If my leashed dog attacks an unleashed dog on a park trail am I at fault?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi, OP. I also have a dog that is aggressive onward off-leash dogs. I also used to enjoy walking in RCP but became frustrated with people who allow their dogs off leash.

The first time an unleashed dog approaches yours and gets bitten, no you’re not at fault. However, if your dog has a known history of aggression, particularly a documented bite history, and you don’t have it muzzled, you are also responsible. Also, people can sue for any reason, even if it’s groundless, and it makes your life hell until the case in thrown out or ruled in your favor. Think of it this way: Having a “beware of dog” sign doesn’t absolve you of responsibility for leaving a 80 lb. dog out behind a 3’ tall fence. If anything, it shows you knew the situation was dangerous.

Something else to consider is that when your dog becomes reactive, it is stressed out. It believes it is in a life-or-death situation from which it must protect itself. You KNOW there are always off-leash dos in the park, and you know you can’t control that, but you keep subjecting your dog to that situation.

So, while you’re correct that you wouldn’t be at fault, you can still be the asshole for subjecting yourself and your dog to this situation. My dog hates muzzles too —pants, drools, and collapses, no matter now many special treats we give him. I have a neighbor who keeps their unleashed 65 lb. dog on their front porch. It’s run across the street in traffic to get to my dog when my dog growled at it. I can keep insisting I’m right and they’re wrong, or I can avoid walking past their house and can walk at less heavily trafficked times of day. It’s disappointing: one of the reasons I wanted a dog was to have a hiking and walking companion, but that’s not the dog I ended up adopting from the shelter. My choices were to return the dog for one that’s a better fit or adapt my expectations.

Hi, this is the OP. It is really stressful when a dog owner regards a trail on a maryland public park as their own private estate--yes, including for the dog. I don't get your your reasoning behind labelng me an a--hole, nor your concilatory approach towards owners who disregard leash laws. Seriously, for someone who claims to be frustrated by owners who disregard leash laws, you do a lot of rationalizing for owners who walk theri dogs off leash in parks in your post.

Also, allow me the opportunity to provide more clarity for the budding fan-fiction writers out there responding to my post:

My dog has no bite history, nor have I ever witnessed my dog attacking another dog.

My dog growls and will sometimes try to lunge, but again, I follow leash laws and am fully alert when I walk.

My dog is < 30 lbs and not difficult to control with a leash and harness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Put a muzzle on your dog. And seriously speak up sooner! But the muzzle not only protects you from liability, it speaks volumes to other dog owners who aren't generally bright enough to keep their beasts away from strange dogs.

I’ve never once seen a dog with a muzzle on a park trail, but I see unleashed dogs all the time

It’’s difficult to speak up sooner when everything transpires within 10 seconds.

It’s really sad that the solution here is to muzzle your dog, because entitled asshole dog owners just can’t bear to have cujo on a leash, despite it being required by law. I love running on the rock creek park trails, but the number of unleashed dogs really diminish my enjoyment. Unfortunately, assholes aren’t going to change.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi, OP. I also have a dog that is aggressive onward off-leash dogs. I also used to enjoy walking in RCP but became frustrated with people who allow their dogs off leash.

The first time an unleashed dog approaches yours and gets bitten, no you’re not at fault. However, if your dog has a known history of aggression, particularly a documented bite history, and you don’t have it muzzled, you are also responsible. Also, people can sue for any reason, even if it’s groundless, and it makes your life hell until the case in thrown out or ruled in your favor. Think of it this way: Having a “beware of dog” sign doesn’t absolve you of responsibility for leaving a 80 lb. dog out behind a 3’ tall fence. If anything, it shows you knew the situation was dangerous.

Something else to consider is that when your dog becomes reactive, it is stressed out. It believes it is in a life-or-death situation from which it must protect itself. You KNOW there are always off-leash dos in the park, and you know you can’t control that, but you keep subjecting your dog to that situation.

