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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Dog Owner Behaviour - was I unreasonable? I honestly don't know if I was.

88 replies

PMDD · 21/02/2014 09:11

I am a first time dog owner. I don't know if I was right doing this or not and I would really appreciate your honest feedback.

I took my 3 children and 3 other children to ski club yesterday that ran from 10-4. It was a 2.5 hour drive from where I live (but very close to my mum so I was happy to drive and combine the trip for the children with a day visit with my mum).

As I would be out of the house for at least 12 hours I needed to take my 5 month labrador puppy with me, and then mum could see my dog too and would could have a walk etc.

When I got to the ski place I took my dog out of the car as she had been in the boot for a long drive. However, I couldn't take the dog into the ski centre. I tied her up outside the front door. I do this in the village where I live if I go to a shop. It is normal practice around here.

I was expecting to just be able to drop the children off and it would be 5 mins. However, when I got there I actually needed to help the children get their ski boots on. As there were 6 children, I was in the building 20-25 mins. I did go out to check on my dog after 10 mins, and she was sitting quietly. However, after I checked on her she then started barking.

When I came out to untie her and take her to my mums, a woman really shouted at me for being cruel. She said that as it was raining (not pouring, just light drizzle, and it was mild) I shouldn't have left her outside. She was phoning the RSPCA. I said she was being ridiculous and my dog had a waterproof coat and I was only gone 20 mins.

I walked off, but have been thinking about it more. Was I wrong? Is that too long to leave a dog outside?

OP posts:

tabulahrasa · 22/02/2014 11:25

Dog theft isn't massively rare...I mean I'd guess less common than car theft, but way way more common than child theft.

You can't tell whether dogs are neutered from a quick look - not always makes even...I can tell my boy is, but, only because they were, um, fairly impressive, rofl - he still however looks like he has something there and with a quick glance it would be hard to tell.

I worry more about him being approached by people or other dogs tbh - or things like getting loose. I've caught someone's dog before as its collar broke and it tried to run off into traffic... The owner was in a shop for a good ten minutes before I could give it back, if I hadn't caught it, I can't see how it wouldn't have been hit by a car.

tabulahrasa · 22/02/2014 11:26

Makes = males

JohnCusacksWife · 22/02/2014 11:38

Gosh, this thread has made me feel like a bad dog owner. I leave my dog outside the paper shop every morning when I nip into get the paper or tied up in the playground if I have to nip into the school office for something. Only for 5 mins, mind, not any longer. Have to say it never really occurred to me that I shouldn't! It's common practice round here and I've never heard of anything happening to any dog.

BurningBridges · 22/02/2014 11:42

Years ago we were looking after a friends' spaniel and we tied it up to a sign outside a shop - you know those sort of swinging A board signs on a metal frame? We were gone for about 2 minutes and heard a terrible commotion outside - the dog had been scared and hurtled off down the road, still attached to the sign. Luckily it was a safe area and dog was fine. And of course you didn't tie your dog to something that would move!

Anything can happen, as someone said earlier its like leaving a toddler outside a shop - I know you didn't mean to be unkind etc., and I don't agree with the woman calling the RSPCA, but maybe be a bit more thoughtful to your dog in future. People do all sorts of things that are essentially cruel but with the very best of intentions.

BTW where we live now, a pedigree tied up outside would be stolen within seconds.

MissyO · 22/02/2014 11:49

I don't think people should leave dogs tied by an entrance door.It is not fair on people who don't like dogs, to be forced to be so near.Why have idiots at school that do this.They tie their dogs near the school gate which is only 3 foot wide and on a narroe pavement and you see kids cowering, too frightened to pass til the dog is moved.

Slipshodsibyl · 22/02/2014 11:53

It is absolutely not cruel for a gun dog to be in the rain! She would have been safer and felt more secure in the familiar setting of the car. The only real problem with being in the boot of a saloon car for a while is lack of air, though No doubt she would prefer to be able to see out. Don't listen to those who anthropomorphise animals.

Caitlin17 · 22/02/2014 11:54

You were very unreasonable leaving her tied up outside for that length of time. Dogs do get distressed when that happens. She wouldn't have appeared distressed when you went to check as she will calm down when she sees you. You didn't see her when she was on her own.

Slipshodsibyl · 22/02/2014 11:57

And please read Topseyt's advice before you breed. It is an expensive undertaking in money and time to do it properly

sykadelic15 · 23/02/2014 04:26

Okay phew! I've never heard the back of an SUV or whatever called a boot/truck... only ever "the back" or "behind the back seat". Boot/truck usually implies a closed in boot/truck. I was really that someone would lock a dog for hours in the enclosed boot of a vehicle!

Sunflower49 · 23/02/2014 11:05

It was me who began the thread in the 'Doghouse' regarding tying dogs up outside shops-It's worth a read.
And yes I agree 110% with Topseyt-please don't breed :(

ADishBestEatenCold · 23/02/2014 13:54

In my opinion you did absolutely the wrong thing, PMDD, in leaving your puppy tied up alone in a strange place, for nearly half an hour.

As lots of posters have explained, you were very lucky on this occasion and your puppy wasn't stolen; didn't get attacked by a loose dog; didn't bite anyone in this stressful situation; wasn't abused by passersby; didn't get loose and run over; etc etc.

In fact, it seems that on this occasion the worst that has happened is that you have taught your puppy that incredibly annoying (possible habit) of barking when tied or left, but please please do not convince yourself that your puppy was happy, content and not at all stressed throughout the (near) half hour.

Having said all that, you do sound as if you genuinely care, and I can't imagine you'll do this again, having now heard about all the potential dangers, from so many posters.

Enjoy all those wonderful years ahead, with your dog.

ShredMeJillianIWantToBeNatalie · 23/02/2014 13:57

Report in our local paper just this week of a stolen whippet. Last seen being put in a transit by three men who drove off in a hurry. It happens …

ilovedogsandcats · 23/02/2014 15:15

Not cruel. I wouldn't tie a dog up outside due to theft risk. Not due to pedigree/breeding but dog baiting

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