Dogs

There has been one report of a husky attacking a child in about the last fortnight. Cannot remember the details of the case but the female was related to the child but her partner wasn't and saw no reason to destroy dog even thought the female wanted it because he didn't see why he should as the child was not a blood relative of his

Might be an idea if all potential dog owners needed a license to say that the dog they had chosen was of a suitable size and type for their accommodation and family and that they had passed an approved dog ownership course

Scooter58, I wonder if you walk in the same park I do, as that's exactly what happens regularly now. I had a rant earlier on this thread about a so called professional dog walker who has been dominating our park for several weeks. (29 December 18.24) He was there again this morning, 5 dogs off lead, he never has a pooh bag in his hand, how can that be when walking 5 dogs? Today, he lost a collie who came racing past my dogs near the road onto the car park. The dog walker came strolling along minutes later, having shut the other 4 dogs in his van. As others have said, I bet the people entrusting their pets to him don't know the level of neglect to their safety, and the safety of others this man indulges in.
FlicketyB - I am not usually keen on yet more legislation, given how many new laws are introduced and then found to be unenforceable. However, on the dog front, I do feel things are getting a bit out of hand. Given the number of dogs in rescue/shelters, and the incidents we're all posting here, would it be possible to introduce some limits. I'd legislate about breeding, and expect owners to register their dog ownership, chip the animal, pay a licence, and as part of being given the licence, sign some agreement about responsible dog ownership. I know, it won't ever happen, will it.

I think all dogs should be insured. Careful as I am, years ago my dog ran towards a main road at rush hour and my whole life flashed before me. Thankfully I caught her in time. She had been off the lead but down a quiet lane and then off the lane across a flood bank. Scared me to death.

Iam64,I bet the scenario we both experienced is repeated in countless parks all over the country.Irresponsible people seeing the opportunity to make easy money walking multiple dogs at the one time off the lead,therefore the dogs are essentially exercising each other and the "walker"pockets the fees for very little work.I have also noticed a rise in the number of Husky and Akita type dogs over the last few months,the new "tough guy" dog of choice,seemingly replacing the Staffies now resident in rescue centers all over the country.I would support measures to license and control the breeding and owning of dogs but fear the very people this would be aimed at are the people who would not comply with any legislation.

Am not a dog owner [at present] but these are interesting comments. Have never heard about the yellow ribbon thing, [tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree] and would have just thought it was there to look pretty had I seen a dog wearing it.However, I know better than to put my hand near to any dog that wasn't my own , but have seen parents of young children allowing the same thing...... eeeeek.I would love to own a GS, they are so attractive and intelligent, but perhaps too strong a dog for me to control.

I like the dog owned by Inspector Barnaby in Midsummer Murders called Sykes. Does anyone know what breed of dog he is?

Good idea Tegan re Bamburgh, although when we were up there last, in October, the beach was well populated with dogs and families as it was half term - too much going on for a first time on the loose for my nerves, but I was tempted to give it a try!

roses Google say that Sykes is a terrier, no more definition than that I'm afraid!
This link is fascinating:
www.pawsinthepark.net/attractions/film-a-tv-stunt-dogs
Interesting to see how most of these featured dogs are "rescues". My last four dogs, including my current dog, have been rescues and they have all been very special

Thanks for the link, yogagran. I love Sykes and the Doc Martin dog.

I think it was Jilly Cooper who said you will never be loved as much as you will by a dog you have rescued.

My sister has a 20 month old Skye terrier, who is delightful. They had a rescue Skye years ago, who just turned up on their doorstep. They ignored but eventually took her in, advertised her locally, etc, but she stayed with them. They are very interesting little dogs, particular characteristics.
I agree with Jilly Cooper though merlotgran, our rescue dogs all seem to have had a moment when you could almost see them thinking, "phew, landed on my paws here,". After that, they seem to settle down, stop chewing, stealing food etc and become great companions.
Scooter58, I'm sure you are right about the increasing number of people setting themselves up as 'professional' dog walkers. There don't appear to be any regulations in place to ensure these people are qualified and appropriate to do what they do. I know dogs aren't babies, and we shouldn't need the extensive checks done for child minders, for example. But, the potential for dog fights, lost dogs, etc must be increasing if we have people who are irresponsible enough to have 5 dogs, not their own dogs, off lead in public spaces.

Regardsing "Dog walkers" - I thought that there was a limit to the number of dogs that you could walk atone time. Am I wrong? CBA to google it as I only have one at the moment

Regarding - sorry, can't spell today!

I think Sykes is a Jack Russell possibly a cross roses they are very intelligent, loyal dogs. But then so are most dogs. They are intelligent because they soon get their owners trained.