Dogs on leads while on towpath

[Bobbybass]

I know someone who was killed in a car accident...while we are banning retractable leads (which I think you are implying) let's ban cars too...

 

Not you again..you nasty little green avatar you !

 

I thought I killed you with my hammer the last time you had a go at me...

 

I was merely making that point...that......?

Oh what the heck..!!

Ban those killer leads I say...and bring back "Four Feather Falls" on the TV.

I miss that...

[Ange]

 

SNIP If the other dog approaching is off the lead, then putting yours on the lead makes it more, not less, likely that yours will be attacked, as it immediately alters the status relationship of the dogs. The other dog will become more likely to show dominant behaviour, and yours to become more defensive.

 

That is so true! We did the Morcambe Sands walk when we were on the Lancaster Canal before we were dog owners. At the beginning of the walk all the dogs were off their leads, and they played and interacted really well. At some point one of the owners felt the need to leash their dog and suddenly the balance of power changed - fighting and snarling ensued amongst dogs that had been fine with each other previously.

 

We generally let Millie run along the towpath unleashed. She's a very small dog - her threat to life and limb is minimal. We do have her lead always at hand - if dogwalker approaches us from the opposite direction and their dogs are leashed we put her lead on for the above reason - dogs need to be on a equal footing when they meet. If the dog's unleashed we let them sniff each other's bums to their hearts content (though seeing Millie trying to sniff an alsatian's bum can be quite amusing) If a family with small children approaches we immediately leash her because we know she doesn't like children.

 

Having a preference for mooring out in the sticks the whole question is a bit academic for us - we can take Millie on long walks without meeting a single soul. Why deprive her of the natural tendencies to have a good sniff around, then catch us up, then race ahead of us, then stop dead in front of us and trip us up?

[nicknorman]

threat? ... which bit? .. calling you a pussy or the running over bit?

 

Calling someone a pussy could hardly be considered a threat of assault. Although in truth I don't quite know what it does mean. A pussy as in a cuddly furry purring critter, or as in that bit of the female anatomy that I have thankfully been spared from dealing with? Or was it just a turn of phrase you picked up from Neighbours (TV) and think it sounds cool?

That is so true! We did the Morcambe Sands walk when we were on the Lancaster Canal before we were dog owners. At the beginning of the walk all the dogs were off their leads, and they played and interacted really well. At some point one of the owners felt the need to leash their dog and suddenly the balance of power changed - fighting and snarling ensued amongst dogs that had been fine with each other previously.

 

We generally let Millie run along the towpath unleashed. She's a very small dog - her threat to life and limb is minimal. We do have her lead always at hand - if dogwalker approaches us from the opposite direction and their dogs are leashed we put her lead on for the above reason - dogs need to be on a equal footing when they meet. If the dog's unleashed we let them sniff each other's bums to their hearts content (though seeing Millie trying to sniff an alsatian's bum can be quite amusing) If a family with small children approaches we immediately leash her because we know she doesn't like children.

 

Having a preference for mooring out in the sticks the whole question is a bit academic for us - we can take Millie on long walks without meeting a single soul. Why deprive her of the natural tendencies to have a good sniff around, then catch us up, then race ahead of us, then stop dead in front of us and trip us up?

Your post does seem to be all about prioritising the dog and not about any humans who might be in the vicinity. That said, I doubt anyone on here has a problem with unleashed dogs when no-one else is about. Unfortunately there are plenty of owners who don't make that differentiation and let their dogs run riot around other people. As to your point about the size of the dog, in my experience small dogs, like small people, tend to be the more aggressive and quickest to want to fight and bite. Whilst perhaps not a threat to life and limb, a bite from a small dog is very unpleasant.

[carlt]

 

She's a very small dog - her threat to life and limb is minimal.

Along the offside near Wolfhampcote is a brick which marks the grave of a lovely little dog owned by a friend of mine.

 

It too was running along the towpath in happy bum sniffing mode when it happened across a bigger dog who took exception to the little dog's attentions.

 

By the time his owner had reached them the big dog had the crushed body of the smaller one in its mouth.

 

My dogs are kept on leads in confined spaces as much for their protection as to avoid the possibility of them bothering other people or animals.

 

I have big fast Salukis which need to stretch their legs and I have identified several secure fields for them to run around with no risk to themselves or others.

