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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: Lee in Doncaster on 15:32:56, 31/05/20
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Obviously my walk was cut short:
https://peakwalking.blogspot.com/2020/05/attacked-by-large-dogfollowed-by-visit.html (https://peakwalking.blogspot.com/2020/05/attacked-by-large-dogfollowed-by-visit.html)
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Obviously my walk was cut short:
https://peakwalking.blogspot.com/2020/05/attacked-by-large-dogfollowed-by-visit.html (https://peakwalking.blogspot.com/2020/05/attacked-by-large-dogfollowed-by-visit.html)
Sorry to hear about your experience with the dog Lee , but still happy to see those photos you managed to take .
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Sympathy.
I’ve had one mild-ish bite and a couple of close calls.
The scariest one was when walking a public footpath alongside of a fairly high wall...behind which there was a large “attack dog”...no idea what breed but very large and aggressive.
I was just thinking “thank goodness that brutes at other side of wall”...when it promptly took a run at wall, scrambled up and over.
No idea what recommended line is..but idea never crossed my mind it was going to be calmed down by dog whispering or any such cobblers.
Fortunately I spotted a very large stone, picked it up, and got ready for aggro. It worked like magic...as soon as it saw stone in my hand it stopped running at me, turned round and rescaled wall.
I assume it was some sort of guard dog for house wall surrounded..but I wasn’t tempted to knock on door and ask, anyone who keeps a dog like that isn’t going to be Joe Amicable.
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Dangerous dogs are for me (an off-road runner) an obvious danger every time I go out. I never know who I'm going to meet. My 'solution' for what its worth, is to always carry, strung across my back, is a horseriders whip. Very lightweight only about 24" long, easy to use accurately, it cost me a fiver from Go Outdoors, it's pink, that's why! Also its a very useful asset to 'tap' cattle and difficult horses out of the way.
I have used it, but only once have had to land a real blow, a 'tap' or the threat of a 'tap' usually suffices. I don't let the dogs see it, I stop, stand my ground and hold it ready behind my arm just poised for action if needed. I also shout 'heel' very loudly as well, that tends to add to my defence strategy. Mind you the worst owners are those who are shouting at least 100yds back, "don't worry, he won't hurt you!"
I had to punch a dog on the nose once, I panicked but it worked luckily, but that was a crude and unreliable way of protecting myself, which is why in the end I bought my whip.
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Sorry to hear about the dog incident,Lee.By your description it sounds more like a badly trained dog that is allowed to jump up people.If they really intend to attack they usually bite.Did you find out who the owner is?
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Sorry to hear about the dog incident,Lee.By your description it sounds more like a badly trained dog that is allowed to jump up people.If they really intend to attack they usually bite.Did you find out who the owner is?
Yes I agree...it might well have been attempting to be friendly.
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Out of control dogs are a pain, I've had to knock a few away using the side of my thigh only to be told by owners 'it's ok, he wouldn't hurt you' to which my reply is 'no he won't but you need to keep him under control'. Conversation normally goes two ways after that, either an apology or a discussion on the law that defines what 'out of control' means, never lost that discussion yet ;D
Only once have I had to take serious action against dogs. Was walking along a green lane when bounding towards me around a corner came 3 large snarling dobermans. First one got a big kick to his nose, resulting in a yelp and all 3 turning tail. Walked around the corner to find a lady in her mid fifties very apologetic saying they wouldn't have hurt me ::)
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In Scotland there is a clear definition of what out of control means in the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act
3 For the purposes of this Act, a dog is out of control if—
(a) It is not being kept under control effectively and consistently (by whatever means) by the proper person,
(b) Its behaviour gives rise to—
(i) alarm, or
(ii) apprehensiveness,
on the part of any individual, and
(c) the individual's alarm or apprehensiveness is, in all the circumstances, reasonable
(4) The apprehensiveness mentioned in subsection (3)(b)(ii) may be as to (any or all)—
(a) the individual's own safety,
(b) the safety of some other person, or
(c) the safety of an animal other than the dog in question.
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My sympathy goes to Lee BIG TIME, as over the years, ive been bitten seven times by various dogs.
