[Dapnoinaacale]

Once again tonight we were charged by off-leash dogs. This time it was a pit bull mix and a lab (yeah, cause that's going to end well...). It was dark so I didn't see that at all before they were right by us running at Amy. I had to shove her back behind me while she growled and whimpered and pulled, and I screamed at the people (who didn't even move until I screamed) to get their dogs. The woman walked up and just said "oh, they're friendly." I told her to keep the dogs on leashes.

No apology, no anything. This is the second time this month it's happened in my neighborhood. There is a leash law. I don't know why people think they're above the law on this. I don't care how friendly they think their dogs are - my dog thinks they're terrifying.

I'm wondering if I should just start calling the police when this happens. I'm not really one to do that, but people need to learn. And I'm sure my city could use the revenue from the dog-at-large tickets from these morons.

Thoughts?

[veizKinquiz]

I think there are more important jobs for the police to do then tend to off leash dogs. Maybe you could make some copies of the leash laws in your area and hand them out to those that have their dogs off leash.

[Desflahd]

That's a rough spot to be in. I am generally against calling the cops on people when there's another alternative but it kinda sounds like you're running out of options. If I'm understanding right, this has happened twice and you've already asked twice for them to lock up their dogs?

[Dapnoinaacale]

it's not the same people/dogs. Two different incidents. That's why I haven't called. Tonight was pretty bad though - my pit mix vs. another pit mix and a lab could have been really bad and there was no warning.

As for whether the police have other things to do - that's for the police to decide, not me. I generally try to give people the benefit of the doubt but the fact that nobody seems to think it's a big deal is what really irks me. If it was a "oh, I'm so sorry! I'll keep the dogs leashed from now on" then I would feel like it was resolved. But when I get an eye roll or a similar blow-off then I'm more inclined to let the police explain to them that it really IS the law.

[WaysletlyLene]

Well here, you have to call the police ... to get Animal Control. The dispatcher will respond accordingly. You can't get Animal Control directly.

While I understand your frustration and I see it all the time in my neighborhoods ... I won't call the police until there is an actual dangerous incident with gnashing of teeth and holds ... maybe blood. The reason being ... AC here is NOT no kill and it isn't the dogs fault. I will try every means possible to get through to the dog's irresponsible owner ... until their dog lays teeth on my dog.

For ANY other reason ... I call AC ... the dog (likely) gets put down ... the irresponsible owners get another dog ... and the cycle repeats.

NOW ... if I could be assured AC would JUST ticket the owners if there wasn't an actual fight ... I'd call them for every dog that charged mine.

On the other hand and regardless ... depending on the (dis)comfort level you feel ... it just might be best to call AC so you at least have some documentation in case something does happen.

So, I think it would just depend on how I felt about an individual dog I suppose.

[Dapnoinaacale]

Thanks Joe - that helps a lot. I'm still a little riled up. I don't understand what's wrong with people. If I (or my dog) acts like an ass I at least apologize and promise not to let it happen again.

I don't want these people to have their dogs taken. I just want them to be responsible dog owners so the 6 months of intensive training I've done with Amy to help with her fear of other dogs doesn't just go to hell.

She was better behaved than I was, actually

[loikrso]

Tazer...........!!!!!!!!

[tpdirorg]

It's a tough call, as I'm generally not one to call the cops.

But, you're right, a lot of people think they're above the law when it comes to leashing your dogs.

First you should check your local laws. Find out if there are fines for off leash dogs, as well as unlicensed dogs, and learn how much it is. Next time you encounter the owners of an off leash dog, let them know those laws do in fact apply to them, inform them that it will cost them money, and let them know next time, you'll be calling Animal Control as soon as you see their dogs off leash (so also put AC's number in your cell phone).

Now that they've been warned, get yourself a big ass walking stick, or a cane, or just a decent sized stick. Next time a loose dog/s run up to you, whack em. Whack them in front of their owners if you have to. I know a couple of my neighbors stopped letting their dogs off leash after they saw me crack their dog in the head with my break stick, or kick them in the head.

[MaickiP]

bahhhh... it is more fun to carry that smely stuff that hunter use (some kind of pee or something??) in a squirt gun, and a small hot stick.

[Avoireeideree]

In my area, unless the dogs are chasing the citizens, they will not come out. Like stated, they have a plate full dealing with humans, and unless the dog is a threat to the community, around here anyway, they wouldn't show up.

Make a copy of the leash laws, every city has them... give it to them, and tell them that the next time their dogs charge you, you will pepper spray them. Invest in some Grizzly Mace, the kind you get at Sporting Goods stores for hikers to use on bears.... and next time their dogs come charging, have it in your hand and ready to use. When they charge you guys, USE IT!! If you don't, they will think you are bluffing and won't do anything to contain their dogs.

[RarensussyRen]

That's a rough spot to be in. I am generally against calling the cops on people when there's another alternative but it kinda sounds like you're running out of options. If I'm understanding right, this has happened twice and you've already asked twice for them to lock up their dogs?

I'm the same way.

Years ago two huskies "hunted" us, and long story short the one house with lights on that I went to after we escaped (I'm pretty sure Hades got a hold of one of them, they kept going at the dog on my other side when I went to get the other one away) ended up being the owner. I threatened to call AC on him and the police I was so angry, but I didn't... Just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was livid because he was so nonchalant, but I literally just couldn't be "that person".

