Siberian Huskies banned from Shankill dog park?

DamagedTrax

magicherbs wrote: »

TBH it's difficult to take some of you seriously at times. You seem to be incomplete denial that the dogs you own are actually dangerous. All dogs are dangerous. They're dangerous to children and the infirm and they're a danger on the roads as cars swerve to avoid hitting them. If you don't accept this simple truth you're completely in denial and will not be taken seriously by anyone else.

Secondly, people have priority over dogs. Full stop. Period. No other way. Your dog isn't entitled to anything, except not to be treated with cruelty. Your dog isn't entitled to bark at every person that walks up and down the street. Your dog isn't entitled to use parks. You dog isn't entitled to freedom of speech or freedom of passage. They are things for people.

Dogs are property. Accept this and move on. Your property does not have priority over human being.

With regard to restricted breeds, I agree it isn't a fully scientific, rationale or sensible declaration. As we all anecdotally know, the local jack russell terrier is far more of a nuisance than the local pit bull.

However, we do not have adequate selection over breeding and ownership. And any scumbag, idiot, naive, stupid, reckless, neglectful person can purchase a strong/big dog. At the end of the day Jack Russells can give you a nasty bite that will require hospital treatment but a Rhodesian Ridge back, could, if it had the inclination, kill a child. I personally don't trust these types of people to own and be in possession on the street - knives, screw drivers, bats, or big dogs or cats (if, heaven forbid, we begin to get a culture of scumbags buying pumas).

If your dog intimidates people its YOUR fault not theirs.

i have to say i agree 100% with this. it might be ranty but its the truth.

being a good owner (especially of an RB breed or husky type dogs) means being aware of what they are capable of and taking steps to make sure it never happens.

too many people think that their staffy or 'pibble' (HATE that word) is just a cute little kissing machine. thats exactly how incidents happen.

Synyster Shadow

Iv socialised my Doberman with every animal we come across and he's been socialised with people and kids of all ages and I'd love someone to come prove he's a danger to anyone. He's well mannered and I'd hold my hands up if proven to be wrong but I trust him completely. I know that Dobermans are head strong and need socialising at an early age as do many dogs and with research when buying any dog big or small you'll be capable of having a well balanced dog.

Kat1170

Magenta wrote: »

I could swerve to avoid a rabbit, are they all dangerous too?

Don't know about ALL of them, but some are cold blooded killers :D

tk123

juniord wrote: »

does anyone know for sure if an individual public park manager /management can decide an entire breed which is not RB can be banned from a public park

I think it's down to the council the park is in - for example we fall under DCC and there's no breed restrictions (apart from busy bodies but that's a different story ) in the park beside us.. but another park we go to up the road in Santry is Fingal and they have pictures of the RB dogs up around the place saying they need to be on lead...We often meet a man with a beautiful EBT and he always has her on lead as he's had the wardens drive up and ask him to put her on..Same with a lovely Dobie who's always on lead and dying to play with my guy and his friend.
Funnily enough there was a husky pup off lead up there a few weeks back - guy trying to call her back for ages. I was about to clip my dogs lead on and walk her back to him out of frustration at his blasé attitude to his pup walking around a car park (with cars driving in and out) before we drove off because I was worried about running her over - but she eventually wandered past him.. I wished the pup good luck when she was at the back of our car and told her I hoped she ended up in a good home when she gets lost!

Anyhoos OP with all due respect - your pup is only 7 months old and hasn't got a mind of his own yet so be careful thinking he has perfect recall.

boopadoopadoop

I do not agree with the whole idea of RB. I firmly believe that a dog's behaviour is a reflection of it's upbringing and of it's owner. I can understand and appreciate some points made in this thread regarding the ...type of people who now have huskies..
But with all due respect, I did not post this thread to find out about opinions around the RB list, which dogs may be next on it etc

I simply wanted to know if what I heard around Shankill dog park was true or not? I appreciate that I can always call the council responsible for the dog park and find out there but figured asking here might be worth my while.

Aside from that though - Is Shankill dog park good? Is it secure/clean etc ? and can anyone suggest another dog park around the Wicklow/Dublin region which in their opinion is good? (in the event that the rumours around Shankill dog park are true, so as that I can bring my husky to one!)

boopadoopadoop

tk123 wrote: »

Anyhoos OP with all due respect - your pup is only 7 months old and hasn't got a mind of his own yet so be careful thinking he has perfect recall.

