BS: Interesting for dog owners!

Subject: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 21 Jun 22 - 03:10 AM

Some info that’s always good to be aware of ???
??

?? Don't worry, he's friendly ??

Those are dreaded words for some and with pet ownership on the rise, we've seen a drastic increase in reports of dangerous dogs or dog on dog attacks. So what's the law and what can you do to be a responsible owner?

* * * * * * * * * *

? I thought only big dogs could be dangerous or out of control ?

False. Any dog, regardless of age, size or breed can be considered dangerously out of control. This even goes for puppies, so bear this in mind when deciding to let your dog off lead.

* * * * * * * * * *

? You shouldn't walk in a park or field if your dog is on a lead ?

Green spaces aren't reserved for off lead dogs. As long as it's a designated walking area and allows dogs, everyone can use the space. If your dog has limited recall and is known to run up to other dogs/people, you should reconsider letting them off lead.

* * * * * * * * * *

? If it's on a lead it's obviously aggressive so should be muzzled ?

Another false statement. Dogs are kept on leads for multiple reasons. They could be recovering from an injury, fearful, elderly or in training. Yes, some dogs are reactive, but if they're on a lead and are being kept under control, the owner isn't required to muzzle them.

* * * * * * * * * *

? My dog was off lead but their dog started it ?

Excluding retractable leads or long lines, (more on those later), if your dog is off lead and approaches an on lead dog resulting in an altercation, you're the one at fault. Under the legislation, your dog would be the one considered dangerously out of control. Think about it like this, if your dog were on a lead, would the altercation have happened?

* * * * * * * * * *

? Ok, so what about retractable leads or long lines? ?

Dogs CAN be out of control when using either of these tools. Due to their length, they can make controlling a dog difficult and they allow a dog to act as if it were not on a lead. Please be mindful when using them.

* * * * * * * * * *

? So what if both dogs are off lead? ?

If two or more off lead dogs get into a scrap, this is a civil matter as both owners are at fault.

* * * * * * * * * *

?? The legislation ??

Under section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it's an offence for the owner of a dog, or the person in charge of a dog to allow it to be dangerously out of control whether or not in a public place. This increases to an aggravated offence if the dog, whilst being out of control causes injury to any person or an assistance dog.

* * * * * * * * * *

In short, please be careful when allowing your dog off lead and be mindful of others around you.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 21 Jun 22 - 04:42 AM

Quite. Cards on the table, I dislike dogs and I regard most dog owners (not all) as incompetent in the matter of keeping their dogs under control. If I go for a walk on the beach in summer here, I WILL be accosted by a loose dog. Typically, its owner will make no attempt to restrain it. My view is that dogs should be on a lead, unless it's on YOUR private patch of land. I WILL see out-of-control dogs chasing around each other in a frenetic, over-hyped manner, yapping like crazy, which, for a non-dog owner, can be extremely intimidating if it's happening anywhere near you. To finish my rant, it's my opinion that those extendable leads should be banned. Typically, their users are irresponsible in the lax manner in which they use them.

It's far too easy to own a dog, in my opinion.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Senoufou
Date: 21 Jun 22 - 05:25 AM

That's very useful information Bonzo, thank you. (And how is Dreamy by the way?)
Round here in this village there are dozens of dog-walking residents, and usually they abide by the rules. But even the friendliest of dogs sometimes insist on jumping up to greet me, covering my trousers in mud!
I do like dogs, but have never owned one. I like to pat and speak to them, but jumping up at me? No.
Actually, a huge boxer type of dog burst into my bungalow the other day when I opened my front door. His owner was nowhere to be seen. He inspected every room in my house, grinning at me in an amusing way. (He was very friendly,luckily - no growling or biting.). Then he exited onto my front lawn and left me a giant heap of smelly poo to clear up. Now that IS unacceptable. However, a neighbour grabbed him and read his tag thing, then phoned his owner on her mobile. He was taken home immediately.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jun 22 - 10:37 AM

Yes, that was a good list, and it applies beyond the UK. I use Cesar Millan's approach to walking my dogs - they're all on leash and they're all walking directly beside me. They're not out front. Millan suggests that a dog pulling from the front thinks it is the "pack leader," and when you keep it beside you, you're in charge. I've used this technique for years. We walk with the Gentle Leader head collar so it's fastened over their nose and around the neck behind the ears, the two loops meeting under the chin. They can't pull out of those.

