Loose Dog (Long)

[JPerrelli]

Since the weather has been getting nicer, it seems like everyone is out with their dogs. Unfortunately not everyone thinks it necessary to keep their dogs in their yard. I was walking Murphy on Thursday and the neighbors dog from across the street ran at Murphy and nipped at him. I chased the dog off as the owner stood in her yard and did nothing.
Saturday I was walking Murphy and the neighbors next door to me were out, with their dog loose in the yard. The dog came running to my house barking and growling at us. The guy stood in his yard and called the dog. It a good 5 minutes before the dog went back to his yard. I had Murphy in a sit stay until the people put the dog in the house. They gave me a dirty look when I walked by. Sunday, I was walking Maddie, who's almost 9 1/2. We were attacked by a loos pit bull a few years ago, and she's not good with other dogs now. The only safe place to walk her is to turn the corner by my house, and we in the forest preserve. She walk very far, but she likes to go for a little stroll. I turned the corner and their was a loose rottweiller running at us. The owner was standing in her yard and I was yelling at her to get her dog. She told me to calm down. We exchanged some not so nice words. I had to run in a ladies garage to get away from the dog who never did go back to his yard. They had to get their car and drive him home. I tried to explain that we were attacked by another dog and Maddie and I were scared when her dog came running at us. She wanted to know why I was walking down HER street. She also said my dog looked horrible and was limping and it looked like I didn't take good care of her. Maddie always limps, she's got arthritis everywhere, and has had 2 TPLO's, but still loves to go for a little walk.
I called the police who said it was my word against hers and I should really call animal control (who are closed on Sundays). I called them yesterday and they said the only way this women will get a fine is if I take her to court, or if I call them and they actually see the dog running loose. What are the changes that after I call them, and they're 20 minutes away, that I'm going to know where the loose dog is? What kind of a leash law is that? No wonder there are so many loose dogs.
The last time this happend and Maddie and I were attacked, I did take the guy to court. Before we went to court, I started receiving threatening phone calls saying he knows where I live and he knows I live alone. I was terrified. I ended up selling my house and moving.
So, do I take these people to court? If she had even just said she was sorry, I wouldn't be concidering court. But to tell me I don't take care of my dogs really bothered me. I realize she doesn't know me, or know that every extra penny I have goes to my dogs.
Surely there must be something we can do about loose dogs besides taking all my neighbors to court!

 

[Jeannie]

Can a photo work? How about snapping a shot with your cell phone.

 

[JPerrelli]

Loose Dogs

Sorry, forgot to add to my first post,
I don't even think these people who think it's ok to let their dogs run loose should get a fine. I think they should do community service work at the emergency vet's office so they can see the number of dogs that come in that were hit by a car because they were allowed to run loose. When I had Murphy at the emergency vet a few weeks ago, it was heartbreaking. In the 2 hours I was there, 3 people came in with their dogs that were hit by cars. Their children were crying because 2 of the dogs had to be put to sleep.
I think that would be a better wake up call than writing a check for a fine.
Sorry, I know this is a long post. I couldn't even post it until now I 've been so upset. It's not fair that responsible dog owners can't walk their dogs in their own neighborhood.

 

[blaue_augen]

I don't have any words of advice. I just wanted to say I'm sorry that you've had such a rough week. For me, taking someone to court would be my absolute last resort. I wonder if animal control would give a fine if you had a video tape? But I guess walking around with a video camera in hand ready to catch people would take the enjoyment out of your walks.

Don't let other people's words about how you care for your dogs get to you! They don't know how much you love your dogs, and they are speaking out of anger. And angry words are rarely worth the breath they are spoken on. Hugs.

