Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A LEASHED dog recently growled and lunged at me walking on the sidewalk. The owner ignored me like I was invisible while they TALKED to the dog. Just because it is on a leash doesn’t mean the owner is in control of the animal.

First, it sounds like this particular dog was under control. Second, what do to think the owner should have done?

DP but a dog who is lunging at people who walk by on the sidewalk is not under control. I mean, better for that dog to be on a leash than not, but dogs who consistently pull at leashes and respond to bystanders by lunging, growling, or barking are not properly socialized.

And in a civilized society, if your dog lunges at and growls at someone, you should at least acknowledge that person and mumble an apology or something. It's fine to attend to your dog, but your dog is threatening a person. Imagine if a large child behaved in this way, lunging at or growling at a stranger on the street, and their parent just ignored that persona and just chatted with their kid like it had not happened. Would you feel reassured? Safe?

Pretend we live in a society and our well-being is interconnected and we all owe each other a basic duty of care.

So you advocate while the dog is being trained, it . . . not go on walks?

It sounds like the owner had control of the dog, and after it lunged at the PP, he or she attended to the dog (in other words, spoke to it). If you're really getting twisted up about this, you are just looking to be mad.

Actually, if the dog in question was in the process of being trained, it is even more important that the person walking him communicate that to the other person. You say "sorry, he's still being socialized, you may want to keep your distance." This is what a responsible dog owner who is in the process of leash training/socializing a new dog would do.

But more likely, it was someone who has no idea how to train or socialize the dog, is used to the dog pulling on the leash and behaving aggressively towards others, and therefore it didn't even occur to them to say anything.

dp If you truly have a dog that lunges and barks at another person what you said is way too much. If my dog did that I would need ALL of my attention on my dog to get him away from you. Why don't you get that? The majority of dog owners who have reactive dogs already feel shame and blamed for their dogs' behavior. We honestly don't need to worry about stranger's opinions. Just kindly move out of the way and go about your day. Let me talk to my dog and not you.

Someone who is afraid of being attacked by your dog who is lunging and growling at them is not "shaming and blaming" you. They are afraid. Of the animal with bared teeth who is behaving towards them with hostility in a public space. Yes, you do need to worry about them.

The way you describe this is so emblematic of the problem with the bad dog owners. You want us all to treat your "reactive dog" like they are a child with special needs, instead of what they actually are, which is an untrained animal who poses a threat to other people's health and well-being. You feel shame and blame? Go see a therapist, it's not relevant to me.

Better hope your dog doesn't successfully attack someone while you are out walking it, because then you'll have to worry about your dog (who will be put down) as well as the innocent bystander who was harmed by YOUR negligence and irresponsibility.

Feel shame! Feel blame! It is your fault. If you cannot properly train and control your dog, DON'T GET A DOG.

You are confused. You can be trained and still be reactive. Being reactive is a result of their feelings and it can be biological. I get that you don't care but, sometimes you get the dog you get and they have problems. And by the way I am not expecting you to treat my dog. In fact, I would prefer you ignore. Just kindly do not expect me to talk to you, do not walk super close to us ( this is very dangerous for any dog) and cross the street when you see that there is a dog that is lunging at you. btw, if a dog is barking and lunging it is reactive, not "reactive"

About the shame and blame you sound very unhinged. When you have a child or dog that misbehaves you can feel mildly shamed but, it isn't pathological that requires therapy. And I am being very responsible with my dog

Do you hear yourself? You want other people to give your dog a wide berth on sidewalks (despite them having no idea when approaching you that your dog has these problems), cross the street to escape your lunging, growling dog, and also have zero expectation of communication from you about what is obviously a dangerous animal in your care.

That is not a reasonable expectation from the people who live around you. No. If your dog is so reactive that they cannot walk down a sidewalk in your neighborhood without lunging, barking, or growling at people walking by, then the answer is: you should not be walking that dog not hat sidewalk. No person should ever have to cross a street to keep themselves safe from your dog. What if the person in question has mobility problems and can't move that quickly? What if it's an adult with a toddler for preschooler? What if the street is very busy and they need to be cautious of traffic?