I'm also in control of the food, so once the food is measured in each bowl and the bowls are on the floor the dogs sit and wait for the command to eat. It's a great trick and easy to learn (because when you get it right you get to eat!)

I keep squirt bottles around the house because when people visit sometimes the dogs are overly friendly. They aren't aggressive, but they can be in your space when you want them to back off.

I have dogs because they have a job, to bark at people who don't belong at the house or in the yard. They don't charge the fence and threaten to tear people limb from limb, they just back up a bit and bark. The rest is up to me.

Bonzo, isn't it you who has the rescue greyhound? How is it going? I've heard that once they retire from racing they're basically big couch potatoes. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Jun 22 - 02:00 PM

I think there are statistics, but I don't know where they are, so take this with a load of salt. Most dog bites are done by small dogs. I think it's something like a Napoleon syndrome. And the reason why they bite is loyalty, and their desire to protect their owners.
I've dealt with all kinds of animals - I'm thinking Stilly has too, and you pretty much have to realize it's THEIR world. The dogs, gerbils, raccoons, cats, or whomever, can't. Some of us - I ain't naming names ;) - are, for whatever reason, more at home in certain animals' worlds. I'm good with cats. I think I'm better with dogs. And horses. There are people who get upset being expected to adapt to another creature's world, but that never does any good. As someone famous (possibly, but at least, quoted a lot) once said, "it is what it is."

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Jun 22 - 02:37 PM

Where I used to live, urban Salford, out of control dogs were an issue. Where we are now, semi rural Skipton, it doesn't seem to be. Definitely a responsible owner thing. Dunno what significance there is but I'm sure there is some!

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 21 Jun 22 - 03:41 PM

Yes greyhounds are basically big couch potatoes, who spend the greater part of the day asleep, but ours is an excellent house dog who will bark at anything that moves outside! She is never allowed off lead on walks and only shows any interest in other greyhounds/whippets/galgos and their crosses. She is allowed off lead in a securely enclosed field, which are available nearby for hire by the hour.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 05:13 AM

My view is that dogs should be on a lead, unless it's on YOUR private patch of land.

I disagree and think there are plenty of places where a dog can be off lead. I think a thing to do is to keep a watch out for people and to be prepared to put the dog on a lead (proper one, not one of these long things) when you are approaching others (or others approaching you).

We’ve not had a dog in years but I used to like going with mum and taking Misty out for a walk on the N Norfolk coast in my earlier years hee. Misty particularly loved retrieving a ball thrown into the sea for her. Trimingham Beach became a favourite for us as it’s quite close (by car) and was usually very quiet.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 07:33 AM

Should dog families live in obeyence of other people's fears?
Or is Earth also meant for non humans?
I prefer Jeri's POV over Steve's.
I wouldn't want a neighbor with extortion demands and the assumed right to kill our dog because it would be or bark within the property border as border collies innately do.
There are simply good dogs and bad dogs in relation to good people and bad people. Sometimes nature or disease makes a mistake but mostly mean people can create mean dogs.
I will accept the nature of a person who might say "I dislike dogs - and sic most dog Owners".
Who knows there may be people who are intimidated by chipmunks and simply don't like them. I don't know if its a matter of experience or breeding but there are all sorts of folks out there. I wouldn't want to share a border with all of them.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 08:24 AM

"My view is that dogs should be on a lead"

This definitely applies to sight hounds, and in particular greyhounds who have high prey drive, and if that kicks in they have no recall whatsoever, and they're gone! A greyhound even not racing fit can reach 40 mph after 4-5 paces!

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 09:26 AM

"I disagree and think there are plenty of places where a dog can be off lead. I think a thing to do is to keep a watch out for people and to be prepared to put the dog on a lead (proper one, not one of these long things) when you are approaching others (or others approaching you)."

That's all very well, but the majority of dog owners can't rein in their loose dog quickly enough if the dog is minded to hassle people or other dogs.

