Amusing dog-related craigslist post!

[stardogs]

A member of another board got fed up with overly friendly off leash dogs accosting her and her dog (who has a space bubble when it comes to strange dogs), so she wrote a post for craigslist.

Control Your Friendly Dog, Bro

(It's been flagged before, so I'll post the body here as well, but if you like it, I highly recommend marking it for best of craigslist! )

YOU MAKE ME WANT TO TASE YOUR FRIENDLY DOG, BRO

So, you’re the guy from Haverhill with the Doberman pinscher named Mischka. You walk her (him?) at Winnekenni Park. I’m sure you remember me – the Border collie owner who just had a meltdown because of you.

Here are the facts. Read them. Learn from them. Improve yourself. Oh, and the rest of you clueless owners of “friendly” dogs - learn from them too.

1. My dog is not friendly. When I first got him, he was two years old and had been living on the streets. He was terrified of humans and dogs, and would try to attack any dog we saw walking on the street. After years of work, he’s come a long way. He can peacefully deal with any humans and all dogs except when a dog gets in his face – then he snaps to drive the dog away. Usually, this is effective and accomplishes its task, except for that 1 in 100 times when the other dog begins fighting with my dog, and I’m then stuck in the middle of a dogfight because my dog is on leash, as the law stipulates he must be.

2. I have complete control of my dog. Did you see how he stopped so I could snap his leash on them minute I saw you coming? That’s because I’ve trained him to listen to me.

3. When I saw your dog off leash in the public park, I called out, “Can you please get your dog!? My dog isn’t friendly!” I didn’t call that out because I am neurotic or overprotective. I called it out because last year, when a “friendly” off-leash Pit Bull mix responded to my dog’s warning growl by lunging at him, I ended up with 3 hours in the emergency room, 3 shots of Novocain, 3 stitches, 1 tetanus shot and 7 days’ worth of antibiotics that made me very ill. It took weeks to recover from the bite, and months to recover from the medicine.

4. I’m sure you were thinking, “WTF? My dog is friendly! Why is she freaking out so bad?” You certainly didn’t seem in any great hurry to get your Mischka away from my dog as she (he?) came straight at my dog’s face, over and over again, as I held my dog’s collar and pulled him back out of your dog’s way, hoping to avoid his snapping and starting a fight with a dog twice his size. I’m sure you are even now thinking, “Mischka would never have done anything! She’s (he’s?) a sweetie!” The thing is… I don’t know Mischka. I have no idea if she’s a wimp or a terror. It’s not my job to have to read your dog’s mind.

5. It’s not my job to control your dog. I’m busy controlling mine. You put me in the position of controlling both my dog and your dog. That is not cool, man. Not cool. I had to keep my dog in a place where your dog’s face wouldn’t get near his – and your dog was pretty damned insistent that she (he?) wanted to get all up in my dog’s face. Not cool. And really – after your dog finally went back to you, and you had her (him?) under your control, you didn’t grab her (his?) collar or leash? You let her (him?) come back again and begin the process anew? What are you thinking? I mean, you obviously chose a Doberman for the macho, fierce looks and kick-ass reputation. Surely you’re old enough to understand that with those looks and reputation come some responsibility on your part!

So, there you have it. Your lesson for the day. It doesn’t matter whether your dog is friendly or not. No one should have to be approached by your dog – never mind your giant, 80-lb Doberman dog – if they don’t want to. If you can’t control your dog when she’s (he’s?) off leash, then keep her (him?) on leash!

And that goes for you, too – owner of the yapping Yorkie trio of terrors, who invariably charge at me and my dog every time we meet you at the park!

[Dogs6]

Love it!! Luckily for me most people we meet on our walks call their dogs to them when they see mine on a leash.

[smkie]

AFter reading that I will write my own in response. It would probably not be appreciated but it is what I am thinking based on my own experiences.

I do have to ask one thing about people that have dogs on leashes in the public where they know the chances are that there will be loose dogs about. I go through this every single day here. What do you do when the dog is coming? This is what I do. I immediately tell my dogs to sit. That gives three messages all at once. First my dogs are under control. Secondly the other dog can see that they are not sending out threatening signals, so it helps temper down from a distance. Third the owner I wish would take the hint that we can not proceed as long as your dog is coming straight for my dogs. I confess I did react to a neighbor's dog when the situation did not warrant it and I was sorry afterward. THe pit bull named Baby came charging down the hill, across the street like a train and right up to my dog's face where I promptly splashed her with my drink in the face. This time it was gatoraid, normally it is ice water. I have three dogs in this neighborhood that had that treatment of an ice water dousing and they see us and go the other way, but quick. Anyway, back to my story. My dogs were still sitting, and Baby had the most hurt look on her face. She has not one aggressive bone in her body. This time, my dogs behaved better than I did. In my defense, even the owner said the way she ran down scared her. Then she was mad that I splashed her dog. I explained, tho and we made peace with each other. I know now that Baby is a baby and that will never happen again.

