Why do so many dog owners....?

Question

Why do so many dog owners think the world is there for them and their pooches to use as a public property? I know a lot of owners pick up the droppings after their animal has defficated on a footpath or whatever, but most don't. What has really got to me lately is that my wife, who is a PE teacher at a local school, has to put up with dog owners taking their dogs for a walk across the school playing fields whilst she is trying to teach a lesson! When she has asked the dog owners to get off the field she has recieved answers such as the classic "It's ok, he won't bite", which is one of the most stupid, to "Well where else can I take him for a walk" and of course obsenities. If you buy a dog, and you don't own enough land to exercise it, don't assume all open spaces, private or public are there for you to tke your dog onto. Do owners get a perverted thrill out of knowing their dog has used a school playing field as its toilet? Even if you do collect its muck, the germs are still there.

Just a note to Sasha, the dog walkers don't have a band. If they did perhaps they could play some music to entertain their dogs while they crap.

Answer 1

The people walking their dogs do not have a right to use the school field as a personal dog park. I agree but if you live a city like New York then the dog owner should take responsibility and clean up after their dog and/or take them to a designated dog park. However as for the germ thing. Think about how many animals come out at night when that field is empty I wouldnt be to concerned about a tamed dog when feral cats and rabid raccoons use that same field every night as their own personal toilet.

Answer 2

I like to think I am a responsible dog owner..therefore I would not even consider taking my dogs anywhere near school playing fields as this is not public land and is for the use of the children. I do pick up my dogs mess and I walk them in urban country parks where it is ok for them to be off the lead...what annoys me is when people think it is ok for their kids to approach my dogs....I go out of my way to avoid upsetting families and just wish that some people would not think its ok for their kids to chase after my dogs! As for the playing fields? I cannot believe that the school does not have the grounds to get these offenders off their land....surely from a security reason if nothing else....the school grounds should not be open access to all and sundry...dog or no dog.

Answer 3

First off school property is not public and you can tell them that and threaten then with a trespass notice and there a good reason for school property not being public which is is that a dog walker or child molester with a dog as there no way to tell thus both should be banned so tell you wife to report the safety issue and put up no trespassing notices if there not there.

Personally I agree with you though a notable percentage of dog walkers are simply rude uncaring people who seen to only care for them self as I only see one in 50 walking with a bag and scoop when there walking there dogs

Answer 4

There are signs that can be put up - and even the illiterate idiots such as you describe can figure them out because they're in pictures.
They have a pic of a dog with a red circle and a line going through it - like a no smoking sign.
There are also bylay officers who should be called to deal with this sort of thing - and if it doesn't stop, then the school should put up a chain link fence that will make the field inaccessible.

Answer 5

Here again the problem isn't the dog it's the owner.. It seems to me a talk with the school administration is the best place to start and then post some signs along the outter edge of the school field stating that it is school property and no trespassing, and no animals.
This would be especially significant considering all the recent dog bites..........

Answer 6

I agree that people who use children's playing fields as potties for their dogs are wrong, selfish and thoughtless. I don't want one of my kids playing baseball to dive for a line drive and come up covered in feces!

I think these are the same people who throw trash out car windows, and drop cigarettes and gum on the sidewalks. Flog them all!

A fellow dog lover who was equally angry about this used to carry those biodegradable poop bags in her pocket wherever she went.

If she spotted someone letting their dog poop without cleaning it up, she would smile sweetly, hand the owner a bag and say "Looks like you forgot something." LOL

It is too bad the school can't post the fields as not to be used while classes are in session. Of course, that doesn't help with the kind of a numbskull that walks their dog on the field during a class.

Answer 7

There is usually a sign at most park entrances that say dogs on leash or no dogs.. and will tell you if dogs are permitted off leash.. but during school hours i think the people need more conciteration.. And use the sidewalk around the school.. :) i am sure there is a place alnong the way to do their business.. or even an alley way..

Answer 8

I have 2 dogs and walk them on the public park opposite my house. I wouldn't dare walk them on a school playing field whilst the kids were there. I can't believe how stupid some people are. I do agree with you though, an awful lot of people don't pick up after their dogs and it drives me mad cos its my dogs who get the blame (amongst others) I saw a man walk past his dog whilst it poo'd yesterday and just ignored it, so I marched up to him and offered him a 'spare bag'. I was fuming that he could be so irrisponsible.

Answer 9

Your wife should talk to the school/PTO about having no tresspassing signs put up......if there are some contact the police and have thdm arrested. What idiots bring their dogs to a school I would never know but the Principal should know and not allow it, period. It is a health risk, liability and distraction. If she cannot get the principal to take a stand with her then go to the superintendant or school board and let them know that this can be a liability for them if a student is bitten or gets sick etc.

Answer 10

First, I always have my dog on leads if out of the fenced garden. Secondly, I would have a bag for the bog, if we did that kind of walking.
Thirdly, while I agree it is barmey to let one's loose dog run up to people's children, I think it is wise to train children to expect it, and to not be afraid without good reason (and to never shriek or run from a dog, because most will chase).
Having said that, not saying your are any of your friends are like the following, but:
Some people let their children run amuck, make far too much noise, and as far as I am concerned, are not fit to raise or care for common rats. I think all public places ought to be posted: "PARENTS CURB YOUR CHILDREN. All children under the age of ten must be on leads or in full control of an adult, failure to control children carries with it a fine of no less than £50!" Better to have to look out for dog leavings than to have to get gum off my trainers or dress shoes!
I do like children, it is the parents who often need the thrashing....