I also think that beaches should be out of bounds for all dogs for health and hygiene reasons. I'm disgusted by the sight of a dog frolicking in the waves alongside children. That is downright unhygienic and is a health hazard, yet is still a common sight. Some holiday resorts are becoming more lenient towards dog owners in matters such as the length of season and the hours in which dogs are banned from beaches. They want to keep them coming and spending their money, it seems. Here in Bude you will ALWAYS see dogs on beaches in breach of bans or off leads running free on beaches where leads are a requirement. Always. Guaranteed on any nice, sunny summer's day. The sense of entitlement possessed by some dog owners is staggering.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 09:27 AM

"My view is that dogs should be on a lead"

I mostly agree, with the exception of occasions where dogs are being exercised in enclosed areas where off-lead is permitted (we have an enclosed ex-school-field close by with permissive access, which has a notice on the gate from the estate-owners warning that dogs may be exercised off-lead, and advising that individuals enter at their own risk), or other large, open areas such as beaches where dogs are specifically permitted (there are several on the Lincs. coast which are comparatively secluded and well away from the main 'family'-type beaches)

Otherwise, dogs should be under control on a lead (leash, for our US friends!) at all times, precisely to prevent the kind of close contact that Steve is afraid of.

Even at home, my dog remains in my enclosed garden which I have made escape-proof (even for a Canine Houdini like a Border Terrier!) and, on walks anywhere other than the areas I have mentioned, he's kept on the lead which is attached to a 'Ruffwear' harness from which he cannot wriggle free.

We do use a 6-metre extending lead, but both my wife and I take the utmost care to ensure that it doesn't become extended excessively and, when there are people, or dogs, or both, within fifteen or twenty metres he is 'reeled-in' and the mechanism locked at its shortest length of 2 metres.

I also agree that dog-ownership is made far too easy in the UK, and that owners need to be aware that owning a dog carries significant responsibilities. To that end, I believe that the annual licence requirement should be reinstated at a significant cost - say £100 pa - (although I wouldn't object to it remaining free to anyone on State Pension).

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 09:38 AM

Not far from my house is Bark Social which is an off leash beergarten starting in the afternoon and going into the evening. Yes your pup can have a beer! They do not card the dogs. Right now they are serving morning coffee. Its a combination of tents roof structures and the great outdoors. From what I have seen the dogs get along better than what some of you slavishly call 'owners'.

Bark Social is getting a makeover and menu changes
BARK SOCIAL

ps [ YOU CAN ALSO HAVE BEER ] LOTS OF CHOICES

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 09:55 AM

There are also ancestry.com like labs and tests for your dog.
dna tests on the cheap

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 10:11 AM

My wife belongs to a Border Terrier Owners’ Group on Twitter (or Twatter, as I prefer to call it) and we have meet-ups of dogs and owners two or three times a year in large open areas. Often up to forty dogs, on-lead where necessary, but off-lead where permitted - great fun and a lovely way to spend a Sunday and make new friends from all over the country with a shared love of the breed.

In ten years, perhaps thirty-or-so meet-ups, no animals (or humans for that matter) have been harmed, but a great deal of enjoyment has been had by all concerned! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 10:23 AM

Radicalized progressives might call your meet ups 'racist'.
I see a danger might be, species specific feces disease.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 11:15 AM

My father had a cabin at the beach (Puget Sound) and one of the features of living at the beach is that there are lots of water dogs who live in homes along the shore. Access to the beach is through private land mostly so technically the public can't complain about the dogs out there on private beaches, and frankly, I always felt right at home with someone's golden or chocolate Lab coming along with a ball or a stick and hoping you'd throw it for them. They all went home at bedtime. That was the life, so don't move down there if you don't like the dogs. (Dad didn't have his own dog, he figured there were plenty of others that would visit during the day that he got a good dose of doggy-love whenever he went out on the beach.)

There are a lot of dog owners over-confident of their dog-handling skills. At the animal shelter in my city they have colored dots affixed to the history information about each dog up for adoption. The kennels are over-crowded, and there is always one room that you walk through where you make sure to keep your hands to yourself because they are "code red" dogs. They don't just bark, they snap and bark or possibly even lunge at the fencing. Maybe Cesar Milan could come along and restore that animal to a state of equanimity, but frankly, if the shelters are over-crowded, those are the dogs that should be euthanized first. It saves a person getting bit or worse and the dog's euthanisation at a later point in time.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 11:38 AM

”There are a lot of dog owners over-confident of their dog-handling skills.”

I completely agree with you, Maggie. Even after having undertaken eighteen months of training, and reading extensively about dog psychology and behaviour, Mrs Backwoodsperson and I take no chances - we always expect the worst and take precautions to prevent the worst happening. Our experience, though, is that far too few owners do likewise, and a number of times we’ve been told, “He/she has never done that before!” by red-faced owners when their dog has charged up and tried to take a lump out of ours.