 

[RiverTheNewf]

I'm sorry it's been so rough on you lately. I know exactly what you mean. First, it seems like the dog population in our neighborhood quadruples when it gets warm. These people don't even walk their dogs in the winter, and then they let them run loose and terrorize people through their fences in the summer. I really hate when people allow their dogs to leap snarling at the fence when their fence is 6 inches from the sidewalk. We had a dog leap the fence and come running at River one time. Luckily I remembered to relax so River didn't get tense and there was no confrontation because the dog backed off (I know River can go off if I get too anxious). But you just never know. I have no idea what you should do, but I just want you to know we understand your frustration, your helplessness and the feeling of futility over fighting this problem that no one seems to care about.

The fact that these people do nothing about their dogs running loose even when called out or warned away tells me you should carry mace. Who knows the next time a dog will come charging at you and Maddie? Why should your well behaved dogs be punished by being bitten or attacked? Make sure any confrontation happens in the street. Document your complaints with written, track-able letters to animal control or the police, that way if it ever comes to the point when you need to use force, they will know you weren't acting on impulse, but rather that you have clearly documented the problem and the lack of enforcement of the leash laws. You should feel safe in your own neighborhood. And ignore that woman who said you don't take care of your dog. She doesn't know you, she was lashing out. We know you, we know you love your dogs, and we know what loving your dogs means (i.e., not letting them run in the street and harass people and other dogs). Hugs to you, Murphy, and Maddie. As someone who wishes places were more dog friendly, I cringe every time a dog owner sets a bad precedent and pushes a truly dog friendly society further out of reach.

 

[Sugah]

The fact that these people do nothing about their dogs running loose even when called out or warned away tells me you should carry mace.

I definitely agree with this one. While you probably would never use it, it's a comfort knowing it's there. Which means you will be more relaxed during walks.

I carried pepper spray (mace is illegal in Canada) when I walked my dog in the arctic. There were LOTS of strays and loose dogs and it was important to make sure my anxiety level wouldn't affect Molly. It definitely helped to have it just in case.

 

[Melissakins]

This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine too. We live outside of city limits in a small neighborhood. The folks who live closest to the main road keep their dogs in their yards/homes and walk them on a leash. The folks who live along the lake let their dogs loose. We ran into one of the neighbors over Christmas and she commented on us walking the dogs...she basically said she couldn't/wouldn't walk hers, that's what her back yard was for. Well, one day not too long back, we took the road she lives on and lo and behold there's her German Shepherd sitting in the front yard looking at us and barking. He/She advanced towards us growling/barking and I told it firmly to go home. Hubs picked up Vino and we back tracked. Luckily he/she hasn't been out since, but what if he/she had charged? Well, I know what hubby would have done...It's a huge fear of mine, having a dog charge me/my dogs. What kills me is that a few of them don't give a care and don't call their dogs back when we're out walking and their ankle biters are tearing across the yard snarling/yapping at us. (small puntable objects comes to mind) A girl on the street over and her OEM were attacked by one of them and she called animal control and wrote them a letter (the owners). Didn't do any good. The dogs are still out.

My folks live out in the country and a new neighborhood sprung up across the road from where my folks have lived for almost 30 years. They have a farm with livestock (they raise dairy goats) and folks have decided that it's okay to let their dogs loose. My dad maced a dog that came after him while he was out jogging. The owner was standing outside watching it all and didn't call the dog back or anything. What is WRONG with people???? Unfortunately, prior to this, their livestock was attacked by a pack of 3 or 4 dogs and several of their does/kids/bucks were killed/injured. One was my milker when I was still at home. She was a senior doe and just as ornery as could be, but a big love nevertheless. They killed them and left them. And that's not the first time it's happened.

 

[NewfMom]

Art taught me a saying that predates "You can't fix stupid" - "It's like trying to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." You probably are stuck with the neighbors and animal control.

Can you put Maddie in your car and drive her the couple of blocks to the forest? Then you can amble safely in there and drive back home.

Something would probably be a good idea to have along while you are walking the other dogs. This would help you feel more at ease about other dogs and give you something to use in an emergency. At our dog park, the volunteer monitors carry those air horns that have a small can of air attached to them. Maybe one of those would work for you.