The problem is that you view these issues as just inevitable, and just something everyone in the community has to deal with because you've decided your dog has an emotional predisposition for reactivity and there's nothing to be done. Who knows, maybe you are right. In that case, you can move to a place where your dog can get most of their exercise away from people, or you can rehome the dog. It is not the duty of your neighbors and people in your community to accommodate your dog, who sounds dangerous, simply because you've decide his behavior is innate.

You are NOT a responsible dog owner. You are the problem.

You have a very hostel way of answering and discussing this issue. Perhaps you are a "reactive human" yourself. However I am going to answer you politely and honestly.

First of all, I would never rehome my dog. My dog is a lifelong responsibility. Something you clearly don't understand. I also cannot move so that is a non starter. My dog does not react to every dog and every person so my ability to walk him during non prime time is fine. I am working with a trainer and I have him on anxiety medication so I am not throwing up my arms and saying nothing can be done.

What I am stating is just common sense. If i see a dog that is lunging and barking I do not continue to walk towards it nor do I expect the owner to stop focusing on their dog and talk to me. This is why I am a responsible dog owner. No one in my neighborhood fears my dog as he has not harmed anyone. I do not put him in a situation where something could happen. Again, the mark of a good dog owner.

My hope is more people would understand that dogs are not robots and sometimes owners are doing their very best. So a little less judgement would be appreciated. I do not expect this from the pp though!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A LEASHED dog recently growled and lunged at me walking on the sidewalk. The owner ignored me like I was invisible while they TALKED to the dog. Just because it is on a leash doesn’t mean the owner is in control of the animal.

First, it sounds like this particular dog was under control. Second, what do to think the owner should have done?

DP but a dog who is lunging at people who walk by on the sidewalk is not under control. I mean, better for that dog to be on a leash than not, but dogs who consistently pull at leashes and respond to bystanders by lunging, growling, or barking are not properly socialized.

And in a civilized society, if your dog lunges at and growls at someone, you should at least acknowledge that person and mumble an apology or something. It's fine to attend to your dog, but your dog is threatening a person. Imagine if a large child behaved in this way, lunging at or growling at a stranger on the street, and their parent just ignored that persona and just chatted with their kid like it had not happened. Would you feel reassured? Safe?

Pretend we live in a society and our well-being is interconnected and we all owe each other a basic duty of care.

So you advocate while the dog is being trained, it . . . not go on walks?

It sounds like the owner had control of the dog, and after it lunged at the PP, he or she attended to the dog (in other words, spoke to it). If you're really getting twisted up about this, you are just looking to be mad.

Actually, if the dog in question was in the process of being trained, it is even more important that the person walking him communicate that to the other person. You say "sorry, he's still being socialized, you may want to keep your distance." This is what a responsible dog owner who is in the process of leash training/socializing a new dog would do.

But more likely, it was someone who has no idea how to train or socialize the dog, is used to the dog pulling on the leash and behaving aggressively towards others, and therefore it didn't even occur to them to say anything.

dp If you truly have a dog that lunges and barks at another person what you said is way too much. If my dog did that I would need ALL of my attention on my dog to get him away from you. Why don't you get that? The majority of dog owners who have reactive dogs already feel shame and blamed for their dogs' behavior. We honestly don't need to worry about stranger's opinions. Just kindly move out of the way and go about your day. Let me talk to my dog and not you.

Someone who is afraid of being attacked by your dog who is lunging and growling at them is not "shaming and blaming" you. They are afraid. Of the animal with bared teeth who is behaving towards them with hostility in a public space. Yes, you do need to worry about them.

The way you describe this is so emblematic of the problem with the bad dog owners. You want us all to treat your "reactive dog" like they are a child with special needs, instead of what they actually are, which is an untrained animal who poses a threat to other people's health and well-being. You feel shame and blame? Go see a therapist, it's not relevant to me.

