Meloncolie`s post made very interesting reading. But I see no mention of owners who have their dog off the leash (at end trail of walk) and dogs then run into private gardens - and crap - and the owner stands outside in the road using "voice control" ....... until the dog returns to them.
I`ve put up my "No dog crapping" signs on the fence, and they`re ignored.
The owner obviously does not want to trespass (as his/her dog did) to pick up their pile.
I used to be a dog lover. But the manner of some dog owners is making me really not like "dog people and their dogs" anymore!
I see dogs running freely on the banks of the Rhein where Swans live. Am hoping fervently for a male Swan attack (sorry dogs, if only the Swan would attack your owner).
I`ve also, like the OP here, been (for some puzzling reason?) "greeted" by a huge dog putting it`s paws on my shoulders and trying to lick my face - while the owner is just delighted that his dog seems to like me! Never mind it stood on my feet, mucked my new sandals, and got dirt on my clothes. And this on my way to a meeting, after careful dressing!
So yes, these types of dogs are not safe for kids ....... or old grannies!
These dogs are not under control by any means- and their owners are wrong, full stop.
A dog under control, either by voice or lead, walks next to his owner while in a residential neighborhood. His owner does not allow him to run onto private property. And if he needs to do the necessary whilst walking, the owner keeps him close and picks it up immediately.
Owners who do as you describe give us all a bad name.
Is this a nature conservancy area? Are there signs indicating that a dog should be on lead, either in general or during in spring during breeding times? If so, the dog should be on lead.
If not so signed, a dog may be off lead. But any owner who allows his dog a close encounter with a swan - especially a swan with young - needs his head examined. Again, this is an example of irresponsible ownership. An offlead dog should not be allowed to approach another animal, for the sake of both dog and animal.
(If not signed on-lead or verboten then a dog may indeed swim in most rivers/lakes... but may not bother others, human or animal.)
Speak to the Gemeinde about what the rules are in the area. And if dogs are not allowed off lead there, don't be afraid to speak out.
I'll say it again: dog owners take note.The only way to turn the tide of anti-dog sentiment is to respect others at all times... and keep our dogs under control.
Kids should be introduced to dogs early on so that they do not become scared and know how to behave around them. I was unlucky, at about 3 years old I went to stroke a small dog, didn't realise it was blind, I scared it and it bit my face. My fault... fortunately my parents still allowed us to have dogs & be around them instead of freaking out like they may have. So now I still adore dogs & am proud of my scar.
I would have to disagree. More kids and teenagers are hurt by other kids and teenagers and other things than dogs so why not compare. I know, i know, people will say animals are not people. But the fact remains, your children are in far more danger from various other things than dogs.
Ask for a fight? I have never asked to have a fight, you normally just get hit or end up hitting someone if and when a fight occurs.
But being more serious, the best thing I can advocate is educating your children on how to also behave around dogs as someone alluded to earlier. A lot of the time dogs become inquisitive or scared around children because of their also unpredictable nature to fling out limbs when close, scream at the dog, or suddenly start stamping close to it or running towards it.
Of course, it is the dog and the owner who should be behaved and trained enough to resist the temptation or not become animated by such behaviour, and in most situations this will be the case, but no harm in ensuring that you have covered your bases too, purely for childrens education and wellbeing, and your peace of mind.
Oh yes, nature conservancy areas. Breeding pairs of swans/ducks/ possibly Beavers (seeing their marks on trees, and according to the signs posted) living there.
But one is out for a Sunday walk, in neighboring towns, down trails next to the Rhein, and along comes couple with dogs running thru the bush, and barking. Enjoying thenselves. What does one do? Stop them and ask for their names/identification? Take a train/bus during the week and go talk to the distant various Gemeindes?
It`s about time there were regular official patrols by Wardens or something, who hide, and creep around to catch culprits. A further police presence because people don`t stick to the rules, and muck up other`s peace. And cause problems for those who do the right thing.
About dogs pooping everywhere. Right, it`s not THEIR fault - they have to poop somewhere. But owners take them walking after dark, and leave trails of poop along pavements (and in my garden).
During daytime I spot whirls of movement in garden, and it`s another flipping dog tearing around, either chasing the birds, or having a quick one over a shrub. While I go balistic with swear words at goggle-eyed owner standing in road trying to attach lead to another dog.
I`m considering an electric fence like they use for cows. Must just find out if it`s legal. A few volts ......?
A designated dog park, in parts of the wald or other areas, would be idea. Owners can allow their dogs to run free in those areas, but outside of those areas their dog would have to be on a leash. It could be an idea worth writing in about. I'm surprised this hasn't happened yet.
Are you sure they are actual bags of the smelly stuff? I have never seen that to be honest. I have seen empty bags tied up randomly, which I took to be dog walkers or non dog walkers way of encouraging others to pick up the stuff in the instance they may feel tempted not to on the basis they happen to have no bags or not be near bag dispenser.
They do come in handy, this act of kindness to leave bags tied on trees and fences, as I have been caught empty handed once or twice, and you do look weird wandering off to find a dispenser and coming back to pick up some turd which is your dogs, but the couple walking past as you do it have not seen your dog do it and merely thus look like a random pooper scooper clearing the neighbourhood of phantom deposits.
no, I deffo know a little bag of dog mess when I see it, there are little dispensers here, with little green bins where they're supposed to be deposited. some dog walkers take one on theor way up into the forest and don't fancy holding on to them until they get back to the bin.
*relatively* rare here; Sunday's site brought back the memories...
We are in Switzerland remember?...The park would be for people with dogs to allow them to run freely, the dogs that is. Stop making a pile of dog s&#t out of nothing...
After that little boy was torn to pieces by those three dogs in Oberglatt a few years ago we all thought that something would at last be done to keep our children and walkers/joggers/non-dog owners safe and protected from canine teeth. For me as a person who is frightened of even the smallest dog this description 'canine teeth' is the most apt. This doesn't mean I'm a dog hater, I'm not, but I don't want them near me when I'm outside*. There's nothing more disturbing than whilst enjoying a walk in the woods to hear a dog barking somewhere in front or behind.
What we got in the end from our lawmakers after this calamity was all dogs having to be chipped. An obsolutely pointless decision. One no doubt thought up by the vetinary and chip manufacturers lobbies in Bern.
*Nor do I think I should be expected to visit some sort of pyscho service to cure my 'problem'.
All dogs should be on a lead at all times or be fitted with 'bite preventers' if running free.
This is an old chestnut of mine and I'll never stop saying it.
Do you genuinely not see the hyperbole you have been sucked into and the fear in your life now because of it? It can not be healthy to be so irrational about something that is by not even the smallest margin as severe as you seem to believe.
I personally have never been bit by a dog when out jogging, but if I see the dog is not on a lead, I will usually slow down to a walk until I pass it (and muck up my training time ) I have had little ones yapping around my feet before (& big ones, too, although they don't yap at the feet!) and it is a bit unsettling, as I have never had a dog myself and am not always confident in handling a dog.
My BIL was bit on his inner thigh while running in Germany, and I am certain that was most unpleasant...It does tend to make one scared of all dogs because of one or two bad ones...and a dog jumping up on you can also be quite scary, not to mention messy. I do agree with others that a lot of dog owners just laugh and remark how friendly their dog is and it is happy to see a person (happened to me on a winter jog in Jan...) - however, the person might not be too happy to see the dog bounding up to them