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Original poster

dogs at school gates

183 replies

southeastastra · 07/06/2006 09:08

hi im really livid but would like to hear all sides.
took my ds4 to school this morning - outside the school (not in school grounds) someone had tied up a dog I would say it was a cujo type dog (sorry dont know much about breeds). It was tied right by the entrance that we have to go in which is very small and also the nursery entrance.

im not saying this dog is dangerous it just looked big and to my son scary. I am so fed up of people taking these animals, even tied up, to the school.

Am i over reacting? my son is scared of dogs, and i have tried to tell him they're nice etc, but this is now getting on my nerves, it seems so irresponsible for parents to do this, should i call school? this dog was not on the school grounds but very near!

Thanks Im just so angry.

OP posts:
purpleduck · 08/06/2006 12:56

my god!!! That's terrible (the violent ownerShock). Ours is a very small school, and everyone knows our dog. I understand when people are scared, but i do feel pleased when people overcome their fears

andif · 08/06/2006 13:11

Haven't posted for ages, but had to add my two-pennerth...

I have largeish dog (retriever) and tie him outside school every day. I DO make sure he is on a short lead, and DO tie him a short distance away from the entrance. I have never had any complaints, and he has become a bit of a school 'mascot' as all the kids love him, including several whose parents say they were previously scared of dogs...

I would be horrified if anyone felt as angry about this as some of the posts on here suggest...I hope anyone who was upset would ask me reasonably to tie him further away and of course I would...I do think there are some hugely intolerant attitudes on here on both sides - I'm all for having a soapbox, but does everyone have to yell so loudly!!!!

Haven't had time to read all posts, but Southeastastra, does the owner KNOW how upset you are? Have you tried talking to them REASONABLY? IME dog owners are some of the nicest, calmest people I know so I'm sure they aren't upsetting you intentionally!!

EmmaKB · 08/06/2006 13:32

Our school has requested that ALL parents, including those with dogs or pushchairs do not block the school gates as children were finding it hard getting in and out. Nobody took a blind bit of notice so the school widened the gate (at great expense). Only to make space for even more people to stand in the way of the gate. There is plenty of room to stand well back creating a clear path to the gate. Now the children have to go straight into the school building and are not allowed to play outside until the bell goes. this has seemed to reduced number of parents standing waiting until the kids have lined up and gone inside but it doesn't seem fair on the kids especially in the summer.

Original poster
southeastastra · 08/06/2006 13:54

hmm i seem to have opened a can of worms (tied up of course) Grin

andif, i feel talking directly to the owner would more than likely cause conflict which i dont want with son around.

i am going to talk to the school about it

OP posts:
peachyClair · 08/06/2006 14:10

I wouldn't fream taking the michael out of your son's phobia, please don't do it to me. It may well seem silly, but its all too real to me.

Had a think about this last night, and this morning as there was a new dog tied up at school (there's usually one). I don't think its right to tie up right by the gates, as that doesn't allow any options for anyone. The people at our school tie up opposite the school, which I think is good as we can give them a wisde berth and it also gies an opportunity to talk to the boys about dog safety (ie not touching a dog you don't know), yet allows ds3 especially to do the 'woof woof' thing.

I do worry about the dogs tied up alone- they're normally watched by the lollipop lady but she has been off for some while, but I worry for the sake of the dogs- I know far more cruel children than cruel dogs. Which isn't to say there aren't bad dogs; although I do in the main support the belief that bad dogs generally come from bad owners (or vice versa: I knew this sweet teenager who wanted to pretent to be tough so bought a staffy, named him Psycho and put a studded collar on him. He may have licked you to death, but that's about it Grin)

Freckle · 08/06/2006 14:10

I do think it's ridiculous to complain about dogs being muzzled because it makes you more nervous. Damned if we do and damned if we don't.

It happens that sometimes a dog has to be left. Putting a muzzle on a dog is a responsible action. It is not designed to frighten but to reassure you that the dog can't harm you. If a dog manages to remove a muzzle, the muzzle isn't on properly.

So the consensus seems to be that dogs shouldn't be tied up anywhere, they shouldn't wear muzzles and no matter what you do with them someone is going to be frightened. Blimey.

peachyClair · 08/06/2006 14:14

I must admit I assumed that dogs were only generally muzzled if they were a problem, but now I know better.

Caligula · 08/06/2006 14:34

My friend muzzles her dog when she takes him into busy areas where a child might run up to him and kiss him (which they seem overcome by the desire to do wherever he goes). It's just less hassle than being nervous and having to keep steering him determinedly away from people.

Original poster
southeastastra · 08/06/2006 14:43

peachy didn't mean to upset you, it was just in return to 2lab Sad

OP posts:
peachyClair · 08/06/2006 14:54

No didn't upset me, aon't worry- I just tend to say my piece and then forget about it.

donnie · 08/06/2006 14:55

what are the reasons for actually possessing a dog? It is beyond my comprehension. Too many dog owners seem to use their canine as a way of threatening or warning people not to mess with them. Maybe it's the area I live in.

So: why do dog owners own dogs?

peachyClair · 08/06/2006 14:58

I would love to own a og because having a pet can teach children responsibility, I like dogs and walking and would welcome one as a beloved family member (can't have one, rented house)

Mum and MIL have them as spoilt child substitutes. They got them when the kids (or in MIL's case one of them) left home.