So, while you’re correct that you wouldn’t be at fault, you can still be the asshole for subjecting yourself and your dog to this situation. My dog hates muzzles too —pants, drools, and collapses, no matter now many special treats we give him. I have a neighbor who keeps their unleashed 65 lb. dog on their front porch. It’s run across the street in traffic to get to my dog when my dog growled at it. I can keep insisting I’m right and they’re wrong, or I can avoid walking past their house and can walk at less heavily trafficked times of day. It’s disappointing: one of the reasons I wanted a dog was to have a hiking and walking companion, but that’s not the dog I ended up adopting from the shelter. My choices were to return the dog for one that’s a better fit or adapt my expectations.

Hi, this is the OP. It is really stressful when a dog owner regards a trail on a maryland public park as their own private estate--yes, including for the dog. I don't get your your reasoning behind labelng me an a--hole, nor your concilatory approach towards owners who disregard leash laws. Seriously, for someone who claims to be frustrated by owners who disregard leash laws, you do a lot of rationalizing for owners who walk theri dogs off leash in parks in your post.

Also, allow me the opportunity to provide more clarity for the budding fan-fiction writers out there responding to my post:

My dog has no bite history, nor have I ever witnessed my dog attacking another dog.

My dog growls and will sometimes try to lunge, but again, I follow leash laws and am fully alert when I walk.

My dog is < 30 lbs and not difficult to control with a leash and harness.

OP again regarding the second to the last point. I have only witnessed my dog growl or lunge at unleashed dogs who approach her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi, OP. I also have a dog that is aggressive onward off-leash dogs. I also used to enjoy walking in RCP but became frustrated with people who allow their dogs off leash.

The first time an unleashed dog approaches yours and gets bitten, no you’re not at fault. However, if your dog has a known history of aggression, particularly a documented bite history, and you don’t have it muzzled, you are also responsible. Also, people can sue for any reason, even if it’s groundless, and it makes your life hell until the case in thrown out or ruled in your favor. Think of it this way: Having a “beware of dog” sign doesn’t absolve you of responsibility for leaving a 80 lb. dog out behind a 3’ tall fence. If anything, it shows you knew the situation was dangerous.

Something else to consider is that when your dog becomes reactive, it is stressed out. It believes it is in a life-or-death situation from which it must protect itself. You KNOW there are always off-leash dos in the park, and you know you can’t control that, but you keep subjecting your dog to that situation.

So, while you’re correct that you wouldn’t be at fault, you can still be the asshole for subjecting yourself and your dog to this situation. My dog hates muzzles too —pants, drools, and collapses, no matter now many special treats we give him. I have a neighbor who keeps their unleashed 65 lb. dog on their front porch. It’s run across the street in traffic to get to my dog when my dog growled at it. I can keep insisting I’m right and they’re wrong, or I can avoid walking past their house and can walk at less heavily trafficked times of day. It’s disappointing: one of the reasons I wanted a dog was to have a hiking and walking companion, but that’s not the dog I ended up adopting from the shelter. My choices were to return the dog for one that’s a better fit or adapt my expectations.

Hi, this is the OP. It is really stressful when a dog owner regards a trail on a maryland public park as their own private estate--yes, including for the dog. I don't get your your reasoning behind labelng me an a--hole, nor your concilatory approach towards owners who disregard leash laws. Seriously, for someone who claims to be frustrated by owners who disregard leash laws, you do a lot of rationalizing for owners who walk theri dogs off leash in parks in your post.

Also, allow me the opportunity to provide more clarity for the budding fan-fiction writers out there responding to my post:

My dog has no bite history, nor have I ever witnessed my dog attacking another dog.

My dog growls and will sometimes try to lunge, but again, I follow leash laws and am fully alert when I walk.

My dog is < 30 lbs and not difficult to control with a leash and harness.

OP again regarding the second to the last point. I have only witnessed my dog growl or lunge at unleashed dogs who approach her.

OP, your dog sounds actually quite normal. Most don’t like unleashed dogs running up to them. Ignore these assholes who think they’re entitled to have unleashed dogs in RCP. I absolutely insist that everyone I see puts their dog on a leash before I pass them. Don’t give a crap how “friendly” your dog is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Better safe than sorry OP. I guess you should walk on public streets where leashes are required. Bummer but probably better for you and your dog.