I did not say my pup has a perfect recall nor do I think it. He is in training and is doing very well. I am always aware of the breed's notorious behaviour and traits. I appreciate your concern but I can assure you, he is in good hands.

are you serious

juniord wrote: »

does anyone know for sure if an individual public park manager /management can decide an entire breed which is not RB can be banned from a public park

juniord, I don't think from reading the replies after this if anyone has responded directly to you. So.

Anyway.. As far as I know each park would be governed by the local County Council for that area. But at the same time no park that I am aware of in Dublin (or the country) has banned any of the breeds on the RB list from being inside their park.

There is however a slight exception to this. When there are specific designated dogs parks within a public park, as in an off leash area, then, every one of the dog parks that I am aware of has a ban on all of the breeds on the RB list from entering this off leash dog park.

The reason behind this is simple, because it is against the law for the local council to allow an off leash area for a dog on the RB list. If they did not ban all dogs on the RB list from these parks then they would be putting the owners of the dog on the RB list at risk of a nice little fine.

wolfpawnat

I had a thread on this forum a while back voicing my concerns that the Sib Husky and the Dogue de Bordeaux would be next on the RB list. Sadly it appears my suspicions may be soon correct. I too am in the South Dublin area and have witnessed first hand in Cabinteely park complete and utter breed discrimination. I cared for a pup for a neighbour when they went away for work that is on the RB list and the dirty looks you would get even for having the dog on the lead and muzzled walking within the park itself and not even in the dog park section was just so irritating.

Sadly, though as great as the vast majority of dog owners are, there are more than a few undesirables that should not have a goldfish, let alone a dog that have these breeds too. Every day I pass a house with 2 Sibs that I have never seen walked and the owner seems to be anything but a caring individual. I dare say if those dogs get walked, it is seldom and they are the nuisances that has the breed its new and for the most part undeserved name (we have to face it, there is always one or two badly behaved dogs in EVERY breed, it happens)

Ring Dub Laoighaire Rathdown Council, only they will know for a fact, if they say you're good to go, then tell any a-hole who makes a comment to go shove it!

Hooked

A little off topic, but can I ask... Who enforces the RB act? I dodge a fair amount of dog poo daily, in our estate there are 3 GSD's, one of whom uses the kids green as his toilet and is uncultivated, a 10 stone Akita (huge dog) wonders freely, my own father has 4 English bull terriers and I've NEVER seen any of the above muzzled? Nor has my dad been approached...

It'll be a cold cold day in hell before I put a muzzle on my Sibe. They really have the licensing, breeding, ownership and removal of dog waste, etc... Completely backwards. When are they gonna tackle the bigger, broader issues of the owners... and leave the poor well trained/behaved/exercised dogs alone...

It's fūcking maddening at times!!!

JustAThought

Hooked wrote: »

A little off topic, but can I ask... Who enforces the RB act? I dodge a fair amount of dog poo daily, in our estate there are 3 GSD's, one of whom uses the kids green as his toilet and is uncultivated, a 10 stone Akita (huge dog) wonders freely, my own father has 4 English bull terriers and I've NEVER seen any of the above muzzled? Nor has my dad been approached...

It'll be a cold cold day in hell before I put a muzzle on my Sibe. They really have the licensing, breeding, ownership and removal of dog waste, etc... Completely backwards. When are they gonna tackle the bigger, broader issues of the owners... and leave the poor well trained/behaved/exercised dogs alone...

It's fūcking maddening at times!!!

Well... You know what to do : call the council & tell them that & ask them to send the dog warden out. Re the poo call the litter warden & give the owners address & ask them to fine them. That should focus their attentions.

Bid08

I wouldnt have considered siberian huskies / mal / Akita an unprovoked vicious dog, I agree its down to the owners. Unfortuanetly these dogs have become popular in recent years and they seem to pop up every where. Its down to responsible dog owners.

Can I ask opionion on this? If im walking on the beach I always have my dogs off the lead, if I see some someone also coming with their dogs also off the lead I dont necessarily panic making sure my dogs stay with me, I will let them over to smell and just say hello like they do? I have complete trust that they would not attack any other dog hence why I have them off the lead and I assume if some one else also has them off the lead they have the same trust in their dogs? Does that annoy people when other dogs come over to say hello??

andreac

Yes unfortunately it does. Not all dogs like strange dogs coming up to them and I think it's quite unfair of you to allow your dogs to do that. I know I don't like strange dogs coming up to mine as my female is very sharp with strange dogs so if an offload dog comes up then i don't like it.
Maybe try and respect other dog owners esp when their dogs are on lead and yours are off lead and don't let them go up to them.
You might see it as being friendly but not all dogs like that.

