted to let you know that we forwarded your issue to our pet experts and hope to be getting back to you soon. Thanks for sharing!
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Jack’s mom, I so agree with you. I’m sure this older dog is a sweet dog and not harmful but I just want the peace of being able to walk Diesel without him charging. Someone said that we shouldn’t have to be forced to be social with every dog and I have to agree. And thanks to DM for the tip on putting animal control in my cell.
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No, you are not being hard core. It is being a good citizen. I keep my crew leashed, because 1- it is the law, 2- not everyone likes dogsm and 3 - I want my pets to be safe. We have a friend who is 7 and she is terrified of all dogs - big and small. Also, we all know how quickly a dog can run off if he/she sees something more interesting.
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MACE! My dog was attacked by two dogs in my neighborhood one morning & the owner hardly even tried to get them away from my dog. My dog was leashed, leash firmly in my hand, while the neighbors dogs were leashed, she just never holds the leashes. I was horrified that my dog had been injured-luckily not-but I called 911 immediately. A few weeks later her son was “walking” the dogs (leashes dragging the ground). By this time I was carrying a stick & as soon as my dog saw those dogs he was backing away terrified. the boy said the dogs were nice. I said BS-they attacked my dogs just a few weeks earlier. The trash has since moved & taken the dogs, but there are other loose dogs in the neighborhood-namely a great dane & possibly lab that a 9 or 10 year old girl walks by herself. Yes, she cannot control large dogs. the dane was my first mace victim and not my last. Sorry, but my leashed dog is not going down without his momma putting up a fight. Glad to see all of the support here & to know I’m not alone in my quest for a peaceful walk!
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I try NOT to blame the animal in this instance; CLEARLY a failure on the part of the pet owner! I had a leashed dog attacked by an unleashed dog; after $1000+ of doggie surgery and an overnight stay at the vets, had to take other owner to magistrates court to get reimbursed. Poor thing was never the same, became severely overweight and [sadly] died during hot weather last fall. Moral of this story: I now carry things to defend myself and my pet so this kind of ’stuff’ NEVER happens to me & mine again! To pet owners who don’t believe in leashes [my fav is those w/o collars even], consider how you’d feel LOSING your dog because it had a biting episode with someone’s child?
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My pet peeve are the people who have pets. I don’t like dogs, never have, just not my thing. On numerous occassions people with dogs assume they can my mind by putting their smelly dogs in my face. I won’t even visit people that let their dogs jump up and attack their guest. Not fair.
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I think it’s almost not worth it to have a pet anymore. So much complaining, rules, laws, money to be spent on everything under the sun for the animal, vet bills, nosy neighbors, accidents on the carpet, obedience classes, kennel expenses when you want to go out of town, people telling you how to be a pet owner, blah blah blah. It’s not worth all the trouble.
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I want to add that you often hear those who allow their dogs to run at large and to harass others say that their dogs are ‘friendly’ and ‘won’t hurt anyone or another dog’ but that is not true. No matter how well trained a dog is no one, even the owner knows how it will act or react to another dog or adult or child. Some people they are friendly with but others they may not. I had a friend who had a ‘friendly’ dog, a mutt really, medium sized, she said it never would hurt a flea as it was so gentle around her family…well her daughter had a friend over (my daughter was there as well and saw all) and they were playing a board game, lots of laughing etc. and for some reason without provocation the dog jumped up and attacked this little girl (who had been to the house previously) , biting her in the face and neck. All the other girls - 4 total- tried to pull the dog off but it was out of control and just tearing into this poor girls face and neck while she was screaming and crying (as all the girls where) the mom ran into the room and finally they were able to beat the dog off the little girl and got her to the hospital. She required over 65 stitches to her face, neck and to re-attach her ear and to this day she is terrified of dogs. It’s really sad and a very graphic reminder that your dog may very well be ‘friendly’ with you and your family but with others you just never know. I want to point out I love dogs, always have and have two of my own are previously stated but I am not so selfish to assume everyone does. I truly hate it when I go to someone’s house and their dogs jump on you or onto the couch into your face etc. It’s rude just as if a human kept getting too close or irritating. It’s really an eye opener to see so many here angry at irresponsible pet owners, I guess my experience has always been the opposite but its very nice to see others being considerate too.
