What do you think of dogs running loose in your neighborhood?

[mall0271]

I am happy pet owner. I love my dog. She is my companion. I make sure she has shots and properly feed, etc. But when I take her out to walk her there are always loose dogs just running the neighborhood. That just really irritates me. I make sure my dog has a lease always. I know it is my responsibility to make sure she doesn't scratch or bite anybody. She is a sweet dog, but you don't know how they will react to strangers. What have other owners encountered?

[pirewolf]

I have a big problem with people letting their dogs run free. The all think their dogs will never cause a problem, but when I am walking my dog he does not like other dogs just running up to him. He gets very scared and he is just a very small dog. I have had dogs chase me to the point that I had to pick him up and run! I also when walking alone have had dogs chase me down the block barking. It doesn't matter is they are small or big if they are not friendly! My dog is friendly, but he is over protective of me and doesn't like dogs off of their leash around me at all. If they are on one he doesn't bark at all. But if you want you dog to run free then take them to a dog park! That is why they have them. It isn't safe for people or your dog. People speed and it could get hit. And you get introuble if your dog hurts someone and if your dog gets hurt because you were not taking care of it.

[Snoozey]

Letting dogs run free is a big problem. I know a lot of dogs that are outside dogs, and they are all tethered. There is a Shih Tzu in our neighborhood that attacked a person walking by, even though it was on a small leash.
Besides, even the nicest dogs can turn and attack a person and if they do that then you could be forced to put your dog down and pay fines. It's not worth the risk.

[Trace321]

Send me in. I am an Animal Whisperer.

I can take ease of your problem.

[monnee]

The owners of the dogs should get fine the maximum amount if their dog attacks other people, dogs, or cats and pay all medical expenses.

[animikokala]

Dogs don't run loose in our neighborhood; they're pretty strict with the leash laws around here.  If there are leash laws where you live, call animal patrol and have them pick up the loose dogs.  Where I used to live, we had someone who let their large dog run about, charging at cars and people walking, including children going to/from bus stops, so I called animal patrol and had them pick the dog up.  Didn't see that dog off it's leash after that.  

[mall0271]

Thanks for the advise. It is scary when a strange dogs runs up on you. I am scared for my little baby.

[Falconer02]

In the neighborhood? Yeah, that's dangerous to people AND the dog. In parks though? It never really bugged me. If the dog is off a leash and you see the owner, there's a 99.9% chance that it's friendly.

[mh874892]

This is one of my biggest pet peeves! I swear my town has something against keeping their dogs fenced up, or on a leash, or inside, or anything requiring responsibility. It is ridiculous. There are dogs running all over town, most without collars, and I am shocked I haven't seen more laying dead on the street. It drives me crazy!

[twol]

That's dangerous and just asking for an accident. In my city, the leash laws are pretty strict. If there's a loose dog we don't recognize, we warn our neighbors and call the local humane society. We don't want any kids getting hurt or anyone in the wrong place at the wrong time. I rarely see any strays though, it's usually just a golden retriever named Cody who turns into an escape artist whenever his owners leave.

[GramPolly3]

I live in the country and it is sad to say there are some cruel people who just drop their dogs off to fend for themselves. I call the Humane Society as soon as I see one as at that point they are still a 'pet'. Once they have been on their own for some time it is more difficult to catch them as they revert to their ancestor wolf personality. I have 2 rescue dogs and most of the dogs my neighbors have are also rescued but we can't do it all. I simply don't understand how people can do this.

[Graeth]

I'm okay with dogs, they'll usually shy away from you.
But cats think they own the place and will just stay out of arms reach; they I will shoot at.
Got a lot of rabbits in my neighborhood as well, digging up all sorts of things.

[sammywantsya]

i know how you guys feel actually... when we took care of our dog we didnt know if that where a big problem running them loose. but one of my neighbors complained about my dog and i was very embarrassed  but im glad she didnt like sue  us for it she was very kind because shes also a dog lover. she trained us as well to get a leash and everything so i am grateful to have a neighbor so caring and not be a *bleep* about it...

but im glad me and teh family learned a lesson not to run the dog loose...

[LAkathi]

 I feel for the dogs that I see running loose. Dogs are like children in that they need and depend on their owners to keep them safe. If you do not have the time to devote to keeping your dog out of harms way, then for the sake of the dog don't get one.!

[lgemini]

I hate when people let their dog run loose. I know do not want to take care of the dog's poop, so they let the dog go outside without them.