Hooked

Bid08 wrote: »

Can I ask opionion on this? If im walking on the beach I always have my dogs off the lead, if I see some someone also coming with their dogs also off the lead I dont necessarily panic making sure my dogs stay with me, I will let them over to smell and just say hello like they do? I have complete trust that they would not attack any other dog hence why I have them off the lead and I assume if some one else also has them off the lead they have the same trust in their dogs? Does that annoy people when other dogs come over to say hello??

Personally speaking, I walk my husky on lead and nearly every other dog I meet at the beach or out in UL is off lead. It annoys me... BUT only when the off lead dog is obviously not trained on recall - or is known to misbehave.

I rarely saw any attempt by owners to call their dogs off when things escalated - and it really got to me as your attitude (Bid08) seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

My solution... I walk with a very long hiking stick - and if we are approached by a dog off lead that has previously or is obviously going to act up, I drop the stick down from under my armpit - and the reaction of the owner is immediate. Dog is recalled, physically held or similar.

It wouldn't be so frustrating if other owners had their dogs trained to behave like yours. But as is the trend in this thread... It's the owners that need addressing - and NOT the dog / breed.

kylith

Bid08 wrote: »

Can I ask opionion on this? If im walking on the beach I always have my dogs off the lead, if I see some someone also coming with their dogs also off the lead I dont necessarily panic making sure my dogs stay with me, I will let them over to smell and just say hello like they do? I have complete trust that they would not attack any other dog hence why I have them off the lead and I assume if some one else also has them off the lead they have the same trust in their dogs? Does that annoy people when other dogs come over to say hello??

Yes, it can be annoying. I suppose it's understandable to assume that if a dog is off lead it's friendly, but that's not always the case. I let Rani off so she can stretch her legs and potter about a bit, while she's polite with other dogs she is elderly and has no patience for strange dogs crowding her; saying hello is fine, but following her around or trying to get her to play is very stressful for her.

I don't let Tegan off lead because she's not good with other dogs. She's gotten better, but it can really set us back when off-lead dogs come over. Usually there's someone off in the distance shouting 'It's ok, he only wants to say hi!' and then looking shocked as I try to control T and explain that it's not about how friendly their dog is.

It's not about how good your dogs are with others, it's about what the others are like. You should always check that it's ok with the owners before you allow your dogs to interact with theirs. A quick "Is it ok if my dog says hi?" is all it takes.

Hooked

JustAThought wrote: »

Well... You know what to do : call the council & tell them that & ask them to send the dog warden out. Re the poo call the litter warden & give the owners address & ask them to fine them. That should focus their attentions.

But that's my point. No one ever does. The RB list is not enforced and no one is ever fined for dog fouling. My dad has never been approached and he's walking dogs nearly 50 years. The law is a joke. And so is its enforcement. It's the owners that should be subjected to such lists - not the breed.

borderlinemeath

I hate saying it but in the past while, most of the trouble I've had when out walking is with huskies with no recall let off lead.

This week - I'm walking with 4 dogs, my two setters and another two, and one of them is only just out of a rescue less than a week, very nervous and timid, particularly of men but our beach is huge so I can easily walk him without having to go near anybody. Until, a husky bolts over and gets right in the face of my female setter. She's friendly enough but when she's out on the beach she wants to swim & chase birds, not have to entertain a big dog that's just raced over and is causing a bit of mayhem. Worse still is the dogs owner, constantly roaring and shouting for the dog to come back to him, which is unsettling the nervy dog I have on the lead. The dog eventually gets distracted by somebody elses dog and runs off, but comes back 3 or 4 times to 'play'. The dog had little or no recall, the owner was shouting angrily which certainly won't help get his dog to come back and I had to cut my walk short to avoid the same all the way back.

