Leash Your Dog
I’m not a dog owner. And perhaps I will get critisized for what I’m about to say by others.
The law says that dog owners need to keep their dogs leashed at all times. This is the law. A very good law in my mind.
A law, though, that is often broken everyday, again and again.
So perhaps I’m not a dog owner but I am a parent. This past Saturday, I was playing with my toddler at the playground and all of the sudden, a german shepperd that had seemed calm and poised decided to make a mad dash at my daughter, barking like crazy at her.
I was making my way to stand infront of her. Natural instinct of most parents. We put our lives in danger to protect our own children - it’s in our genes. Just then, fortunately, the owners came for the dog and calmed it down. They were very apologetic and I did sense true sincerity in their voice.
But what kind of an apology would it have been if their dog did attack my daughter? Who only stood almost as tall as the dog itself when it was all on fours?
I was upset. Not just at that one incident, though that alone gave me grey hairs instantly, but at the fact that I see this all the time.
Dogs… unleashed. And this time, at a playground full of children.
This family explained that their dog is usually very friendly.
My argument is that it is still an animal. I know family dogs are seen as a family member and I will not argue that. I am an animal lover myself. Yet I would never assume that an animal is always predictable to us mere humans. Put in a different setting, they could react differently. This instance proved exactly that. My toddler wasn’t even aware of the dog’s presence until it was right up to her. So no provoking on her part what-so-ever…
So please… if you own a dog, please keep it on a leash when in public.
Does your opinion still stand if its concerning smaller dogs - German Shepperd etc. can be scary -even when leashed and growling - this from a huge dog owner. But what do you think should be done with all the toy dogs etc who run wild when released from the owners purse - they tend to be nippy if not well trained but they don’t really hurt people much…
Is this worse becaus they are not considered a threat or better because they can’t do as much damage?
I agree; no matter what size the dog, it belongs on a leash. And not just because they could hurt, but some people are just afraid of dogs, and they shouldn’t have to deal with them. Other people are allergic and frankly, it is not cool to have your throat close up because some strange dog is being friendly.
i agree shy! unfortunately, i’ve had a few dog owners shoot me a look of disgust when i’ve politely asked them to put their dog on a leash at the neighbourhood playground.
K,
In my oppinion, all dogs should be on a leash, regardless of size or breed. Unless in a specific, designated park/area for dogs. For one, it is the law. And the law does not discrimiate with the type of dog.
More importantly, while my particular, personal story that I mentioned above deals with a large dog, a dog bite/attack is still scary and upsetting in general, especially when no provoked.
While toy dogs may not be as much of a threat, to a baby/toddler, it can be quiet a terrifying experience.
And to my mind, they can still cause considerable damage to child’s body depending on the area of attack.
Judy,
That is unfortunate. They should take their dog to dog-friendly area like the dog park at Sibbald Point, for example.
A great place for their dogs to be free and even go swimming at the beach dedicated for dogs!