I know that there are people that have tragic events with lose dogs that result in injuring and or killing their dog. I am not in the least downplaying the risk. It is a risk every owner that snaps on a leash and goes into public is taking. Just make sure you know how to conduct yourself in the other incidents where it could be used as a training exercise for your dog AND the loose dog. Make sure your don't in a raised and panicky voice send out an alarm. Don't yank your dog back, or make any fast moves for that matter. If your dog is anxious, learn calming techniques AT HOME first and then slowly introduce your dog to other dogs via careful play dates. Starting with at first, no one plays, they just stay leashed and in control. Try to set up walking with another controlled dog. Carry mace if you have to but never ever never for any reason reach in to get your dog out of the jaws of another. I have broken up too many fights not to learn that lesson. It can cause you your hand or worse. I have my dog's collars so loose that the can back out of them if they need to. That is because they don't need the leash in the first place and are fully under control with or without. YOu do that training AT HOME and then in a controlled environment as in dog training classes, or controlled play dates until you know for sure your dog is a hundred percent before you go out on the street where the chance of meeting a loose dog is great. Dogs get loose, jump through screens, and have idiots for owners. Those are facts. Just because they are not suppose to doesn't' mean it isn't going to happen. The risk is there and one day a violent dog may eat us up. I know that, but hopefully what we have done for years will help. I can only pray so because I know my dogs need mental stimulation, excercise, DAILY TRAINING to help them keep to the level they are.

I have tried to stack the deck in our favor. I never wrap the leash around my arm here, I fold it so I can quick release if I have to. I know my dogs will make a run for it, AWAY because I have seen them do this from troubled dogs at the dog park. Victor has the sense to avoid at all cost trouble, and he knows the cue GO HOME and that is what he does. Pepper will follow. Does that mean it won't happen one day, no. It still could.But the benefits in this situation outweigh the risks. Besides Pepper can not have a bm without a stretch, and will go days without it would not be healthy for her. Victor would become depressed and would probably become ill eventually. I have seen the benefits it gave my Mary right up to the day she was put to sleep. THat walk, that run made her eyes sparkle and her excitement showed in her behavior the rest of the day. I will not take that away from them.

So this is my letter to the letter above. I am sorry your dog has such issues. It breaks my heart to see a dog be fearful. I applaud your knowing that your dog does need sky and earth and scenery that changes. I just pray your working on everything I wrote about to help that fear become less. Spend your energy doing this, instead of complaining about what will never change. If you are having a trouble area take your dog in the car to a less canine populated area. I have done that for years.

I am betting your anger that you expressed in your letter is written in your reaction when You do see a loose dog, even from a distance. Work on yourself, work on your dog, work on where your going, and don't go until your ready to go then you might not have such scenes that only embed that fear reaction each time it happens. I have worked with dogs that react just as you experience, and it always took working with the handler as well. I follow them from a distance to see what they do. What I wrote above made all the difference for the ones we took the time to help. THis issue you need help, you need patience, and you need to be fair in the idea that it will take lots of your time and dedication. You cannot do it alone. You have to go out and get help.

Beef Cake Butchie Boy was one of those dogs. He had spent 5 years chained to a dog house. He had big issues that all but the DA his owner was superb at working through. His owner gave my words weight and applied it to Butch. I walked by with first Mary and Victor, later Pepper too by every day where he was staked out (they had no fence) and calmly said hello to him as we walked by without my dogs ever breaking their heel. Then we walked WITH Butch. Mary giving out her good will with grace, so she was the one I walked with him first. Take it in baby steps. I wish you luck. I hate to hear anyone going through this for the walk is suppose to be a happy event for everyone. A break in a day's occupation or boredom, a bonding experience, Good health for everyone too.

That is the gist of what my letter would be.

Can I add please don't run or walk with your dog when it is 80-90 degrees out there or worse. Get up an hour early and take them when the scents are still strong and it is cool enough for them to not have to focus on the heat. If your pug keeps rolling on his back and you can't get him to quit,,,think about what he is doing! HE is too HOT! Sighs.