About two weeks ago another husky appeared out of nowhere while we were walking through the dunes, again this one literally jumps into the middle of my gang and unsettles everybody. Owner arrives about 5 minutes later, apologising that he only wants to play:rolleyes:

And finally, there's a husky that I do stop and talk to his owner sometimes, a lovely big dog, who has some recall but when he sees another dog he's gone, with the owner sprinting after him. His problem is when I stop and talk, he marks me:o. He's marked my friend as well so it's not just me:P

Moral of the story, Huskies, in general have poor recall. Some of the owners can come across as less than desirable (angry man with dog number 1) and also some seem to have no idea how to deal with their dogs lack of recall. In a slightly ironic observation to the OP, they are the ideal dog for a dog park, at least they're contained.

Hooked

borderlinemeath wrote: »

I hate saying it but in the past while, most of the trouble I've had when out walking is with huskies with no recall let off lead. ...

Moral of the story, Huskies, in general have poor recall. Some of the owners can come across as less than desirable (angry man with dog number 1) and also some seem to have no idea how to deal with their dogs lack of recall. In a slightly ironic observation to the OP, they are the ideal dog for a dog park, at least they're contained.

As a husky owner, I agree. As ISDW will say, they should never be off lead. We differ on this - in that I allow mine off lead in particular areas and at certain times - and then you have members here who have a fully off lead husky. Some behaved, some - as above - far too independent to listen. I myself have a friend that opens his front door and lets the dog (a husky) out on its own... To return hours later. That baffles me.

The moral of the story... In my opinion -- you can't judge a whole breed under one umbrella. For off lead antics - as well as everything else. This is why the RB list is nonsense. A dog, like a child is a result of its upbringing, treatment and exercise regime. My back wall isn't the highest, and another husky could easily escape (see recent thread on the husky repeatedly arriving in the neighbours yard digging holes AND the owner not even bothered).

Mine doesn't (and if he did it would be the first and last time) because he has no desire to. He's too happy with all the walks, runs and attention. He's only alone for at most 4 hours. And his temperament is a result of our training AND his breeding!!! I've no doubt of the latter.

The sooner people's attitudes are re-focused on the owner and not the dog/breed, the sooner things will change.

Just my two cents.

DamagedTrax

Hooked wrote: »

The sooner people's attitudes are re-focused on the owner and not the dog/breed, the sooner things will change.

focus should be on a mixture of both with emphasis on the owner.

my reasoning is that there are breed traits in a lot of dogs that can suddenly surface as the dog matures. 'cold' dogs may never display them but dogs can surprise even the most prepared owner.

it happened to me recently - my staffie (who had always been level headed with other dogs) completely lost the plot with a local dog and i had a tough time getting her off the other dog... and she was on lead, if she'd been off lead it could have ended a lot worse :eek:

my point is, these traits might not be compatible to certain situations (such as off lead roaming) depending on the dog in question, so it is down to the owner to educate themselves and be fully prepared for any eventuality.

Whispered

DamagedTrax wrote: »

it happened to me recently - my staffie (who had always been level headed with other dogs) completely lost the plot with a local dog and i had a tough time getting her off the other dog... and she was on lead, if she'd been off lead it could have ended a lot worse :eek:

I'd say you got some fright! Were the two dogs ok?

Do you remember we discussed this in a thread a while back, talking about the shows/exhibitions you bring her to where a lot of the dogs display aggression. Do you think exposure to these dogs might have an effect on her?

Hooked

DamagedTrax wrote: »

focus should be on a mixture of both with emphasis on the owner.

my reasoning is that there are breed traits in a lot of dogs that can suddenly surface as the dog matures. 'cold' dogs may never display them but dogs can surprise even the most prepared owner.

it happened to me recently - my staffie (who had always been level headed with other dogs) completely lost the plot with a local dog and i had a tough time getting her off the other dog... and she was on lead, if she'd been off lead it could have ended a lot worse :eek:

my point is, these traits might not be compatible to certain situations (such as off lead roaming) depending on the dog in question, so it is down to the owner to educate themselves and be fully prepared for any eventuality.

Agreed DT. What I meant by refocusing - and to clarify - is that the emphasis or percentage is tipped more towards the owner than the breed/dog! While my husky is 'mostly' well behaved... He has had the odd vocal performance with other males and I'd NEVER leave him alone with a small child - should something 'surface' as you put it.

I met the most playful, well behaved staffie recently while on holidays. The owner had just had an earful by some idiot down at the beach, shouting that the dog was dangerous and should be muzzled.

Couldn't have been further from the truth. We let him and my husky off to play. 'twas just great to watch.

