I don't understand why people let their dogs roam off leash, unattended around their homes or, more importantly, walk them off leash in busy, public places.
It seems, without fail, every time I take my sweet eight year old champagne lab, Shannon, for a walk, we encounter another stray dog, either protecting its property, or sometimes with its caretaker, off leash. We even encounter people walking their animals on leash that also want to bare and gnash their teeth at my sweet companion.
Once encountered, and the offending dog goes into his snarling and barking routine, then the person walking the dog goes into action, trying to leash the dog while barking back at the animal "no, no, bad dog", all the time, trying to make you believe this has never happened before. That's usually when other animals or people get bit, and that's when problems really start. Not to mention that stray dogs can get hurt too. Not only have I picked up stones, sticks and other things ready to kick and defend Shannon and myself, but they can also get hit by a car when unattended.
My dog has been barked at, snarled at, gnashed at, and even bitten with severe bleeding, and I had to take her to the vet. The other dog's caretaker apologized and offered to pay the vet bill. I often wonder if Shannon has developed any insecurities or wonders why so many other dogs, off and on leash, seem to want to strike out at her.
I am sure people think they are doing their pets a favor when they walk them roam their front yards or take them for walks off leash. You are probably thinking how fun it is to watch them chase their ball and to run, do their business, and all the other doggie activities. Sure your dog has never bitten anyone else - YET!
Do everyone, including your pooch, a favor, if you really love them, and demonstrate it by controlling them on a leash when the are in public places. And yes, the street in front of your house is a public place too!
It seems, without fail, every time I take my sweet eight year old champagne lab, Shannon, for a walk, we encounter another stray dog, either protecting its property, or sometimes with its caretaker, off leash. We even encounter people walking their animals on leash that also want to bare and gnash their teeth at my sweet companion.
Once encountered, and the offending dog goes into his snarling and barking routine, then the person walking the dog goes into action, trying to leash the dog while barking back at the animal "no, no, bad dog", all the time, trying to make you believe this has never happened before. That's usually when other animals or people get bit, and that's when problems really start. Not to mention that stray dogs can get hurt too. Not only have I picked up stones, sticks and other things ready to kick and defend Shannon and myself, but they can also get hit by a car when unattended.
My dog has been barked at, snarled at, gnashed at, and even bitten with severe bleeding, and I had to take her to the vet. The other dog's caretaker apologized and offered to pay the vet bill. I often wonder if Shannon has developed any insecurities or wonders why so many other dogs, off and on leash, seem to want to strike out at her.
I am sure people think they are doing their pets a favor when they walk them roam their front yards or take them for walks off leash. You are probably thinking how fun it is to watch them chase their ball and to run, do their business, and all the other doggie activities. Sure your dog has never bitten anyone else - YET!
Do everyone, including your pooch, a favor, if you really love them, and demonstrate it by controlling them on a leash when the are in public places. And yes, the street in front of your house is a public place too!
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