Missing Dogs - A Leonberger and a Jack Russel Cross

[Toodles McGinty]

The argument for and against muzzles is all very well for responsible dog owners. Sadly they are few and far between, it seems.

A perfect example: in the vicinity of my flat, there's a vile smackhead that has a huge mastiff type dog. He lets it roam free almost everywhere, unless it is on a very busy road. Now that might be the most gentle dog, but I wouldn't like to get close enough to find out. He has no control over it at all. But even if small dogs come bounding over to you, there's no way of knowing if they are dangerous.

Sure, responsible dog owners might use the colour coded leads. I haven't seen any around town. I see lots of thugs with whatever the current 'muscle dog' fashion is, again with no control whatsoever. I see lots of owners for whom their dogs are part of their family, as have mine been. I wouldn't have minded if the law stated they had to be muzzled for public safety.

[carliol]

Definitions
scroat
(Adult / Slang)
Or: scrote , in England, a term of abuse for a despised or despicable person.

Thank you. I could have looked it up, but had other things to do.

But why should scroats (or scrots) be particularly desirous of approaching a dog, as in post no.10 (Knot wright)? Does approaching a dog mark you out as a scroat? Puzzling!

[Ralphy Rylance]

Thank you. I could have looked it up, but had other things to do.

But why should scroats (or scrots) be particularly desirous of approaching a dog, as in post no.10 (Knot wright)? Does approaching a dog mark you out as a scroat? Puzzling!

I think what they were trying to say is that an undesirable person might think twice about mugging you if you have a dog with you that is capable of fending them off.

[Knot wright]

what my fumble fingers missed out , is that some dog owners have been approached by undesirables to find out what the dog is like for bait , having the coloured lead system removes the need for this , then the attack dog and its owner know what they are up against from a distance , and if muzzled by its law abiding owner , the dog on the receiving end cannot defend itself ... any way I am lucky , I live near fields and country footpaths , the dogs can go make some carrots taste funny !!!

[carliol]

what my fumble fingers missed out , is that some dog owners have been approached by undesirables to find out what the dog is like for bait , having the coloured lead system removes the need for this , then the attack dog and its owner know what they are up against from a distance , and if muzzled by its law abiding owner , the dog on the receiving end cannot defend itself ... any way I am lucky , I live near fields and country footpaths , the dogs can go make some carrots taste funny !!!

This is fascinating, but confusing. I have never seen the coloured lead system, but then I have never bothered to look closely. I puzzled by the word bait here. Do the undesirables have dogs themselves, presumably large ones, bent on devouring smaller animals.

If I were a dog owner, I would use the lead which signified, 'keep your distance you scroat'. However if I had, say, a Chihuahua, this signal might be met with some scepticism by the approaching undesirable.

I never realised that all this sub-culture existed.

[Shigbat]

Dogs in public places should not just be on a lead, they should be muzzled as well.

I really need to ask what level of carnage has drawn you to the conclusion that all dogs need to be tethered and muzzled&
I've never had any issues with a dog and more often than not the bigger the dog the less they have to prove and are therefore calmer and easier going.
What's your stance on children playing in the street and picnickers in parks and the like.
Dogs do far more good than bad. They are lifesavers in some instances and therapeutic for many. I'm including myself among them.
As an aside, do you have pets or children yourself?
Sb

[carliol]

I really need to ask what level of carnage has drawn you to the conclusion that all dogs need to be tethered and muzzled&
I've never had any issues with a dog and more often than not the bigger the dog the less they have to prove and are therefore calmer and easier going.
What's your stance on children playing in the street and picnickers in parks and the like.
Dogs do far more good than bad. They are lifesavers in some instances and therapeutic for many. I'm including myself among them.
As an aside, do you have pets or children yourself?
Sb

I think DixieRoy was throwing a stick for some people to chase (doggy analogy). You caught it, and brought it back.

Not sure about your side issue. Do children playing in the street and picnickers present a hazard? "Look out! That picnicker is about to throw a scotch egg". The canine psychology also seems rather dubious. "I'm big, don't mess with me".

But I agree, dogs can perform many vital services, guide dogs etc.

[DixieRoy]

I think DixieRoy was throwing a stick for some people to chase (doggy analogy). You caught it, and brought it back.

Not sure about your side issue. Do children playing in the street and picnickers present a hazard? "Look out! That picnicker is about to throw a scotch egg". The canine psychology also seems rather dubious. "I'm big, don't mess with me".

But I agree, dogs can perform many vital services, guide dogs etc.

Dixieroy was stating his opinion, and does not need to justify that opinion to either of you.
But I will say this, if you are happy to continue to read and hear about uncontrolled dogs attacking people and other dogs, then you are in denial of a real problem.

[carliol]

Dixieroy was stating his opinion, and does not need to justify that opinion to either of you.
But I will say this, if you are happy to continue to read and hear about uncontrolled dogs attacking people and other dogs, then you are in denial of a real problem.

Sounds as though you are justifying it.

But yes, you have a fair point. What you describe happens all too often, and I am not in denial and am not happy to read or hear about it (very unhappy actually).