DamagedTrax

I'd say you got some fright! Were the two dogs ok?

yea, it didnt escalate into a full on fight. the other dog submitted very quickly but she had him pinned down and wasnt backing off. i had to scoop her up and she was still screaming to get back at him. i was mortified

Do you remember we discussed this in a thread a while back, talking about the shows/exhibitions you bring her to where a lot of the dogs display aggression. Do you think exposure to these dogs might have an effect on her?

i dont think so to be honest, she doesnt initiate aggressive behaviour at all, i think she's just matured and realised that she doesnt have to back down from other dogs. she's quite dominant with them.

and i have to say that at working dog shows she gets very little aggresive attention, if at all. and she doesnt pay the aggresive dogs much attention either. also most of the owners have enough common sense to bring crates and let the dogs chill out when things get heavy.

in the case from the other week the male dog came straight at her and i knew immediatly that there was going to be a clash of personality, he was very in her face and trying to dominate. she doesnt like that at all.

Whispered

DamagedTrax wrote: »

i was mortified

I can imagine, they really have their ways to show you up!

boopadoopadoop

Bid08 wrote: »

I wouldnt have considered siberian huskies / mal / Akita an unprovoked vicious dog, I agree its down to the owners. Unfortuanetly these dogs have become popular in recent years and they seem to pop up every where. Its down to responsible dog owners.

Can I ask opionion on this? If im walking on the beach I always have my dogs off the lead, if I see some someone also coming with their dogs also off the lead I dont necessarily panic making sure my dogs stay with me, I will let them over to smell and just say hello like they do? I have complete trust that they would not attack any other dog hence why I have them off the lead and I assume if some one else also has them off the lead they have the same trust in their dogs? Does that annoy people when other dogs come over to say hello??

If a dog is not socialized properly or is not trained properly, it should not be off-lead in a public area. My 2 adult dogs, a Greyhound and a terrier mix have good recall. Also, If they see another dog either off-lead or on a lead, i tell them to 'walk on' meaning dont go over just yet/ignore until I either have an all-clear from the owner for them to say hello, or the other dog approaches in a friendly manner. I have full faith in my dogs and am more than happy for other dogs which are off lead to come over and say hello. If they are aggressive or nervous, they should be under control - i.e on their lead, perhaps with a muzzle too. If I come across another owner who have their dog on a lead I will ask if it is okay for the dogs to say hi to one another.

What irritates me is when someone lets their dog off lead when it is not trained or if it is actually aggressive and as some others have already mentioned, when things escalate, the other dog owner either ignores it or claims "he is usually friendly"...

In regards to my husky, At the moment, I practice our training in secure/enclosed areas or attend a group dog walk to a field where they can all run about (so as that I can practice his recall around distractions) but whilst in an open, public area such as a beach or park, He is on a training lead and simply watches and learns from my older dogs.

Pixie Chief

"Can I ask opionion on this? If im walking on the beach I always have my dogs off the lead, if I see some someone also coming with their dogs also off the lead I dont necessarily panic making sure my dogs stay with me, I will let them over to smell and just say hello like they do? I have complete trust that they would not attack any other dog hence why I have them off the lead and I assume if some one else also has them off the lead they have the same trust in their dogs? Does that annoy people when other dogs come over to say hello??"

Without wishing to seem like a moaner...yeah, it kinda is a problem. I have two dogs and I love them. I have lots of friends with dogs that I know well and love them too. When I was 4, a dog belonging to a family member attacked me and took a substantial chunk out of my face. It wasn't the dogs fault particularly, he had back problems and I fell over him. It hurt him and he reacted. While I love dogs, I am terrified of dogs I don't know well. I can't walk my own dogs around our local roads because of all the loose dogs everywhere, or even just walk myself. I never, ever go to the beach in recent years because there always seems to be a loose dog or two running about. Owners seem to find it funny that someone might be frightened of their lovely fluffy baby and very reluctant to call it away from people. The beach is a public amenity and I do think it not particularly fair to drive to a beach and spend the day in or near your car because others expect everyone to be delighted about their dogs running off the lead.

I learned the hard way that EVERY dog will bite under the right set of circumstances. That right set of circumstances might never occur with a bit of luck and for many dog owners it doesn't. However, enough people like myself have had a bad experience with a dog to make it common enough. I don't believe that I am irrational or have an unnecessary phobia. I think it's great that there are areas where dogs can be let off lead, giving people a choice to avoid those areas. And obviously, some dogs are better trained with more responsible owners than others.