SueW · 08/06/2006 15:14

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

Jimjamskeepingoffvaxthreads · 08/06/2006 15:16

why would talking to the owner cause conflict. Surely you could say very meekly and reasonably "oh I'm really sorry but my child/I'm very nervous about dogs/have an allergy- whatver- could I ask you to tie yours up a little further away from the gate". I can't see why anyone would object to that! It probably just hasn't occured to the owner that some people would be frightened of it because they know its a big softy at home.

sarahlou1uk · 08/06/2006 15:49

Wow! What a hornets nest has been stirred up here. For the record, I have a dog. He's what you could call the scary type - 11 stone Rottweiller and there is no way I would ever consider taking him to school with my ds. For one, he's 8 years old but in his head he's 8 months and wants to play with everybody! He doesn't lick people but wants endless fussing and stroking behind the ears. At home, he is shoved, played with, climbed on, etc., by my 3 year old ds AND LOVES IT!!! At no moment has he ever had a bad moment with my ds - in fact, from the day I brought him home from the hospital he has been his shadow, forever watching over him and if he goes out without him he sits by the door and waits for him to get back.

I can understand the points of view from the non dog owners and to the question of 'why have a dog?' I would reply 'why not?' A dog is there for you when others are not, he gives undying love no matter what you have or haven't done, is a faithful companion, is a friend when you are feeling down.....I could go on but I won't.

Personally, I can't understand the attraction of having cats as pets - I mean, what is the point??? Grin

Oops, have I started another ranting session from irate cat owners???? Grin

DogMum · 08/06/2006 16:03

Why do dog-owners own dogs? Interesting question - doubt we're going to convert you though. It's not as much a case of owning as having a dog as a member of the family. Many reasons - how about starting with the sheer joy, love and companionship they bring to our lives? It comes with responsibilities but it's worth it.

Kathy1972 · 08/06/2006 16:08

I know dogs that are just big bundles of positive energy. Never had one myself but I quite see why people would.

stleger · 08/06/2006 16:19

Jinjams - i live near Irsh guide dog hq. and the 'autistim dogs', I'm sure they have a correct title, seem to be a big success. We sometimes have a guide dog visit to school which is a big hit - they are great with the more nervous kids. My own rule is you pat dogs if you know what they are called, you speak to others, and you speak to dogs who are tied up. But I'd not be thrilled at dogs tied right at the gatepost.

wannaBe1974 · 08/06/2006 16:59

Donnie why don’t you walk to the shops tomorrow with your eyes closed and brandishing a stick in front of you to feel the potential obstacles you might hit while you’re walking down the street, then perhaps you will understand why I have a dog. But it’s not just about that. Dogs give companionship, they teach children to respect animals, they teach them responsibility, yes I understand that dogs aren’t for everyone, but for some they are as much a part of the family as a child. And no I’m not comparing dogs to children, but when you have a dog that runs to greet you when you come home, that lies on the floor next to you when you’re watching tv, that loves you unconditionally, there is an empty space in the house when that dog isn’t around. And dogs don’t answer back or grow up asking for money or to borrow the car! I appreciate that some people feel that they don’t wish to own a dog, but that doesn’t mean that those of us who do choose dog ownership are less entitled to do so. TBH I’m not quite sure what kind of area you live in, but I’ve never experienced anyone using a dog to come across as threatening. Now I wonder if all our dogs are currently logged into dogsnet talking about the ghastly humans they see at the school gates! :O

donnie · 08/06/2006 18:54

well I can see the point of guide dogs. The dog is doing something useful.Ditto sniffer dogs, sheep dogs etc.

Otherwise I just don't get it.

They eat them in China....as well as rats.

geekgrrl · 08/06/2006 19:22

donie - just out of curiousity - do you hate all animals? Or just dogs?

And what do you mean by the eating comment? Just about every living thing is eaten somewhere in some part of the world. I went to Peru a few years ago and had very nice barbecued guinea pig.

I also think that chickens make lovely pets - doesn't stop me from eating chicken though!
(but no, I wouldn't eat dog)

Dogs are loyal companions and can be good fun and company. You must live somewhere extremely rough - most people in our village seem to have a dog, but there isn't a single one that comes across as agressive.

2labs · 08/06/2006 19:25

lol at 'useful' Grin

we should apply that to humans too. must warn my dh that he is often just decorative.

purpleduck · 08/06/2006 19:35

donnie, dogs definately become part of the family. No. its not logical. I don't understand why people have scary dogs either (ours is a greyhound-y type creature, very soft)

donnie · 08/06/2006 19:37

you ate guinea pig????

Charlene1 · 08/06/2006 19:56

Does anyone have the problem of extra dog poo outside the schools and no one takes responsibility for it? I always fume about this - our pavements are really narrow and ds ALWAYS manages to be the one to walk into it. I have to go into the road with ds and a buggy sometimes, it is so bad. (This is also bad, as the number of cars parked half on the pavement, and in front of the railings etc. means sometimes you can't even get between the cars to get into the road).

Also no one ties their dogs to the fence that goes all the way round the school - they ALL go for the railing at the gate. There was a bull mastiff type dog in front of the nursery gate the other week - I was the one flattened against the fence so I didn't have to go near it!!!! That was scary
We probably have to go past about 5 or 6 dogs when we come out of school. Morning isn't too bad for some reason.