to be think they should have kept the dogs on their leads?

[edwardcullensotherwoman]

In the park with DS today, saw 2 people with dogs off leads; one of them released her dogs from the leads underneath the sign that says "dogs should be kept on leads at all times"! FFS. DS is afraid of dogs (we are working on it, as I was too and really don't want him to be) and I think I should be able to take him to the park without worrying about dogs running around scaring him. (As it happened he wasn't too bothered as the dogs were sniffing around and not interested in anyone, but that's not the point.)
I know I'll end up being flamed by the dog-lovers among us, but to be fair, there are signs up that state dogs should be on their leads in the park.
I was all for emailing the council to complain earlier but that would BU wouldn't it?

She was exercising her well behaved animals in an area where they were supposed to be on leads.

But maybe I'm just being hysterical.

Well if that's your opinion rubyruby, could you not do something about it in a constructive way, as opposed to just ignoring signs in public parks because you personally don't agree with them. That is hardly giving children a good example or training either, is it?

Ruby, you can't seriously be suggesting that dogs biting/attacking is a recent phenomenon?

If you have nowhere to exercise your dog, don't get a dog.

I don't buy the 'children and dogs living together in perfect harmony' line.

The RSPCA publishes guidelines suggesting that they're an unpredictable mix, shouldn't be left alone together, children need to be taught danger signs eg growling, not to carry food near dogs etc and are clear that dogs (and cats) and children need help to get along.

Or maybe the RSPCA is an hysterical, foaming at-the-mouth dog-hating organisation too?

No, BTP, but you missed the point that if dogs are off the lead even a couple of metres from their owner near a child who was even a couple of metres from their carer they are effectively 'alone' ie there would be no time for anyone to intervene if the child pulled the dog's ear causing it to snap, or the dog thought the snack the child was carrying was for it etc etc etc.

The rule was made for a good reason -because not all people are comfortable with dogs, and because not all dog owners are responsible and because some dogs can behave unpredictably at times.

It's a fair rule and if you don't like it, tough. I have to abide by rules that don't suit me. That's life.

Toughasoldboots maybe you should try DogsNet?

But it is not only in parks that a dog owner may be asked to keep their dog on a lead.

On farmland where there are grazing sheep and lambs it is very common to see this request. Also on some open moors dog owners will be asked the same thing at certain times of year because of game and other birds which nest on the ground.

I wonder whether the dog owners who choose to ignore such signs in a park would show a similar disegard in either of these two situations. Particularly when you bear in mind that a farmer has the legal right to shoot a dog where he considers it necessary in order to protect his livestock.

When we first opened the village playground we had a sign up saying dogs could come in, if they stayed ON their leads. We had to change it because seemingly every dog, according to its owner, did not need to pay attention to the sign because it was quiet/gentle/old, whatever. We had teenage boys taking their dogs on to the climbing frame and down the slides. We had dogs chasing boys playing football. Easy for an over-excited nip to take place. But all these dogs were just fine, according to their owners, and we were being over-fussy.

So now we just say, bluntly, no dogs.

Have dogs myself, btw.

I don't let my child pull dogs' ears. But I can't promise that, if I take my eyes off him for a second, he won't. Toddlers are unpredictable and dogs are unpredictable. And people's rights come before dogs' rights.

LOL there's no way I'd let my children near your dog - you wouldn't have to worry on that score!

And I'd HEART Dog Wardens with tranquiliser guns but as it's just a pipe dream of mine I'd settle for people respecting others' fears and dislikes whenever possible.

Perhaps the livestock are just being hysterical dog-haters, 5foot.

Or think the world revolves around their fear.

Or think the world revolves around their fear.