If your dog is not trained do not take him to art fairs, parades, large public gatherings where there will be other dogs on leashes that do not have fear reactions. Be fair to your dog. Set him up for success. He's not ready YET but if you work on it with all your heart he maybe able to in the future.

Walk when you know most people are having down time. EArly early morning, 5 or so, a lot of people are not up yet, there for neither are their dogs that they open the door and let them out. It sucks to have to get up that early, but hey it's still a great way to start your day. We do that here. I also walk before I know these people are not home from work yet. I can only go a short distance due to my health, but even this distance I will run into a minimum of 3 loose dogs. Unless it is too hot, they go before 4, or very late.

Feel how hot the road is with your hand before you make your dog walk on it. Understand that rocks and pavement hurt old dog's feet.
I personally feel it is very damaging to run your dog on asphalt or concrete.
Go find some paths.
Do not walk dogs too far that are not use to it. Increase slowly.
Don't let other people that do not have experience walk your dog. EVER.


If you see another leashed dog approaching, put your dog in a sit and honor the other's passing. Goes for runners, and other pedestrians as well unless it is crowded. It is just good practice, and is polite.,plus it sends that we are under control message.

Start early with very short walks for very young pups. Make it daily. We sit when cars are approaching in our lane. It is good practice, and I can only hope that if they were out on their own as if our house burned down or a car accident, they would know to be careful around cars. It can't hurt.

If you do see a loose dog, do not express anger or fear by shouting out, keep your breathing one to three even in and even out. Don't tighten up on the leash, or yank your dog one way or the other. Your just ringing the alarm bell and triggering a reaction. This is probably a repeat but worth saying it again. Learn calming techniques through t touch, access calming pressure points, and daily practice using a calming word or sound.. THis is when your suppose to use it. YOu have prepared for it. Yes the approaching dog is a smuck but I have it handled. All is calm. Sit and mind your manners. Do that before you start working with another dog and owner. First before you start walking into the big wide dangerous world.

It's common sense.

Sorry for my rant..it's something I feel very strongly about. Now I promise I will shut up and put my soap box away.

[Renee750il]

I think you pretty much covered it, Smkie.

Too bad that's way too much common sense for most of the dog walking population

[vanillasugar]

Leash laws are there and should be respected for reasons exactly like those in the original post.

I've been in the same boat as the author of the craigslist post, I handle Sierra as best I can, but her thresh hold is about 10 feet. If a dog charges her within that space, after I have addressed the owner and asked them to control their dog, I get PISSED.

Do you know why I get pissed? Because if Sierra bites that dog, SHE will be the one paying for it. SHE will be the one the local humane society deems "vicious" and is forced to wear a muzzle for life. I will also be forced to pay fines of up to several thousand dollars. All because some idiot refused to follow leash laws and control their dog. And do you know what they would get for having a dog off leash? A $15 ticket. Yup, I'm angry.

[corgipower]

then slowly introduce your dog to other dogs via careful play dates. Starting with at first, no one plays, they just stay leashed and in control. Try to set up walking with another controlled dog.

This is great advice, but IRL, it isn't always something possible.

It's also not possible to never take the dog out and run the risk of running into off leash dogs.

Originally Posted by vanillasugar

Leash laws are there and should be respected for reasons exactly like those in the original post.

^This.^

As well as that my dog who is nervous and reactive around other dogs and who is in training to work on the issue and who has made significant progress will have a huge setback if someone else allows their out of control dog to charge her.

Why is it so difficult for people to leash their dog?

[smkie]

My point tho is if you have a dog that is fearful or reactive, you cannot expect that things will not happen. You teach children to stay in pairs, to beware of stranger dangers because they are out there. You drive defensively because you know to watch out for those that are not. So why if you go out with your dog on a leash do you not expect there to be loose dogs or problems? There are laws out there against bad drivers and pedophiles too. Yet we go out knowing they are there and preparing ourselves to the best of our ability to avoid them.

I just wish for the dog's sake that if you have a fearful dog or a dog that is reactive to other dogs that the owner focuses just as hard on helping their dog overcome their fear as they do complaining that loose dogs, and clueless people would stop being clueless. They might get a whole lot better results. The very few people that have approached me to help with their dog I did. i am betting I am not the only one out there willing to help. It isn't going to stop bad things from happening, but by seeking out help you might make it safer for your dog than to keep repeating the same fear raising behavior for the minor infractions you run into on a regular basis.

