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Responsible dog ownership (not poo-related) - LB (10th May 2014 - 13:59:51) To whom it may concern: I was having a quiet walk in our lovely countryside the other evening when suddenly confronted by 3 aggressive growling snarling dogs, who surround me so that I was unable to proceed. The owners came strolling by some time later totally oblivious to the situation (despite the dogs still growling and snarling)? Were you blind and deaf? Unbelievable. It is part of responsible dog ownership to keep you dogs under control at all times. I've grown up with dogs all my life and know that 99% of the time it's all show - but it is scary when suddenly confronted in such a way. But why should I be threatened by someone's dogs anyway, let alone not even receive an acknowledgement or apology from the owners? I am just thankful that my children were not with me on this situation as they would have freaked out big-time and wouldn't be able to keep calm. Not everyone will react in the same way I did. Please be considerate to everyone when your dog is off the lead especially if it/they might be aggressive to strangers! Its stating the obvious, but obviously needs to be stated (to some people). Thank you.

Re: Responsible dog ownership (not poo-related) - Rachel (10th May 2014 - 16:07:29) We have 3 dogs and my husband walks them in the evening in a quite area. All three dogs are on chain leads and kept on them because even though our dogs are not nasty it's not worth the risk! I think if you walk your dog off lead then you better have 100% re-call and still put your dog on the lead if you see another dog coming. You must have had an awful fright, the owner of the dogs should have kept them on lead, as they must have known their dogs were not good with others. They say there is no such thing as a bad dog, just a bad owner! I hope you and your dog are ok now, and can start to enjoy the longer evenings walking in our beautiful countryside.

Re: Responsible dog ownership (not poo-related) - SL (10th May 2014 - 18:51:41) Thoroughly agree with two previous posts. My dogs are always kept on leads as I am fed up with them being frightened by dogs rushing up to them. It does not seem to occur to many owners that this can be very intimidating for both other dogs and people.

Re: Responsible dog ownership (not poo-related) - Jaybee (10th May 2014 - 23:03:00) Please read "Lynchmere dog owners" thread

Re: Responsible dog ownership (not poo-related) - betty (11th May 2014 - 16:22:29) If your all that afraid why are you not walking your dog's early in the morning and later in the evening. I do this regularly and rarely see other dog walkers or people. Just the birds singing, the rabbits,squirrels,pheasants and deer in the trees and bushes. It's very peaceful and I highly recommend it. Not all dog owners have vicious dogs. If you do not tense up when you see another dog and stay as calm and friendly as you can. Your dog will also stay calm and feel the approaching dog or dogs are friendly. Most people I experience on a walk who have to walk their dogs on a lead ,cause the problems for themselves by not socialising the dog or dogs in the first place. Dogs will respond to what ever emotion their owner is projecting. Next time your on a walk take a deep breath, stay calm and friendly. Let your dog say hello to another dog. If all is well. Give your dog a big hug and tell them how good they have been. Also have a big smile and feel proud of yourself for keeping your dog calm and making the situation more friendly and calming for yourself. You do get the odd idiot dog owner . Sadly there is not much you can do about the idiots. But you can control how you and your dog react. Remember most dog owners want a present friendly calm walk like you do. Only you can control your dog's and your emotions.

Re: Responsible dog ownership (not poo-related) - LB (11th May 2014 - 19:36:01) I was walking alone and I didn't have a dog with me. I was calm, not threatening and reacted appropriately. I could not proceed on my walk having 3 growling muts surrounding me... eventually when the owner appeared, the dogs followed her, but she made no effort to call them away or acknowledge there was a problem going on. I have owned dogs myself most of my life and know to keep calm etc which is what I did. These 3 dogs acted in a pack with owners trailing along way behind them. On their own, they are probably placid pooches but when they are in a group, some dogs behave differently. I meet a lot of dog walkers when I'm out and about, often greeted by friendly dogs jumping up with muddy paws which I put up with... I get muddy anyway. There are however some dogs that are not very friendly and the owner should keep them on a lead. My vent here was not to tar all dogs or their owners with the same brush - just to raise awareness that some people need to take more responsibility.

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