I’d ban some types of dog, and not just the bitey ones either, things like English Bulldogs struggle to breathe and can’t give birth without a vets assistance. id make it a bit more inconvenient to become a dog owner as well.
most dogs are fine and cool, some owners need a hoof in the slats though
See, I like to read the OP, then skip forward to the last half a dozen posts and see where it’s gone on these ones. Cracking stuff.
I generally like to let the thread make it at least 3 pages before I pop in to see how it's going and whether TJ has made it into orbit yet.
My dog is kept on her lead when any people are about. If your kids have some kind of breakdown if they walk past her on the pavement then I suggest you take them to counselling.
Not everyone's is though. I was scared of dogs as a kid precisely because I was bitten several times and chased many more. So yeah don't blame me for that particular experience-based rational fear.
Deleted, cba.
@Tom D
I think any comparison falls down at the fact if you get fed up with your dog you can have it put down / sell on gumtree / abandom as you see fit. Without breaking any laws. It’s a resonsibility only so far as you can be arsed with it
I know it's not the same as many kids are in care for various reasons but some are when their parents get fed up with their children and mostly they are not breaking the law. Below is an extract from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/childrens-social-care-data-in-england-2021/main-findings-childrens-social-care-in-england-2021
Out of the 12 million children living in England, just under 400,000 (3%) are in the social care system at any one time. More than 80,000 of these children are children in care.
Out of the 12 million children living in England, just under 400,000 (3%) are in the social care system at any one time. More than 80,000 of these children are children in care.
To compare, just out of curiosity:
The UK pet population in 2018* is estimated at 9.0 million dogs. The RSPCA alone took in 10,564 dogs in 2019.
An estimated 2.7 million animals enter UK animal shelters each year. Of these, 1.2 million are cats, 664,000 are dogs, and 184,000 are other animals (fish, small mammals, etc.)
Over 50% of dogs entering UK animal shelters are not spayed or neutered. As a result, over 2 million puppies are born every year, and 600,000 of them will die before their first birthday. (From Petkeen.com)
edit : That 664,000 looks high to me...
I generally like to let the thread make it at least 3 pages before I pop in to see how it’s going and whether TJ has made it into orbit yet.
I like to get a post or two in before TJ tells us how it is.
You do realise that fertility rates are dropping already?
Is there a link between that and a rise in pet ownership?
Well, I don't think we've have a successful dog-human foetus yet.
TJ wont be interested unless you are suggesting that dogs should always wear a helmet to protect the children
or "obvious troll is...."
Thanks, I was getting worried no one was going to criticise my kids and my parenting.
I was worried standards were slipping.
Totally different to you making assumptions about dog owners dogging capability of course.
I like dogs. I grew up with a working border collie who was a joy every day. I'm sure she positively influenced how I turned out as a person. However I'm not currently able to give a dog what it needs so I don't have one. Easy.
Are you saying youd be ok with dogs if they are trained for rimming?
I don't think it would take much training, my dogs lick pretty much anything.
I haven't offered up my arse to them and never will, not even to prove a point on a troll fest of a thread on a bike forum, but I think it is a given they would do it.
I love dogs. But I couldn't eat a whole one.
Unsurprisingly we didn’t ban balloons…
we probably should, though. other than some fleeting enjoyment for some people, balloons are nothing more than pollution.
I don’t think it would take much training, my dogs lick pretty much anything.
if there is any reluctance, a smear of peanut butter will get them licking anything
I like dogs, well most of them. I don’t have a dog.
Dogs cause issues that we should be honest about. One big issue here is bird disturbance, especially on beaches. People shouldn’t let dogs run free on beaches and dunes and they shouldn’t let them run free on nature reserves. I see numerous dogs running far from their owners and even chasing birds on the low tide sand.
They play havoc with waders, especially in cold weather. They are disastrous for ground nesting birds.
Is anyone keeping count of how many people change their opinion as a result of this discussion?