 

[luvxl k 9]

Do you have a local humane society? At least around here and I'm in Illinois too, anytime someone calls in, by law they have to send someone out to check it out. They check not only if the animal is loose but if it has access to water, shelter etc. I'm guessing a few official visits in the next couple of weeks (whether they catch the dog out and about or not) will at least put them on their guard. It is also done anonymously so they aren't given any information about you.

 

[charlieinnj]

Can a photo work? How about snapping a shot with your cell phone.

My thoughts exactly. I battle the same issues in my neighborhood, too.

 

[NessaM]

I too suggest carrying some form of dog deterrent - pepper spray etc. If you're on public property, then you are entitled to defend yourself against a loose dog. If you've got a cell phone with the ability to take videos, I'd video the dog loose and approaching you aggressively - yourself calling to the dog's owner to come get him, and if the dog continues to approach in a menacing manner, I'd let rip. Your behind would be covered by the video proof of what happened, just in case.

Where we walk, there are a number of dogs "contained" by electric fences - they run their yard perimeters like total nutcases, and once one of them ran through it at us. Then there's an elderly yellow lab who isn't contained by anything and is often left outside alone - he growls and barks at us when we walk by, and then crosses the street and follows us to pee over every spot that my guys mark. So far, he hasn't tried anything physical - but if he did, there'd be no one to yell to - his owners are never outside with him. It's possible they aren't even home.

 

[YorkvilleNewfie]

Agree with Jackie and Nessa. Go to a outdoor/hunting store and get yourself some bear or wolf mace. They're larger than the personal self-defense ones, but have a wider disbursement so you're more likely to hit your target. It also unleashes a much larger quantity of the stuff when depressed.

I grew up in a semi-rural area and was used to loose farm/estate dogs. It's kind of a given. But when we built our home here, in a subdivision, I was shocked by how careless people are with their dogs. There's a Flat-Coated Retreiver and a Dobie/Lab cross that live across the street that CONSTANTLY run into our yard, go to the bathroom on our front walkway (nice), jump on me while I'm holding Rowan and run into our garage to steal Mila's food and treats. I finally had to clean out the laundry room coat closet and move her stuff indoors. I had to rescue them on Sunday because his dogs had pried open his front door, run through my yard, went over the birm and made a beeline for Kennedy Road. Luckily I was outside and saw it, was able to get them to come to me by screaming "Walker! Delco! COOKIESCOOKIESCOOKIES!" and brought them home to their clueless owner.

There was a Pit/Lab cross that lived on our cul-de-sac and the owner would let her wander loose and for the whole summer I was terrified every single time I left the house with little puppy Mila and my pregnant self. She was spooky, always would come out of no where, nervously tiptoeing up to you with her head low and hackles raised...completely silent. There were many times I'd have to walk backwards to my door, sweating bullets, trying to get back inside before something happened to me or Mila. That dog was rehomed in September after the homeowner had a baby. I've never been so happy to hear of a dog's misfortune.

But everywhere we go on our walks through the neighboorhood, we get harassed by snarling, barking Labs and GSDs. There's a ton of large breed dogs in our neighborhood, but unfortunately my Mila and her buddy Denali (an Alaskan Malamute) are the only sane ones. Most of them are properly contained (some are loose), but some are on lines and on an IF, neither of which I trust to keep us safe. I'd be lying though if I said it didn't make me nervous when a GSD lunges at an aluminum fence as Mila and I pass by, pushing Rowan in a stroller, so close that when he does, the spittle from his snarling/barking hits me in the face.

I carry mace.

 

[TerriW]

Same here. I've taken a photo of drivers who are acting aggressive or stupid. Once I have taken the photo they back off or turn suddenly.

A couple thoughts: do you have anyone who could walk with you? If no family members, what about a neighbor kid or a highschool kid.

Also, I agree with the mace. Use it on the owner. After all, it's their word against yours.

