Off leash dog problem

[Bamaman]

After living in a neighborhood with 4 acre yards, we're moving to town where all the dogs are required to be on a leash. And the new neighborhood has really active walkers with leashed dogs coming by our house constantly.

Unfortunately, 10 year old Hank the Rottweiler will have to learn new tricks when we ask him to quit being a country dog and be a city dog on a leash. He's a house dog most of the time but he's very sociable with other dogs. He just doesn't like FedEx or UPS drivers.

But we'll just get a new umbrella and retractable leash and join the line of dog walkers.

 

[bld999]

There's something about latecomers to fads that I see in the Seattle area with dogs. Over the last 15 years or so, dogs have become an increasingly huge deal around here, and the incidence of selfish or at least boneheaded owners has floated to the surface. Responsible people get tarred with the same brush as the effect is powerful.

 

[travelover]

When I first moved to my rural/ suburban area lots of dogs ran loose and every time I walked my dog we got accosted. My solution was to buy an oak shovel handle about 1.5" in diameter for a walking stick. Dogs seem to know what it is because they quit coming after us. Eventually I was able to just carry the Halt. If you need to defend yourself, a shovel handle can be very effective and it doesn't look out of place.


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[Nemo2]

I've been in (at least) one jurisdiction where the criterion was 'under control'; for some (trained) dogs a hand signal/whistle/word is enough, for others laudanum would be insufficient..............I've noticed though, when it's just dog-to-dog, that the leashed ones generally feel at somewhat of a disadvantage, perhaps because they're unable to engage in the canine greeting rituals that are so important to establish where they stand in the hierarchy.

At dog parks, where there are no leashes, there is also little or no aggression. Perhaps it's the freedom, or perhaps it relates to the sort of people who bother to take their dogs to the dog parks.....I don't know.

 

[Avalon]

I've had to pepper spray a couple of dogs over the last several years while bike riding on country roads. I carry Fox Labs spray in a 'holster' attached to my top tube. I'd suggest the stream rather than cone or fog. Stream spreads into a shotgun pattern at 15-20 ft.
Amazon.com: Fox Labs 2 Ounce 2% OC 5.3-mm Flip Top Stream Pepper Spray: Sports & Outdoors

I'd rather not use it if at all possible because of the devastating results it has on dogs. The problem is that I sometimes have only seconds to try and determine the demeanor of a dog. One thing I've noticed is that dogs running at me with 'purpose' and not barking are the ones I'll likely need to deal with. Dogs that do a lot of barking are what I consider territorial dogs. It's part of their nature. I usually yell 'stop', 'go home', and that usually backs them off.

 

[Texas Proud]

I don't have a dog, but I like dogs. I absolutely love well-trained, well-behaved dogs.

I sometimes encounter off-leash dogs while running on a local walking trail. I'm always a little leery until the owner demonstrates control. There's one women who walks with four unleashed Dobermans, but as soon as she sees another walker she gives a command and all four dogs retreat to her and sit. I've encountered them a few times; on the most recent occasion I asked if it would bother the dogs if I stopped, and when she said "no" I stopped to chat. I complimented her on her diligent training and told her that I don't worry a bit anymore when I see one of her dogs on the trail.

Whenever I encounter a Golden Retriever I'm worried that if anything, I might get licked to death.

I know that the rule is to leash dogs, but since I like dogs and like to see them get to run and have some freedom, I don't care if the good dogs are off leash. But I understand that some people are afraid of dogs.

So far I've only had two unpleasant encounters with dogs while running. One was a full-sized poodle who was off-leash and jumped on me. He yanked my iPod off and scratched up my arms before I could kick him away. His owner didn't even apologize. I did remind that owner about the leash law. The other was a chihuahua that chased me and nipped at my heels as I ran past his house. His owner yelled at me and said he wouldn't chase me if I didn't run. I had a few snarky replies, but settled for a stink-eye in response.

If you want a dog to run, have a fenced in back yard....

OR, take them to the dog park... we have a couple near us... one for big dogs and one for small... they can run to their hearts content and not bother the people who are in the park wanting to enjoy themselves without worrying about being attached by a dog....

 

[Whisper66]

I've had enough first hand experience to know that there's no good reason for some breeds of dog to exist in our society. Spare me the exceptions.

Fully agree. Can't understand why people have Chihuahua's. Since they are so small, their owners often don't have them on leashes. Wouldn't bother me except that they are typically so high strung they charge my much bigger dogs. And they bite like little piranha. Just today had one chase me and my black lab mix as I was riding my bike with her in tow. We had to stop just so the owner could catch up and get his little yapper under control.

 

[mh]

Fully agree. Can't understand why people have Chihuahua's. Since they are so small, their owners often don't have them on leashes. Wouldn't bother me except that they are typically so high strung they charge my much bigger dogs. And they bite like little piranha. Just today had one chase me and my black lab mix as I was riding my bike with her in tow. We had to stop just so the owner could catch up and get his little yapper under control.

