Why I Can't Take My Dog In Public
Today while running with my dog, I was reminded, once again, why taking my dog out of the house is a pain. It has nothing to do with him though (surprisingly). Yes, he can sometimes be a pain and drag me after unsuspecting squirrels; but, in general, I enjoy taking him places with me. I just hate taking him anywhere that other people might be with their own dogs. I have come to the conclusion that the majority of dog owners just have zero common sense. I cannot count the times I have tried to enjoy the dog park only to have people walk up to me and basically throw their pets at deuce so that they can "be friends". Come on folks, you don't know my dog......he could literally eat your chihuahua. People don't ask permission or even give warning that they are going to run up to you with their pet or even let them off their leash so that they can "meet". This is such a good way to cause a dog fight. I can't even count the number of dogs that we have had to sew up at work because of injuries at the dog parks or other places in public where owners have allowed their pets to approach other animals without permission.
This rant is inspired by a near accident that Deuce and I experienced today. We were running up Wedington (a four-lane highway with large sidewalks) when we saw another girl and dog coming the opposite direction. I did what I always do and slowed down and got Deuce on a short leash and stepped to the grass to allow plenty of room for the pair to pass without interaction. Of course, that would be to easy though. She was leading a pit bull (who I'm sure was very friendly) and he started pulling against the leash in Deuces direction. Instead of shortening her leash and making her dog behave, she states "O you want to say hi?" and gives the dog the entire leash and it comes straight for us. Needless to say, the dog didn't want to "be friends" it obviously wanted Dane for dinner. We had to step into the highway to avoid it because it started growling hackling at us. The owner just kinda laughed and kept going. I had to control the urge to throw a rock at her head.
So, long story short, if you are out with your pooch and you see another dog.......leave it alone and enjoy time with your own dog. Not every dog is friendly and even dogs that get along with "anyone" can act differently when approached by a strange animal. So lets just use some common sense people. O, and if you see a girl in a blue top with a brown pit bull....feel free to kick her.