Better hope your dog doesn't successfully attack someone while you are out walking it, because then you'll have to worry about your dog (who will be put down) as well as the innocent bystander who was harmed by YOUR negligence and irresponsibility.

Feel shame! Feel blame! It is your fault. If you cannot properly train and control your dog, DON'T GET A DOG.

So the PP needs to be concerned about the emotions of people she encounters on the street, but your reaction to others' emotions is "see a therapist, not my problem."

Interesting. This says a lot about you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. The fact that you took time to craft this lengthy post is alarming. I gave up after the first paragraph. So yeah, some dog owners are inconsiderate - nothing new to report there. It doesn't really matter that this is about dog owners - jerky people are that way in general, and I run into many of them every day... driving, shopping, at work....

Read it or don't read it, it doesn't make people who do this stuff any better. I'd rather live next to 100 people writing lengthy screeds about bad dog owners on the internet than a single bad dog owner.

Why don’t you confront these bad dog owners then? That will be more effective than spending your time here moaning about it.

Because they will "accidentally" let their dog injure me.

Bad dog owners are bad people.

My god, what a victim you are.

DP, but I agree that it's dangerous to approach bad dog owners. I have done it twice. The first time was to inform someone that they needed to leash their dog in the park (there were dozens of posted signs, so I literally just pointed at the sign) and also to ask them to take their dog to a part of the park away from a playground where kids were playing. The second time was to ask a neighbor to not let his dog pee in our tree box as it was killing all the plantings.

In both situations, the person became extremely angry to the point that I felt uncomfortable. I don't think they were going to sic their dog on me, but I didn't feel safe and the fact that there was an animal involved exacerbated that. There's a reason a lot of people get dogs for protection -- because it can feel empowering to have a loyal animal who oh just happens to have sharp teeth and a loud bark.

After these experiences, I concluded that some percentage of bad dog owners are just inherently hostile people, and the only solution is to just stay away from them. I guess I'm going to have to move if I want to grow anything in my tree box or take my kids to a playground where there are not dogs roaming freely. Better than getting yelled at by some deranged person with a dog.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Owner has a dog because it is the only source of companionship because the owner is a jerk and has no human to socialize with.

Ehhh. I have trained service dogs for 10 years and have 2 beautifully behaved dogs myself (essentially trained at that level because that's what we do in our home) and don't engage in this behavior. We don't do dog parks, we don't do offleash, we pick up every time and even after others, my dogs are relaxed and socialized and friendly around others.

The WORST owners are the couples with young kids. Usually a Doodle, but it can be other. They don't have the time and patience to commit to good ownership and their beasts are WILD. I tell everyone they need to have and train a dog before they have kids or not get one til last kid is in elementary at least. No one listens. These people all have many people to socialize with, they just didn't know dogs need work. We see this on this forum constantly.

The people with lack of companionship? I've seen some of this, and they sometimes do take on more high-risk rescues, but they actually seem to try harder. I've known some that go to extremes trying to reform these dogs, but they're the ones spending 10k on trainers and behavior mod. As an owner myself they are less likely to be the problem than the clueless.

Agree that people who adopt dogs when they already have young kids at home tend to have really awful dogs. It's a true mystery to me why anyone thinks that's a good time to adopt a dog.

I have also come across a lot of young dog owners who don't have kids but who had very irresponsible ideas about dog ownership. People who adopt dogs while in college or grad school, or in their 20s when they are working full time jobs and may have limited flexibility in their schedule and active social lives. Sometimes people like this "get it" and really do what needs to be done with their dogs. But more often they don't and this is why there are a lot of ill-behaved dogs in urban centers with a lot of young professionals. Some of them even go on to have kids and then they are also to parents with young kids and the poorly behaved dog. I think this was a group that was especially prone to getting dogs during the pandemic, and this is one reason why it feels like there are more bad dog owners around these days.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. The fact that you took time to craft this lengthy post is alarming. I gave up after the first paragraph. So yeah, some dog owners are inconsiderate - nothing new to report there. It doesn't really matter that this is about dog owners - jerky people are that way in general, and I run into many of them every day... driving, shopping, at work....

