Kids walking dogs

[casablanca1]

http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/content/islington/gazette/news/story.aspx?brand=ISLGOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsislg&itemid=WeED26%20Apr%202006%2009%3A43%3A48%3A227

Basically, a cat was killed by a leashed dog when the kid on the other end of the leash couldn't control the dog. This reminded me of something - I hate to see kids walking dogs. Not all dogs, but larger dogs. Does it elude some parents that if an immature human weighs 90lbs and a grown dog weighs 60 or 80 or 100lbs, that something might have to give? And that someone might get hurt in the process? I've had Bernese Mt. Dogs drag their 10-year-old owners over to confront my dog, been attacked by a 12-year-old boy's American Bulldog, and seen countless other examples of dogs from about Lab size up manhandle children sent to exercise the family pet. It's not much mentioned in the dog world either. A lot of highly recomended family dogs are large breeds, but rarely do I see anyone mention, well, these are sweet dogs who love kids, but they're just too large for your child to control on a walk.

[PoodleMommy]

I totally agree...

There are two families in my neighorhood with dobermans, which are obviously large dogs, and young children under 80 pounds are walking them all the time. If I am out and see them, I just pick my dog up and go in.


Elissa

[gaddylovesdogs]

I'm young, and I walk my large dogs. They're not huge, but they're not teeny, either. When walking my terrier x and labrador together, they weigh about 120 lbs put together.. When I see kids walking big dogs that they have absolutely no control over, yeah, it bothers me. But me walking my dogs is different, because my dogs respect me, are well-trained and obedient, and I know how to handle them. I've even had people compliment me on how well-behaved they are and how well I handle them.

[PFC1]

http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/content/islington/gazette/news/story.aspx?brand=ISLGOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsislg&itemid=WeED26%20Apr%202006%2009%3A43%3A48%3A227

I've had Bernese Mt. Dogs drag their 10-year-old owners over to confront my dog

My 90 lb. BMD has pulled me (a full grown adult in relatively good shape)around my driveway on a few occasions when I have had him on a flat collar. That's why we always walk him on the pinch collar. What you say about children walking them is absolutely true. My six year old niece always begs to hold his leash, and I am very reluctant to let her, even on the pinch collar. I would never dream of allowing this without being right there on the spot watching everything that is happening.

Of course, I have also seen little JRTs and other small dogs pulling their owners around, too. Its amazing how many people don't really know to at least make the effort to teach their dog not to pull on the collar.

[Amstaffer]

I agree it worries me when I see kids getting yanked around by their dog. However I have seen adults who have no clue about controlling a dog get pull all over the place.

I don't have any kids at home but when my grandchildren (they are small yet) want to walk my dogs I just let them hold on to part of Athena's leash. (Athena really doesn't need a leash she heels really well.) I continue to hold part of the leash at all times.

When they get older I still won't let them walk my dogs alone. I am funny about my dogs, I wouldn't let anyone else walk my dogs. LOL... I wouldn't even let my wife walk my dogs without me being there.

[mojozen]

My 40lb sometimes very stubborn and determined dog has dragged ME (150lbs adult) around. After experiencing that, I will not allow any child to walk my dog simply because his determination can sometimes out weigh anyone else's. And a child would be no match for Mojo's ability to grow roots in the ground when he doesn't want to budge, or on the flip side when he DOES want to move irregardless of what his leash holder says.

(Good Dog... stubborn as hell. Working on it always... )

To me people lack common sense when it comes to their pets. Well, actually they lack common sense in regards to a lot of things, but especially when it comes to their pets. Why they think a 6 year old can control a dog 2 or 3 times it's weight and size is just beyond me. I see it in my neighborhood occasionally -- young boys (under the age of 12) walking pit bulls... never somethng I want to go near, irregardless of Mojo's opinion of the matter.

[PFC1]

I know in my state there was a supreme court case finding that there was a question of fact as to whether a dog owner had excercised the requisite level of care when he left the dog under the control of his 12 year old daughter. Ross v. Lowe, 619 N.E.2d 911 (Ind. 1993). So, the owner can potentially be found liable for leaving the dog under the care of a child that is not capable of controlling the dog.

