Tracking on public property - Page 1

I like the double entry on another post:  "normally come when called." This is my worst problem when taking my dog tracking on public lands. Normally, most people's dogs do not come when called. They generally ignore all screams, threats and pleadings and just do whatever they want. I tell my dog to platz when other dogs advance at lightening speed all the while their owners are becoming apoplectic about their dog running up to a GSD. My dog stays platzed with me while I tell the owner to come get the errant dog. Then proceed to give the owner proper ___ and mention the topic of leash use for dogs that have no training. Whereupon, the recalcitrant owner takes great offense and says if my dog doesn't like other dogs, they shouldn't be in a public place. All the while my dog continues in a down and the first owner, me, becomes nearly apoplectic in demonstrating that my dog is not the dangerous animal that the other owner should in all cases try to avoid. This usually educates the other owner that I am clearly insane and to be avoided at all costs. Job done.

This is the reason why a) dog trainers and behaviourists' phone lines are ringing, and b) shelters/rescues are swelling at the seams. For every good handler that has control over his/her said K9....there is scores more who don't. I've come to the conclusion, you just can't fix stupid in people.

But, you did the right thing.

Wow, does that scenario ever sound painfully familiar.

I love the way you put it! Cant help but laugh too :P :D

Kacey ... "DITTO".... !!

I do not do tracking with any of my dogs. Not becuase I don't want to but had both hips replaced and one is bad so don't have the mobility I would like. But I did train my male Bouvier to be a physical assist dog. He is great at what he does and very well trained. Where this is similar in public is when we come accross other dogs that are suppose to be service dogs. I cannot tell you how many times we have been at a Wal Marts or one of the malls here and while shopping came across someone who had a dog they claimed was a service dog wearing a vest and having thier dog actually go for mine in an agressive manor. What is so amazing is how these people with the dogs that have not had the proper training will get defensive and blame my male because he is so large and they say he scared their dog and thats why they became agressive. Lucky for me my boy just stands there like he is in shock they would even try something but he has never made a move on another dog. Sort of like the big guy at then end of the bar no one wants to mess with but their is always a drunk who will and it never ends well. lol

And don't you love it when the other owner who can't get their dog to come back yells, "don't worry, he's friendly!"  LMAO  I wish I had a dime for every time I've heard that.