Read it or don't read it, it doesn't make people who do this stuff any better. I'd rather live next to 100 people writing lengthy screeds about bad dog owners on the internet than a single bad dog owner.

Why don’t you confront these bad dog owners then? That will be more effective than spending your time here moaning about it.

Because they will "accidentally" let their dog injure me.

Bad dog owners are bad people.

My god, what a victim you are.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A LEASHED dog recently growled and lunged at me walking on the sidewalk. The owner ignored me like I was invisible while they TALKED to the dog. Just because it is on a leash doesn’t mean the owner is in control of the animal.

First, it sounds like this particular dog was under control. Second, what do to think the owner should have done?

DP but a dog who is lunging at people who walk by on the sidewalk is not under control. I mean, better for that dog to be on a leash than not, but dogs who consistently pull at leashes and respond to bystanders by lunging, growling, or barking are not properly socialized.

And in a civilized society, if your dog lunges at and growls at someone, you should at least acknowledge that person and mumble an apology or something. It's fine to attend to your dog, but your dog is threatening a person. Imagine if a large child behaved in this way, lunging at or growling at a stranger on the street, and their parent just ignored that persona and just chatted with their kid like it had not happened. Would you feel reassured? Safe?

Pretend we live in a society and our well-being is interconnected and we all owe each other a basic duty of care.

So you advocate while the dog is being trained, it . . . not go on walks?

It sounds like the owner had control of the dog, and after it lunged at the PP, he or she attended to the dog (in other words, spoke to it). If you're really getting twisted up about this, you are just looking to be mad.

Actually, if the dog in question was in the process of being trained, it is even more important that the person walking him communicate that to the other person. You say "sorry, he's still being socialized, you may want to keep your distance." This is what a responsible dog owner who is in the process of leash training/socializing a new dog would do.

But more likely, it was someone who has no idea how to train or socialize the dog, is used to the dog pulling on the leash and behaving aggressively towards others, and therefore it didn't even occur to them to say anything.

dp If you truly have a dog that lunges and barks at another person what you said is way too much. If my dog did that I would need ALL of my attention on my dog to get him away from you. Why don't you get that? The majority of dog owners who have reactive dogs already feel shame and blamed for their dogs' behavior. We honestly don't need to worry about stranger's opinions. Just kindly move out of the way and go about your day. Let me talk to my dog and not you.

Someone who is afraid of being attacked by your dog who is lunging and growling at them is not "shaming and blaming" you. They are afraid. Of the animal with bared teeth who is behaving towards them with hostility in a public space. Yes, you do need to worry about them.

The way you describe this is so emblematic of the problem with the bad dog owners. You want us all to treat your "reactive dog" like they are a child with special needs, instead of what they actually are, which is an untrained animal who poses a threat to other people's health and well-being. You feel shame and blame? Go see a therapist, it's not relevant to me.

Better hope your dog doesn't successfully attack someone while you are out walking it, because then you'll have to worry about your dog (who will be put down) as well as the innocent bystander who was harmed by YOUR negligence and irresponsibility.

Feel shame! Feel blame! It is your fault. If you cannot properly train and control your dog, DON'T GET A DOG.

You are confused. You can be trained and still be reactive. Being reactive is a result of their feelings and it can be biological. I get that you don't care but, sometimes you get the dog you get and they have problems. And by the way I am not expecting you to treat my dog. In fact, I would prefer you ignore. Just kindly do not expect me to talk to you, do not walk super close to us ( this is very dangerous for any dog) and cross the street when you see that there is a dog that is lunging at you. btw, if a dog is barking and lunging it is reactive, not "reactive"

About the shame and blame you sound very unhinged. When you have a child or dog that misbehaves you can feel mildly shamed but, it isn't pathological that requires therapy. And I am being very responsible with my dog

Do you hear yourself? You want other people to give your dog a wide berth on sidewalks (despite them having no idea when approaching you that your dog has these problems), cross the street to escape your lunging, growling dog, and also have zero expectation of communication from you about what is obviously a dangerous animal in your care.