[canadianmandy]

I to know exactly what you are saying. Before I moved I lived in a city and me and my dod were attacked by a pitbull being walked by a five year old no one else around! TO make things worse they didnt have a fenced in yard and somtimes let the dog out loose. I one time had to run into a friends house to save my dog. I have nothing against pitbulls al long as they have proper owners. My friend used to walk her great dane untill it took after a rabbit and she got badly closelined I guess her parents learned a hard lesson.

[~Tucker&Me~]

Actually, I have several opinions on this matter.
I am a youth, and walk my (75 pound) dog everyday. He is well trained (I take the credit for this NOT my 'responsible' parents) and is quite the big gentleman. At the same time, I see adults being DRAGGED around the neighbourhood by their 'family' dog. I honestly believe that every dog should be leash-trained so that they can keep a heel. I have had people say to me "Oh, my dog is so small! It doesn't bother me at all."
This makes me SO annoyed. Okay, fine... It doesn't bother you. But it should also be considered plain good manners. It's like saying I don't mind if my kid doesn't say thank-you to me after I give him a cookie. It doesn't bother me.
Uggghhh!
Anyhow, that;'s just my 2 cents.

~Tucker

[Gempress]

I don't think I agree with that. By that logic, a 130 lb adult woman is being irresponsible if she walks a 200 lb mastiff. There are many dog breeds that grow larger than your average woman (or man!). The training of the dog and the mental maturity of the dog-walker has everything to do with it.

On a sidenote, I just had to share this funny story.

When my husband was not quite 3 years old, he decided to take the family shepherd mix, Snoopy, for a walk. He just put Snoopy's on the leash and walked out the front door. The family didn't notice he was gone until nearly and hour later. Of course they called the police, sheriff's department, etc. They finally found him 3 hours later. He was nearly five miles away from homes, just cruising down the sidewalk with this enormous dog on a leash. The old lady who called the police said she and her husband tried to talk to the toddler, but Snoopy (who was normally quite laid-back) wouldn't let anybody near "his" boy.

[Sheka]

if I had a giant dog that was WONDERFUL on the leash and always stayed by the kids side and never pulled, i dont think its much of a problem for kids to be walking them. but it takes the right kinda dog

[2pups622]

i dont think any child under 9 should walk any dog

[PWCorgi]

I am 16, and I walk my dogs everyday, I couldn't imagine not doing it. But then again, I would not consider myself a "normal" kid when it comes to dogs, lol. 8 years of dog 4-H, you learn a lot. But I also hate to see kids walking dogs, especially young kids. There is one girl in my neighborhood who is around 11 or 12 and she rollerblades with her dog, and the dog is out of control. I think it is a border collie/lab mix and it drags her everywhere, I am surprised that she can even stay upright. But if I see any person walking a dog who is young, I at least cross the street if not cut down an alley or something. Because you just never know.

More so than kids, I hate seeing college kids (I live in a college town) walking dogs (no offense to any college students, if you are on here you can probably handle a dog). Last week I saw a bunch of college girls walking a Siberian Husky puppy, it was probably only like 8-12 weeks old, and it was out at the end of the leash just pulling away, it made me so mad. I would like to see where it is in a few months, probably at a shelter or a rescue. Just thought I would add my 2 cents.

Ren

[casablanca1]

I don't think I agree with that. By that logic, a 130 lb adult woman is being irresponsible if she walks a 200 lb mastiff. There are many dog breeds that grow larger than your average woman (or man!). The training of the dog and the mental maturity of the dog-walker has everything to do with it.

A kid isn't just light, they're immature physically as well. Especially boys, they seem to be constantly on the verge of falling over; it is partly an immature attitude, but it's partly as if they're still getting used to operating their own body. A small adult has much better control over themself and therefore a dog, even a large dog, than does a comparably-sized child, no matter how mature the child's mental attitude.

And even a well-trained dog will take advantage of a human who can't effectively stop it. There may very well be highly effective, highly mature 10-year-olds who have wonderfully trained large dogs and have no problems. But I think they're a rare species. Most kids are well-intentioned, but if their dog gets goosed by something, they're lucky to be able to stop them.