Leashes are also required in the park. It is just that SOME PEOPLE think the rules don't apply to their perfect special dog even though their perfect special dog doesn't have 100% recall

OP-Just solidarity. My dog isn't even leash aggressive just gets totally scared when an off leash dog runs up at her. And I can't tell you how many times off leash dogs have run at me while I was on a run. I love dogs but I don't like being charged by strange dogs. I don't understand why people can't just leash their f'ing dogs.

People who don't leash your dogs please explain why you think the rules don't apply to you.

My park has off leash hours. If your leashed dog reacts poorly to unleashed dogs approaching him or her, probably best not to walk through the park during off leash hours. I do my best to redirect my dog, but he likes to say hi to every dog he sees. He will take a hint, though, if your dog isn’t feeling it. He’s just one of those ridiculous “never met a stranger” types.

There are no “off leash hours” in Rock Creek Park trails. It’s illegal to have your dog off-leash at all times. Period.

I love dogs but a$$hole dog owners who can’t follow the law ruin it for everyone. PP, you suck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
OP, you should cary dog treats. When an unleashed dog approaches you, show them the treat and throw it far away from your dog. Then give your dog a treat and tell him to “heel”

Try this. It freaks out the off-leash A-holes because they suddenly realize they have no control over their dog. Plus it gives your dog a positive reinforcement after a very small encounter with another dog. Everyone wins!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Better safe than sorry OP. I guess you should walk on public streets where leashes are required. Bummer but probably better for you and your dog.

Leashes are also required in the park. It is just that SOME PEOPLE think the rules don't apply to their perfect special dog even though their perfect special dog doesn't have 100% recall

OP-Just solidarity. My dog isn't even leash aggressive just gets totally scared when an off leash dog runs up at her. And I can't tell you how many times off leash dogs have run at me while I was on a run. I love dogs but I don't like being charged by strange dogs. I don't understand why people can't just leash their f'ing dogs.

People who don't leash your dogs please explain why you think the rules don't apply to you.

My park has off leash hours. If your leashed dog reacts poorly to unleashed dogs approaching him or her, probably best not to walk through the park during off leash hours. I do my best to redirect my dog, but he likes to say hi to every dog he sees. He will take a hint, though, if your dog isn’t feeling it. He’s just one of those ridiculous “never met a stranger” types.

There are no “off leash hours” in Rock Creek Park trails. It’s illegal to have your dog off-leash at all times. Period.

I love dogs but a$$hole dog owners who can’t follow the law ruin it for everyone. PP, you suck!

How do I suck? I unleash my dog during off leash hours only. You can’t insist that all dogs be on a leash during off leash hours just because yours can’t handle being off leash.

[Anonymous]

I can’t see how you’d be liable. The law is pretty clear that the dogs need to be under the owners physical control at all times.

Just make sure your dog doesn’t bite a kid. You’d go down for that, no matter what the kid does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Better safe than sorry OP. I guess you should walk on public streets where leashes are required. Bummer but probably better for you and your dog.

Leashes are also required in the park. It is just that SOME PEOPLE think the rules don't apply to their perfect special dog even though their perfect special dog doesn't have 100% recall

OP-Just solidarity. My dog isn't even leash aggressive just gets totally scared when an off leash dog runs up at her. And I can't tell you how many times off leash dogs have run at me while I was on a run. I love dogs but I don't like being charged by strange dogs. I don't understand why people can't just leash their f'ing dogs.

People who don't leash your dogs please explain why you think the rules don't apply to you.

My park has off leash hours. If your leashed dog reacts poorly to unleashed dogs approaching him or her, probably best not to walk through the park during off leash hours. I do my best to redirect my dog, but he likes to say hi to every dog he sees. He will take a hint, though, if your dog isn’t feeling it. He’s just one of those ridiculous “never met a stranger” types.

There are no “off leash hours” in Rock Creek Park trails. It’s illegal to have your dog off-leash at all times. Period.

