Some people shouldn't have dogs.

[desertranger]

I took the dogs to the pet store yesterday. Running low on dog food. As we walked in there was a gal and her kid quite literally dragging a 3 month old puppy into the store. The dog didn't want to go in at all. I guess the door frighten her like it did to Jin the first time. Once inside she tried to drag the pup around and I suggested that she just let him sit and get used to the new situation, the store, people, other dogs. This pup was frightened and unsure and just needed some time. Every time we ran into them on an aisle she just dragged him away not giving the pup any choice or the time to adapt. Jin wanted to meet him. If what I saw was any indication that pup is not going to be a happy dog.

 

With time on my hands these days I take Jin and Abby (Mookie) for a lot of walks downtown and at parks. I've been watching people with their dogs and have come to the conclusion about half the people out there who have dogs shouldn't. I know, lonely elderly people need their dogs for companionship but at least they should take the time to train them so they have happy well adjusted dogs. A lady in my class quit saying she didn't have the time to work with her dog. Well lady, you're dog is going to continue to be the pain in your ass you said he was until you do.

[fotobridget]

I took the dogs to the pet store yesterday. Running low on dog food. As we walked in there was a gal and her kid quite literally dragging a 3 month old puppy into the store. The dog didn't want to go in at all. I guess the door frighten her like it did to Jin the first time. Once inside she tried to drag the pup around and I suggested that she just let him sit and get used to the new situation, the store, people, other dogs. This pup was frightened and unsure and just needed some time. Every time we ran into them on an aisle she just dragged him away not giving the pup any choice or the time to adapt. Jin wanted to meet him. If what I saw was any indication that pup is not going to be a happy dog.

 

With time on my hands these days I take Jin and Abby (Mookie) for a lot of walks downtown and at parks. I've been watching people with their dogs and have come to the conclusion about half the people out there who have dogs shouldn't. I know, lonely elderly people need their dogs for companionship but at least they should take the time to train them so they have happy well adjusted dogs. A lady in my class quit saying she didn't have the time to work with her dog. Well lady, you're dog is going to continue to be the pain in your ass you said he was until you do.

 

I came to the same conclusion this weekend when we took Libby to "Townwide yardsale day" to kick off our town's annual festival. I saw 20lb chihuahua's dragging old ladies everywhere...a great dane dragging a ten-year-old up and down the streets, a bird dog JUMP out of a moving vehicle onto the MAIN highway in town (to which i responded by giving Libby's leash to my fiance and helping catch the little bugger--only to hear the owner talking about getting the sweet, albeit untrained, little dog a SHOCK collar, don't ask what I said, can't be repeated). All the while my little high-speed, mega-smart, ultra high maintenance Libby is sitting there calmly, watching the excitement--why? Because her daddy had told her to 'sit and wait for Mommy'. She did.

 

And then some idiot comes up asking rude questions--because MY dog was a BORDER COLLIE and of course they aren't good with kids...don't mind...and cost an ungodly amount of money to buy and train....

 

I probably can't say what I told him either.....

 

But I sure was proud of Libby...and the work we put into her...

 

(I did tell him the thirty dollar humane society adoption fee nearly made me go broke:P)

[JohnLloydJones]

I've been watching people with their dogs and have come to the conclusion about half the people out there who have dogs shouldn't.

 

Either Palm Springs is a far better place than where I live, or else you are unduly optimistic. Of the people I meet at the dogpark -- and that is the fraction of the dog owning public who bother to take their dog to a park at all -- I can hardly say that one half really should have a dog. Not even if I discount the fair weather crew who only turn up on weekends when the weather is pleasant. I watch with dismay as people come, yanking hard on prong and choke collars, let loose a confused and totally unsocialized dog, and then shout, whine and complain when another dog tried to play with the poor thing. Oh and there's the folks who unleash their dogs at the gate and either sit and read or yakk on their cell phone -- ignoring the dog completely. The hard-core folks -- ones who come regularly, regardless of weather -- and actually bother to interact with their dogs? I'd say less than 20%. And then there's the back yard dogs who I hear barking, but never, ever see taken for a walk or car ride at all. That's probably more than 50% of our local dog population alone.