My two dogs are well trained (mostly...they're still babies!) and at home they run off lead with me around our fields and gardens. They live in the house and have an enclosed smaller garden that they run in and out of. They are never left outside with gates open to bark at and chase people walking past. At all other times, walking in forests or parks they are on the lead. When they are off my property for any reason, they are on a lead. The oldest is a foxhound and he is huge! He is very well socialised with dogs and people and is desperate to play. But the way I see it is that I choose to own this dog because I love his company and the role he plays in my life. No one else that he encounters had anything to do with that choice and shouldn't be subject to him in any way...from being terrified when a massive strange dog suddenly appears to stepping in his poop. I don't think it is unreasonable to expect the same from other dog owners.

borderlinemeath

Pixie Chief wrote: »

Without wishing to seem like a moaner...yeah, it kinda is a problem. I have two dogs and I love them. I have lots of friends with dogs that I know well and love them too. When I was 4, a dog belonging to a family member attacked me and took a substantial chunk out of my face. It wasn't the dogs fault particularly, he had back problems and I fell over him. It hurt him and he reacted. While I love dogs, I am terrified of dogs I don't know well. I can't walk my own dogs around our local roads because of all the loose dogs everywhere, or even just walk myself. I never, ever go to the beach in recent years because there always seems to be a loose dog or two running about. Owners seem to find it funny that someone might be frightened of their lovely fluffy baby and very reluctant to call it away from people. The beach is a public amenity and I do think it not particularly fair to drive to a beach and spend the day in or near your car because others expect everyone to be delighted about their dogs running off the lead.

I learned the hard way that EVERY dog will bite under the right set of circumstances. That right set of circumstances might never occur with a bit of luck and for many dog owners it doesn't. However, enough people like myself have had a bad experience with a dog to make it common enough. I don't believe that I am irrational or have an unnecessary phobia. I think it's great that there are areas where dogs can be let off lead, giving people a choice to avoid those areas. And obviously, some dogs are better trained with more responsible owners than others.

My two dogs are well trained (mostly...they're still babies!) and at home they run off lead with me around our fields and gardens. They live in the house and have an enclosed smaller garden that they run in and out of. They are never left outside with gates open to bark at and chase people walking past. At all other times, walking in forests or parks they are on the lead. When they are off my property for any reason, they are on a lead. The oldest is a foxhound and he is huge! He is very well socialised with dogs and people and is desperate to play. But the way I see it is that I choose to own this dog because I love his company and the role he plays in my life. No one else that he encounters had anything to do with that choice and shouldn't be subject to him in any way...from being terrified when a massive strange dog suddenly appears to stepping in his poop. I don't think it is unreasonable to expect the same from other dog owners.

I emphathise with you, I really do. The only thing I would say in other dog walkers defence is that while you are terrified of dogs you don't know, you will be giving off a different impression when you have your own dogs with you. It's a peculiar circumstance, somebody with dogs yet they are afraid of other dogs.

I walk on my local beach almost every day. If I see somebody coming towards me with dogs off lead and on seeing me put their dogs on lead, I will do the same or deviate into a different direction, I would think, they don't want their dog approached/dog isn't great with other dogs/they can't control their dog off lead. I read the signals as I see them and I'll do it to put them at ease.

But if somebody is coming towards me with dogs on lead anyway, I know I can control my dogs to stay by my side and not approach the other dogs unless the other person says it's OK to say hello. I won't put them on lead though because I can control them and I don't know how you would react to that? Maybe the dogs might pick up on the tension from you?

Again it's not that I wouldn't care but unfortunately in your position because it's not an easy one for other walkers to pick up on. I know somebody a bit like you in that they are afraid of big dogs yet they have 3 small dogs of their own. But put them in a room/garden with my two setters and they are terrified.

Pixie Chief

borderlinemeath wrote: »

I emphathise with you, I really do. The only thing I would say in other dog walkers defence is that while you are terrified of dogs you don't know, you will be giving off a different impression when you have your own dogs with you. It's a peculiar circumstance, somebody with dogs yet they are afraid of other dogs.

I walk on my local beach almost every day. If I see somebody coming towards me with dogs off lead and on seeing me put their dogs on lead, I will do the same or deviate into a different direction, I would think, they don't want their dog approached/dog isn't great with other dogs/they can't control their dog off lead. I read the signals as I see them and I'll do it to put them at ease.