[Saeleofu]

I HATE people who feel like they and their dogs are so special that they don't need to use a leash in public. There are NO off-leash areas around here other than the dog park (and idiots don't even leash their dog on the way to the park from the parking lot, which also pisses me off, and is one of the many reasons I rarely go there). I was down by the river just the other day, and there was a look poodle-something that charged Logan. Its owners were able to call it back before it made it, but they STILL didn't leash it. That same day someone stopped me and warned me that there were two loose dogs in the area - in addition to the one loose dog I already met.

Quite honestly, if a loose dog gets within kicking distance of me and my dog(s), I WILL kick it away. I don't know if it's friendly or not. I know that my duty is to protect my dogs, and that is what I will do. Gavroche can be reactive at time, though the VAST majority of the time he just ignores other dogs. But I don't want a reactive dog rushing my dog that can be reactive at times, because that spells trouble. Logan is very good at ignoring other dogs, but since his job in the near future is to be a service dog, I DO NOT need a loose dog to come ruin him. It can take just one nasty dog to ruin a dog for service work.

[vanillasugar]

Smkie, I can only speak for myself and my actions. I take every precaution to limit Sierra being run at by off leash dogs, but there are times that it's out of my control. And then, there are beautiful, sunny, warm days, where I have every right to walk my dog in a park by the river without being run at by dogs who's owners are breaking the law.

It doesn't happen often, and for the most part the situations become non-issues when I call out (politely) and the owner leashes their dog. It's the rare occasions that they have no control over their dog, and it comes running right up that I have issue and I express that forcefully. In such situation I have taken full responsibility of my dog, and done everything in my power to prevent a problem. The other dogs owners have not. I don't see anything wrong with complaining about that.

Comparing loose dogs to pedophiles is just ridiculous. We warn children of dangers, yes, but if it still happens do you blame yourself/your child even when you've done everything in your power to prevent it? If you get t-boned by a bad driver who wasn't paying attention and ran a red light, do you get out and say "Oh, oops, I guess it's not your fault, you're just a bad driver." Of course not! You get MAD, and you get UPSET, and you have every right to do so.

[smkie]

It really is worth it to take some ttouch seminars or looked at calming anxious dog techniques. Victor was petrified of everything. Loud sounds made him jump out of his skin and that was just to start. We worked diligently daily, for months before it got better. I had Mary there, and that helped because she did not flip out, but it didn't help him at all when we were anywhere near shelter dogs, or backfiring cars, or motorcycles, trash cans, dumpster lids, noisy children. Focusing on his issues and helping him through them was the best thing I have ever done for him.


I am sorry that it has to be so hard for you and your dog. I am only trying to offer some helpful ideas that we have put into use and found them successful. If i hadn't been able to reach him, he would never have been able to have the world as he does now. I do know too what it is to have to start all over, with Pepper we have been jumped twice in English Landing Park of all places. Smack in the middle of down town. Once by a dog that was on a 20 ft rope attached to a young teen. It took weeks to get Pepper back to not raising her hackles and starting to alarm when we approached a leashed dog, let alone a loose one. We stick with it, tho every day and it just gets better.
The fact of getting mad is understandable but not when you do it BEFORE the incident has occurred when your smell, your body language and your leash communication is going to set your dog into a state of panic in a situation that has not occurred and may not if you remain calm.

I am sorry you find my comparison ridiculous. The point is there is danger outside of your yard and you have to prepare for it. Taking your dog out in a dog populated area is a risk that your going to run into a loose dog. Taking your child out to a public park means you have to be just as wary of strangers. You have to prepare your child, you have to prepare your dog as well. As the lady said that taught me the calming technique, if you can't get out of your driveway your not ready to go down the road.

Getting mad after the fact is something anyone would do. My point is getting mad BEFORE the dog has approached, when your body language, your smell, your voice, your leash communication, all escalate the panic to YOUR dog embedding a fear response at the sight of a loose dog that may be friendly or may not even approach you at all.

The last obnoxious dog I saw was that snapping snarling small package of a shitzu . YOur never going to change these people so your energy would be better spent preparing your dog to handle these kind of situations. That one was on a flexi lead let all the way out, it drug it's female owner across the yard, and half way up the street to where my dogs were sitting while we waited. Another few feet that dog was going to get an ice water bath. When she finally caught up with her dog she picked it up and kissed it..saying It's ok it's ok. All I could think is yeah reward it for being obnoxious why don't you. Yelling at the owner would have just told my dogs I was anxious and there for they needed to be as well.