Lovely walk out until.... ( dogs)

[TheEagles]

Taking advantage of the lovely weather, we decided to go for a drive out to the beach with the dog. My dog is very small, yorkshire terrier size and I do worry about other dogs attacking him... well

 

walking along I spotted a couple of women with 2 large dogs, of the lead and running about. The next thing I knew they were shouting at the dogs to come back, one did, the other ignored and ran over over, I had to put myself inbetween the dogs. My  little dog was screaming in terror, and then 2yr old toddler was also then screaming in terror. Luckily the owner had managed to run up by this point and grabbed the dogs collar.   Granted the lady apologised to me, but that's beside the point.

 

Why oh why if you cant control your dog, keep it on a lead and DO NOT have it running about in public. 

 

Thank you to whoever you are for spoiling our day out.  My dog is always on a lead in public places,  but to be perfectly honest I very rarely go out somewhere with him now  for fear of  what happened in this incident. 

 

There really are some selfish and irresponsible owners out there. 

[shetlandpeat]

Our Mam was attacked by a dog when she was young, the fear and worry about dogs stayed with her till the end. Folk do need to control their dog(s).

[Kavi Ugl]

I have a deep fear of dogs and would often love to go for a walk but simply don't because I know there's a very high chance I'll meet an uncontrolled dog.

 

I'm so sorry for you TheEagles and I hope your little child is okay now. Your experience just proves the point about all this.

 

Sadly, 99% of dog owners will never get the message that their "precious pet" is an unpredictable animal that can and will turn without warning.

 

Apologising after an incident is too little too late and just adds insult to injury.

 

I hope the sight of a 2yr old child screaming in terror because of their own selfishness will haunt those two women for a long time to come.

Edited May 31, 2014 by Kavi Ugl

[Windwalker]

I have a deep fear of dogs and would often love to go for a walk but simply don't because I know there's a very high chance I'll meet an uncontrolled dog.I'm so sorry for you TheEagles and I hope your little child is okay now. Your experience just proves the point about all this.Sadly, 99% of dog owners will never get the message that their "precious pet" is an unpredictable animal that can and will turn without warning.Apologising after an incident is too little too late and just adds insult to injury.I hope the sight of a 2yr old child screaming in terror because of their own selfishness will haunt those two women for a long time to come.

99% where have you got that statistic from? or do you just exaggerate to add value to your post. It is unfortunate that you have had a bad experience with an uncontrolled dog, but please do not suggest that 99% of dog owners don't know their pets, nor control them around people who are obviously uncomfortable or frightened.

 

I am fed up with people suggesting that the majority if dog owners are irresponsible.

[shetlandpeat]

I would guess they are, I would also suggest 100%.

 

Simple reason is that, as a dog cannot be 100% predictable in all situations, the risk is mitigated by the assessment of the owner only. Consideration may not be given to the thoughts of others thoughts.

 

It is like saying that 99% of car drivers take risks that could harm themselves or others, when really 100% do.

 

However, (this will be the bit you will ignor possibly to sensationalise your own point), it is, to some degree, aceptable as we trust anothers judgement. If though, the animal does do something that harms, worries and creates a situation where another could be at risk, the owner is ALWAYS 100% liable as the animal is in THEIR control, yet, has its own mind.

 

I am not suggesting that they are bad, as seen on posts on these forum, the relationship with the dog, owner and other animals is of exceptional credit. Though I would guess this is about being with the animals most of the time and continually working with them.

 

(Here's me, siding with Kavi.)

 

DA

Edited May 31, 2014 by shetlandpeat

[Pleepsie]

I agree with Kave Ugl, where as I am sure a proportion of dog walkers are responsible, its the careless ones that cause fear and distress that are remembered. It is unfortunate that it seems to be the owners of 'Attack' type dogs that are the most irresponsible, and it is these dogs that are the most frightening. I often hear the argument that all dogs will bite, and this is true, but.. a Jack Russell, or Poodle or Labrador will bite - just the once - as a defence mechanism, where as the attack dog, Rottwieller, Doberman, Pit Bull will keep biting, it is bred in them.

I am not sure what the solution is, but veer towards attack type dogs always being muzzled when in public places. Hounds, toy and general 'family friendly' dogs being exempt. I should say that I am Dog owner, but as a child I was petrified of dogs, and even now am very wary of some breeds that I meet when out walking. I do think that some dog owners are reluctant to admit that their 'babies' are actually rather unpleasant animals.

[Windwalker]

You miss the point that if a responsible owner has their dog on a lead under control than they are not a risk to those who are uncomfortable in their presence. So 99% is way off the mark. And as for Shetland Pete's 100%, well that's just the level of garbage I've come to expect from him. You forgot to tell us, what happens where you come from.