That is not a reasonable expectation from the people who live around you. No. If your dog is so reactive that they cannot walk down a sidewalk in your neighborhood without lunging, barking, or growling at people walking by, then the answer is: you should not be walking that dog not hat sidewalk. No person should ever have to cross a street to keep themselves safe from your dog. What if the person in question has mobility problems and can't move that quickly? What if it's an adult with a toddler for preschooler? What if the street is very busy and they need to be cautious of traffic?

The problem is that you view these issues as just inevitable, and just something everyone in the community has to deal with because you've decided your dog has an emotional predisposition for reactivity and there's nothing to be done. Who knows, maybe you are right. In that case, you can move to a place where your dog can get most of their exercise away from people, or you can rehome the dog. It is not the duty of your neighbors and people in your community to accommodate your dog, who sounds dangerous, simply because you've decide his behavior is innate.

You are NOT a responsible dog owner. You are the problem.

Anonymous wrote:Owner has a dog because it is the only source of companionship because the owner is a jerk and has no human to socialize with.

Ehhh. I have trained service dogs for 10 years and have 2 beautifully behaved dogs myself (essentially trained at that level because that's what we do in our home) and don't engage in this behavior. We don't do dog parks, we don't do offleash, we pick up every time and even after others, my dogs are relaxed and socialized and friendly around others.

The WORST owners are the couples with young kids. Usually a Doodle, but it can be other. They don't have the time and patience to commit to good ownership and their beasts are WILD. I tell everyone they need to have and train a dog before they have kids or not get one til last kid is in elementary at least. No one listens. These people all have many people to socialize with, they just didn't know dogs need work. We see this on this forum constantly.

The people with lack of companionship? I've seen some of this, and they sometimes do take on more high-risk rescues, but they actually seem to try harder. I've known some that go to extremes trying to reform these dogs, but they're the ones spending 10k on trainers and behavior mod. As an owner myself they are less likely to be the problem than the clueless.

Owner has a dog because it is the only source of companionship because the owner is a jerk and has no human to socialize with.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't acknowledge inconsiderate dog owners, when walking by them in Alexandria.Stone faced, if not shaking my head with a glade.

I do smile, acknowledge the (rare) good ones. They're out there, but they're not common. Thank you to the dog owners who put in the work and responsibility.

I'm so tired of the dog owners who use long leashes, don't keep their dogs under control, let them pee on people's lawns, don't pick up, and are just all around inconsiderate jerkwads.

Are there jerk dog owners? Of course. Just like there are jerk humans. But, if I am honest if I am struggling with my dog I don't need your approval or disapproval. I am doing my best with my anxious dog and your opinion does not factor.

Then you need to stay off of public paths and trails, and be incredibly conscious on sidewalks, until you have worked with your dogs behavioral issues. It is no one else's burden to deal with your "anxious" dog while out and about just doing their thing.

+1

Also, having dealt with dog owners like this, 9 times out of 10 their dog is anxious because they have adopted a dog without having the lifestyle or set up to give their dog what he or she needs. Their dog is anxious because they spend too much time cooped up at home, don't go on enough walks, have a wide variety of caregivers because their owner is often at work or traveling, have never received proper training, etc. If you've had your dog for over a year and the dog is still "anxious" then the problem is you. Especially if you got your dog as a puppy. You did this. It's not my job to accommodate your crappy dog ownership.

Also, I know people who foster and train older dogs who have been rehomed or abandoned, and they do not just assume random strangers on the street or at the park will deal with these dogs poor socialization. They often walk these dogs at off hours and take them places where they know there will be fewer people and dogs so they can socialize them slowly before getting them on a more normal schedule and introducing them to more people. Because that is what is best for the dogs, and also what is safest for other people and their dogs.

It is obvious you know nothing. My dog whom I adopted at 8 weeks old was socialized. We starting puppy kindergarten and have been in some training since then ( going to be three soon) My dog was born to a homeless anxious mother. I know of one of his siblings who is also anxious. He is on anxiety medication and we are in training to improve his life so he is not as reactive. So, I do not accept blame
My other dog whom I adopted at age two was a bit nervous around some dogs but, loved kids and people. I didn't do anything but, her personaltiy was very different from the start.