Back in 1970, a very large Alsatian, called Queenie, rushed out from its owners drive in Cardiff, and dug its jaws on my left arm.
This was not a playful animal, wanting to nip at your ankles, but a large Dog full of real aggression, and i happened to be walking past its home at the wrong time.
I still to this day cannot understand why it chose to show real aggression, as all i was doing was walking near Roath Park lake with my friends.
Even though its so many years ago, i can still remember it happening, and can take you to the very location even to this day.
I spent two nights in hospital as well, as the depth of the bite was sufficient to require stitches, and the medics obviously showed enough concern, that they thought it wise to keep me in for a day or two, i still have a scar to show everyone, who cannot understand my fear of their tiny pooches.
When someone shows fear in front of a dog, or is very unsure, as i always am, they latch on to it, and behave in a different manner to another person who is confident and not afraid.
I much prefer the company of cats, they are smaller and just as affectionate towards their owners
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Yep, hope you are ok Lee. Sounds like the owner wasn't around, which is not good at all.
But DA - preferring cats? Noooooo.
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The thing that really annoys be big time, is those owners who always say, Its only playing, or something to that effect.
Owners who are devoted to their pet, and cannot comprehend people who show fear in the presence of their animal, can be most annoying.
Ive had a few close encounters, of dogs, large and small, that clearly are too large or out of control for their owners to handle them properly.
One of the other nasty bites i received, was from a collie on poppit sands in Pembroke, a few years ago.
The owners just called their dog, that was running amok amongst the wary visitors, and did not even want to find out if i was alright.
They obviously did not want to face the possible reprocusions, from a member of the public reporting them for a out of control animal.
No i am sorry, i am not a dog lover.
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The thing that really annoys be big time, is those owners who always say, Its only playing, or something to that effect.
“Its only playing”.
“It’s never done that before”.
“Don’t worry it won’t hurt you”
It’s like a manual of standard excuses is provided to a few owners...along with the instruction “don’t bother with training”.
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In Scotland there is a clear definition of what out of control means in the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act
3 For the purposes of this Act, a dog is out of control if—
(a) It is not being kept under control effectively and consistently (by whatever means) by the proper person,
(b) Its behaviour gives rise to—
(i) alarm, or
(ii) apprehensiveness,
on the part of any individual, and
(c) the individual's alarm or apprehensiveness is, in all the circumstances, reasonable
(4) The apprehensiveness mentioned in subsection (3)(b)(ii) may be as to (any or all)—
(a) the individual's own safety,
(b) the safety of some other person, or
(c) the safety of an animal other than the dog in question.
Similar in England etc
A dog shall be regarded as dangerously out of control on any occasion on which there are grounds for reasonable apprehension that it will injure any person or assistance dog, whether or not it actually does so, (section 10(3) Dangerous Dogs Act 1991). This is not an exhaustive definition and the ordinary meaning of the words should still be applied. If a dog is factually deemed to be acting in a way that could be termed ‘dangerously out of control’, for example attacking livestock, a prosecution may still be brought.
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A nasty experience, Lee - hope that you mend quickly.
I hate the pathetic excuses that people come up with - although in my case it is usually my own dog that is on the receiving end of the aggression. I have learnt to let her off the lead if an aggressive dog approaches - at least then she can defend herself properly, or run away if required. And I use a heavy hazel walking stick on my local walks, which I would make free use of if things were going badly for Tess!
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I got a little nip from a Jack Russell in Staffordshire last year. The owner came out of his shed and said, "Don't worry, he won't bite." Too late.
I've been followed by dogs a couple of times. A couple of years ago I was followed for an hour by what I thought was a farm dog. I couldn't lose it over stiles or through gates. It only stopped when it found someone else to follow (in the opposite direction). On Saturday, I was followed for a mile or so when the dog left one couple it had been following and chose me instead. I was glad it gave up as we approached a field full of cows with calves. Not sure what I would have done if it had all kicked off.
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You have my sympathies.
I dislike dogs, been bitten 3 times, once badly.
I don't trust any of them and do not understand where the 'entertainment' of dog ownership comes from.
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You have my sympathies.
I dislike dogs, been bitten 3 times, once badly.
I don't trust any of them and do not understand where the 'entertainment' of dog ownership comes from.