At my local dog park the are quite a few chihuahuas 90% of them are quite friendly. then there are a few that are real jerks


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[CyclingInvestor]

Fully agree. Can't understand why people have Chihuahua's. Since they are so small, their owners often don't have them on leashes. Wouldn't bother me except that they are typically so high strung they charge my much bigger dogs. And they bite like little piranha. Just today had one chase me and my black lab mix as I was riding my bike with her in tow. We had to stop just so the owner could catch up and get his little yapper under control.

Agreed. Here is a friend's chihuahua we watched for a few months 'attacking' my 130 lb Leonberger

 

[brewer12345]

OP, bear spray works wonders on both dogs and owners.

 

[34rlsa]

Dogs should live in very rural areas with plenty of room to run... off leash and free.

Ask any dog.

 

[zinger1457]

If I ever get a dog, a Border Collie would be my first choice. I'm impressed with their intelligence. I would have to carefully consider, though, if I was really up to keeping one engaged and busy. Bored, intelligent dogs get themselves into trouble.

I had an Australian Shepherd which is similar to a Border Collie in temperament and intelligence. You're right about keeping them busy, they seem to have almost endless energy, a walk around the neighborhood won't come close to burning off their energy. They aren't big city house pets, you need a good size yard to let them loose.

 

[mystang52]

At the local bike path where I do most of my running, vast majority of the dogs (yes, we have local ordinance requiring it) are on leash. One woman I recognize has 2 dogs not on leash but extremely obedient - as soon as I get within some 200 feet they go to her side and sit until I pass.
I appreciate that, but nevertheless I stay leery.
My bigger concern on that path are the many dogs on LONG leashes. Either the owners think they are complying with letter of law but not spirit, or haven't read the fine print about length of the leash. Those long leashes create a hazard for both runners as well as cyclists.
BTW, I run with pepper spray but after reading some of the prior posts I think I need to get a stronger spray.

 

[donheff]

Even leashed dogs can get out of control. The real problem is that some people insist on equating their pets with children (think "furbaby," "granddog," and other twee terms that some people use). And some people think their own children can simply do no wrong.

I walk two Golden Retrievers (always on leashes except in off-leash areas). They are always very friendly to people and generally friendly to other dogs but as soon as other dogs lung or bark, they bark back. My take on it is that leashed dogs feel insecure when another dog is aggressive and put on a self defensive show. This is never a problem in the Congressional Cemetery which is a local off leash area nor in a local park where a lot of dogs run free.

 

[bingybear]

probably get in trouble with this, but use bear spray. I don't own normal pepper spray, but I have plenty of bear spray (pepper spray on steroids).

To the OP. The other option in your case was pictures with your phone. pics of the dogs, owners and their car (plates) or address. File a report and be willing to press charges.

I've was bitten twice as a kid, once by a rat dog, the other by a doberman. The doberman was the nicest well trained dog until its master died. It became over protective for a while and took a chunk out of my leg. After it calmed down it was back to the nice dog I knew before.
We have a neighbor with a dog that will come over and growl at my wife in our back yard and chases her inside. This won't last much longer... no I won't shoot it. There are legal ways to handle this... and pretty easily where I'm at.

 

[rodi]

If you want a dog to run, have a fenced in back yard....

OR, take them to the dog park... we have a couple near us... one for big dogs and one for small... they can run to their hearts content and not bother the people who are in the park wanting to enjoy themselves without worrying about being attached by a dog....

My dog loves to run. I do not love to run. My solution was to get a springer for my bike. Since my dog is an alaskan husky (presumably, since he's from the pound) it's in his nature to be harnessed up and running.

(Picture is NOT of me or my dog. Just a photo of the springer bike attachment.)

As for dog parks. The one closest to us has one dog/owner that are dangerous... so if I see them or their car - I drive to the further one. The dog is extra aggressive and the owner doesn't do anything when the dog attacks other dogs in the dog park. Because of this - when that dog is there, he's usually by himself.

 

[Whisper66]

Agreed. Here is a friend's chihuahua we watched for a few months 'attacking' my 130 lb Leonberger

OMG - looks like it's too late for your big fellow. Little guy has him down and big guy has given up! Very sorry.....

On more serious side, it is sad that we have so many dog owners than don't understand (or maybe care) how irritating or in some cases dangerous our animals can be to others.

I have fostered for an extended time or personally owned around 25-30 dogs. Almost all were medium to large size dogs (great dane, boxer, couple German shepherds, Rhodesian ridgeback, several pits, couple labs, and several mixed breeds). Several of them came "damaged" in one way or another (ex: fearful, aggressive, lifeless, sick) from bad circumstances or owners. Most had little to no training that I could tell. I've been very impressed with how every one eventually came around due to training, good exercise and love to become good pets.

So one person's experience is that the vast majority of dogs can be good pets if their owners take the time to actually care for them and train them. I wish all owners would take that time. Beyond that, we as owners need to respect that many people simply do not like and may be afraid of our dogs, no matter how well trained or docile they might be. Our leash laws are intended to help address that issue and still provide dog lovers the ability to have their pets.