Training-courses run by qualified dog-trainers, for owners as well as their dogs, should be a condition of ownership, IMHO.

“Maybe Cesar Milan could come along and restore that animal to a state of equanimity”

There we must differ. I dislike his methods, I don’t like the way he pushes, pokes, prods, and virtually wrestles dogs to ‘show them who’s boss’. I much prefer Victoria Stillwell’s way of getting the dog to want to do your bidding by using gentle guidance and reward.

But each to their own and, if Milan works for you, have at it! ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 11:51 AM

”Radicalized progressives might call your meet ups 'racist'.”

And it would be complete nonsense.

”I see a danger might be, species specific feces disease.”

I see a far greater danger of my dog getting an infestation of fleas from the numerous other people’s cats that come on to my property to shit in my flower-beds and then bury it for me to get on my hands when I’m weeding.

But that’s another story… ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 11:57 AM

Cesar recognizes that you have to get the dogs' attention, and I've never seen him be cruel to animals on his program. I haven't watched it for quite a while now, but when my first dog, a pitbull, arrived as a stray, I looked into his training and found that the walk and being in control of the food were what it took to have a well-behaved dog. She loved people and other dogs, was never dangerous, so she didn't fit the scenario he went through with some dogs.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 12:09 PM

Yep, as I said - But each to their own and, if Milan works for you, have at it! ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 12:48 PM

We don't say 'off lead' over here.
We do have leash laws.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 01:08 PM

I remember "Walkies".


In the 17th century a Russain Duke crossed an Arabian greyhound with a Russain sheepdog and the Borzoi breed began. The Russain Wolfhound is as graceful as a Cheetah and nearly as fast. Walking by a bush the dog made a short snare drum like rhythm with its front paws and *poof* it had a rabbit in its mouth. Americans don't have Borzois if they are particular about long white hair everywhere.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 03:29 PM

"My view is that dogs should be on a lead, unless it's on YOUR private patch of land."

Absolutely not necessary in secure enclosed dog walking fields, made for the purpose.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 04:07 PM

We have leash laws. You have no lead laws??

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 22 Jun 22 - 04:24 PM

Of course we have local by-laws concerning dogs on lead.

"Secure Fields" tend to be situated on a farm or other private land, which are hired out usually on an hourly basis - such as here

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 05:18 AM

Just re-reading, BWM,

[...]or other large, open areas such as beaches where dogs are specifically permitted (there are several on the Lincs. coast which are comparatively secluded and well away from the main 'family'-type beaches)

Sure. Round here, personally, I think you'd need to be a bit nuts to even consider taking your dog for a walk on Cromer beach in the summer. It's a holiday resort with children and bathers - totally unsuitable. Trimmingham I mentioned before is about 6 miles East from there, no restrictions on dogs, not known for bathers and when we went there (which must be at least 10 years ago), you' would be unlikely to see more than 2 others if that.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 05:55 AM

Theddlethorpe, Huttoft, and Mogg’s Eye are all large, sandy, very quiet beaches in Lincs., and all are designated by the authorities as being open to dogs all year round. We adhere to the same standards on those beaches as we would in an open field - we pick our dog’s shit up and dispose of it properly, we take steps to control him as and when we find ourselves approaching other people/dogs, if their dogs and ours react well to each other (it’s unusual for them not to) we let them have freedom to interact, socialise, and play - never had any kind of problem in ten years.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Lurcherman
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 08:39 AM

My gentle Saluki/Greyhound cross is always off the lead when we are away from the road, he trots behind me apart from when he has a quick zoomie, in my part of Kernow there are lots of places where dogs Can run without upsetting the minority.
I agree those extending leads should be banned, my old boy recently ended up in the vets after he got tangled up in one and it acted like a cheese cutter….stupid person on the other end said…I couldn’t lock it..must be faulty…

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 10:22 AM

”I agree those extending leads should be banned, my old boy recently ended up in the vets after he got tangled up in one and it acted like a cheese cutter”

That’s about as logical as saying motor vehicles should be banned because there are around 24,000 road casualties in Great Britain annually, and it ignories the fact that, in most cases, it’s not the motor vehicle per se at fault, it’s the person driving.