But if somebody is coming towards me with dogs on lead anyway, I know I can control my dogs to stay by my side and not approach the other dogs unless the other person says it's OK to say hello. I won't put them on lead though because I can control them and I don't know how you would react to that? Maybe the dogs might pick up on the tension from you?

Again it's not that I wouldn't care but unfortunately in your position because it's not an easy one for other walkers to pick up on. I know somebody a bit like you in that they are afraid of big dogs yet they have 3 small dogs of their own. But put them in a room/garden with my two setters and they are terrified.

I know, it's a bit messed up. I guess I'm not really afraid of dogs...more afraid of being bitten really. And to be fair, there are lots of dogs I meet out and about that you just couldn't be afraid of, their body language is so open and friendly.

I think my problem really is that there are plenty of people like me who, for varying reasons, have issues with being confronted with loose dogs (whether they have a dog with them or not) and I just don't see how it is ok for their enjoyment of a public place to be ruined because people don't wish to keep their dog on the lead. I know that sounds harsh and I don't mean to sound judgmental. Public parks, beaches and forests are not there solely for the enjoyment of people who own dogs. I think it would be great to have recognised areas that are 'off the leash' zones and everywhere else dogs in public should be on a lead. Maybe it sounds over the top but if you are a person who doesn't like or is afraid of dogs then it is difficult beyond belief to find one single park, forest or beach where you can walk without difficulties with other peoples pets on a regular basis. I guess I just don't understand why it is necessary to bring them out in public and let them loose. Even worse is the quantity of dogs in this country that aren't under control at home. There doesn't seem to be one rural stretch of road that you can walk without having a dog shoot out the gate barking at you or worse chase you up the road. At least I have the mitigating factor of loving a great many dogs because my parents post attack got me a JRT puppy once I was kinda healed up. She was far too tiny for anyone to be afraid of and she was my very best friend all through my childhood. You can't imagine the heartbreak one morning when she was ripped apart by a GSD owned by people a mile up the road. We let her out for a pee but didn't know that the dog was there. That particular dog had been chasing people up and down the road for quite some time.

I do, I love dogs. I've got one snoozing on my feet as I type this and the hound is dribbling gently in my lap (sooo much drool!). As many people as possible should experience the fantastic things they bring to your life but I do believe that the choice to own a dog is YOUR choice, it shouldn't impact the lives of those who didn't make that choice. Other people ought to be able to go about their lives without having to make sacrifices of things they enjoy purely and only because someone they don't know got a dog and feels compelled to let them loose. It is no different to the issue of picking up poop. Other people shouldn't have to deal with the mess caused by a pet they didn't choose to have.

Photoshop

Vojera wrote: »

I don't agree with the whole RB business, but to be honest I can see why huskies might get added to the list, and it has nothing to do with the dogs themselves.

I live in a reasonably rough area of Dublin and I've noticed over the last few years that the local scumbags have moved away from the stereotypical snarling staffie or pitbull towards huskies and husky crosses.

I honestly believe it's people like this who, by deliberately making their dogs aggressive, contribute to the perception that a whole breed is bad. And when it comes to law-making, unfortunately you have to legislate for the lowest common denominator.

But it has to with the dogs themselves.

Siberian Huskies are not aggressive dog's, but they have a very very high prey drive.It's built into them, nothing you can really do to change that instinct.

They are not wolves, but like alot of dogs Siberians have a prey drive and will chase after animals, it's there nature.

Any small dog is possible prey for a Siberian husky, that's how they were brought up and they are very good at it, very quick and athletic.

They should be leashed at all times because of that, my friend has one and he is a very good dog, great with people.

But if he sees small animals like a hamster, rabbit etc he is gone, gone at about 40km/h for a hour straight, pure athletes.Siberians are known for not liking small dogs, they see them as prey, in there eyes they are the same as a rabbit.

Not just small animals either, they are known to chase horses, sheep, cows, even bears.

Siberian below teased this bear into exhaustion

They should be banned from being of lead in dog parks because of what I said above, those beautiful dogs need to be protected by there owners.

dodderangler

Photoshop wrote: »

They should be banned from being of lead in dog parks because of what I said above, those beautiful dogs need to be protected by there owners.

