I couldn't agree more. I'll never forget walking with a friend and her large, black lab in a park (where leashes were required). Her dog had aggression issues with other dogs that they were trying to correct (an unfortunate history from previous owners). She was on leash and we were keeping our distance, working on distraction training. An off-leash dog suddenly came running toward us to say hello. The woman yells out, "It is ok - my dog is friendly." My friend replied, "Well mine isn't!"
Since there were two of us we were able to keep the dogs separated despite some threatening barking and growling. When the owner finally made it over to us she got all indignant suggesting that we shouldn't have an aggressive dog in a public park. I lectured her on having her dog off-leash and reminded her that SHE was the one who was actually violating the dog ordinance and I would like her name to report her. That shut her up pretty quick...
Unfortunately, I'm sure that she didn't learn her lesson. I've seen her jogging with her dog since, off-leash, and not trained to respond to voice commands. It darts off and runs up to crowds of people, completely ignoring her. It is a cute (but stupid) golden mix that is completely friendly, but she just doesn't grasp that that doesn't make it ok.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-06-28 02:40 pm (UTC)Since there were two of us we were able to keep the dogs separated despite some threatening barking and growling. When the owner finally made it over to us she got all indignant suggesting that we shouldn't have an aggressive dog in a public park. I lectured her on having her dog off-leash and reminded her that SHE was the one who was actually violating the dog ordinance and I would like her name to report her. That shut her up pretty quick...
Unfortunately, I'm sure that she didn't learn her lesson. I've seen her jogging with her dog since, off-leash, and not trained to respond to voice commands. It darts off and runs up to crowds of people, completely ignoring her. It is a cute (but stupid) golden mix that is completely friendly, but she just doesn't grasp that that doesn't make it ok.