Extending leads aren’t the problem. The problem is the idiots who take no time and care to use an extending lead properly, by observing what’s going on around them, and ‘reeling-in’ and locking in good time when around other people and dogs, or approaching hazards such as blind footpath junctions where another person or dog could be met unexpectedly.

Why should my wife and I - who use our extending lead carefully and judiciously - be denied it’s convenience for no better reason than that someone else can’t be arsed to be observant and careful, and prefers to prat about with his phone?

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 01:12 PM

Guns aren’t the problem. The problem is the idiots who take no time and care to use a gun properly, by observing what’s going on around them, and ‘holstering’ and locking in good time when around other people and dogs, or approaching hazards such as blind footpath junctions where school children or elderly shoppers could be shot unexpectedly.

Why should my wife and I - who use our gun carefully and judiciously - be denied it’s convenience for no better reason than that someone else can’t be arsed to be observant and careful, and prefers to prat about with his phone?

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Lurcherman
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 02:24 PM

The other problem with extending leads and this is not BS is the amount of damage they do to a dogs neck due to the shock on the bones when they are jerked to stop are the end of the lead.
Even small dogs can get a fair head of steam in 3 or 4M..

Lots of incidents reported, up to you if you want to find them

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Lurcherman
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 02:30 PM

https://dogtime.com/how-to/pet-safety/33069-retractable-leashes-dangerous-deadly-dogs-humans

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 02:37 PM

”The other problem with extending leads and this is not BS is the amount of damage they do to a dogs neck due to the shock on the bones when they are jerked to stop are the end of the lead.”

You’re absolutely right, and that is the reason we never, ever attach any type of lead to our dog’s collar. We always use a ‘Ruffwear’ or ‘Dog Copenhagen’ harness, two- or three-point fastening depending on whether we are on a street-walk or out in the country/on the hills.

If he is brought to a sudden halt, the stress is spread over his shoulders and upper-torso, no shock falls on his neck whatsoever. However, on walks we are constantly observing our dog, and assessing what is happening around him and us, so sudden, hard stops are rarely necessary.

As I said earlier, we try to be thoughtful, careful, and considerate dog-owners - both to our dog, and to other people and their dogs with whom we come into contact.

It really isn’t Rocket-Surgery. ;-) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 02:53 PM

I get your point, Dave, and to be fair I thought about the very same point myself.

But if you genuinely don’t see the difference between (1) a restraint designed to allow an owner to keep a pet dog under control whilst allowing the dog a limited amount of freedom to follow its natural instincts, and (2) a weapon that has one purpose only - to kill another human being at a considerable distance, then I can’t help you and I fear that any further discussion would be fruitless.

As things are showing signs of beginning to go south, and In the interests of preserving friendship, I’ll bow out of the thread at this point

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 03:53 PM

Of course there is a difference between an extending dog lead and a gun but you are using the exact same argument to justify your extending lead as the gun nuts use to keep their AK47s. I use the same point to argue against both. It is not the fault of extending leads, guns or people. It is putting something that can cause damage in the hands of idiots. And in both cases it should be subject to regulation. There are degrees of course but the principle is the same. Don't let those who cannot handle them play with dangerous toys!

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 04:30 PM

Greyhounds need a special type of neck collar called a Martingale

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 04:50 PM

"...a restraint designed to allow an owner to keep a pet dog under control whilst allowing the dog a limited amount of freedom to follow its natural instincts..."

Well I think that a good dog owner should be able to keep their dog under control at all times without resort to a lead. A dog can be trained to walk to heel and stay close to its owner. Sticking a lead on it, whether a long or short one, is a sign that the dog is not under your full control. Of. course, it could also be because there's a by-law in force, a law that would be unnecessary were all dog owners required to be in full control of their animals.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 23 Jun 22 - 07:28 PM

> their AK47s

AR15s, surely :-) ?

[runs to find tin helmet]

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 01:58 AM

"Well I think that a good dog owner should be able to keep their dog under control at all times without resort to a lead"

This cannot possibly apply to sight hounds, who unlike other dogs, have varying degrees of prey drive.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 02:40 AM

Cynophobia (Fear of Dogs)

Cynophobia is the overwhelming fear of dogs. People with this anxiety disorder feel intense fear and anxiety when they think about, see or encounter a dog. In severe cases, this phobia can cause people to avoid places where dogs might be. Exposure therapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help people manage cynophobia.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22082-cynophobia-fear-of-dogs

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 02:51 AM

Interesting!!

