I wish people would get their dogs under control (Monument: homes, neighborhood)

[phetaroi]

I like dogs. But I tire of those people who let their dogs harass people.

I like to go out for a daily walk on public sidewalks in the neighborhood. The constant barking is annoying enough. The lunging at the fence is over the line. The dog who can get his front legs and head over the fence...but luckily not his whole body...is way over the line.

[RandyWatson13]

I agree. Control them please.

[Carrera32]

We just moved to COS and settled in a neighborhood that borders Monument Valley Part. We moved to that area in part because of the park. We just adopted a retired racing greyhound. One of the stipulations for adopting a greyhound is that she must be leashed at all times when we take her out There are numerous reasons (among them are that they're sight hounds, and if they see small furry creatures, they'll chase them and most likely won't obey verbal commands to cease and desist). Suffice to say, she's always leashed when I walk her in the park. Most of the people I meet who are their dogs don't have have on leashes. When they see us, most will leash their dogs and everything's fine. However, yesterday, I was overtaken by four large enthusiastic unleashed dogs, with their owners about 100 yards behind them. With my newly adopted greyhound, who's not fully socialized yet, I was more than a bit concerned to be surrounded by these guys. Luckily, they were friendly, and my dog is used to being around other dogs, so we were ok. But I had no way of knowing that. How about it folks, aside from any legality (I think the rules of the park require leashes), could y'all agree to let your dogs off leash on the playing fields, and leave the trails to those of us who walk our dogs on leashes?

[lalahartma]

Originally Posted by phetaroi

I like dogs. But I tire of those people who let their dogs harass people.

I like to go out for a daily walk on public sidewalks in the neighborhood. The constant barking is annoying enough. The lunging at the fence is over the line. The dog who can get his front legs and head over the fence...but luckily not his whole body...is way over the line.

Sorry, you just have to tolerate it. The dogs are confined on private property. Unless they get out, you have to deal.

[phetaroi]

Legally, you're probably correct. But there is also such a thing a personal and community responsibility.

[lalahartma]

Most dogs are under-exercised and bored. They are protecting their property. Maybe you should try talking to them and throwing them some treats. Then they will be happy to see you eventually. That's what garbage, mail-carriers and delivery folks do.

[AUNTIEMinCOLORADO]

I had a problem with a couple of neighbors dogs coming into my yard. One of the dogs had already bit a child in the neighborhood and I was afraid it was going to do the same to my grand baby that was out visiting.
So, I called El Paso County animal control who basically said that it was my job to fence out unwanted animals. Odd, you'd think that it would be the responsibility of the dog owner to fence in their animals. But after speaking with LE, I was told the same. I was also told I could shoot it.
I opted for a paintball gun in case it comes back and a big stick for my walks.
I've even thought about buying a flute for my walks.

Also, I'd be reluctant to throw someones dog a treat. Not all dog owners like it when strangers feed their animals.

[Vision67]

It's a sad fact that most dog "owners" soon become bored with their dogs. They likely got a dog because their children wanted a puppy. However, that short time soon is forgotten and their dog becomes an unwanted, ignored obligation.

We have several dogs and we walk them daily, always on a leash. As far as I can tell, we're the only people in the neighborhood that do daily walks. The rest of the dogs spend their lives bored and barking in their fenced yards.

If they are unwilling to care for the dog, most people should avoid getting one.

[Angel Calzadilla]

Originally Posted by phetaroi

Legally, you're probably correct. But there is also such a thing a personal and community responsibility.

I like very much of what you have stated "But there is also such a thing a personal and community responsability"
I do respect very well everybody and its dogs as animal companions and pets in general, but most of dow owners have to take responsability and understand that we all humans are priority above any animal life and the wellbeing of any citizen is not less important than any animal or pets rights even in their homes.
Dogs even in their owners private front yards where pedestrians are passing or walking by the sidewalks have to be under supervision.
I believe that we all live in a very civilizated society !

[allprolab]

Originally Posted by lalahartma

Most dogs are under-exercised and bored. They are protecting their property. Maybe you should try talking to them and throwing them some treats. Then they will be happy to see you eventually. That's what garbage, mail-carriers and delivery folks do.

I'm not too crazy about anyone feeding my dog treats that I don't know. But I'd also like to say that no one would be having this problem with my dogs. If your property line is along a sidewalk I think you do have an obligation to make it safe for people to walk by, "mean" dog or not. But dogs will bark. Most are doing it out of nervousness because they don't know you. Some don't handle nerves as well as others, and a good dog owner wouldn't put the dog in that position for his sake as well as others.