Is anyone keeping count of how many people change their opinion as a result of this discussion?
You can put me down as a yes. I have just taken mine out into the garden and finished them off with a shovel such was the compelling argument for people not to have dogs.
Totally different to you making assumptions about dog owners dogging capability of course.
Well, yes. The comment wasn't made in order to offer a useful suggestion. It was made in order to infer that there is something wrong with my kids.
How do you think me attempting to get therapy for my kids would go? Maybe you could give me an example of how the conversation with the GP would go and then, once we'd been referred to the dog phobia specialist, how these therapy sessions progress. Do they start by putting him in a room with a stuffed chihuahua and eventually he progresses to the point where he can comfortably wrestle a bear cub?
It wasn't a serious suggestion. It was an attempt to wind me up by saying there is something wrong with my kids. However, attacking people's kids is an entirely expected tactic in these threads so it's not really that inciting. It's just pathetic.
I'm not making a suggestion here either. And it's not with the intention of winding anyone up, it's my honest opinion.
If you live in a town and you leave the dog alone for 8 to 10 hours per day, you probably should not own a dog.
I know dog owners who have made the lifestyle adjustments to responsibly own a dog but the vast majority of dog owners where I live do not. They don't care about people in their community, they don't even care that much about their dogs no matter how much they like the snuggles.
They own a dog for their own 'needs' and, as one poster has already said, don't give a shit about my kids, anyone else's kids, anyone else in general, and not even their own dog's needs.
How do you think me attempting to get therapy for my kids would go? Maybe you could give me an example of how the conversation with the GP would go and then, once we’d been referred to the dog phobia specialist, how these therapy sessions progress. Do they start by putting him in a room with a stuffed chihuahua and eventually he progresses to the point where he can comfortably wrestle a bear cub?
Not at all. We have a friend who's lad was really scared of dogs. Didn't actually take too long with another friends super gentle lab to get him over it. He now has a dog of his own. Obviously everyone is different but if you genuinely do want to help your kids get past it then there may be simpler ways to do it.
So quick summary (But probably wrong and I know you will let us all know):
Dog owners or lovers - Its not the dogs we should ban its kids, cars, road bikes, chippy vans, lorries, alcohol, every other animal etc. If they didn't have a dog they would have a rubbish life. Some restrictions would be welcome for unsuitable owners and breeds.
Non dog owners or haters - They walk down the street and are constantly attacked by dogs. Dogs serve no purpose. Manage to function without a dog! Some restrictions would be welcome for unsuitable owners and breeds.
Dogs do have a place but I think that currently they are been treated by some as a consumable, disposable item. They are also being promoted by the companies making money (Insurance!!, Food, accessories) from all these pet owners, they want us to buy more an more animals so they make more money, like a mobile phone!
Two extra points which are silly:
Why do dogs suddenly all need jumpers, coats, socks etc. How have they survived the chill before now or could it be someone is just making money?
They have had films and tv shows about every other person disappearing, electricity stopping, the internet stopping etc but never what would happen if all the dogs went!! makes you think.. 🙂
@BruceWee Whoa, hold the phone, talk about reading what you want to see and not what's written!
You are clearly referring to me with this statement:
and, as one poster has already said, don’t give a shit about my kids, anyone else’s kids, anyone else in general, and not even their own dog’s needs.
Can you please point out where in this statement
Nope, couldn’t give a shit whether your kids like dogs or not,
i have said anything that you have posited in your comment??
no, thought not.
I dont care whether your kids like dogs or not, it's nothing to do with me. It's like getting offended that i dont care if your kids like Clowns or not.
Not at all. We have a friend who’s lad was really scared of dogs. Didn’t actually take too long with another friends super gentle lab to get him over it. He now has a dog of his own. Obviously everyone is different but if you genuinely do want to help your kids get past it then there may be simpler ways to do it.