I love dogs but a$$hole dog owners who can’t follow the law ruin it for everyone. PP, you suck!

How do I suck? I unleash my dog during off leash hours only. You can’t insist that all dogs be on a leash during off leash hours just because yours can’t handle being off leash.

There are no off leash hours at Rock Creek Park

https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/pets.htm

[Anonymous]

I would kick the other dog away. But I'm not a dog owner or a dog person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi, OP. I also have a dog that is aggressive onward off-leash dogs. I also used to enjoy walking in RCP but became frustrated with people who allow their dogs off leash.

The first time an unleashed dog approaches yours and gets bitten, no you’re not at fault. However, if your dog has a known history of aggression, particularly a documented bite history, and you don’t have it muzzled, you are also responsible. Also, people can sue for any reason, even if it’s groundless, and it makes your life hell until the case in thrown out or ruled in your favor. Think of it this way: Having a “beware of dog” sign doesn’t absolve you of responsibility for leaving a 80 lb. dog out behind a 3’ tall fence. If anything, it shows you knew the situation was dangerous.

Something else to consider is that when your dog becomes reactive, it is stressed out. It believes it is in a life-or-death situation from which it must protect itself. You KNOW there are always off-leash dos in the park, and you know you can’t control that, but you keep subjecting your dog to that situation.

So, while you’re correct that you wouldn’t be at fault, you can still be the asshole for subjecting yourself and your dog to this situation. My dog hates muzzles too —pants, drools, and collapses, no matter now many special treats we give him. I have a neighbor who keeps their unleashed 65 lb. dog on their front porch. It’s run across the street in traffic to get to my dog when my dog growled at it. I can keep insisting I’m right and they’re wrong, or I can avoid walking past their house and can walk at less heavily trafficked times of day. It’s disappointing: one of the reasons I wanted a dog was to have a hiking and walking companion, but that’s not the dog I ended up adopting from the shelter. My choices were to return the dog for one that’s a better fit or adapt my expectations.

Hi, this is the OP. It is really stressful when a dog owner regards a trail on a maryland public park as their own private estate--yes, including for the dog. I don't get your your reasoning behind labelng me an a--hole, nor your concilatory approach towards owners who disregard leash laws. Seriously, for someone who claims to be frustrated by owners who disregard leash laws, you do a lot of rationalizing for owners who walk theri dogs off leash in parks in your post.

Also, allow me the opportunity to provide more clarity for the budding fan-fiction writers out there responding to my post:

My dog has no bite history, nor have I ever witnessed my dog attacking another dog.

My dog growls and will sometimes try to lunge, but again, I follow leash laws and am fully alert when I walk.

My dog is < 30 lbs and not difficult to control with a leash and harness.

This would have been good to know on page 1! I think more than one of us probably envisioned a German Shepherd or equivalent who just "couldn't deal" and got aggressive with a Papillon which is a recipe for true disaster. Small dogs are assholes and this aggression kind of speaks to that, but good to know they couldn't do true damage to most dogs.

[Anonymous]

OP, even if you are not liable, why would you want the stress of wondering whether your leashed dog will attack an unleashed dog? This is one of those "life isn't fair" learning moments. It isn't fair that your dog wears a muzzle because other dog owners leave their dogs off leash. It also isn't fair to the unleashed dog if your leashed dog attacks. You know your dog is aggressive on the leash with unleashed dogs. 1. Stop taking your dog where you will be approached by unleashed dogs. 2. Muzzle your dog if you continue going to the same place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dog is a rescue and is fairly even tempered around other dogs except when it is leashed and the other dog is not. This is how it usually plays out when I walk on park trails:

1. Unleashed dog will approach my dog ahead of the owner.
2. Owner will state “my dog is friendly” in place of trying to control their dog.
3. My leashed dog ( clearly irritated) will growl at the other dog and act aggressive.
4. I try to get away as quickly as possible-sometimes even picking up my dog to mitigate the situation.

Aside from not walking my dog along the Rock Creek Park trails (which our dog clearly enjoys), what can I do to protect my dog and my liability in situations when I am unable to get my aggressive acting dog away from an unleashed dogs and their owners on the park trails?