 

[pelicanafloat]

Calling someone a pussy could hardly be considered a threat of assault. Although in truth I don't quite know what it does mean. A pussy as in a cuddly furry purring critter, or as in that bit of the female anatomy that I have thankfully been spared from dealing with? Or was it just a turn of phrase you picked up from Neighbours (TV) and think it sounds cool?

Ah, but wasn't it you who asked the question? ... tell me what you thought I was threatening you with, and I'll oblige

 

I know you trying to be super cool, but as I don't watch neighbours (but evidently you do) I bow to your learned (TV) knowledge and let you take the lead .. woof!

[nicknorman]

Ah, but wasn't it you who asked the question? ... tell me what you thought I was threatening you with, and I'll oblige

 

I know you trying to be super cool, but as I don't watch neighbours (but evidently you do) I bow to your learned (TV) knowledge and let you take the lead .. woof!

Yes I confess to watching neighbours about 25 years ago when the term was in use! Anyway, you proposed to run me over if I was in your vicinity. That seems to be a threat of physical violence (as you well know) but if you can quickly think of an alternative meaning I will be amused to hear it.

[pelicanafloat]

Yes I confess to watching neighbours about 25 years ago when the term was in use! Anyway, you proposed to run me over if I was in your vicinity. That seems to be a threat of physical violence (as you well know) but if you can quickly think of an alternative meaning I will be amused to hear it.

Well it is the start of the panto season .... would you mind if I said "They're behind you!"

[Ange]

Your post does seem to be all about prioritising the dog and not about any humans who might be in the vicinity. That said, I doubt anyone on here has a problem with unleashed dogs when no-one else is about. Unfortunately there are plenty of owners who don't make that differentiation and let their dogs run riot around other people. As to your point about the size of the dog, in my experience small dogs, like small people, tend to be the more aggressive and quickest to want to fight and bite. Whilst perhaps not a threat to life and limb, a bite from a small dog is very unpleasant.

I didn't mean to prioritise the dog - I suppose I was talking about particular circumstances as examples. I know where you're coming from about small dogs, and that's one of the things we've had to adjust to as owners of a small dog. We do know our dog though, and she will only turn nasty if threatened - she definitely prefers to let the world go by and ignore everyone. The most important thing is that we are always close to her, always have her lead at hand and she's small enough that one of us can just pick her up and remove her if she's a problem to anyone. Trust me, we're vigilant enough that Millie will never come close to biting or scaring an innocent towpath walker.

 

 

Along the offside near Wolfhampcote is a brick which marks the grave of a lovely little dog owned by a friend of mine.

 

It too was running along the towpath in happy bum sniffing mode when it happened across a bigger dog who took exception to the little dog's attentions.

 

By the time his owner had reached them the big dog had the crushed body of the smaller one in its mouth.

 

My dogs are kept on leads in confined spaces as much for their protection as to avoid the possibility of them bothering other people or animals.

 

I have big fast Salukis which need to stretch their legs and I have identified several secure fields for them to run around with no risk to themselves or others.

I'm happy that letting Millie have the free range of the towpath while we're being vigilant has worked for 3 years. Dogs, even small ones, need a free range sometimes and when you're constantly on the move it's difficult to find a "secure area" where your dog can run free. Millie does always stay very close to us and puts up with the bum sniffing rather than initiating it.

[carlt]

Dogs, even small ones, need a free range sometimes and when you're constantly on the move it's difficult to find a "secure area" where your dog can run free.

When I was ccing I found OS maps invaluable though I wish I'd had Google Earth too as sometimes finding a farm to knock and ask permission was a bit tricky.

 

I found it worth the effort though and I was never refused permission with many landowners surprised that I'd taken the trouble to ask.

[Mac of Cygnet]

A couple of posters have mentioned dog licences, and I am entirely in favour of them being reintroduced in those parts of the UK where they are not required (Northern Ireland and the IOM have dog licences), but at a level where they are self-financing, to pay for policing by dog wardens.

 

Britain in fact is out of step here, as licences are required in 23 European countries and many states of the USA. The RSPCA is in favour of their reintroduction, both for the welfare of the animals and to curb irresponsible ownership. See here for some info.

 

It will be argued that irresponsible owners will simply ignore the requirement, as they did when the licence was a derisory 37p, but a sufficient number of dog wardens could get on top of this. I would imagine £100 per dog would cover it - after all it costs the equivalent of £400 for a dog licence in Beijing!

[Athy]

 

But the difference is I rarely let my helicopter fly around when a person wasn't in direct control of it. Nor did I let it hover up to you and caress you with its rotor blades, although it was tempted because it is a very friendly helicopter and just wanted to play with you.

