Surely the comment 'in a responsible manner, away from other dogs' suggests there are no other dogs around, be it an industrial estate or not?


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An entire dogs owner does not know an in season bitch is being walked until it's dog gets out. A bitch's owner is (or should) be thoroughly aware of the situation. If they cannot manage it then they should get the bitch spayed. That is the responsiblity that comes with owning an entire bitch. Yes, entire owners also have responsibility to have control of their dogs, but the urge to mate is too strong for many, and they owners have no previous knowledge. The weight of responsibility HAS to rest with the bitches owner. .[/quote]

I don't suggest it doesn't in a lot of ways. However, as I stated before, if my neighbour, several doors away has an entire dog and I let my own in season bitches out, in my own garden, causing her entire dog to jump out, do you think I'd hold full responsibility for that aswell? Entire or not, people should ensure that their garden is secure enough to stop their dogs escaping. If the entire dog were in an RTA, do you think the courts would say 'X' entire bitch should not have been anywhere near the hous,e or 'X' entire dog shoudl havebeen kept contained in it's garden?

.[/quote]
I'm staggered that on the one hand you advocate NOT neutering pets and on the other consider it acceptable to walk in season bitches....

If I come across a little heavy on this issue I make no apologies.... it has to be one of the most important areas of dog ownership... responsible owning of entire dogs... and as has been illustrated can so easily lead to unwanted puppies and possible a dog being killed or worse, causing an accident in which people are hurt, because it is following a natural, powerful instinct.

And, just to add. Your comment that the dog should be neutered doesn't hold water. I know quite a few neutered dogs that are attracted to in season bitches... and have tied... they have not produced puppies, but it does not necessarily stop what is a very strong instinct.[/quote]


Yes, I do consider it acceptable to walk in season bitches. In the right circumstances. For example. Previously I had access to the farm where I kept my horses. Large farm, no unknown dogs on the property, no other dogs within several miles radias, so I always knew what dogs were about when I walked my bitch there. Also, where we are now. Living in a secure army camp, so the only dogs here are ones I know and we are extremely lucky to have access to a private beach, no outside access, where I can walk the dogs. I wouldn't say that walking my in season bitches in either of these cases is irresponsible or inconsiderate to other dog owners.

I do think education is the key, and those that can't be educated shouldn't own a dog in the first place, entire or neutered. That's not to say I thinkt here should be a blanket no spay or neuter policy, I do agree with it is some cases. I simply do nto agree with it for my dogs, nor the fact that people bandy it about like some sort of cure all.