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I am a dog owner and a dog lover. Dogs have only 2 places to roam unleashed: in a fenced in yard and in a dog park. I keep my 4 year old mixed breed on a leash not just to protect others, but to protect her. I’ve had too many issues dealing with “good” unleashed, unfamiliar dogs that caused problems with or simply brought out the worst in other canines.
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[…] just finished reading Dieselmom’s blog entry about pets running around without a leash. Then I read a pretty sobering story about a California […]
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I got my pit bull when she was about a year old. She’s extremely sweet with people, and pretty friendly with cats, but she’ll get into a dog fight very easily. I stopped walking her in my new neighborhood when I moved because of all the loose dogs. Even if she’s leashed, I know if she gets into a fight and seriously injures another dog, she’ll get the blame because of her breed, nevermind how bad I’ll feel. It’s not fair that my dog has to give up what she enjoys because of the irresponsible pet owners.
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To J (and others like J): Good for you - you are absolutely right. That fact that you consider it so much trouble to face “complaining, rules, laws, money to be spent on everything under the sun for the animal, vet bills, nosy neighbors, accidents on the carpet, obedience classes, kennel expenses when you want to go out of town” you definitely should not own a pet.
Pet ownership comes with a huge responsibility to the dog/cat/other - and if you’re not willing to take on that responsbility the best thing you can do for yourself and the animal is not to get one. It’s good that you realize that you aren’t the pet owner type. So many of the bad things that happen are because people have pets that really didn’t want to make a commitment to caring for them and being considerate.
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Dog Park Peeves:
1. People who bring dog treats to the dog park, and get annoyed when EVERY OTHER DOG IN THE PARK wants some, too. Didn’t they ever learn in Kindergarten, “bring enough to share with the class?” Better yet, NO FOOD. That means treats, too.
2. It’s an off-leash dog park. That means ON LEASH in the parking lot. I can’t tell you how many times dogs have darted in front of my car as I’m entering or leaving the parking area, because “it’s just a short walk to the gate.”
3. Ignoring the poop. Enough said.
4. Taking dog to the park, and then sitting down with a book and ignoring it, like your only job is transportation. Poor dog.
5. Getting mad at three other dogs when they decide to join the fun game of catch, too. “Can you please hold your dog so mine can play fetch?” Uh, lady — it’s a DOG PARK.
6. Hiding the poop bag behind a tree because you’re too lazy to walk the 50 yards to the trash can.
7. Bringing kids who are afraid of dogs to the dog park. It’s cruel to everyone involved. Lots of friendly (and not so friendly) dogs, scared kids — not a good situation. Please don’t use the dog park as a desensitization exercise.
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i really hate it when you go to someone’s house and they let they dog jump up on you and think its cute they try and lick your face or legs etc. and don’t do anything to stop it.
i know someone who has 6 dogs, small ones but they still poop and pee and the owner hasn’t trained them to go outside and their house reeks, poop and pee everywhere. i avoid going over there. the person thinks this is ok for them and the dogs. they are taken care of well but out of control too. its like abuse but they won’t listen to reason. what do you do?
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Is your pet viscous ? gawd. No pets are born that way, they are TAUGHT to be that way. I’ve seen small dogs that are more vicious than the so called vicious breed.
Yes, please do check your local law to see if all dogs must be leashed. Or ask that lady if she doesnt mind leashing him.You mght get a ‘mind your own business’ reply, but you’ll know where she stands.
If it gets out of hand and you see the dog running around on his own without the owner nearby, call animal control. They’ll help take care of the problem. Not saying they would take the dog outright, but they could approach the owner and help enforce any leash law that may be in the books.
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As far as the person saying they dont like the person who lets there dogs do their business inside, I have 2 dogs who are trained to use piddle pads inside.
And no, our house doesnt reek. Its called picking up whats left behind and keeping the area clean.
I know ppl, my sister in law is one of them. Who dont clean up the mess. (shes got 12 cats in her house and the smell hits u like a wall when you go in ).
Let me ask this question for all to think about. If you live in a high rise 75 floors up, would u want to take your dog out 3 times a day to do his business, or have piddle pads around. Or, how about liking the idea of standing around when its minus zero outside while your dog takes his time to find a place to relieve himself. While you do that at 2 am, I’ll be sound asleep with my dogs in bed with me.
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One more tale.