[Kavi Ugl]

Well, Windwalker, I'm not being sarcastic at all(I'm not that kind of person) but try standing at the Knab some day and watch how many dog owners walk along the path while their dog is off the lead and running free.

 

I'm simply basing my previous post on what I see with my own eyes.

 

Indeed, I had an incident myself on the east side of the Knab footpath below the graveyard about 7 years ago when one of those pitbull/staffordshire dogs came flying towards me growling and snarling. I had to run and jump over an ajoining mesh fence to get away from it until the owner came and took control of it.

 

It's not just about whether a dog is dangerous or not, it's about dog owners who don't grasp that their dog running loose will cause distress and panic to people like me.

 

Unfortunately, I suspect there are many incidents involving dogs off their leads in Lerwick and Shetland which are simply never reported.

Edited May 31, 2014 by Kavi Ugl

[Windwalker]

Well, Windwalker, I'm not being sarcastic at all(I'm not that kind of person) but try standing at the Knab some day and watch how many dog owners walk along the path while their dog is off the lead and running free.I'm simply basing my previous post on what I see with my own eyes.Indeed, I had an incident myself on the east side of the Knab footpath below the graveyard about 7 years ago when one of those pitbull/staffordshire dogs came flying towards me growling and snarling. I had to run and jump over an ajoining mesh fence to get away from it until the owner came and took control of it.It's not just about whether a dog is dangerous or not, it's about dog owners who don't grasp that their dog running loose will cause distress and panic to people like me.Unfortunately, I suspect there are many incidents involving dogs off their leads in Lerwick and Shetland which are simply never reported.

I agree with you Kavi that there are a lot of irresponsible owners who do not know their dogs as well as they think they do, but I don't believe that 99% of owners don't know that a dog can be unpredictable.

 

My dog is the biggest softie you can meet, but I keep him on a lead where other folk are walking, just incase they are not comfortable around loose dogs, and I also get annoyed and concerned when other dogs, some quite aggressive approach us so I do understand your concern.

 

But I do get a bit scunnered when people tar all dog owners with the same stick.

[Derek leask]

I sympathize with the first poster on this thread. However contrary to what we might think it is quite challenging to look after large dogs properly in Shetland. This is because of the amount of sheep here. Trying to be responsible as a larger dog owner means one of the few places you can run your dog properly is a beach or the knab. We have a german shepherd and a ten minute walk is of no use to him. To stimulate him and exercise him properly he needs to run. Therefore the only place we can take him off the leash without sheep being nervous is the beach. 

 

We have put a lot of work into training him and socialising him with other dogs but by nature he is still a dog and will occasionally bark when first meeting a stranger. However he is never going to bite anyone, it is just the breeds instinct to sound an alarm.  We could make extra effort to to try and train this out of him and I have thought about it but whats the point in making a dog not a dog! If we are at one end of the beach and someone comes on at the other side with a dog  then off course he will be off to introduce himself and have a sniff. This is just the baggage that goes with having dogs. It doesn't necessarily mean you are negligent.

 

Dogs are pack animals and like to see other dogs. I think it is a bit unrealistic to deny them the opportunity to socialise properly. The key is to train your dog how to mix politely with other dogs and we have done this by asking permission from any dog owners we meet on walks to allow the dogs a few minutes of controlled engagement. Our dog is always fine but if another dog shows any aggression I take him away immediately.

 

Off course humans are not all perfect dog owners and we see many people that have no idea about their dogs. I remember the days of the dog licence and now that I own one think its strange that this was withdrawn. I think you should have to prove that you can look after dogs properly before you have the right to own one - especially the more challenging breeds.

 

When I am out with our gs I meet so many people who approach him entirely inappropriately. If you want to pet a big dog show the back of your hand to his nose. This is a passive gesture which the dog recognises. He will then likely have a sniff and be friendly. When you put your palm on a dogs head it is a dog fighting movement. If your dog is not well trained he may be threatened. Thankfully our dog is passive so never responds angrily to all these strangers who meeting him on the road first time want to pat him in attack mode. I wouldn't like to see how they would get on with some of those untrained staffies!

 

 

[Suffererof1crankymofo]

I agree with Kave Ugl, where as I am sure a proportion of dog walkers are responsible, its the careless ones that cause fear and distress that are remembered. It is unfortunate that it seems to be the owners of 'Attack' type dogs that are the most irresponsible, and it is these dogs that are the most frightening. I often hear the argument that all dogs will bite, and this is true, but.. a Jack Russell, or Poodle or Labrador will bite - just the once - as a defence mechanism, where as the attack dog, Rottwieller, Doberman, Pit Bull will keep biting, it is bred in them.

I am not sure what the solution is, but veer towards attack type dogs always being muzzled when in public places. Hounds, toy and general 'family friendly' dogs being exempt. I should say that I am Dog owner, but as a child I was petrified of dogs, and even now am very wary of some breeds that I meet when out walking. I do think that some dog owners are reluctant to admit that their 'babies' are actually rather unpleasant animals.