I share your views.
I've felt teeth twice, been jumped at several times, and have been concerned for my safety many times, but fortunately there have been no serious incidents.
In my experience, the terrain is a big factor when it comes to doggy issues, with woodland being by far the most risky. Dogs can appear on a path and see me well before the owner does and (I believe) poorly trained dogs are more likely to be exercised away from the beaten track because they can't be trusted - and that's where they meet me!
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poorly trained dogs are more likely to be exercised away from the beaten track because they can't be trusted - and that's where they meet me!
Unleashed dogs are the real problem.
Near me there is an area of woodland, signs up saying that it is a nature reserve and no dogs allowed in part of it, totally ignored.
Another part says dogs must be on lead, totally ignored.
Signs up says to take dog waste away and not leave bags about the place, totally ignored.
I used to know the chair of the SWCP, she thought, and said, 'all dog owners are liers'.
She was spot on.
Yesterday I was having a cup of coffee by the lake, 3 dogs came running towards me, one sounded aggressive and wanted to jump up on me.
Owner did apologise by saying "did not expect anyone to be here".
It is a public area in an NT park, not a back garden.
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I don't trust any of them and do not understand where the 'entertainment' of dog ownership comes from.
I think it springs from dogs sheer joy in doing everyday things like going for a walk, chasing sticks, etc.
That joy is infectious..it makes you want to go out whatever the weather..it almost “enforces” a healthy lifestyle.
But poorly trained they can be a real pain for innocent bystanders!
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Even a well trained dog can take exception to something. My daughter’s collie is trained to agility standards and always reacts promptly to commands but I have seen it suddenly exception to somebody in a hoodie and start barking at them. Fortunately, because it was trained it could be dropped to the ground and then brought to heel and put back on the lead. Never seen it do it before, no idea why it behaved that way but for a second or two, it was not a happy dog.
I had a collie that was beautifully behaved unless you were a bin bag. For some reason, she hated them and always growled at them on bin day.
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I used to know the chair of the SWCP, she thought, and said, 'all dog owners are liers'.
She was spot on.
Charming :(
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Charming :(
Don't sweat it. We all tell fibs from time to time - dog owners, cat owners, animal lovers, vegetarians, omnivores, organic growers, beer drinkers, teetotallers, hikers, runners, wild campers, smokers, non smokers, air breathers .........
Who did I miss?
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Don't sweat it. We all tell fibs from time to time - dog owners, cat owners, animal lovers, vegetarians, omnivores, organic growers, beer drinkers, teetotallers, hikers, runners, wild campers, smokers, non smokers, air breathers .........
Who did I miss?
It appears carnivorous fish my be the only honest creatures on the planet. ;D
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If a dog is being actually aggressive it will show its teeth, otherwise its not.
In rural Spain you bend down as if to pick up a rock and they immediately back off. They've been trained to fear having rocks thrown at them as... Well, that's what people have done. Is that the same here?
They're usually protecting sheep when they come at you though, and aren't super aggressive, just protective.
If a truly aggressive dog goes schizo on you theres not much u can do really. A trekking pole may help
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If a dog is being actually aggressive it will show its teeth, otherwise its not.
Not always. I had a dog running towards me baring its teeth while the owner was shouting at me.
"its ok he always looks like that"
I shouted back to get the thing under control.
More shout, but at the dog this time, she never got it under control.
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I have been bitten by 2 different sheepdogs. Once near Blindburn in Northumberland and once near Talkin Tarn. I still like dogs although I am a bit nervous around sheepdogs. In my experience it is the dog owner at fault and not the dog most of the time.
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In my experience it is the dog owner at fault and not the dog most of the time.
yes, getting rid of dog owners would reduce the market for cute new puppies somewhat.
Would get rid of my sister as well, so doubly as good.
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You would love the Tors Inn in Belstone on the edge of Dartmoor then. Having a dog with you is virtually obligatory. The pub itself is run by an amiable spaniel with help from its human.
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getting rid of dog owners would reduce the market for cute new puppies somewhat.
I have no problem with the vast majority of dog owners. Most are the responsible type :)
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I have no problem with the vast majority of dog owners. Most are the responsible type :)
How do you know, in that split second, when a dog runs fast towards you, that the owner is responsible?