And what of people that have jack Russell's or terriers of any kind
In my eyes from what I have seen these dogs especially when there is more than one often manipulate a larger dog and of course the larger wont back and this seems aggressive even when on a lead
My Akita is never off lead and muzzled and I think it's unfair when a dog approaches him and starts showing signs of aggression and lashes out that my dog cannot defend himself ( though the outcome is obvious if he wasn't muzzled) and majority of dogs that do it are terriers and Labradors or crossbreeds off their leads
My Akita will see smaller dogs as prey and dogs of similar size a challenge which is why he is muzzled but not fair if he cannot defend himself because of another dog off leash due to irresponsible owner
IMO it's totally down to owner on way dog was raised on how it's controlled not the dog
Yes they have instincts but if raised correctly can be controlled.

Photoshop

dodderangler wrote: »

And what of people that have jack Russell's or terriers of any kind
In my eyes from what I have seen these dogs especially when there is more than one often manipulate a larger dog and of course the larger wont back and this seems aggressive even when on a lead
My Akita is never off lead and muzzled and I think it's unfair when a dog approaches him and starts showing signs of aggression and lashes out that my dog cannot defend himself ( though the outcome is obvious if he wasn't muzzled) and majority of dogs that do it are terriers and Labradors or crossbreeds off their leads
My Akita will see smaller dogs as prey and dogs of similar size a challenge which is why he is muzzled but not fair if he cannot defend himself because of another dog off leash due to irresponsible owner
IMO it's totally down to owner on way dog was raised on how it's controlled not the dog
Yes they have instincts but if raised correctly can be controlled.

I agree with you it's not fair at all, no dog that comes towards other dogs should be off the lead.Only a very small percentage of dogs are good off the lead imo.

I really do hate when other dogs come over to mine and I always tell the owners to stick their apology.

I hate when they say the usual ****e " oh he's fine, he only wants to play ", well mind doesn't want to play :mad:

I feel for your Akita, stupid law having to have him muzzled, if you have him on the lead and in control he shouldn't need a muzzle.It leaves him very vulnerable of being attacked by stray dogs.

I once encountered an Irish wolfhound off the lead while I was walking my dog in the park, he was the size of a horse and following ous, very dominant as well, snarling at my dog, who was snarling back at him.

It was a very scary experience, no one around, just myself with a large dog on the lead and a giant aggressive dog off the lead.

I really thought they were going to fight, he would have killed my dog for sure.

I met the **** of an owner 5 minutes later talking with some guy, I reported him to guards ( who did nothing ).

Pixie Chief

Mod note: some posts were deleted before the following was posted. These posts were deleted due to poster Pacanto making an inappropriate off topic remark.
Thanks,
DBB

<snip> I suppose what I should have said, were I not going to great effort to be reasonable, is this - your dog = your problem. If I am in a public area and you let it be my problem, I'm gonna take issue with that....and there are a lot of us out there.

A fair percentage of dog owners allow their dogs to bark, chase and otherwise intimidate passersby at home. Not ok. Another fair percentage allow their badly-trained, out of control dogs off the lead in public areas allowing them to jump up on people, steal their picnics, terrify their children, bark at them etc. Also not ok. Another fair percentage allow their dogs to harass other dogs/pets. Again not ok. Am I wrong in saying it's not ok?

Here is how it is relevant to this thread: Lots and lots of badly trained, out of control dogs making other peoples lives a misery = legislation, restriction of options for responsible dog owners, not caring by irresponsible ones = more legislation, repeat as above = further tightening of rules, more of above. This merry-go-round, left unchecked will eventually see dogs being limited to small dog parks where they all have to be leashed and muzzled, walking in tiny circles. As a dog owner, I would hate to see this happen.

I don't have some irrational phobia of dogs (as mentioned by an earlier poster - although if I did, I should still be able to live my life unaffected by someone elses pet!). I have a perfectly rational and reasonable fear of being bitten by one of the huge quantity of loose dogs scampering about the place, or my dogs being attacked by them.

If every dog owner kept their dog under control at all times and never allowed them to be a problem for others, there would be no need nor call for legislation. Telling people who point this kind of thing out that they 'need special help' is an attitude that contributes in no small way to the problem. As I said, public amenity areas are for everyone, not just those who love being harassed by other peoples pets. Play nice in the sandbox, kids, otherwise we will get kicked out of it....unfortunately for very good reasons.