In many towns, we have dog parks to allow them to run free and socialize. We also have tools like bike tow leashes to allow us to exercise them by running them until they are tired. There is really no excuse for us as responsible dog owners to have our dogs charge others .... or for that matter, even just bug others that don't want them around. So I encourage all of us to address irresponsible owners if we run into them. I certainly do and hope others will as well.


BTW - you might wonder how often someone like me has been bitten given that I have picked up so many dogs with problems. Probably no surprise that I've been bitten a few times over the years. The surprise to only some might be that I've only been bitten by my own dogs twice in 50+ years - Once got bit by a Husky during a break up of a fight between two of my large dogs (he was trying to bite the other dog right when I put a hand over his muzzle). The other time was a brand new sheppard mix we just picked up that was extremely fearful of men. Actually could have avoided that bite but didn't really care too much (fairly small dog -- 45 lbs?-- and needed to establish control and leadership quickly. What may be more of a surprise is that I've been bitten a couple times by other's dogs.....but only small, hyper dogs. Can't read them very well so have gotten nipped several times when owners said they were friendly so I could pet them. Larger dogs I find much easier to read, never have problems with them. Just one person's experience and why I mentioned a small dog (a bit tongue in cheek) in my earlier post mentioning problem breeds.

 

[H2ODude]

Never been to a dog park with mine. Just looks too risky. My two Bassett hounds are absolute lovers and roll on their backs for people or other dogs, I'd hate to have them injured. We have miles of bike/hiking trails and signs that say leashes required. I don't use the trails on weekends but during week might see one or two other people in an hour. The hounds love nothing better than exploring the woods off leash, and if I see anyone coming I re-leash them or at least hold collars till they pass. No one ever gives me the evil eye or seems to mind. One time they saw some deer and if it wasn't for the creek they couldn't cross I'd still be chasing them!

 

[W2R]

We left the park and went to the police station where I asked what we are allowed/should do. The officer told us next time to shoot the dog or use pepper spray. I was kind of shocked at the shoot the dog comment even though we do have our CC, I don't usually think of taking a gun in a local park. I am now thinking about carrying pepper spray but I worry that if I spray a off leash aggressive dog in a situation like this back in the woods, I may have problems with the dog's owner.

I like dogs but I am really starting to dislike dog owners.

WOW! That's so extreme. What a dreadful situation.

One reason I love New Orleans, is that we are so civilized about things like this. We don't have unleashed dogs roaming throughout the neighborhoods at all. I presume that is because the fines for that are sufficient to deter those who would let their dogs run wild. At any rate, I have never seen an unleashed dog just ambling down the street, in the decades since I moved here.

We do have dog parks where they can be unleashed and (since I am a little afraid of big dogs) I just choose not to go there. It's fine with me if they run unleashed with their owners at a dog park.

 

[HFWR]

I've been bitten a couple of times, and I somewhat jokingly say that the last thing I remember before being bitten was the owner saying "Oh, he/she won't bite"...

Luckily, the culprit both times was a yappy dog, and not a rottweiler.

Lots of leash scofflaws around here, and I do often remark that there IS a leash law in these parts.

As for dogs in general, I see many dogs who apparently have had no training at all.

 

[Nemo2]

Just for clarification, the times that my Border was off leash he was walking alongside me, under control, not lunging/barking at people.

One time, on a rural trail, a deer burst out of the bushes, crossed the trail, and headed into the brush.....Border glanced at it with an "Oh, look, a deer" expression....and kept walking.

 

[Fermion]

Maybe I should carry a drone, and fly it at the dog owner's head.

"Oops, my bad, I thought it was ok to not have control of my drone. Bad drone, bad!"

 

[Nemo2]

I thought it was ok to not have control of my drone.

The operative word being 'control'.

 

[Sarah in SC]

Oh this. So sorry for your bad experience OP.

First, Bama, the adjustment for your pup from country to city dog won't be terrible, but please no retractable leash. Those teach dogs to pull, unfortunately. And yes old dog/new tricks. I love Rotties--such softies!

Skip the dog park unless you have the patience of a saint! It's the people, not the dogs, that cause the most trouble. If you can find a time and place that is deserted, take them to run around off leash there and then. Otherwise it is better to let him be the couch potato he already probably is!

Phillie, we aren't kidding when we say Border Collies and other herding dogs are a lot of work. Oh my god are they! But with enough stimulation and activity, they probably won't eat all the drywall off your house when bored. Hopefully.

I've fostered nearly 100 dogs, mostly Border Collies, and placed dozens in their forever (we hope) homes.

 

[Fermion]

The operative word being 'control'.

Perhaps if I made some sort of AI program which had a pseudo random number generator that decided if the drone would engage the face of the other person or just lick them. That would take away my responsibility since it would be the drone making the decision.

As a drone owner, I think drones should be able to roam freely and if they attack you it is just them being drones.