Dogs

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.

Regarding - sorry, can't spell today!

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

As I have said before you don't get bad dogs just bad owners! It is not the GSD I blamed but the owner's lack of control or interest and with the spaniels I blame me for having a lurcher who has a thing against them.

I don't think I'd be too pleased if I learned that a professional dog walker was doing this with my dog in tow. Obviously, not that professional. Having had a beautiful, well-behaved long haired GSD who lived with two spaniels in succession, I know which one would be the most obedient and responsive to my commands. They are great big dogs who make fabulous companions, and our GSD grew up with four children who adored him. He, in turn, adored them and would happily accompany them at bath time, sit with his head on their bed at story time, and lie on the rug with my daughter propped against him as she read her book.

moomin; next time I'm oop north how about bringing her to Bamburgh and we'll give her a run on the beach there! [best beach in the world for dogs]

I have 3 German Shepherds,all kept on leads whilst people or dogs are about.Only 2 walked at any given time even though they are fine with other dogs and people.My youngest Zeta age 4 was happily chasing her ball in the park,no one in sight,when suddenly 5 assorted dogs came charging into the park and made a bee line for her.These dogs surrounded her and the "professional "dog walker sauntered along a few minutes later.I was raging and also fearful for Zeta,who to her credit came back to me when called.I wasn't too polite to the dog walker and sent him away with a flea in his ear.I know which dog would have got the blame if a fight had broken out.

We have a retired racing greyhound, she has been with us since June. There is no way I would dream of letting her run free on walks. My previous greyhound was as obedient as greyhounds can be off the leader, but still managed to get the odd injury or two when getting that prey urge and then diving into hedges and barbed wire.

I learnt with her that really the beach was about the only safe place to let her run. Current dog loves everyone and all dogs, fortunately she can let off steam racing around our garden - maybe take her for a test run at the beach in the future.

So sorry I have just noticed I called you Iams bit of a mental block there and truly unintentional.

That's right Iams. The yellow ribbon is just that. You can get yellow neckerchiefs and printed waistcoats online too but basically a yellow ribbon is all you need.

Tinker is usually fine off-lead too but I still have to be aware because she doesn't like spaniels (sorry about spelling that just doesn't look right) so I am always ready with the lead when other dogs approach and am very aware that not everyone is a dog lover and they should be allowed to walk in peace as well. I do wish other dog owners would not offer my dog treats though, now if someone happens to put hands in their pockets they are likely to find Tinker's nose in there too. It makes training more difficult.

your dogs certainly seem to have fallen on their paws and are very lucky to have such a caring, sensible owner.

LizG, I was about to comment about the use of a yellow ribbon as my young dog behaves like your Tinker. He is fine off lead, but on lead, he can snap, lunge if approached by an off lead dog, especially a german shepherd. GSD's are usually lovely dogs, but their whole demeanour is intimidating, that, together with their intelligence is why they're used by police and military. My young dog had a run in with a large, uncontrolled GSD when he was about 15 months, and it definitely effected him. I'm working hard, with some success, to have him walk calmly, and 'watch me', when other dogs are approaching.
I wish dog owners would all attend some proper training classes. They, and their dogs would benefit hugely, as would the rest of the population.
Is the yellow ribbon idea is that you put one on your dog (collar I expect) and this is to indicate to others that your dog shouldn't be approached. It sounds a bit like the old pony club rule, that if your pony was a kicker it had a red ribbon tied to its tail to warn everyone to keep a distance.

You could be writing that for me Mollie. one time Tinker - a lurcher too - had her paw heavily bandaged by the vet and was on the lead. A young lady had her German Shepherd off the lead. We were walking through built up lanes and she was attached to her mobile 'phone. I asked her to take control of her dog and amongst the mouthful I got she also told me that her dog would be fine.

Admittedly I had not been all sweetness and light when asking her to control her dog. Since having my hip replacement my fear is falling so I really didn't want to be on the end of a lead with two big dogs fighting. Needless to say her dog came over, sniffed Tynx's btm and Tynx wagged her tail then snapped out as I knew she would. Why do people think their dog is the only one involved. Still she soon moved off.

Tinker is the easiest dog ever but she can be unreliable when it comes to other dogs - loves humans to pieces and would go off with anyone at the drop of a hat. I used to use a yellow ribbon as a warning but no one understood the meaning but I think I might try it again.

have to agree with all the posters on here - my lurcher (lovely dog although now getting on in years) still has a strong chase instinct - particularly cats and other small furries - so I am always alert when walking him that I need to try and keep him under control - which means being vigilant if he is off lead (since he jumped a cattle grid to get after a cat I had not seen a month ago risking injury I am even more wary)
anyway when he is offlead I always have the lead with me and slip it on at the sight or sound of dogs, people (with or without dogs), cattle sheep or anything he might bother.
unfortunately other dog 'owners' often do not reciprocate, many of them seem to have no leads with them, ineffectually attempt to call the dog back exclaiming 'he/she just wants to play'.
|I have been accused of 'cruelty' for keeping my dog on the lead and it is my fault their dogs are bothering him as he is 'on the lead' , my dog is 'untrained' because I have him 'on the lead' - aaaargh.
there is no getting through to these tedious people and I tend to walk early in the morning to avoid them and Ollie is ALWAYS on the lead on the road even though I live near country lanes.

Tegan, you are so right about the number of husky type dogs, given their increasing popularity. Becoming popular is rarely a good thing for dog breeds. It seems to be moving from labradoodles to husky types, and pugs and those handbag type dogs. The news that labradoodles do shed, are mud magnets and need a lot of exercise and training seems to be getting through. Once husky types are off lead, the seem to run and run, just as their breeding tells them. Our local dog shelters are packed with staffy types, and a growing number of husky types.
When, what a dreadful thing to happen for your colleague. With just that kind of accident in mind, I train my dogs to sit in the car boot until given the command ok, when they leap out. They are always on lead for the first bit of any walk, so we start the walk with me in control. The same process towards the end of any walk, on lead as we approach car parks etc.
I don't want to sound smug, because my current 2 dogs are a more difficult combination than any I've had previously. Full of energy, and high prey urge. In the 5 years I've owned/fostered doodle dogs, they've taught me so much.

No dogs should be allowed to run without leads when they are near the road and I am sorry you had to put up with the owner's rudeness sunseeker I hope I meet him one day because he would get a mouthfull from me. Even the best trained dog can forget themselves when they see a cat and it can all happen so quickly.

I was owned by two dogs at one time and would love another one now as a playmate for Tinker but OH won't let me . mind you the thought of controlling three dogs makes me go hot and cold; I would need an extra pair of hands.