Beware of Dogs

There is little that scares me more on a walk than coming across a loose dog.  The dog may be perfectly friendly toward family and friends, but to a stranger he could be trouble.  I have not gotten bit or attacked yet, but I have been chased, sniffed, and barked and growled at.  My beef is with the owners.  Why is their dog running loose?  Because of the possibility of encountering loose dogs, I never walk alone, and when I walk with my husband or a friend, I always bring spray, in case a dog becomes aggressive.

I know people who think confining dogs is cruel.  They think dogs should be able to run free.  I beg to differ.  A loose dog could get hit by a car, bite your neighbor, knock down a child or an adult who is short or has balance issues, relieve himself on the sidewalk or in someone's yard, get into garbage cans, get into a fight with another dog, and so on.  For these reasons and more, dogs should not be left to run free.  If you don't have enough room in the house for your dog to play, or a secure place outside for him to do so, you need to rethink owning a dog.  He shouldn't be cooped up, but he should also never be a menace to others.

My husband and I live near a park.  We love walking there.  But recently we've seen an increase in the number of loose dogs playing and walking with their owners around the park.  The hair stands up on the back of my neck whenever I see a loose dog there.  A sign is posted at the entrance stating the rules of the park, including keeping dogs leashed at all times.  Still, the dogs run free.  We have not experienced aggression from any of the dogs as yet, so we haven't reported them, but others have.  Animal control is closed by the time these people bring out their dogs, though, so there isn't much they can do unless a dog bites someone.

So, we have had to go on our walks either very early in the morning or late in the evening.  And we still see some loose dogs even then.  We've also gone to a different park a couple times.  But the last time we were there, it was crawling with dogs--all leashed, though, at least.  Even so, there was an attack.  A pit bull, tied to a tree, attacked a tiny dog that crossed his path.  The little dog's owners didn't see the pit bull when they ventured onto the grassy area near the tree.  The pit bull pounced and grabbed the little dog in its mouth.  Well, all heck broke loose.  Crying, screaming, barking, screeching, people trying to get the big dog away from the little dog....it was nuts.  I felt so bad for the little dog and her owners.  I kept my distance, but my husband ventured closer. 

These two dogs were leashed!  What would have happened had they not been?  The little dog didn't get hurt from what I heard, but it could have.

My message to dog owners is:  Keep control of your dog at all times, and keep an eye on him at all times--in public and at home.  He's your responsibility, and you should honor that responsibility.  Parks are there for everyone to enjoy, and we all should be able to do so without fear of being bit or knocked down.

My message to exercisers is:  When you're exercising outside, always bring  a cell phone, dog spray/Mace, and a buddy.  Keep a look out for loose dogs if you walk your dog (leashed, of course) around the neighborhood.  If you see a loose dog and know whose dog it is, let the owner know that you would appreciate the dog being leashed or otherwise secured in their yard since you walk around the neighborhood.  If you are attacked/bit, scream your head off to let others around you know that you're in trouble.  Seek medical attention as soon as possible.  Always be aware of your surroundings and try not to get yourself backed into a corner.  Talk to your local animal control officers about what you can do if confronted by an aggressive dog, and the laws pertaining to dogs in your area.  

Good luck!  Wishing you happy and safe walking!