 

I'll remember that then the next time my dog is bitten multiple times by a labrador - with all due respect, Pleepsie, it doesn't matter what breed a dog is, if the temperament is such, it will bite and continue to bite.  I've met rotweilers, staffies, dobies and so forth that have been the most placid creatures going yet some absolutely horrendous labradors, poodles, poms, etc.

 

Yes, it is the careless ones that cause fear and distress.  However, I can't help but wonder why the OP remained on the beach or even went on the beach if they saw that there were two dogs off the lead - I won't venture onto a beach with my dog if there are dogs already there off the lead.  The OP doesn't state that the dogs attacked her dog, how much they had socialised their yorkshire terrier, etc.  Don't get me wrong, having had one of my dogs previously attacked viciously by a labrador, I do sympathise re dogs off the lead (and wish more were on the lead) but as responsible dog owners, if we have a nervous dog then we owe it to them to do all we can to alleviate the fear of dogs being frightened of other dogs, and many a time that involves overcoming our own fears and socialising our dogs with other dogs.

[Claadehol]

Well Derek, I remember a previous post regarding someone coming up here with five dogs and asking for advice on walks, etc. I did comment at the time that Shetland was not ideal for dogs, especially large ones. I was taken to task on this by a few dog owners, so it's quite refreshing to hear from a dog owner who admits that it is quite "challenging" to give them the exercise they  need given the quantity of sheep here.

 

Having said that, I do think I should be able to take grandchildren to the beach without fear of a confrontation with a large dog, friendly or otherwise. Some people and small children especially are terrified of dogs and sometimes for good reason. Why should they not be allowed to enjoy a leisurely hour or so at the beach without fear. 

 

Perhaps the onus should be on the owner of large dogs, if they wish to keep them, to find a friendly landowner who will allow them to exercise their animals, thereby leaving people on the beach in peace. If, Derek, you have expended as much effort as you say you have on training your animal, sheep shouldnt be a problem.

 

My last labrador, (the friendly variety), used to accompany me over the hills without any problems. But then he never went near the sheep, this was explained to him quite thoroughly early on.

 

So Derek, it may be a friendly sociable german shepherd, and wants to meet people, but quite frankly I dont want to meet it on the beach, and I would suggest neither do many others.

[shetlandpeat]

You miss the point that if a responsible owner has their dog on a lead under control than they are not a risk to those who are uncomfortable in their presence. So 99% is way off the mark. And as for Shetland Pete's 100%, well that's just the level of garbage I've come to expect from him. You forgot to tell us, what happens where you come from.

You have your opinions and I have mine, dogs and folk are generally the same where ever they come from.

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

 

I also agree that Shetland, and many other places are not the place for larger dogs. I wonder, in reality, how much excersise the animal does get. Perhaps there is an opening for some land owners to allow dog owners to do the "better" thing for the love of their life. Sadly you do get those who own certain breeds due to a lacking in their genitailia or synapses.

 

I have seen the great work "pat" dogs do in the community and the sterling work done by labradors and other breeds in helping us humans with our needs. This is something that should be taken into consideration. "Hobby" dogs also take looking after.

Edited June 1, 2014 by shetlandpeat

[Windwalker]

My my, I wonder how I've ever managed to walk my "large" dog every day, sometimes twice a day in Shetland, plus all the dogs I've had since I was wee. What a load of tosh! Shetland is no different from anywhere else. It's the dog owners responsibility to walk their dog without causing concern to sheep or folk that may feel uncomfortable around them. This means a lot of time they have to be on the lead and will return to you when told to be put back on the lead in certain areas.

 

The problem is not he dog, it's the owner, who has likely not been able to train it properly.

[shetlandpeat]

I agree with the dog owners being the cause of the problems when it comes to looking after your charge. Of course, the physical activity will depend on the animal and its age. Consensus indicates at least an hour a day, then though, the animal is on a lead, this still may not be enough as it will of course depend on the abilities of the owner. My terriers could be out all day if you let them, they used to get the hour or two a day but they also went out and did their stuff at weekends. The were excellent at catching and eradicating unwanted pests and got a rabbit or two. It was nice to see them tired out at the end of that. Sadly, due to work and housing, it was no longer fair to keep them. Which had nothing to do with their training.

How you look after your animal, is, your concern. I don't recall me commenting on how you deal with the daily needs of your animal but made some observations based on experience. Rubbishing that because it does not bode well with your own thoughts misses the point of sharing experiences and changing opinions.

Training a dog is right, but to keep a Ridgeback in a 1 bed flat may not be.

 

Shetland is no different from anywhere else.

I personally think it is, it is the people and the animals that show similar traits where ever they are.