Was just about to tell a similar story about when Bella met some primary school children on a field trip. One child who was initially scared was happily petting Bella and feeding her treats within minutes. I heard just how much the little girl had been affected from the lollipop lady the next day. She knew it must have been Bella from how the little girl had excitedly explained how her new best friend was a big black dog and she was no longer scared of dogs.
It's easy to rant about the bad dog owners, but if you meet a good one, chances are, they'll be more than willing to help out if your children are nervous and their dog is suitable.
Hello seeing as I have been mentioned
there is an obvious solution to allthis
Anyone who calls their dogs "furbabies" - dog and owner shot
Anyone who says " he is only playing" - dog and owner shot
Anyone wgo does not control their dog properly - yup - shot both of them
anyone who hangs dog poo in trees or does not pick up YOu guessed it - dog and owner shot.
Anyone who buys clothes for their dog - guess what....
Reduce our overpopulation and there would be very few dogs left around as this mythical responsible dog owner is a very rare thing indeed.
Why do dogs suddenly all need jumpers, coats, socks etc. How have they survived the chill before now or could it be someone is just making money?
I have one for my spaniel for the sole reason that it helps prevent her covering herself in so much mud if the ground is wet. Less mud = less washing when we get home. It only gets worn on those walks.
In the case of a puffa jacket on rat in a handbag, they can get in the sea.
What about Horses! Can't we ban them? The poo is bigger?
I would suggest there are lots of things we could ban, motorsport seems pretty pointless and I'm not a fan. Just pollutes and consumes resources as far as I see.
Its a slippery slope 🙂
TL:DR, I like my dog. There should be restrictions though about who can own one.
Last I was out on the gravel bike, I met two dog/owner pairs I remember, within 30 seconds of each other.
The first owner moved to one side of the path, gestured for his (off the lead but clearly well trained) dog to sit in front of him, and then maintained eye contact with it while it sat there as I went past. We exchanged hellos.
The second owner's dog made a bee-line for me straight away, and chased me for a few hundred yards past the owner who was flailing and shouting ineffectively. Eventually the dog gave up.
More like the first please.
Football. I don't like that. Can we ban it? Think of all the travel it would reduce and lots of alcohol induced antisocial behaviour. Not to mention pointless bitter rivalries.
I think it's time for a break and a nice cuppa.
Is there a link between that and a rise in pet ownership?
According to the Pope - yes.
People treat dogs like easier to look after children.
Hello seeing as I have been mentioned
there is an obvious solution to allthis
Anyone who calls their dogs “furbabies” – dog and owner shot
Anyone who says ” he is only playing” – dog and owner shot
Anyone wgo does not control their dog properly – yup – shot both of them
anyone who hangs dog poo in trees or does not pick up YOu guessed it – dog and owner shot.
Anyone who buys clothes for their dog – guess what….
@tjagain - And those who buy a pet for their pets?
The tolerance in here is breathtaking.
it's a nice day outside, why not go and see and enjoy it.
Why do dogs suddenly all need jumpers, coats, socks etc. How have they survived the chill before now or could it be someone is just making money?
In a similar way to humans. Dogs now live in warm central heated homes, their coats tend not to be as thick and they’re climatised to be being indoors. There paws are still very soft and can cut, split or peel easily so shoes are used to help prevent this. Why do you wear shoes?
it’s a nice day outside, why not go and see and enjoy it.
We're off out shortly to take my mates dog out for a walk. Theres no way I could be arsed having a dog around all the time, for all manner of reasons, but happy to join my mate for a stroll (to the pub) when he takes his (completely mad) pooch out.
Perhaps this is the way forward? Shared ownership or some sort of dog rental scheme? Possibly based around pubs?
I reckon I'm on to something here
Perhaps this is the way forward? Shared ownership or some sort of dog rental scheme? Possibly based around pubs?
I reckon I’m on to something here
Or way behind 🙂
There's already lots of ways to do this. BorrowMyDoggy links up owners and people who want to take a dog out for the day. Lots of shelters have volunteer dog walkers. We do foster care for a rescue charity. We were at a little village in Ireland recently and there was a dog who was happy to be taken out for a walk in the hills. The local guide said he knew the trails better than anyone else and would always get you home.