I generally tend to think no harm no foul, BUT, in this case with Amy, since she's scared its a little different. I would probably make a much bigger show, to the point where other people were scared for their dogs. Or I would just mace them. I love all animals but if it comes down to a loose dog and my dog, sorry, my dog wins every time hands down. Mace isn't going to seriously injure a dog, definitely going to cause them some discomfort but someone might think twice about letting their dog loose if it gets maced. I've booted quite a few dogs, I've scruffed and thrown some smaller ones, and I do it more to show the owners that are taking their sweet time coming to get their dogs that I'm a crazy bitch!

Actually, I scruffed a JRT that followed us over 100 feet attached to Hades weiner like it was the teat of the motherwolf and chucked it, and I saw that lady a few days ago at the park. And guess what? Her dogs were on a leash! I mentioned it to my mom who also walks her dog there and she said the hellions have been on leash every time she's seen them now.

If someone apologizes and nothing bad happened, I'm the first to say it's okay and laugh it off. But sometimes I think people need some dramatics for them to take a hint.

This is all just my crazy bitch talking though!

[Dapnoinaacale]

Thanks guys. K9 Love - that's exactly how I feel. A little remorse and apology can go a LONG way. I know when Amy nipped another dog's ear I apologized like crazy and offered to pay vet bills and I think it went a long way to smoothing things over. The other dog's owner always waves hi at me (from a distance, ha).

I was so proud of Amy. Even though her fur was still standing up on her back she calmed down pretty quickly. She's usually only really frightened of other reactive dogs, and these weren't behaving aggressively (although I can't really tell when they're barrelling at us at full speed). She kept looking up at me the whole rest of the walk - not sure why. But I tried to be extra smiley and happy so she knew it was no big deal.

[Desflahd]

Now that I know a little better, if this is the first time you've had trouble with these folks and the dogs weren't threatening I'd let it go for now. At least maybe warn them if it happens again. I've had animal control called on me before for no reason and it's pretty infuriating and nerve racking.

[Peter Hill]

Maybe if you TELL her that next time you'll be calling animal control/the police, it might make her apologetic at least?

[DumnEuronoumn]

I actual wrote my neighbor a note and left it in his mailbox explaining leash laws and the issue at hand.

[U2DnBGFE]

I tend to just bitch at people. The only time I called AC/the cops was after three incidents with the same person/group of dogs and the dogs WERE aggressive. The third incident was on MY property (the dogs dog under one of my fences to get INTO my yard)... so yeah, that wasn't going to end pretty! And the owner was a complete asshole... so I called the cops.

Aside from that, I yell at people and threaten to call the cops. I am NEVER nice to someone after their dog rushes us (or dogs) - EVER. If people just let it go and don't react, the idiots with loose dogs aren't going to stop doing it.

[Dapnoinaacale]

Maybe if you TELL her that next time you'll be calling animal control/the police, it might make her apologetic at least?

I did

I'll just hope it doesn't happen again with them. I'm sure it'll happen again with someone else. I just hope my reflexes don't fail me.

---------- Post added at 10:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:28 PM ----------

I tend to just bitch at people. The only time I called AC/the cops was after three incidents with the same person/group of dogs and the dogs WERE aggressive. The third incident was on MY property (the dogs dog under one of my fences to get INTO my yard)... so yeah, that wasn't going to end pretty! And the owner was a complete asshole... so I called the cops.

Aside from that, I yell at people and threaten to call the cops. I am NEVER nice to someone after their dog rushes us (or dogs) - EVER. If people just let it go and don't react, the idiots with loose dogs aren't going to stop doing it.

They always seem so surprised, like it's incomprehensible that I wouldn't just ADORE their little beast.

[WaysletlyLene]

Just for the record, I've only ever called police/AC ... Once (1 time)

The home across the street used to be a rental home. Some folks moved out and left a poor dog chained to a tree in the backyard. After almost 2 days and they didn't come back ... I started feeding and watering the dog. It was a very friendly and appreciative mixed bred dog that would have made a nice pet. I had Rowdy and Sugar and couldn't take on another dog. I fed and watered the dog for almost a week, awaiting the return of the previous renters ... they didn't show. I called the police/AC ... RIP poor little black dog. I'm sorry humans failed you.

[allvideO]

I had some a-hole scream obscenities at me and threaten to call the cops on me when I called out to him to leash his aggressive chi mix. Listen buddy, my LEASHED and heeling dogs won't protect themselves and they don't deserve to get bitten, even if it is a rat dog. Now that really pissed me off. Oh and this jerkoff goes through little dogs like socks. Never leashes them and always has them loose by a busy road. He wasn't even in sight when it first charged us, just came outta the woodwork when I was yelling at it to git. Poor little dogs...

[Peter Hill]

Aside from that, I yell at people and threaten to call the cops. I am NEVER nice to someone after their dog rushes us (or dogs) - EVER. If people just let it go and don't react, the idiots with loose dogs aren't going to stop doing it.

This. I'm not very nice to people when their stupidity and irresponsibility threatens my dog and me.