Ranting about stupid dog ownership

[PamNY]

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Please note: this isn't anti-dog bias; it's more a rant against people who do not care for, nor keep their dogs under control as our communal laws require. I agree with Mimi on this issue. Leash laws aren't just for some dogs; they're meant for all to avoid unnecessary incidents and unsafe situations.!

What issue? Did I miss something? No one in this thread has advocated allowing dogs to run loose. I doubt if you are accomplishing much by posting about it here.

[MM_QFC!]

What issue? Did I miss something? No one in this thread has advocated allowing dogs to run loose. I doubt if you are accomplishing much by posting about it here.

- my response was consistent with this thread topic:Ranting about stupid dog ownership
- was agreeing that the issue is with the owner of the animal as well as adding my own voice in agreement with Mimi's request that people control their dogs.
- there was a response to Mimi's post that somehow morphed into a charge of anti-dog bias - whew! It seems to be something that happens here occasionally, when we're all contributing to an online discussion about stupid dog ownership...go figure!
- Is there disagreement with the opinion I expressed that I should be able to ride without encountering unattended, unknown dogs, who may/may not be friendly, territorial, attacking or otherwise?
- I'm still firm on the same: dog owners should take care of and keep control of their pets.
Peace!
Mary

[PamNY]

- my response was consistent with this thread topic:Ranting about stupid dog ownership
- was agreeing that the issue is with the owner of the animal as well as adding my own voice in agreement with Mimi's request that people control their dogs.
- there was a response to Mimi's post that somehow morphed into a charge of anti-dog bias - whew! It seems to be something that happens here occasionally, when we're all contributing to an online discussion about stupid dog ownership...go figure!
- Is there disagreement with the opinion I expressed that I should be able to ride without encountering unattended, unknown dogs, who may/may not be friendly, territorial, attacking or otherwise?
- I'm still firm on the same: dog owners should take care of and keep control of their pets.
Peace!
Mary

Chances are everyone posting in this thread is, or intends to be, a responsible dog owner. Several of them are involved in rescue and could tell "bad human" stories that would make everyone turn pale and faint.

So it's really not necessary, and really not conducive to productive discussion, to presume that people reading the thread are idiots in desperate need of advice.

Making an imperative statement (which technically Mimi did, not you) tends to turn the discussion in an argumentative direction. The polite thing to do is assume that the bad guys are "them", and the good guys are "us." Trust me -- it works. If "them" are reading, they will still get the point.

ETA: Just ran across a perfect case in point. I have a bulldog, and I moderate a bulldog internet group. So you bet I'm going to post about the bulldog I saw tonight tied up outside a store. No dog should be left unsupervised, especially not in Manhattan and especially not a bulldog (because they are well-known to be expensive). Partly I'll post to let off steam (this kind of thing makes me so mad I could spit) and partly in the hope that someone, somewhere might be educated (it's a huge group).

However, I wouldn't dream of posting in a lecturing fashion, e.g., "Don't leave your dog tied up outside a store." I shall write with the assumption that of course none of US would do such a thing (most of the people who post probably wouldn't; the lurkers I have no idea). We'll have a productive discussion (I have great anecdotes about the lengths I go to to avoid leaving my dog alone in a car) and possibly do some good.

[Tuckervill]

However, I wouldn't dream of posting in a lecturing fashion, e.g.,

Oh. hm:

I doubt if you are accomplishing much by posting about it here.

Karen

[PamNY]

Oh. hm:
Karen

I wouldn't dream of posting in a lecturing fashion in the dog group because I want it to be a place where people new to dogs can learn.

This thread is an entirely different matter. The internet is full of people taking a bold stand against evil and in favor of good. I love annoying them.

[lph]

Just for the record, cos I doubt that anyone cares , I really like dogs. I prefer cats, but I still like dogs and have had two. But when a dog behaves really annoyingly I'm just not a patient enough person to not get annoyed at the dog, even though I know it's the owner who should take the rap. So I probably will continue to post about the Pom that I want to boot across the fence, and anger some of you for being childish, but still assume that most of you realize I wouldn't touch the dog IRL. A sweet-tempered dog is welcome at my door at any time, it doesn't even have to be under full control as long as it's friendly.

Peace, all.

[teigyr]

This thread definitely took a turn.

I think anyone who takes the responsibility for a life (whether it be human or animal) has a responsibility to make the right choice when they decide to do it. I've seen pets (both cats and dogs) taken to the shelter due to convenience and lack thereof.

When you first adopt an animal, there is adjustment. NONE of our cats are perfect (though they'd probably like you to believe it) and all went through a lot of time before they learned the rules.

I really feel sorry for offleash/poorly trained dogs because no matter what the breed, it isn't their fault. There are some less than stellar people who seek out certain breeds just for the status factor. Yeah, I get scared when I am riding or running and there is an offleash dog but to be honest, the most nipping ones have been the smaller dogs. I've been known to yell at the owners, especially if the dog is circling me and looks menacing.

I guess I put a lot of thought into life decisions and a pet is one of those. We can't own a dog due to time constraints and as much as I'd love to, I realize it wouldn't be fair. I have little patience or tolerance for people who take these things lightly and if I could have them put down instead of the dog, I'd probably be good with that.

And Mimi's right re the nature of animals and size. We have a 25 lb cat who really IS a nice guy but if he takes a swipe at us (or jumps up on the bed using his claws), it is a lot more damaging than one of the 9 lb cats. It just is...it's not that he is bad but he has the capacity to hurt us even if he doesn't intend it. He also knows his size and I'm sure most animals do. Lesson learned...always cover your feet at night