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 03:00 AM

I don't have a fear of dogs. Any well behaved animal is a joy and many are affectionate without the need to imprint themselves on innocent bystanders. Maybe it is the owners who cannot control their animals that should be seeking and paying for therapy rather than their victims?

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 03:20 AM

No names were mentioned Dave, it was a general point for the information of any and all interested parties. Funny you should think it was targeted at you though…

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 03:39 AM

On a point of order - Bonzo titled this thread ‘Interesting for dog owners’ and, speaking as one of those, that’s precisely what it is.

Would it be too much to ask the cynophobes, other assorted dog-haters, and general wet-blankets to leave us in peace, go away and, if necessary, start up their own ‘Interesting for cynophobes, dog-haters, and general wet-blankets’ thread where they can fear, hate, and wreck to their hearts’ content?

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 04:10 AM

I knew it wasn't aimed at me, John. I just made the point that I was not afraid of dogs. Funny you should think that I thought it was... :-)

And, yes, it is too much to ask, as unruly dogs affect the lives of everyone around them and not just their owners. I am not a cynophobe, dog-hater or general wet-blanket but I do dislike the entitlement that SOME dog owners feel that they have to encroach on the lives of those vulnerable to the unwanted attentions of their badly behaved pooches.

You seem to be getting the "Jim syndrome". Anyone who does not agree with you 100% must be against you. That is just not the case. I like well behaved dogs. I believe that both you and Bonzo are responsible owners but those who are not give others a bad name. The criticism is not aimed at you personally.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 04:17 AM

Cynophobes my fat arse! Sounds like the best form of defence for the indefensible is attack, via castigating people who make perfectly justifiable criticisms of many dog owners. Let's see precisely what it is that we're criticising:

The sense of entitlement of bad owners ("Leave us alone; the rules don't apply to me; don't be such a wimp, he's only trying to be friendly, you must have a disease I've just made up called cynophobia, etc.)

The clear lack of control demonstrated by the vast majority of dog owners.

Dogshit everywhere.

The ownership, legal or otherwise, of vicious dogs that are fully capable of killing or injuring people.

The ease with which dogs can be acquired (all those extra dogs bought during the pandemic that were then cruelly discarded...)

The lack of regulation of dog ownership (any Tom, Dick or Harry can get a dog or multiple dogs without registration or licensing).

You may be a shining beacon and a great example to other dog owners, I know that such responsible people exist, all power to your elbow, etc. But, instead of accepting that you are part of a dog-owning community that's replete with bad apples who should be mortally embarrassing you and who you should be wanting to do something about, you attack their critics, even inventing a disease to characterise them. Wow. We know that any government that threatens the huge dog lobby with regulation, restrictions or the imposition of a costly (but justifiable) requirement to buy a licence would be toast. Shades of another lobby across the water!

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Senoufou
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 04:52 AM

If anyone in this village dares to leave some dog poo on the pavement, the residents nearby always post a lovely (?) photo of it on our village Facebook! I wonder if they imagine the naughty dog-owner would recognise their dog's poo from a photo? It always makes me giggle.
I actually love all animals, and try to 'live and let live'. The only thing that would worry me would be a vicious dog that may bite, but none of those around here are like that.
Jon, I imagine Holkham beach would be brilliant for giving ones dogs a good run. Massive beach, usually empty of people. I used to take my class there and let them loose, after dragging them round Holkham Hall. (Hope they didn't leave piles of poo!) But the tide comes in extremely rapidly, and can catch one unawares.

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 05:04 AM

Yep, and the dogshit gets washed away and dispersed by the tide, to end up as raw sewage full of God knows what pathogenic organisms...

Subject: RE: BS: Interesting for dog owners!
From: G-Force
Date: 24 Jun 22 - 05:13 AM

Would it be too much to ask the cynophobes, other assorted dog-haters, and general wet-blankets to leave us in peace, go away and, if necessary, start up their own ‘Interesting for cynophobes, dog-haters, and general wet-blankets’ thread where they can fear, hate, and wreck to their hearts’ content?

Well, I started just such a thread in 2009 called 'I hate dogs'. You can still go back and read it if you want. Actually, I don't hate dogs so much as stupid pointless inconsiderate dog ownership. But I guess I said all I had to say in 2009.