ONe lady that lives near me has a Yorkie who too likes to terrorize ppl. He’s run after one shepard who accidently got out of the house and the owner was running behind him trying to get him back inside. The small dog had the shepard up against a tree, while the big dog was like . what da hell ?
The owner doesnt like to leash the Yorkie at all for some reason. I guess cuz he’s small.
And, ive seen the same dog on a leash, while another neighbor lets him roam around and lead her into neighbors yards to do his business, without once picking up what hes deposited. THAT is irresponsible dog ownership. or friendship however you want to put it.
if i ever see them let the dog do his business in our yard, you can rest assured i’ll pick it up, then take it to the owner and tell her ” this is yours, and I’m giving it to you since you wont pick it up yourself “. She might not likeit, but hell, other ppl have the right to have nice yards without having someones dog crap in it.
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[…] we heavily debated over Dieselmom’s entry the other day, AJCPets member Ron quietly shared PetDish his pet peeve. “My pet peeve is […]
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Well, the inevitable happened again last night while walking my little Shihtzu-poo. My neighbor confronted me and informed me that I must be afraid of dogs or somthing because I didn’t reach down and make friends with her two little devil dogs while they are trying to bite my legs every time I try to walk the neighborhood and they are let out of their house, WITHOUT A LEASH! She said I attacked her dogs and that is why they did it, not to mention that I had to use my jacket to fend them off on one of my walks as they were trying to bite my legs and chasing me! I told her that the bottom line was she needed to put her dogs on a leash and she informed me that I was the only one in the whole neighborhood that had a problem with them……they just wanted to be friends…..ha, with the hair standing up on one of thems back…….my little Shihtzu-Poo was just laying there wondering what all the commotion was about………they just cannot get it that they need to put their dogs on a leash, it’s the law! It is a moot point as to whether I like her dogs or if I am a non dog person, which I am not, I am a dog lover……..just put your dogs on a leash and leave me walk in peace!
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Why in the world would you think that a leash law applies to private property like an apartment complex? This might be a lease violation, but that’s it.
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dieselsmom,
You are absolutely right. Any dog that is outside in an unfenced area should be on a leash whether it is a law or not, private and public property alike. Unsupervised dogs are a safety issue, both to themselves and potentially the public. They can get hit by cars, get stolen, be aggressive towards the wrong person, get in a fight with another animal, breed if not fixed, the list is endless. Stupid owners like this are a big reason why millions of animals are killed in shelters every year. This is just common sense; anyone that says otherwise is just misinformed.
Just yesterday I saw a neighborhood dog dead in a ditch at the side of the road. I’ve been trying to catch this dog for almost a year after constantly seeing him wandering in the area on a busy road. It was only a matter of time before some jerk speeding through the area hit him. Any owner that does this to their dog should be charged with cruelty and neglect.
My advice, start by calling animal control. They will come out and investigate and educate the owner, and cite them if they witness a violation. I’ve done this to numerous people around our neighborhood who let their dogs run wild. If you are worried about retaliation, you don’t have to leave a real name or address. It helps if you do, but they’ll still investigate if you don’t. You can also leave a note with the leash laws for your area or some literature from an animal rights organization at the door of the offending party. Sign them up for PETA and ASPCA newsletters. If you have an HOA get them involved. HOA’s will make life miserable for anyone who crosses them. If you are really bold, take the dog next time you see it out loose and unsupervised. Leave a note for the owner telling them that their dog was running loose and you were concerned about its safety, or put up “FOUND DOG” signs in the neighborhood as a cover story. Sure they may get mad, but your point will be illustrated. Trust me, I have done all of these things and it freaks most people out knowing that someone is watching them. Most people are decent, just slow. They don’t realize that what they are doing is causing a problem, but they’ll change once they know their behaviour is causing issues in the neighborhood.
Good luck, and thank you for being a responsible pet owner !!
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I have seen so many people walking and even riding their bikes with their dog off the leash. It drives me crazy. I say something every time and I get the same response “oh, he/she is friendly, they will not harm you” and I have to say, “well, my dog is not as friendly and could harm your dog”
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I completely agree with you. I have the same problem when my pit is on a leash. People think he’s the aggressive one when the other dogs approach him unleashed and want to start a fight! It’s breed-specific “dogism” if you ask me. People who don’t put their dogs on leashes are irresponsible and asking for something to happen to their pets. Thanks for the post!
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Original post by mattusmaximus
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