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How do you know, in that split second, when a dog runs fast towards you, that the owner is responsible?
The owner should have it on a lead if it is a problem dog?
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O0
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How do you know, in that split second, when a dog runs fast towards you, that the owner is responsible?
I am not sure of that, but one sure way of identifying the irresponsible owner is to listen for the loud shouting of the dog’s name while it races towards people and other animals paying no attention whatsoever.
Actually, the demeanour of some dogs is so calm and they approach so gently that it is almost a guarantee of a good owner.
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I am not sure of that, but one sure way of identifying the irresponsible owner is to listen for the loud shouting of the dog’s name while it races towards people and other animals paying no attention whatsoever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GRSbr0EYYU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GRSbr0EYYU)
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The owner should have it on a lead if it is a problem dog?
Absolutely.
At this time of year, all dogs should be on a lead on grassland and in woodland in any case - lambs, ground nesting birds, fledglings, deer calving.
EDIT - I have seen some rare exceptions - dogs under such good control that they can be trusted. but they are rare indeed. Tess was bothered by a larger off lead dog on Black Combe - I could see from the dog's attitude that there might be trouble, so I let Tess off the lead so that she could defend herself. Sure enough, the dog lunged at Tess, and there was a yelp of fear, but the dog backed off. Owner useless, needless to say.
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The owner should have it on a lead if it is a problem dog?
But they often don't, and that is where the problem is.
Would be much easier if all dogs had to be on a short lead when out in public.
When people consider getting a dog, they know their personal living circumstances i.e. large fenced garden or small high rise flat.
They also know the area they live in i.e. suitable places to walk a dog.
Those things don't seem to be taken into account and the public keep reciting the same old trope about there not being bad dogs, just bad owners.
It is not the owners jumping up on people and biting them, it is the dog. Putting it on a short lead will solve a lot of the problem.
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How do you know, in that split second, when a dog runs fast towards you, that the owner is responsible?
The owner should have it on a lead if it is a problem dog?
But they often don't, and that is where the problem is.
So we agree then :)
Those things don't seem to be taken into account and the public keep reciting the same old trope about there not being bad dogs, just bad owners.
It is not the owners jumping up on people and biting them, it is the dog. Putting it on a short lead will solve a lot of the problem.
I don't know any dogs that can put a lead on themselves.
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I don't know any dogs that can put a lead on themselves.
;D ;D
Not even Tess can do that.
PS - not sure that there is much point in discussing this with SteamyTea, as he thinks that we are all liars in any case. :(
I used to know the chair of the SWCP, she thought, and said, 'all dog owners are liers'.
She was spot on.
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Recently I was bitten by a neighbour's new dog that they had obtained from a rescue centre.In this case it was not the fault of either the dog or its new owner but rather the previous owner who had abused the dog and made it defensive when it was frightened.The dog needed treatment and after a few expensive sessions with a dog therapist it is like a new animal.
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I wrote a bit of nonsense a few year ago (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=8798.0)on this subject about 10 years ago I find. Interesting the how the various topics go round and come back. On my return to the forum after a bit of a lay off. A rather dramatic encounter with a Rottweiller, which led to the title of If U go Down 2 T Woods 2day...Rottweiller!!!. (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=8798.15)
Some old names of contributors who have gone away, but I see one, who is still with;
Thanks Ridge for that comment, I was not looking for sympathy as I own to being off the 'Righteous Way', a coin of phrase I don't think I had quite got to then. ;D
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It sounds to me like the dog tried to jump up at you if it scratched you. An attack would have been entirely different and you would have had bite Mark's. None the less the owner is to blame. Dogs owners like this are a scourge. I own a dog and mine is never off leash. Nothing to do with being aggressive he's entirely the opposite. However on the moors and RoW and around livestock they should be on leash. I've had issues with other off leash dogs trying to attack my dog on more than one occasion. I could solve the issue by letting him off leash but I don't instead hes trained to sit and I put the owners straight when they eventually come to get their dog. Don't hate dogs due to this instead direct it at the pathetic owners who don't train them.