Are some people to blame for anxious dogs? Sure. But there are a lot of people like me who through no fault of their own have an anxious dog. I will not return this dog because they are a member of the family and I made a promise.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A LEASHED dog recently growled and lunged at me walking on the sidewalk. The owner ignored me like I was invisible while they TALKED to the dog. Just because it is on a leash doesn’t mean the owner is in control of the animal.

First, it sounds like this particular dog was under control. Second, what do to think the owner should have done?

DP but a dog who is lunging at people who walk by on the sidewalk is not under control. I mean, better for that dog to be on a leash than not, but dogs who consistently pull at leashes and respond to bystanders by lunging, growling, or barking are not properly socialized.

And in a civilized society, if your dog lunges at and growls at someone, you should at least acknowledge that person and mumble an apology or something. It's fine to attend to your dog, but your dog is threatening a person. Imagine if a large child behaved in this way, lunging at or growling at a stranger on the street, and their parent just ignored that persona and just chatted with their kid like it had not happened. Would you feel reassured? Safe?

Pretend we live in a society and our well-being is interconnected and we all owe each other a basic duty of care.

So you advocate while the dog is being trained, it . . . not go on walks?

It sounds like the owner had control of the dog, and after it lunged at the PP, he or she attended to the dog (in other words, spoke to it). If you're really getting twisted up about this, you are just looking to be mad.

Actually, if the dog in question was in the process of being trained, it is even more important that the person walking him communicate that to the other person. You say "sorry, he's still being socialized, you may want to keep your distance." This is what a responsible dog owner who is in the process of leash training/socializing a new dog would do.

But more likely, it was someone who has no idea how to train or socialize the dog, is used to the dog pulling on the leash and behaving aggressively towards others, and therefore it didn't even occur to them to say anything.

dp If you truly have a dog that lunges and barks at another person what you said is way too much. If my dog did that I would need ALL of my attention on my dog to get him away from you. Why don't you get that? The majority of dog owners who have reactive dogs already feel shame and blamed for their dogs' behavior. We honestly don't need to worry about stranger's opinions. Just kindly move out of the way and go about your day. Let me talk to my dog and not you.

Someone who is afraid of being attacked by your dog who is lunging and growling at them is not "shaming and blaming" you. They are afraid. Of the animal with bared teeth who is behaving towards them with hostility in a public space. Yes, you do need to worry about them.

The way you describe this is so emblematic of the problem with the bad dog owners. You want us all to treat your "reactive dog" like they are a child with special needs, instead of what they actually are, which is an untrained animal who poses a threat to other people's health and well-being. You feel shame and blame? Go see a therapist, it's not relevant to me.

Better hope your dog doesn't successfully attack someone while you are out walking it, because then you'll have to worry about your dog (who will be put down) as well as the innocent bystander who was harmed by YOUR negligence and irresponsibility.

Feel shame! Feel blame! It is your fault. If you cannot properly train and control your dog, DON'T GET A DOG.

You are confused. You can be trained and still be reactive. Being reactive is a result of their feelings and it can be biological. I get that you don't care but, sometimes you get the dog you get and they have problems. And by the way I am not expecting you to treat my dog. In fact, I would prefer you ignore. Just kindly do not expect me to talk to you, do not walk super close to us ( this is very dangerous for any dog) and cross the street when you see that there is a dog that is lunging at you. btw, if a dog is barking and lunging it is reactive, not "reactive"

About the shame and blame you sound very unhinged. When you have a child or dog that misbehaves you can feel mildly shamed but, it isn't pathological that requires therapy. And I am being very responsible with my dog

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was also on a trail recently and noticed where dog owners had cleaned up after their animals and left the plastic bag full of feces on a log or somewhere near the trail. What possesses them to this? I mean thanks for picking up the dog turds I guess and preserving them in plastic for eternity in the woods. I hate you.