[Caerus]

Some people shouldn't have dogs.

 

Especially after working at Petco and rescues for a while and seeing people come in (or hearing their stories), I agree completely. Even many people who consider themselves dog lovers are just so ignorant/oblivious. I wouldn't mind, if they were open to education, but many people aren't.

[desertranger]

And then some idiot comes up asking rude questions--because MY dog was a BORDER COLLIE and of course they aren't good with kids...don't mind...and cost an ungodly amount of money to buy and train....

 

I sometimes think that BCs have a worse reputation than Pit Bulls. Over the weekend it was mentioned that BCs are difficult to train and only listen to one person. So I had his kid scratch Jin's ears and tell him to sit which he did. Then I had the kid give Jin a down. Afterwards I turned to the guy and said, "You were saying?" Of course I didn't tell him 4 year old Talia was learning to be his handler so Jin will listen to any kid. Watch out by the way because I heard from the same guy that borders collies bite.

 

and cost an ungodly amount of money to buy and train....

 

I will admit Jin has cost me a lot of money. It would have been easier and cheaper to let the 12wk old puppy die. But I don't care because he's Jin and like a child money is no object even though I don't have any. Besides, discounting the horrendous vet billI've spent maybe $500 on Jin's training, toys, leash and collars, and routine vet visits and shots since we got him. That's about the same as...

 

*thinking*

 

Any other dog.

 

 

@John. OK I get the point. Maybe I should have said, ("insert % here)" of the people shouldn't have dogs, and let you enter your own number.

 

I probably can't say what I told him either.....

 

Good for you.

[Ms.DaisyDuke]

hmm. Yes, it's very disappointing. I get upset on a regular basis. It's even worse today because over the week end there were 3 different accounts of bully-type dogs (breed hasn't actually been determined, but they are muscular, short haired, "Pit bull-type" dogs) getting into trouble. Now the city is talking about BSL. Again. Good thing the cheif by-law officers is on our side.

 

There are dogs that go to the park across the street from me, which is actually a play ground and dogs must be leashed and people just let them go. It's not even fully fenced and none of the dogs have a recall at all. We just avoid the whole situation. I see a young male bc in his back yard every morning when I walk down the alley, just sitting there, lonely as hell I would imagine. He actually sticks his snout through the gap between the fence and the ground trying to see us. I have yet to see them take him for a walk. It takes every ounce of good sense in me when I walk past that place to not knock on the door and ask if I can just have their dog or at least walk it with my two. One of my own relatives won't even take the time to train her dog and complains non stop about his bad behaviour and asks me if I can just do it for her. Like talking to a brick wall.

[Pat W.]

On the bright side of things, I was tickled and flattered when a young couple driving by the field I had my gang of 4 playing in took the time to pull in parking lot and ask me a few questions about teaching a recall. They had a very nice young Brittany on leash. They asked very intelligent question and seemed very interested in helping their dog. Made my day. A couple of weeks ago at the same park field I encountered and gentleman with his black lab, very well trained and polite, in wonderful condition, we chatted a few moments complimented each other on their dogs and went about our day with smiles on our faces. I avoid Petco like the plague, its too depressing in there. I enjoy going to local events and showing off my puppers talents and delight and talking their ears off about training, answering any questions I can. Silly me...lol

[Tuxedodog]

Seeing what you all have to say about other people and their dogs really hits home. I live sorta rural, but our road can have a lot of traffic, one idiot was going at least 90 when he passed me and Buster. I was thinking that he would miss the turn and go over the railroad embankment, and I was trying to decide if I would call 911 if he did. So we went looking for a safe park to walk in. Geeze! The guy working 2 German Shepards offleash - thought Border Collie would make a nice snack - not a dogpark, leashes required. The lady with 100+ lb dog that she was holding by the collar with both hands while we passed, not sure which of us was the target of that one. The guy with 2 dogs on extensible leashes that charged us growling and he let the leashes all the way out, we ended up in ankle deep mud to get out of range. I confess, Buster is not the best trained dog, but he sticks with me and follows my lead, and I would never take him out in public if I couldn't trust him with other people and animals. Still looking for a park, but it galls me to have to drive somewhere to go for a walk!

