There just doesn't seem to be anywhere here that I can take my dogs without running into stupid, ignorant dog owners. There are dogs here EVERYWHERE. Off-leash or on-leash parks (most are off-leashed). On the streets. There's a pit bull law that wants muzzles on them. I have only seen ONE person obey that--that's right, only ONE, and there's tons of those dogs out here.

Just a while ago I was with my two dogs and boyfriend...was teaching my puppy some tracking basics, where I hide and she finds me. She was enjoying it too. We were at the very edge of a park because I couldn't find any other area near us without cars. In other words, there shouldn't really be other dogs here. I was hiding behind a tree, when I saw my boyfriend lift my puppy up. This pit bull was lunging for her. At first I thought it was one of those rowdy, rambunctious dogs that just wants to play, then I heard it SNARLING. I didn't want to wait for it to grab my puppy. I ran up to it screaming and feigned kicking it so it would go away...then I grabbed its collar. The owners were very far away, but once they ran up to me they did so screaming at me for 'kicking their dog'.

Then I got into this long argument where I got sworn at repeatedly for trying to hurt their dog. I told them their dog was attacking my puppy...they said he was 'just playing'...usual argument. I asked them why they were letting an untrained dog off-leash. They said "We're socializing him, he's only 8 months." It wouldn't even LOOK at them when they called its name. They said it had dog friends that were very small. I said it didn't matter, those dogs were part of that dog's pack, plus my puppy didn't like it and went into flight mode so the dog immediately thought she was prey. They screamed. They said my dog's ears were cropped (it was only obviously taped). They said I didn't have to kick it. If I hadn't, the dog might have nabbed my pup anyway. They said they were veterinary assistants. I said I had been one too.

Then I said that their dog was a pit bull and it's only in their nature to be animal aggressive. They said, "Then that's your problem! Rottweilers and Yellow Labs bite more..." I've never seen such a random mixture of facts in my life.

Then they left, and my only regret is that I didn't throw the pit bull muzzle law in their faces.

I don't know what to do anymore. These people are everywhere. The nearest club is three hours away. Where am I supposed to take my dogs to? No one follows the leash laws. No one follows the license laws. I have two unfixed dogs with super-expensive licenses and I'm getting nothing from it. I put my dogs on-leash EVERYWHERE, and yet there they are walking the streets with their pit bulls and Rotts as if it doesn't apply to them. Everyone's so ignorant. God, I want to move. Maybe somewhere in the country where I don't have to see people or their dogs. I'm just glad my puppy wasn't hurt or traumatized...once those idiots left she was happy enough and wanted to run up to other dogs to play (which I don't let her, except with my other dog).

I couldn't agree more. These ingorant plugs seem to think they own the world. It's not just the pit bull and rottie owners that do it. It's also the owners of tiny yapping dogs that let their little darlings loose to run the neighborhood. They come into our yard to poop. They yap at all hours while they're outside.We have a leash law, too, but nobody obeys it except us, so it seems. Is there any way to enforce this? I actually tossed hotdog to one of them as it was running away from me. I lured it back, pretended to be nice to it, and then tied it up until the dog catcher could come and get it.
Do you live in a small town, city? I'd love to move to the country, but there's not that many acreages available that are worth anything that don't cost a zillion dollars.
I guess there's always the pepper spray, but it doesn't work that great unless you get a face shot. Anybody else have a suggestion?

Well, I'm a 1911 fan, so I would suggest using a .45 on the stray dogs! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> No, just kidding. Don't hate me. That wouldn't be right, but it would work and I am sure some of them need it. I think it is a good idea to get the animal control involved. I love the idea of feeding the dog to come over to you and then tying it up.

If you have a state or national park in your local area, these are good areas to go walk your dog. Most of these parks have nice walking trails. You can also ask a local farmer or landowner that has lots of land, if you can go walk your dog and work them in their pastures. This would be an alternative to dog parks and would give you some place that you can walk your dog and get them used to different areas without being bothered by dogs and dumb handlers.

I would not hesitate to kick someones dog in a situation like that.If thay dont want their dog kicked then they will keep it on a leash.You were totally in the right.That said , i agrre that taking your dogs to a state park is agood idea and if you can make friends with someone who owns land in the country then that is even better.Having your dog off leash in a public area is irresponsible no matter how well your dog is trained.Where I live (in the country),If your dog is on someones property unsupervised in the general area of their livestock,they have the legal right to shoot and kill your dog and it does happen.So just because you live in the country, you still have to be responsible dog owner.But i dont and wont put up with people like you described.In the country or a city park.

Too bad I'm in the middle of the city and have no car, so of course my only alternative would be anywhere within walking range. Next month we're moving though, so I hope that there's not as many dogs there as there are here, as this is a rather concentrated area.

If we're not getting attacked we're getting bothered. It's ridiculous. We're heeling, and some obnoxious dog comes by and starts playing with my puppy, and the owner WON'T GET IT. The owner only stands from what seems like a mile away calling and calling to a dog that won't come.

I'm so sick of pet owners that think that 'love' is all it takes to raise a dog. That their dogs are kids without animal instincts.

I'm fortunate enough to live in and area that our law enforcement views unleased dogs as a revenue source. A fine of a hundred dollars U.S. for an uncontroled dog and more if the tags and shots aren't up to date.

Carry a cell phone and call to file a report about the lack of muzzle,leash,and license while they are still standing there. Most people just turn around and leave fast. Carrying a copy of the exact wording of laws concerning dogs in your area helps too. If people get to the stage of acting in a threatening or intimidating manner feel free to get the police involved. Try to convince witnesses to stick around if it gets that far.

Well, let's just hope they were telling the truth when they said they were veterinary assistants in a certain hospital here, and that I heard the name of the hospital correctly, because I just contacted that place telling them of the behaviour of their staff, or otherwise of someone giving their hospital a bad image.

Good idea. If your information is correct, and if you were feeling particularly bitchy (like I often do, mwahaha) you could take a LARGE copy of the bylaws and post it up either in or on the vet's building. Or even better, deliver it to them in person. Call it harrassment if you will- it's your word against theirs, and yours is the dog obeying the rules.

Or maybe they would prefer their dogs get a face full of pepper spray the next time, instead of a feigned kick? You have every right to protect yourself and your puppy, but I know it's difficult to find places for uninterrupted exercise in the city.

It's too bad you don't have easier access to the 'burbs because I can go for a 90 minute walk on the dykes in Pitt Meadows and not come across a single dog. Then I drive into Vancouver and within 10 minutes I've had two fights. Can you somehow make up a 'guide dog in training' vest that looks convincing so you can take your girl on the bus? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> There are some nice quiet places in North/West Van, and around UBC you could try.

I've always thought of that guide dog in training too, but I have no clue about how you actually train them so it would be a problem if someone tries to get into conversation about it. Plus, I have another dog. I could actually put them in a bag and take them elsewhere since they've been trained to accept that, but it would be a real hassle.

I'm moving off to Fraser and 60th, which is probably better because at the moment I'm near Commercial Drive. Or not. At least I'll have my own backyard.