Help with rude owners?

What do you do about dogs off leash at public parks? I take Lucy to our son's baseball games and many others bring their pets too - on leash. One family always lets their big dog off to run loose, hits it when it misbehaves, etc. This dog is scary to Lucy, won't leave her alone, and I would like to relax a bit and watch my son play in peace.

I also was at another park last week and there was a big dog loose without any owners in sight. I picked Lucy up because it was turning ugly, and that dog climbed me...muddy paws and all. I had to spend part of the game in the ladies' bathroom because it had a door.

Any suggestions on how to politely tell these people to keep their dogs on leash? What about the no owner in sight situation?

Tags: leash, park, rude

6 Comments

Comment by Cindi on June 4, 2008 at 10:51am: Be direct. "Your dog was aggressive with my dog. It would be helpful if you leashed your dog." We have a leash policy in PetSmart and, believe me, there are folks every day who bring in unleashed pets. I have no qualms about walking up and handing them a loop leash and telling them their dog must be leashed. If they give me a hard time, I ask them who will be responsible for controlling their dog and how. If I see a dog-owner hit or otherwise abuse a dog, I TELL them to stop. If it continues, I show them the door.

Actually, one lady hit her dog's backside (a boxer) so hard it lifted him up off the floor. I became livid and just about dove over the counter at her. I told her to NEVER hit the dog again. So she whacked him right in front of me. I took her and showed her the door.

We don't have many dog parks around here and most are owner-supervised. As for regular public parks, dogs must be leashed. Good luck and don't back down. You would be doing the dog a favor if the behavior continues and animal control is brought into the situation.

Comment by NoClaws4Alarm on June 4, 2008 at 11:45am: I would bring an extra (cheap) leash "just in case" and if the owner is nowhere in sight... or just ignoring the behavior of their pet... leash it... and begin walking around to find the owner or someone who knows them.

If you find the owner, "He's yours? Wow, am I relieved! Since he was unleashed and annoying so many people, I wasn't sure if he belonged to anyone here... I'm glad I found you... I was 2 seconds away from calling animal control. You need to borrow this leash or do you have your own?"

Then just give the dog a pat, "Now don't slip it this time... the next person who finds you may not be as understanding...and I'm sure your mommy and daddy would be very sad if something happened to you."

Yeah... a bit passive/aggressive... but it will get your point across: Their dog was a nuisance and you don't have a problem calling someone to pick him up.

Comment by Kim on June 4, 2008 at 12:33pm: This happens too often. Being direct is the best way to go about it. It's just like having your kids at the park and one starts to get rough with the other. You would address the parent that there is a problem and it needs to be solved. It's the same with dogs. Say there's a problem. I'm sure your not the only person having an issue with the other owners dog being unleashed. Especially at a ball game, what if that dog was to get rough with a child? I had something similiar happen at a offleash dog park, where the other dog was getting out of hand;owner out of sight. I picked my dog up, went right to the owner and asked if they could please watch their pet more carefully. I have yet to see that dog at the park. Hope this helps a little :)

Comment by Charlie on June 4, 2008 at 1:25pm: I would try to talk to the owner first. Most owners should be embarassed if their dog is causing problems and someone confronts and tells them so. Not a bad idea to take one of those cheap nylon training slip leashes if the owner doesn't have one.

If the owner is a jerk and denies that the dog is causing a problem, you can mention your community's leash law. If the owner doesn't control the dog, go to the bathroom or to your car and call animal control.

I looked up the info for your town with a real quick search:
"Miscellaneous Information- Nancy Griffiths - 704-663-3800
The Town of Mooresville operates under the Iredell County Animal Control Ordinance. Iredell County does have a leash law. You are not required to purchase a dog license. To report problems concerning animal control, you may call the Iredell County Animal Control Office at 704-878-5424."

Comment by Arang&Mark on June 4, 2008 at 3:35pm: This is a really good question! I wanted to add to this question also. does this same method work on kids? I have met the parent, who is equally irresponsible for letting her kids run around and have the dog off leash. most of the time i see the kids and their dog a good 20 yards away running up to every dog and its not a bad dog. it just wants to play, but having a large , what looks like a boxer/pit mix, chasing after a corgi and batting it around is not so comforting. also, being about as big as the kids, they have trouble keeping the dog under control. how can i tell them without hurting their feelings? they are just well meaning kids after all.

Comment by Danielle_RN on June 4, 2008 at 8:16pm: I thought "noclaws4alarm" had a terrific skit all played out. I am SO much the passive agressive type! LOL. My sarcasm can be so thick and sweet you can taste it! I think it would be sure to get the point across. You and your dog should be able to enjoy a ball game without having to be tormented by loose dogs. Irresponsible parents, (of kids or dogs) just really get under my skin!