Maybe they were going to pick it up on the way out of the trail? I have done this.

You’re a douche

Why? I bag it and pick it up to throw away. Btw, I no longer go on trails because of unleashed dogs but that is another story.

I am not a douche because I've only done this once or twice in 15 years. I always pick up my dog poop even if he poops where no one is.

You on the other hand for calling someone a douche is perhaps one

DP but I agree that leaving a bag of feces tied to a tree so you can pick it up later is gross. Imagine if a human took a dump in a plastic bag on their hike and then left it tied to a tree to "pick up later." Does that sound like a normal thing to do to you?

Also consider that many people pick up litter when they hike, and if they saw a piece of plastic tied to a tree might try to grab it or remove it in order to dispose of it. They are now grabbing your dog's $hit, a lovely reward for doing a good deed.

Parents of babies deal with this all the time, by the way. I've been on a hike when my baby has pooped in a diaper. Did I tie that diaper to a tree to pick up later? No, because I'm not an a$$hole. I put the poopy diaper in lined bag that I used to carry around with me everywhere for this precise reason, and put it in the bottom of the hiking backpack, and then disposed of the diaper in an appropriate receptacle. Because I'm not a selfish d!ck.

I've never tied it to a tree.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't acknowledge inconsiderate dog owners, when walking by them in Alexandria.Stone faced, if not shaking my head with a glade.

I do smile, acknowledge the (rare) good ones. They're out there, but they're not common. Thank you to the dog owners who put in the work and responsibility.

I'm so tired of the dog owners who use long leashes, don't keep their dogs under control, let them pee on people's lawns, don't pick up, and are just all around inconsiderate jerkwads.

Are there jerk dog owners? Of course. Just like there are jerk humans. But, if I am honest if I am struggling with my dog I don't need your approval or disapproval. I am doing my best with my anxious dog and your opinion does not factor.

Then you need to stay off of public paths and trails, and be incredibly conscious on sidewalks, until you have worked with your dogs behavioral issues. It is no one else's burden to deal with your "anxious" dog while out and about just doing their thing.

+1

Also, having dealt with dog owners like this, 9 times out of 10 their dog is anxious because they have adopted a dog without having the lifestyle or set up to give their dog what he or she needs. Their dog is anxious because they spend too much time cooped up at home, don't go on enough walks, have a wide variety of caregivers because their owner is often at work or traveling, have never received proper training, etc. If you've had your dog for over a year and the dog is still "anxious" then the problem is you. Especially if you got your dog as a puppy. You did this. It's not my job to accommodate your crappy dog ownership.

Also, I know people who foster and train older dogs who have been rehomed or abandoned, and they do not just assume random strangers on the street or at the park will deal with these dogs poor socialization. They often walk these dogs at off hours and take them places where they know there will be fewer people and dogs so they can socialize them slowly before getting them on a more normal schedule and introducing them to more people. Because that is what is best for the dogs, and also what is safest for other people and their dogs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was also on a trail recently and noticed where dog owners had cleaned up after their animals and left the plastic bag full of feces on a log or somewhere near the trail. What possesses them to this? I mean thanks for picking up the dog turds I guess and preserving them in plastic for eternity in the woods. I hate you.

Maybe they were going to pick it up on the way out of the trail? I have done this.

You’re a douche

Why? I bag it and pick it up to throw away. Btw, I no longer go on trails because of unleashed dogs but that is another story.

I am not a douche because I've only done this once or twice in 15 years. I always pick up my dog poop even if he poops where no one is.

You on the other hand for calling someone a douche is perhaps one

DP but I agree that leaving a bag of feces tied to a tree so you can pick it up later is gross. Imagine if a human took a dump in a plastic bag on their hike and then left it tied to a tree to "pick up later." Does that sound like a normal thing to do to you?

Also consider that many people pick up litter when they hike, and if they saw a piece of plastic tied to a tree might try to grab it or remove it in order to dispose of it. They are now grabbing your dog's $hit, a lovely reward for doing a good deed.