[ImWithAlice]

Oh, OH this is one of my favorite rants! I have decades worth of stories, but I'll show some self control and give only two.

 

This weekend I was heading down the freeway to a relative's funeral. I had the dog in the back, planning to house her at a cousin's during the service. I also planned to stop at a rest stop on the way to empty her, in case she didn't have a spot at the cousin's. So 'bout 50 miles in I realize I have no leash with me and I panic as the rest stop isn't an off-leash area. So I pull off, dig through the trunk and come up with 5 yards of old yellow rope. Now my dog has as good a recall as any dog and will, when commanded, walk behind me through a flock or down the road or in dog park and never leave until released, but I figure I need to set a good example. So when I finally get to the rest area and pop out of the car with the dog, and the pick-up bag, and the 5 yards of old yellow rope attached to my favorite-animal-in-the-whole-world, what do I see? Dogs everywhere off-leash. Including one that jumps out of the car, heads to the nearest grass (non-dog area, picnic area) and takes a giant dump while it's owners walk off leaving the dog and its mess behind. Why do I bother??

 

And last week there was the unleashed boxer that attacked a dog in our riding party as we returned to the trailer (busy parking area with lots of horse/dog traffic) and its owner said "I'm sorry, I didn't see you coming" as she was kicking it away from the other dog (my dog had been recalled and sent 20 feet behind me when this fight started). Sorry? How about leashing your animal if you don't have control of it? Or putting it in your rig? Or LEAVING IT AT HOME? Why

(grumble, grumble, growl).

 

Okay, I feel better.

[desertranger]

Jin is almost 5 months old and he's better trained than most dogs I run into. He can be a handful but at least he behaves in public and I do get compliments on his behavior.

 

Tonight Jin starts class at Dreamdogs. They want him to start in basic obedience but said they might pass him into the intermediate class depending on an evaluation. These gals are supposed to be outstanding from what I hear form other people.

[bc4ever]

Still looking for a park, but it galls me to have to drive somewhere to go for a walk!

Amen to that! But, that's what I have to do with Scooter. Just today, the aggressive Boxer across the street got loose again and they were chasing it, trying to get it back in the yard. Glad we weren't out then! I'll admit, that dog scares me.

[desertranger]

Still looking for a park, but it galls me to have to drive somewhere to go for a walk!

 

I used to bew abvle to walk out of my door and into the Santa Rosa/San Jancinto National Monument.

 

Then they put up a fence.

[Dixie_Girl]

My dogs are lucky. They live in their own park. There is nothing but woods around me. And I have 10 acres. We don't have to worry about stupid people and their dogs. The only time they need to be around other dogs is at trials and since none of them are reactive and the majority of dogs at trials are the same, there has never been a prob. And they have each other to run and chase with.

[bc4ever]

I used to bew abvle to walk out of my door and into the Santa Rosa/San Jancinto National Monument.

 

Then they put up a fence.

Remember the song "Sign, sign, everywhere a sign..."? (Not sure that was the name of it--I think it was a sixties anti-establishment, anti-war song). Who sang that? Anyway, I think of that song often.

[thallous]

Edit, cant type

[thallous]

Remember the song "Sign, sign, everywhere a sign..."? (Not sure that was the name of it--I think it was a sixties anti-establishment, anti-war song). Who sang that? Anyway, I think of that song often.

 

 

Tesla sings it I know, I think the original artist was "Five Man Electrical Band" though

[desertranger]

I was in the Air Force during that era and missed a lot of the meaning of th emusic. DW said it had something to do with the closing of a place called Pandora Box in Hollywood.

[TrishD]

The dog park we visit isn't too bad and most owners are very good about minding their dogs... but there was a day a couple of months ago when a dog was constantly pestering another dog. Dog Owner #2 told the Dog Owner #1 that she was feeling uncomfortable with the aggressive way the dog was playing. Dog Owner #1 went off on her--loudly--going on about how she's raised dogs for nine years and that was how dogs play and blah blah blah. She was so incredibly rude that Dog Owner #2 took her dog and left. And Dog Owner #1? Complained about the other woman for about a MINUTE, then gathered up her herd of dogs, and went home. I was shocked that she had the nerve to let her dog ruin the other dog's play time...and then leave right behind them!

