Why do you feel entitled to bring YOUR DOG EVERYWHERE??!

[Anonymous]

Let me preface by saying: I love dogs, I really do. The dog shooting in Adams Morgan yesterday just brings back the continuing frustration I have with the presence of dogs at crowded family friendly events--people who walk their dogs onto school property, tie them up outside of patio restaurants on busy sidewalks, bring them into stores, etc. I have little kids that are right at face level for many dogs they have been jumped on and flattened by them and are really, really scared of them. When they see a dog they become so freaked out they won't cam down.

The dog in Adams Morgan was shot, which is really sad, but his owner showed bad judgement bring him there.

Please, take your dog for walks to designated dog parks on a leash; they are an unwanted intrusion otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Normally I would agree with you. (My cat was killed in my yard several months ago by two dogs off leash, and we've had numerous incidents in our community. I would happily have seen the police shoot the dogs in my yard, as they had a history of menacing neighbors and had irresponsible owners.)

In this case, though, I tend to think the police were in the wrong. Based on the WaPo report, the main witness for the police was another, retired, officer. I hate to say it, but that makes him less credible for me. And the dog owner was just out walking the dog, not trying to necessary bring the dog to a crowded public event. The dog walker was also a rescue volunteer who was fostering the dog. They tend to be the responsible owners around.

[Anonymous]

Why do people insist upon doing this with pit bull mixes? If you saw a pic of that dog you would know why it would have been threatening.

I love dogs too. but I am tired of seeing people walking around with pit bulls on chains -- a common sight in this area.

[jsteele]

My understanding is that the dog that was shot was brought to Adams Morgan day to be at a booth sponsored by a pet adoption organization. They were trying to find a new owner for the dog. If so, it's not the sort of case to which the original poster is objecting.

[Anonymous]

Insist on what PP? Walking the dog?! Pit bulls don't need walking? I've lived in this area for almost 30 years and have yet to see a Pit Bull being walked with anything but a leash. I won't say someone using a chain for a leash doesn't happen, but it sounds like you're prejudice is causing you to exaggerate.

[Anonymous]

OP,

I agree with the sentiment that people bring their dogs to too many places, and resent the heck out of their owners when they do not obey local leash laws, but this example of the dog at Adams Morgan Day isn't the best one to make that point because it's so complicated. Based on what I've read, the shooting seemed unwarranted. The two dogs were both on leashes, they got entangled in their fight.

http://dcist.com/2010/09/police_shooting_at_adams_morgan_day.php#comments

[Anonymous]

I understand both sides of this. I have two large dogs. Not everybody loves them & don't want them in their faces (just like some people do with their kids).

However, all during the work week, my dogs are kept inside. I feel bad for leaving them on the weekends - it's not fair to them to be under house arrest. I tend to bring them for walks - not to restaurants/stores, etc. Especially when the weather is super hot and they are left outside in the heat.

BUT - my MIL brings her dog EVERYWHERE! to the mall (in a little purse), dinner, where ever she goes - so does this dog. It's super annoying. If we go somewhere and she can't bring the dog - she's rushing thru dinner to get home to it. No fun at all.

[Anonymous]

Many pitbulls are fine but many are bred to be aggressive and those who have no idea how to handle a dog should not own one.

A dog owner must be able to keep theior dog under control at all times. It should always walk by your side and never go after anything if it is trained properly. If your dog can't behave that way, train it before you go out of your own yard and that includes any dog not jsut a pit bull

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let me preface by saying: I love dogs, I really do. The dog shooting in Adams Morgan yesterday just brings back the continuing frustration I have with the presence of dogs at crowded family friendly events--people who walk their dogs onto school property, tie them up outside of patio restaurants on busy sidewalks, bring them into stores, etc. I have little kids that are right at face level for many dogs they have been jumped on and flattened by them and are really, really scared of them. When they see a dog they become so freaked out they won't cam down.

The dog in Adams Morgan was shot, which is really sad, but his owner showed bad judgement bring him there.

Please, take your dog for walks to designated dog parks on a leash; they are an unwanted intrusion otherwise.

Badly behaved children, smokers, drinking beer and other alcoholic drinks in public parks are unwanted intusions and, frankly, I'd rather have dogs than any of the other three.

[Anonymous]

Because people think their dogs are their children, OP. That's the simple answer. They don't want the dog to "miss out" on something fun, and they feel the dog has just as much right to be there as someone's child, so they bring them to school playgrounds, sports practices, etc., ignoring the posted "no dogs" signs and the fact that there may be lots of children around who are scared or uncomfortable around them.

[Anonymous]

My dog is freaked out by children, especially the ones who have no manners when it comes to pets. Why can't you keep them where they belong, like playgrounds and schools (which cost a bundle in tax dollars btw) and family-friendly restaurants, or at least keep them properly restrained in a stroller? And please wipe the toilet seat when your boys use the public restroom. Every time I see a pee-covered seat I think "bad, entitled parent".

[Anonymous]

While I do think people bring dogs to too many things, you expect people to only walk dogs in designated parks on a leash? What does this even mean? I can only take my dog to a dog park? I can't walk her on a sidewalk? What about if I am walking her to the park? Or do you just mean avoid over-crowded areas.

But I'm with you on the don't bring dogs everywhere. I don't like when people let their dogs offleash near the playground. I am tired of hearing "he listens' as the dog is jumping on me or is running towards my child at full speed. Sure the dog may be friendly most of the time. But I don't really want to test your dog's personality on my child. And I hate seeing poor dogs dieing of heat in cars because people just had to bring the along.

But, as parents we are responsible for teaching our kids not to approach strange dogs. The dogs tied up can't get to your kids unless your kids are approaching them. At age 4, my son knows not to approach strange dogs without asking the owner permission (and if the owner is not around, we do not approach).

[Anonymous]

I know you think you're being funny and making a good point too, 12:48, but it's a lousy comparison.

My child will grow up to design your house, or cure your illness, or fly your airplane. Your dog will grow up to... what? Be the subject of a DCUM thread titled "dog can no longer walk outside to pee-- time to put him to sleep?"

Obnoxious kids get the benefit of the doubt because they're a work in progress, and have potential to do amazing things. Obnoxious dogs have no place in society, especially not one as tightly packed as we are.

[Anonymous]

13:24 -- or your kid will end up breaking into my house, or robbing me at gunpoint, or being a useless junkie. No guarantee that your kid will add any more or less to society than someone's dog. And I am not a dog everywhere person either, but if you live in the city, how is one supposed to walk their dog? Seriously, I live in the suburbs and walk my dog on sidewalks through my neighborhood. I take her to the park with us if we are walking a trail. I pick her up when little kids rush to pet her since I know she is a little nippy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know you think you're being funny and making a good point too, 12:48, but it's a lousy comparison.

My child will grow up to design your house, or cure your illness, or fly your airplane. Your dog will grow up to... what? Be the subject of a DCUM thread titled "dog can no longer walk outside to pee-- time to put him to sleep?"

Obnoxious kids get the benefit of the doubt because they're a work in progress, and have potential to do amazing things. Obnoxious dogs have no place in society, especially not one as tightly packed as we are.

Well, yes I was writing tongue-in-cheek. I don't even own a dog. But dogs do provide real companionship for some people, so it's not fair to say their purpose is to be the butt of DCUM rants. And I don't think that the future potential of a child excuses poor behavior now, particularly when they are at an age where they are capable of some kind of manners and still don't have them.

I agree that obnoxious dogs have no place in society, but OP did not draw the line based on the behavior of a dog. It's mere presence is offensive to her. I agree with this. But I see no reason that well-behaved dogs should be banished from public places.