Parents of babies deal with this all the time, by the way. I've been on a hike when my baby has pooped in a diaper. Did I tie that diaper to a tree to pick up later? No, because I'm not an a$$hole. I put the poopy diaper in lined bag that I used to carry around with me everywhere for this precise reason, and put it in the bottom of the hiking backpack, and then disposed of the diaper in an appropriate receptacle. Because I'm not a selfish d!ck.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't acknowledge inconsiderate dog owners, when walking by them in Alexandria.Stone faced, if not shaking my head with a glade.

I do smile, acknowledge the (rare) good ones. They're out there, but they're not common. Thank you to the dog owners who put in the work and responsibility.

I'm so tired of the dog owners who use long leashes, don't keep their dogs under control, let them pee on people's lawns, don't pick up, and are just all around inconsiderate jerkwads.

Are there jerk dog owners? Of course. Just like there are jerk humans. But, if I am honest if I am struggling with my dog I don't need your approval or disapproval. I am doing my best with my anxious dog and your opinion does not factor.

Then you need to stay off of public paths and trails, and be incredibly conscious on sidewalks, until you have worked with your dogs behavioral issues. It is no one else's burden to deal with your "anxious" dog while out and about just doing their thing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A LEASHED dog recently growled and lunged at me walking on the sidewalk. The owner ignored me like I was invisible while they TALKED to the dog. Just because it is on a leash doesn’t mean the owner is in control of the animal.

First, it sounds like this particular dog was under control. Second, what do to think the owner should have done?

DP but a dog who is lunging at people who walk by on the sidewalk is not under control. I mean, better for that dog to be on a leash than not, but dogs who consistently pull at leashes and respond to bystanders by lunging, growling, or barking are not properly socialized.

And in a civilized society, if your dog lunges at and growls at someone, you should at least acknowledge that person and mumble an apology or something. It's fine to attend to your dog, but your dog is threatening a person. Imagine if a large child behaved in this way, lunging at or growling at a stranger on the street, and their parent just ignored that persona and just chatted with their kid like it had not happened. Would you feel reassured? Safe?

Pretend we live in a society and our well-being is interconnected and we all owe each other a basic duty of care.

So you advocate while the dog is being trained, it . . . not go on walks?

It sounds like the owner had control of the dog, and after it lunged at the PP, he or she attended to the dog (in other words, spoke to it). If you're really getting twisted up about this, you are just looking to be mad.

Actually, if the dog in question was in the process of being trained, it is even more important that the person walking him communicate that to the other person. You say "sorry, he's still being socialized, you may want to keep your distance." This is what a responsible dog owner who is in the process of leash training/socializing a new dog would do.

But more likely, it was someone who has no idea how to train or socialize the dog, is used to the dog pulling on the leash and behaving aggressively towards others, and therefore it didn't even occur to them to say anything.

dp If you truly have a dog that lunges and barks at another person what you said is way too much. If my dog did that I would need ALL of my attention on my dog to get him away from you. Why don't you get that? The majority of dog owners who have reactive dogs already feel shame and blamed for their dogs' behavior. We honestly don't need to worry about stranger's opinions. Just kindly move out of the way and go about your day. Let me talk to my dog and not you.

Someone who is afraid of being attacked by your dog who is lunging and growling at them is not "shaming and blaming" you. They are afraid. Of the animal with bared teeth who is behaving towards them with hostility in a public space. Yes, you do need to worry about them.

The way you describe this is so emblematic of the problem with the bad dog owners. You want us all to treat your "reactive dog" like they are a child with special needs, instead of what they actually are, which is an untrained animal who poses a threat to other people's health and well-being. You feel shame and blame? Go see a therapist, it's not relevant to me.

Better hope your dog doesn't successfully attack someone while you are out walking it, because then you'll have to worry about your dog (who will be put down) as well as the innocent bystander who was harmed by YOUR negligence and irresponsibility.

Feel shame! Feel blame! It is your fault. If you cannot properly train and control your dog, DON'T GET A DOG.