 

[KodysGrandma]

I'm so old I don't understand what's wrong with the world. When I was a kid in a city neighborhood there was no such thing as a leash law and all the dogs got along with all the other dogs, adults and kids. I agree, carry something to protect yourself and your dog and don't be reluctant to use it. My gut and experiece say that much of this has occurred as we have developed a "me" and "my rights" over everyone else society. Thus, sure I can let my dog run loose, I've got no obligation to train it to be civil and the rest of you can just go hang. I can let my kids misbehave in public but will attack you at least verbally if you comment or try to stop them. I can steal your things and you should have given them to me- ME, ME, ME endlessly repeated in too many situations to count.

 

[Melissakins]

I'm so old I don't understand what's wrong with the world. When I was a kid in a city neighborhood there was no such thing as a leash law and all the dogs got along with all the other dogs, adults and kids. I agree, carry something to protect yourself and your dog and don't be reluctant to use it. My gut and experience say that much of this has occurred as we have developed a "me" and "my rights" over everyone else society. Thus, sure I can let my dog run loose, I've got no obligation to train it to be civil and the rest of you can just go hang. I can let my kids misbehave in public but will attack you at least verbally if you comment or try to stop them. I can steal your things and you should have given them to me- ME, ME, ME endlessly repeated in too many situations to count.

This....

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

Kody'sGrandma, I think you hit the nail on the head. In the small urban neighborhood where my kids grew up every single family had a dog and there was always a gang of kids and dogs roaming around together and not a problem. But as people become more "territorial" so too do the dogs...you're right. It's ME ME and MY RIGHTS... Dave has been run at by dogs 3 times in the last 5 days, while walking Gracie on a leash. Our small town dog officer quit because he was fed up with all the new people who moved into this rural town and decided to treat it like their own personal gated community. One neighbor was yelled at by a man who screamed "Your HORSE defecated on My road!" I mean honestly...it's a dirt road in the woods! Sorry, but I've got to laugh at that one!:lol:

 

[JPerrelli]

Thanks everybody, I appreciate the suggestions. I talked to animal control today. If I want to take her to court I have to go to their office Saturday to sign some paper work. According to their records the people have 2 rottweilers, a male and a female. They want to know if it was the male or female that ran after me. Are they kidding? If a large dog is coming at you, would you stop to check it out so you could identify it later? I ran like heck the other way. They said "Well, that might be a problem if you can't identify the dog".
I'm at Bass Pro almost every weekend with Murphy so I'll check and see if I can get some mace. Animal control said I'm legally allowed to use pepper spray. I feel bad spraying the dogs that come after me. It's not their fault they have stupid owners. But at the same time, I'll do whatever it takes to protect my babies.
I really think something needs to be done about how the leash law works. It's almost impossible to enforce it the way it is now.

 

[Summer]

I prefer a long cattle prod that arcs. Pepper spray works on most dogs but not all.

 

[heather pluciennik]

I meant to ask if you had pepper spray since you walk alone? I think you need to get out of there and find a forever home?
Since Morgans been in heat I've had company on our walks in case any issues arise. Today nobody could go with me and she was driving me nuts we want on our walk later than usual. Needless to say a black lab came running at us while the man was walking inside and left it outside. I tried walking faster but Morgan just wanted to play and run around with it. Luckily it was an older dog and it was friendly or I would have been in trouble. The man did come right back out to call his dog but it seemed like forever in my shoes. No more walks alone!
Hey Janet do you think Maddie would walk with Morgan? I could put her pinch collar on so she doesn't bother her. Well I guess that wouldn't help to walk Murphy. Hate to say it but maybe a short trip in the car to the forest preserve would be better than walking through your war zone!!
Miss You and Murphy!! Morgan says XOXO!

 

[Brody the Newf]

Knock on wood, I've been walking Brody without problems for a long stretch now. I've had to call animal control on two families (that have since moved) because their dogs kept leaving their property to attack Brody. Each time I called animal control and when one of the owners called me some offensive names and told me I couldn't walk in front of his house, I called the cops.

While I was having problems, I carried around a baseball bat. I wanted the owners to *think that I'd have no trouble cracking their dog in the skull if Brody was attacked again.