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My daughter is a dog walker down in Cornwall and quite a few of the dogs she walks are not that well behaved at home or with their owners, but they become different animals when they are out with her. She gives them the attention they require but takes a firm line with them too, so they have boundaries. While some of her clients work or have mobility issues, many of them are quite capable of taking their own dogs for walks but prefer to pay her to do it. Those tend to be the less well behaved animals, perhaps bought for the wrong reasons or an inappropriate breed or temperament for their owners.
Sometimes when we are down there visiting we go for a walk on the beach and a dog she walks will run up and greet her - preferring her company to their owners.
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My daughter is a dog walker down in Cornwall and quite a few of the dogs she walks are not that well behaved at home or with their owners, but they become different animals when they are out with her. She gives them the attention they require but takes a firm line with them too, so they have boundaries. While some of her clients work or have mobility issues, many of them are quite capable of taking their own dogs for walks but prefer to pay her to do it. Those tend to be the less well behaved animals, perhaps bought for the wrong reasons or an inappropriate breed or temperament for their owners.
Sometimes when we are down there visiting we go for a walk on the beach and a dog she walks will run up and greet her - preferring her company to their owners.
Unfortunately many get a dog on looks alone and don't research the breed and see if it fits in with their lifestyle. I'm adopting another dog this weekend from a refuge. Lots of dogs are ending up in refuges due to all the lockdown puppy purchasers having to go back to work. The idiots should have thought about that in the first place before they got a puppy but dont.
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...... I own a dog and mine is never off leash............
What, never?
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What, never?
No never in public he's always on a leash in public places. Hes a sled dog he's always on a leash.
I take him to a parkour which I hire private for a good run. Plus I scooter jor with him. I live rural so i can walk him on a 30ft leash on permissive access land. Plus I have a garden just under 1/2 an acre which he can run about in. Hes always under control and well trained and gets plenty of exercise.
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No never in public he's always on a leash in public places. Hes a sled dog breed.
I take him to a parkour which I hire private for a good run. Plus I scooter jor with him. I live rural so i can walk him on a 30ft leash on permissive access land. Plus I have a garden just under 1/2 an acre which he can run about in. Hes always under control and well trained and gets plenty of exercise. Certain breeds are not off leash dogs.
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No never in public he's always on a leash in public places. Hes a sled dog he's always on a leash.
I take him to a parkour which I hire private for a good run. Plus I scooter jor with him. I live rural so i can walk him on a 30ft leash on permissive access land. Plus I have a garden just under 1/2 an acre which he can run about in. Hes always under control and well trained and gets plenty of exercise.
Horses/dogs for courses
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I went running in the rain today (I was soaked) and met a young woman dog walker with 5 medium-sized dogs running loose around her, two of them were muzzled. As soon as they saw me they were running around me, they were playful but the two with muzzles worried me for a few seconds. She called them back (she had treats in her hands) but as I passed her she said nothing and just turned her back on me. I wasn't annoyed, perhaps she thought I was?
When I got back to the car park at the end of my run, an old couple standing by their car started laughing because all they could hear at every step I took was my feet squelching. We had a chat and they were amused as well because my running tights were wet though (they were a bit saggy) and were covered in grass seeds.
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I went running in the rain today (I was soaked) and met a young woman dog walker with 5 medium-sized dogs running loose around her, two of them were muzzled. As soon as they saw me they were running around me, they were playful but the two with muzzles worried me for a few seconds. She called them back (she had treats in her hands) but as I passed her she said nothing and just turned her back on me. I wasn't annoyed, perhaps she thought I was?
When I got back to the car park at the end of my run, an old couple standing by their car started laughing because all they could hear at every step I took was my feet squelching. We had a chat and they were amused as well because my running tights were wet though (they were a bit saggy) and were covered in grass seeds.
Living the life of Riley O0
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She called them back (she had treats in her hands) but as I passed her she said nothing and just turned her back on me. I wasn't annoyed, perhaps she thought I was?
She may have turned her back to keep the dogs attention focused on herself rather than you.
Saggy soggy running tights :o
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Thinking back you may be right about her focussing on the dogs. It was the muzzled dogs that grabbed my attention.
I admit it, saggy running tights are really embarrassing! :-[