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Author
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Topic: Nasty Off-Leash Situations...
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Ken Nielsen
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Member # 922
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posted May 03, 2004 09:51 AM
I did have one experience this weekend that I will share here. Honey Bee, my 5 month old Springer, is still small, so we went to our usual park for 'off leash' time, which normally has been fine and fun, but, this time, there were many bigger dogs there, and aggressive, pit bulls and shepherds. One attacked her and scared her so bad she ran and took her leash for 1/2 a block running away yipping (I had her on leash but let go of her so she could get away.) I think it's probably best that I don't take her for socialization if the majority of dogs are more aggressive. Some owners seem to pride themselves in having dogs that are big and foreboding. These same owners are not always quick to exercise control over their dogs, nor do they really have good control over them when they are off leash. I realize that dogs have something to say to each other, but I also feel that in some instances, like this weekend's incident, that it is better to not let her be engaged.
Posts: 94 | From: Portland, Oregon | Registered: Apr 2004
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BreeZy/sheltiepups
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Member # 297
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posted May 03, 2004 09:56 AM
I can understand where you’re coming from but your dog needs to be socialized. I think you should bring her to a class or just to petsmart once or twice a week where she can meet other dogs. Good luck
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this is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be
when the world was younger and you had everything to lose
Posts: 147 | From: PA | Registered: Oct 2003
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DaxAriel's toy
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Member # 740
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posted May 03, 2004 09:57 AM
Ken, I understand completely. Ariel is only 4 months old and will be a big dog. When I took her to the puppy social, most were quite a bit bigger and played very aggressively. She sat by my legs most of the time.
I have meet a dog whose leg was broken during one of these "rough" play sessions. I try to go to areas where the dogs we meet will not be in packs but only one or two at a time. Hopefully, your little guy is OK and gets over the experience.
As for the owners who don't control their dog -- some people shouldn't be allowed to have any pet at all. They would manage to screw up the personality of a gold fish.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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the_gunny
Junior Member
Member # 946
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posted May 03, 2004 10:15 AM
I am owner of a beligan malinois shepard. a large dog. the truth is the only way we can keep our dogs safe is to police them. you right some people who large or small dogs are not to bright. my problem is the small breeds who are ten feet tall and bullet proof with owners who believe it is cute to let their small animal hang of my 80lbs animal then when my mal feels personal space being threatened he fires back.only for the owner of the other dog to feel my dog is viscious. will never scold him for letting another dog know they have gone to far. he has never gone on the offensive and is a very social boy. he is just placing himself within the pack.
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gunny-keeper of the malinois
try to train them,only to find they trained you
Posts: 10 | From: so. cal | Registered: May 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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Member # 740
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posted May 03, 2004 11:11 AM
There is such a thing as appropriate response. For example, my rottix was attacked by a little dog. She simply pushed him down and put her paw on him. She immediately responded to commands and there was NO biting. She will growl, snap and show an impressive set of teeth. That is not the same thing as chasing a smaller dog for a block, biting (enough to need medical attention)or disobeying the owner's call for STOP.
It is every owner's responsbility to maintain control over their animals especially in off-the-leash areas.
Not to say that you don't but many people who use the dog parks don't even bother picking up after their animals.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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Ken Nielsen
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Member # 922
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posted May 03, 2004 11:24 AM
"Not to say that you don't but many people who use the dog parks don't even bother picking up after their animals"
You sound like a very responsible person. I try to be one also. I went away from my experience thinking about the word "Sociopathic." Not the dogs, but the owners. Dogs are an extension of their owners. Good owners have wonderful dogs, and off-leash areas are the reason that good owners can be proud of their accomplishments: the results of training and love.
Posts: 94 | From: Portland, Oregon | Registered: Apr 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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Member # 740
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posted May 03, 2004 12:14 PM
100% in agreement. If you raise a dog with love, compassion and trust they are loving, trusting companions. I live on an off-the-leash area so I open my back gate and away we go. I was badly bitten in this area by a dog that I feel should be put down. It has at least 4 attacks on other dogs requiring medical attention, me and two other people have also been attacked.
This owner walks this "monster" without a leash thru the kid's playground. I take my babies, even thoough they are big enough to defend themselves, the other way just to be safe. I agree that a mental assessment needs to be done on the owners not the animals.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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