Another dog tragedy

Good post Kate, well done.

In my long experience with dogs, most puppies are destructive. They don’t all receive publicity on national tv to be trawled out of the archives when an awful incident occurs years later though.

I wouldn’t mind betting that the Leonburger will have been the slowest to react in a panic situation, and the smaller dogs will have played an active part.

Just to add, although I don't like dogs and am afraid of them, it makes my blood boil to see them, or any animal, mistreated.

👏👏👏

Usually it's the smaller dogs that start any confrontation. I remember walking with my beardie cross, Tom, along the riverbank when he started growling. Approaching us was a much larger dog. As the other dog (with his owner) got closer Tom noticing the size, got down on the ground and onto his back. Submission without further action on the part of either dog. Had Tom been a small terrier, he would have continued to growl. Small dogs often don't realise that they are small.

I think it's unfair to concentrate on the Leonberger, just because of its size. Usually those very large breeds, such as Newfies, St Bernards, Pyrenneans and so on are very gentle.

One of the reasons why people like terriers is that they are feisty and have an "up yours" attitude. That's why I like them, although I don't have one at moment. They were bred for ratting and going down holes after rabbits etc which is something they still do, given half a chance. However, they can be aggressive with humans.

No-one has mentioned the role that muzzles might play in all this. Surely groups of dogs being walked should be muzzled?

The senior vet in the practice I use does not like the use of muzzles. He doesn't even like to use a tape around the dog's jaw when examining he/she. I don't see why they should be muzzled of on a lead and under the owner's control.

Dinahmo

The senior vet in the practice I use does not like the use of muzzles. He doesn't even like to use a tape around the dog's jaw when examining he/she. I don't see why they should be muzzled of on a lead and under the owner's control.

We're not talking about a dog with its owner, but a pack of dogs with a dog walker.

Chestnut

No-one has mentioned the role that muzzles might play in all this. Surely groups of dogs being walked should be muzzled?

Muzzles were in fact mentioned earlier in the thread.

My dog is muzzled only at the vet’s. Muzzles are distressing for dogs. The answer is for the owner to know their dog and to have it properly under control with an appropriate lead or harness.

Totally agree GSM- would never muzzle any dog of mine- but make sure it is well trained and voice controlled. Cruel.

Dog walkers, in the way they are used now, are a relatively new phenomenon, I think legislation with regard to them may come quite quickly.

🤞

Galaxy

Dog walkers, in the way they are used now, are a relatively new phenomenon, I think legislation with regard to them may come quite quickly.

I hope so. There is one who brings about 5 dogs to the country park and lets them off the lead. They form a pack and bark and jump around at each other. I keep well clear.
There are sheep nearby too and notices to keep dogs on a lead.
I find this very irresponsible.

I think you are most probably right galaxy

Often things progress and the health and safety laws/ safeguarding has to run to catch up. Similar happened with mobile phones and driving, and well cigarettes is an obvious one. That took hundreds of years though

Fleurpepper

Totally agree GSM- would never muzzle any dog of mine- but make sure it is well trained and voice controlled. Cruel.

We're not talking about a dog with its owner, but a pack of dogs with a dog walker.

My neighbour’s Doberman, once snapped at my leg. It didn’t draw blood, maybe because I was wearing trousers at the time . Since then, I’m rather scared of all dogs

Chestnut

Fleurpepper

Totally agree GSM- would never muzzle any dog of mine- but make sure it is well trained and voice controlled. Cruel.

We're not talking about a dog with its owner, but a pack of dogs with a dog walker.

Ah yes, sorry. Numbers should indeed be limited.

Fleurpepper

Chestnut

Fleurpepper

Totally agree GSM- would never muzzle any dog of mine- but make sure it is well trained and voice controlled. Cruel.

We're not talking about a dog with its owner, but a pack of dogs with a dog walker.

Ah yes, sorry. Numbers should indeed be limited.

My point is that unless it becomes illegal for a walker to take more than 2-3 dogs out then shouldn't a pack be muzzled? Then if there are 4-8 dogs and they start going crazy no-one can get hurt.

I have noticed that young people round my way seem to advertise themselves as dog walkers as it seems like a good way to get a bit of extra money these days.

I’m not convinced muzzles are the way to go. I’ve never had a dog I needed to muzzle.
We need speedy legislation, no one to walk more than 3 dogs. All professional dog walkers to be registered with the council, insured and to have a recognised qualification covering basic first aid (dogs and humans) , trained in obedience to kennel club gold standard or similar.
This tragedy was predictable. I’m not keen on more legislation , especially reactive but it’s long overdue
I know it’s impossible but breeders / rescues should thoroughly vet prospective owners.

I don’t know what the history is behind the Leonberger but he has been badly let down by the people in his life. Dogs like that are not killers. I know several people that have Belgian Shepherds. They are lovely dogs but are very territorial and protective of their owners. And their territory is wherever they are which means even on walks they’re guarding their territory. Most dogs are bred for a specific purpose and that purpose has to be taken into consideration if they are going to just be a pet. Look at how popular they have become. I very rarely see one off lead but when I do I keep well away. They’re not nasty dogs but there is no way that most people can give them the exercise they need.

Not sure if anyone has already mentioned this, but why buy a dog if you can't walk it yourself?

I know in certain circumstances i.e. holiday etc. you might leave your dog with a sitter/walker, but as there are so many being walked why.

We came across a chap walking 7 dogs and one huge thing, can't remember the breed, he told us the owner never walks the dog but pays him £100 a week to do it for him.

Over the hill, during lockdown many people bought puppies. I volunteer for a breed specific charity and can accurately report lots of those puppies were sold/relinquished by 7-18 months. Others are now left home alone as their owners are back in work. There’s a misguided belief that having someone come in, put the dog in a crate inside a van with several others in crates, then let them all run wild in some park, will meet the dogs needs.