Greeno for Mr. Norman.

 

Our dogs went to obedience classes. They are friendly &obedient and when with the wife they are perfectly well behaved.

Good grief, you sent her as well? I must try that.

 

 

No, on second thoughts.....

[Timleech]

I think that some people are forgetting that some dogs guard their territory. A dog walker let his 3 dogs off their leads as he was on the towpath. One, a little fluffy one, tried to get in an open side hatch. The greyhound inside knew what to do with little fluffy things. There was mayhem, vets bills, and threats to burn down boats. The police and paramedics were called. I'm sure that dogs on leads near boats would have avoided the problem.

 

I reckon that any more than two dogs together should always be on leads. They are pack animals and become less predictable.

We lost a lovely cat when a group of terriers was taken for a walk along the towpath, they got under our gate and chased the cat, she followed her instinct and ran to protect her kittens rather than running away. She was badly mauled and died the next day.

I believe the dog 'owner' was genuinely shocked at their behaviour, but he shouldn't have been.

My wife, who is no cat lover, bottle fed the smallest kitten until it was big enough to feed itself. She's now the only survivor of the litter, at 17, we thought we were losing her last week but she's made a remarkable recovery.

 

Tim

 

Edit - perhaps I should have said more predictable, just less controllable.

Edited November 29, 2013 by Timleech

[Guest]

Totally agree. A dog cannot be held responsible for it's actions so the owner must take that responsibility. Anything your dog does is your fault. Would you piss on a mooring rope? well if you allow your dog to do it then you might as well and if it happens then by not preventing it you have allowed it.

Precisely.

[Phil Ambrose]

I've heard that a female urinal can be made out of an old 2 litre milk bottle....

Hmm, been watching Blue Peter again have we?

 

Phil

 

Edited to inject a little humour into a rather gloomy (but interesting) thread

Edited November 29, 2013 by Phil Ambrose

[pelicanafloat]

A couple of posters have mentioned dog licences, and I am entirely in favour of them being reintroduced in those parts of the UK where they are not required (Northern Ireland and the IOM have dog licences), but at a level where they are self-financing, to pay for policing by dog wardens.

 

Britain in fact is out of step here, as licences are required in 23 European countries and many states of the USA. The RSPCA is in favour of their reintroduction, both for the welfare of the animals and to curb irresponsible ownership. See here for some info.

 

It will be argued that irresponsible owners will simply ignore the requirement, as they did when the licence was a derisory 37p, but a sufficient number of dog wardens could get on top of this. I would imagine £100 per dog would cover it - after all it costs the equivalent of £400 for a dog licence in Beijing!

If a licence will curb irresponsible ownership, then I am all for it. But the licencing of boats hasn't curbed irresponsible ownership, has it?

[pelicanafloat]

Well it is the start of the panto season .... would you mind if I said "They're behind you!"

 

Lol, my dogs are more controlled than me! At least they don't drink half a bottle of wine and post comments in a forum. I apologise for my unrestrained enthusiasm.

 

But to tell the truth, the opening post was asking for enlightenment and now I would imagine the light is strongly in favour of some sort of lead-ership. If you must tie up a dog to a halfwit then so be it. In my case the dogs do at least get a chance for freedom of expression.

[Doorman]

hopefulboater, on 28 Nov 2013 - 4:08 PM, said:

Nothing worse than an illtrained mutt...

 

There is.....

 

An illtrained person. At least you can place a dog on a lead and restrain it without some sort of claim monkey solicitor trying to sue you for assault!

Edited November 29, 2013 by Doorman

[Guest]

 

There is.....

 

An illtrained person. At least you can place a dog on a lead and restrain it without some sort of claim monkey solicitor trying to sue you for assault!

A chastening thought

[SkyMover]

How many people are killed or injured by poor dog ownership each year?

 

Quite a lot according to this Daily Telegraph article http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/10429862/Dog-attack-laws-and-statistics.htm.

 

Chris

[starman]

Most of the comments seem to be about dogs off leads having fights etc. What really hacks me off is the number of times I see owners walking - or jogging/cycling - blithely on ahead of their off-the-lead dog unaware (or uncaring) of the fact that it is doing a damned great sh1t right in the middle of the towpath.

I've also regularly seen boaters cruising along and exercising their dog by letting it run beside them on the towpath. How are they going to stop to clear a dog mess (or prevent their dog getting into a problem)?