1. Stop walking your leashed dog along the Rock Creek Park trails or other places with unleashed dogs.
2. Put a muzzle on your dog.
3. Bring a video camera and record/document every interaction for evidence in case of a lawsuit against you if your dog attacks.
4. Shout at approaching dog owners that your dog isn't friendly.

This is one of those "life isn't fair" lessons for you, OP. You don't want dogs unleashed on your dog walking trails. Take up the fight. Call animal control. Turn people in. Isn't that what happened to that woman in Central Park when a man notified her that her dog wasn't supposed to be off leash? He video recorded her. There was an incident with her wrongfully calling the police on him. She was fired from her job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi, OP. I also have a dog that is aggressive onward off-leash dogs. I also used to enjoy walking in RCP but became frustrated with people who allow their dogs off leash.

The first time an unleashed dog approaches yours and gets bitten, no you’re not at fault. However, if your dog has a known history of aggression, particularly a documented bite history, and you don’t have it muzzled, you are also responsible. Also, people can sue for any reason, even if it’s groundless, and it makes your life hell until the case in thrown out or ruled in your favor. Think of it this way: Having a “beware of dog” sign doesn’t absolve you of responsibility for leaving a 80 lb. dog out behind a 3’ tall fence. If anything, it shows you knew the situation was dangerous.

Something else to consider is that when your dog becomes reactive, it is stressed out. It believes it is in a life-or-death situation from which it must protect itself. You KNOW there are always off-leash dos in the park, and you know you can’t control that, but you keep subjecting your dog to that situation.

So, while you’re correct that you wouldn’t be at fault, you can still be the asshole for subjecting yourself and your dog to this situation. My dog hates muzzles too —pants, drools, and collapses, no matter now many special treats we give him. I have a neighbor who keeps their unleashed 65 lb. dog on their front porch. It’s run across the street in traffic to get to my dog when my dog growled at it. I can keep insisting I’m right and they’re wrong, or I can avoid walking past their house and can walk at less heavily trafficked times of day. It’s disappointing: one of the reasons I wanted a dog was to have a hiking and walking companion, but that’s not the dog I ended up adopting from the shelter. My choices were to return the dog for one that’s a better fit or adapt my expectations.

Hi, this is the OP. It is really stressful when a dog owner regards a trail on a maryland public park as their own private estate--yes, including for the dog. I don't get your your reasoning behind labelng me an a--hole, nor your concilatory approach towards owners who disregard leash laws. Seriously, for someone who claims to be frustrated by owners who disregard leash laws, you do a lot of rationalizing for owners who walk theri dogs off leash in parks in your post.

Also, allow me the opportunity to provide more clarity for the budding fan-fiction writers out there responding to my post:

My dog has no bite history, nor have I ever witnessed my dog attacking another dog.

My dog growls and will sometimes try to lunge, but again, I follow leash laws and am fully alert when I walk.

My dog is < 30 lbs and not difficult to control with a leash and harness.

This would have been good to know on page 1! I think more than one of us probably envisioned a German Shepherd or equivalent who just "couldn't deal" and got aggressive with a Papillon which is a recipe for true disaster. Small dogs are assholes and this aggression kind of speaks to that, but good to know they couldn't do true damage to most dogs.

This is the OP. There was a lot of "envisioning" in this thread--even after I was crystal clear on details! LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, even if you are not liable, why would you want the stress of wondering whether your leashed dog will attack an unleashed dog? This is one of those "life isn't fair" learning moments. It isn't fair that your dog wears a muzzle because other dog owners leave their dogs off leash. It also isn't fair to the unleashed dog if your leashed dog attacks. You know your dog is aggressive on the leash with unleashed dogs. 1. Stop taking your dog where you will be approached by unleashed dogs. 2. Muzzle your dog if you continue going to the same place.

My initial question was based on curiosity and frustration--not stress. After readings some of the really helpful responses in the thread I feel very prepared if any potential "stress" should appear in the future regarding this issue.

Thank you for your concern.

- OP