Quote:
Originally Posted by Nina Cole
I can only speak for myself here, and I would define a public place to be anywhere there was children and activities, such as public parks.
I see nothing wrong with allowing dogs to be off lead in the countryside. Obviously being mindful of sheep and cows.
Media attention of late, is, in my opinion, completely out of proportion to the actual risk that dogs pose. Nevertheless, a lot of dog owners continue to give them human attributes which inevitably leads to behavioural problems.
It is for the DOGs own protection that I suggest that they remain leashed in public places. How would you feel if one of your Springers in their exuberance, bowled over a child? A moments lapse in concentration and it could happen. Hence my point.
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I can't take my dog off the leash in a public area unless the area is very quiet and he couples up with another dog then I can as he doesn't get distracted, or I am completely on my own (not advisable in a Public Park - although I have done it). I have an extended lead coupled to his harness. He has jumped into water and had a paddle and a bit of a swim. However I have come across a lot people who can walk their dogs off the leash and their dogs are under control by verbal commands. Even if I reached a stage of training where I was almost 100% sure he would respond I still couldn't release him in a busy public area as there are a lot of people who are frighten of Staffie's especially around their own dog(s).
I understand the points you have raised which from another aspect are relevant and made me realise I am not being mean keeping him on a leash due to my inadequacies in not having trained him to a higher standard. We are getting there but its very slow progress.
I have had Duke now for nearly 3 years, I didn't do enough research into the breed, except we wanted a medium sized dog. The only thing I thought I knew was that their jaws locked so I felt it was important to train him to give me objects and for him to get use to me taking things out of his mouth.
The first I knew of the dangerous dog law of 1991 was when I read it on the wall at the vets while we were waiting to his first injection! I asked the vet about training classes. He said you can do it yourself, whilst he was right you can teach a dog the basic commands yourself you can't socialise him without other people and dogs. Fortunately I met a dog trainer while out walking Duke. We went to puppy class and onto obedience class.
Sue