Squirrelking - want to borrow my gun? We could shoot all the intolerant folk 🙂
Can we bring back monkeys as pets? Sort of a halfway house between dogs and kids.
I'd like a marmoset. Anything bigger would be rather challenging.
Not at all. We have a friend who’s lad was really scared of dogs. Didn’t actually take too long with another friends super gentle lab to get him over it. He now has a dog of his own. Obviously everyone is different but if you genuinely do want to help your kids get past it then there may be simpler ways to do it.
He's actually getting better as he gets older. The problem is that there are situations he really shouldn't be finding himself in that knock his confidence.
A few weeks ago I was walking him and a couple of his friends back to our place. He asked me to walk 50 yards ahead of them (getting to that age). I walked past a junction and then heard one of his friends come running up behind me crying.
I turned round and my son and his other friend were retreating back up the road in tears. Between me and them were two teenagers and what must have been between 12 and 16 dogs (difficult to count them with all the jumping and yapping).
I'm guessing these two enterprising youths decided to set up a dog walking business together. Didn't seem to occur to them that negotiating narrow pavements with a pack of dogs might not be in the best interests of anyone they happened to meet.
No doubt the owners are just happy they don't have to go out with their lockdown companions and aren't too worried about what their dogs are doing.
So yeah, if we can avoid experiences like that and others like ****s deciding that the local play park is the perfect place to let their dogs run free (despite the obvious signs saying dogs must be kept on a leash) then I'm sure he would get over it in his own time.
Like I said though, the original comment was meant to imply there's something wrong with my son, not to offer helpful advice.
Can we bring back monkeys as pets? Sort of a halfway house between dogs and kids.
Thats a fair point. Never mind hanging their shit in bags in trees, its far worse when they're flinging it at your head
Generally I like dogs and we have a dog. But I don't like the ^&*$ing owners that allow their dog to shit on my lawn right next to the driver's door of our car as I found this morning. You sir/madam are a filthy animal.
Is anyone keeping count of how many people change their opinion as a result of this discussion?
I wouldn't say it's changed my opinion.
However, it's made me realise I have some pent up anger about this issue (you might not have noticed) because I don't remember being this pissed off with the local dog owners last time we talked about dogs.
I think my opinion has been changed a bit by this thread mainly by the advocates of dog ownership, against owning dogs.
I dunno why I'm surprised to learn that 1/3 of households own dogs in this country (it's getting close to 100% amongst folks I know, including the vegans). That is a massive industry and sector of the economy (big dog, if you will. Insert riff here). If we're making small changes in favour of the planet, ditching the dog would be one.
Which is a a shame as I really like dogs. Why wouldn't I? They've evolved alongside us with strong evolutionary pressure to make them likable to us. Don't let the fury little ****ers take you in!
Yes, some dog owners shouldn't have dogs. I think we can all agree on that?
But some of you really need to learn some tolerance, or seek help.
Calm down, not every single thing written on this thread is about you.
Absolutely, but it is fair to assume that this statement:
They own a dog for their own ‘needs’ and, as one poster has already said, don’t give a shit about my kids, anyone else’s kids, anyone else in general, and not even their own dog’s needs.
Is about me, it is pretty definitively about one poster. You're making some massive assumptions based on f all other than your own dislike of dogs and dog owners. You've also completely ignored the comparison I made to your (assumed) lack of compasion to my dislike of people, kids and social interaction. Was it poorly worded? Yep, probably. Was it accurate? Absolutely!
Friendly olive branch? Sure, why not, its the other end of the stick you're holding where you can't see any social benefit to dog ownership so they should be banned.
I took it as the sign of someone whose sense of entitlement made them unable to realise that their ‘needs’ might negatively impact others which is obviously not you.
Thank you, apology accepted...