[desertranger]

I was in the Air Force during that era and missed a lot of the meaning of th emusic. DW said it had something to do with the closing of a place called Pandora Box in Hollywood.

 

I was wrong. That song is about signs being posted everywhere. I guess they were saying Do Not... It's like the desert being closed, signs everywhere saying keep out.

 

there's a little park in the next city where a bunch of people meet everyday. It's next to a heavy traffic street and nothing top prevent the dogs from unning over there. These dogs were one of the most well behaved groups I've ever been with. Unlike the guy who dragged an overly aggressive and almost out of control dog into the vets waiting room. I thought ever dog in thee was going to go at it.

[Dixie_Girl]

And the sign said, "Long, haired, freaky people, need not apply.". So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him, "Why?". He said, "You look like a fine, upstanding, young man, I think that you'll do." "So I took off my hat, shook out my hair and said, "Imagine that, hmph, me working for you!" Signs, signs, everywhere signs. Breaking up the scenery, breaking my mind. Do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs?

 

 

 

Sorry, just couldn't resist!

[IronHorse]

"And the sign says "Anybody caught trespassing will be shot on sight"

So I jumped the fence and I yelled at the house

Hey! What gives you the right!

To put up a fence and keep me out, or to keep Mother Nature in

If God was here, he'd tell it to your face, man, you're some kind of sinner"

 

Yep originally it was the Five Man Electrical Band, but Tesla did a version

[bc4ever]

And the sign said, "Long, haired, freaky people, need not apply.". So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him, "Why?". He said, "You look like a fine, upstanding, young man, I think that you'll do." "So I took off my hat, shook out my hair and said, "Imagine that, hmph, me working for you!" Signs, signs, everywhere signs. Breaking up the scenery, breaking my mind. Do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs?

Sorry, just couldn't resist!

Great song!!!

[desertranger]

There's a sign in the desert I drive by frequently. I coujldn't find a picture though. It says in wite on green. "Next services 75 miles" There are also ones for 49 and 57 miles as well in different areas. These signs are posted at least 10 miles from the nearest place to get gas and that is always behind you.

[pansmom]

hmm. Yes, it's very disappointing. I get upset on a regular basis. It's even worse today because over the week end there were 3 different accounts of bully-type dogs (breed hasn't actually been determined, but they are muscular, short haired, "Pit bull-type" dogs) getting into trouble. Now the city is talking about BSL. Again. Good thing the cheif by-law officers is on our side.

 

There are dogs that go to the park across the street from me, which is actually a play ground and dogs must be leashed and people just let them go. It's not even fully fenced and none of the dogs have a recall at all. We just avoid the whole situation. I see a young male bc in his back yard every morning when I walk down the alley, just sitting there, lonely as hell I would imagine. He actually sticks his snout through the gap between the fence and the ground trying to see us. I have yet to see them take him for a walk. It takes every ounce of good sense in me when I walk past that place to not knock on the door and ask if I can just have their dog or at least walk it with my two. One of my own relatives won't even take the time to train her dog and complains non stop about his bad behaviour and asks me if I can just do it for her. Like talking to a brick wall.

 

That is the saddest thing. That dog, sticking his snout through the fence. He sounds so sweet. How horrible to try to imagine what must be going on in his head. The poor sweet thing. It's a shame you couldn't broach the issue in such a way that they might let you walk him or let the dogs meet (if he really is that sweet and not barking or anything). You know, if you see them out on the porch, "Your dog is so sweet! He's always watching us pass and my dogs love him. Do you ever let him have playdates? Border collies are so smart and social, mine are friendly... Where'd you get him?"

 

But I know there are so many dogs out there like that. Stuck in yards all by themselves. Here in Louisiana yard dogs are common but most of them aren't alone back there. I know I considered putting Pan out temporarily but that was because my husband was scared of her - and we were afraid for our cats... This sounds like an entirely different situation, poor thing. Sigh.