I do agree that there are some adults out there who suck at controlling their dogs. But I rarely see adults who can truly be said to have been overtaken by unforseen circumstances, as children so easily can. When an adult-handled dog gets out of control, it's almost always a case of carelessness or malevolence on the adult's part.

[JennSLK]

I think it depends on the dog.

A 12yr old should nver walk a stron powerfull dog by themeselves no matter how strong they are. Also a kid should NEVER walk a breed of dog deamed dangerous by society because if somrthing does happen then that will just look bad.

[gaddylovesdogs]

If the kid can't control the dog, then they shouldn't be walking it. But I can control my dogs - both physically and verbally. If the kid cannot control their animal, then no, I do not believe they should be walking it. I have dealt with people who cannot control their animals, both adults and kids, and yes, it is very annoying. But I can control my animals.

EDIT: Oh, and I weigh more than each one of my dogs seperately. I'm strong physically and my dogs know that when I tell them to do something, they need to obey.

[rottnpagan]

Heh, I just posted a story about a kid walking a dog today.

IMO, I don't think any child under 12, and even some over 12, should be walking ANY dog, regardless of the size/training/etc of the dog.

It may not be the dog that they're walking that is the problem.



What if an aggressive dog approached and attacked their dog? What would they be able to do to stop it? Not **** much, that's for sure. :mad:

[JennSLK]

What would they be able to do to stop it? Not **** much, that's for sure

Well lets just say one of your rotties atacked my beagle. No saying your would. If you had no controll over them (not saying you dont) then really whay could even an adult do that say a 12yr old couldnt do?

[tessa_s212]

Point is, no matter what, it goes back to responsible dog ownership. If the dog is out of control, and the child has not had the training and experience to handle the dog responsibly, they should not be walking it.

[DanL]

Well lets just say one of your rotties atacked my beagle. No saying your would. If you had no controll over them (not saying you dont) then really whay could even an adult do that say a 12yr old couldnt do?

I could do a number of things a 12 year old couldn't. I'm strong enough to get behind the rottie and pull him away by the back legs. I can pin it down until the owner gets control.

[rottnpagan]

Well lets just say one of your rotties atacked my beagle. No saying your would. If you had no controll over them (not saying you dont) then really whay could even an adult do that say a 12yr old couldnt do?

Physically, I outweigh a 12 year old. And I've got a hell of alot more experience than a 12 year old. I could get the dog out of the way BEFORE it happened, because adults tend to pay more attention and are generally better at seeing subtle hints that things are about to take a turn.

I'm also strong enough to STOP the fight, after it starts. It's highly doubtful that a 12 year old could.

[mojozen]

Well lets just say one of your rotties atacked my beagle. No saying your would. If you had no controll over them (not saying you dont) then really whay could even an adult do that say a 12yr old couldnt do?

An adult could figure out ways to stop the fight, while a kid would probably freeze. As Dan said an adult has the strength to pull most dogs apart, or to figure out how to put a stick or a broom between the jaws of their dogs to unlatch them.

I don't know many kids who'd even think of doing that.

[rottnpagan]

Well lets just say one of your rotties atacked my beagle. No saying your would. If you had no controll over them (not saying you dont) then really whay could even an adult do that say a 12yr old couldnt do?

Also, as a side note: My dogs' best friend is an obese beagle named Wrinkles. They lurve him. *wink*

[Allykat]

I can't stand when little kids are walking dogs. One time a poor little puppy was attacked in a pet store because this 5 or 6 year old girl was walking a dog agressive, very stong dog. The dog basically dragged the girl down the store and attacked the puppy. Obviously the girl had no control and another dog (a cute puppy) had to suffer the consquence of irresponsible dog ownership.

I don't feel that you can put an age limit for walking a dog. All kids are different and some mature faster. When I was in 5th grade I was 5'7 and 140 lbs and I was big enough to handle a large enough dog and had enough knowledge (though I was still young) on dog safety. I am now 6'0 165lbs at 16 years old. So if the argument is about a child being to light, then I could have handled a big dog at a very young age.