[Ally]

Our dog is a rescue dog, we got her when she was well into adulthood, and have no idea what she went through before we had her. Since having her, she has been attacked by an off lead staffy once, and another large off lead dog who was not under control. (on the towpath)

 

We always keep her on lead (and were told by the rescue home never to let her off) when around any other dogs. The only time she is off lead when out, is when we have found a field or area that we can see the entrances to, that is dog free. Then she gets let off and plays ball with glee. When we were on the marina, we did use to let her off in one area, with our neighbours dog, a very small dog, and they were fine together.

 

She reacts badly to off lead dogs. She reacts variably to onlead dogs,...no rhyme or reason, it's not about size or anything, just some she is good with, some she isn't (as Ange knows!) But off lead dogs are always a problem. Not knowing her history...though she had never been dog socialised it seems....we wouldn't let her off lead around another dog unless that dogs owner was happy for us to do so, as our old neighbour was. One other time we were suddenly suprised in a field by 4 off lead dogs together bounding in...no visible owner at first....she was off lead, but it was fine, they all had a good sniff and a play. I know the lead changes power perception for the dog, but I could never risk just letting her off with other dogs. It wouldn't be fair. She has the potential to be a powerful force if she so chose.

 

All that said, she is 100% friendly and gentle to people. Goes skidding upside down along the path to people she knows, ever in the hope of a tummy rub.

 

I believe her reaction to other dogs is defensive. She is a dog that needs space from other dogs, and walks are made extremely difficult when other dog owners don't begin to think their dog being off lead could be a problem. There is a boat locally who leaves his 2 large dogs out on the towpath unattended all day. That means we have no chance of walking her past the boat, which can hugely effect where we can get to with her. They had a go at another friends puppy border terrier last summer, and he reported them to the police/dog wardens, who went to see him but did nothing....he told them his 2 dogs had been attacked by the puppy!! Hmmmmm.

 

I would like to see people get behind the Yellow Dog campaign, which would help everyone to know which dogs need space, and respond accordingly. http://www.yellowdoguk.co.uk/

I have just ordered the yellow ribbon for our dog....I might treat her to the bandana yet. I would really like to see owners become more aware, and this could help. Loving a rescue dog is a wonderful thing, but not always easy. She is our forever dog, and we are her forever home, come what may, but life could be easier if people didn't let groups/packs of dogs run free around other dogs on leads. We got approached by 4 off lead German shepherds and another small white dog in Sileby the other week...things like that make walks a nightmare for a dog that needs space...and the owner would be unlikely to be able to deal with the 5 dogs if things had gone wrong. We have trained her to sit and look at us (and be fed sausage slices) whilst others walk by, which has made lots of difference, but c'mon people, please be aware if you are not already.

 

Many owners are brilliant, see us, and lead up their dogs, we then just pass by...sausage in hand, puppeh nose following on happily!

[SkyMover]

Last year while on the T&M while waiting to go in to a lock I watched a dog have a poop on the grass. The owner scooped it up with a trowel and threw it in the canal. He was standing about 5m from one of the bins for depositing dog waste.

 

Chris

[churchward]

 

Quite a lot according to this Daily Telegraph article http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/10429862/Dog-attack-laws-and-statistics.htm.

 

Chris

Not really. See post #77.

 

A bit of scare mogering by the press here I think. In relation to the number of dogs in the country and the number of other accidents death by dog bite is very low.

 

In fact in 2010 (the last year I can find national stats for) more people died of bee and wasp stings than dogs which was 7.

[nicknorman]

 

At least they don't drink half a bottle of wine and post comments in a forum.

What was wrong with the other half bottle?

[SkyMover]

Not really. See post #77.

 

A bit of scare mogering by the press here I think. In relation to the number of dogs in the country and the number of other accidents death by dog bite is very low.

 

In fact in 2010 (the last year I can find national stats for) more people died of bee and wasp stings than dogs which was 7.

 

Fair enough - to some extent the exact numbers don't really matter. People do get injured by uncontrolled dogs - just what counts as an injury is probably open to interpretation - an injury could be as simple as a dog breaking your skin with its paws when it jumps up at you 'being friendly'. If someone goes to A&E for that then it will get logged as a injury by a dog and become a statistic. The point is many injuries could be avoided if the more irresponsible owners thought about other people and not just themselves and their pets. Before anyone asks, yes, we have a dog - we have had Labradors for over 20 years.

 

Chris

Edited November 29, 2013 by SkyMover