Running At Large - Page 1

Looking for input on members definition of Dog running at large - General definition overall. Not looking for any particular State or Town Ordinance, just members general definition & opinions. Thanks VB

Any time a dog is outside its own property and is not under the supervision of a person.

This would be my definition.

What Echo said.  The farmers around here call them "legal to shoot when running deer or cattle"

"Not Restrained",

"Not Restrained",

Not fenced or tied when outside (I know, don't start on tied, that wasn't the question), not leashed when off owners property in public.  Dogs running at large include:

Dog parks,
loose on trails 
loose in campgrounds
loose on school grounds
chasing my livestock
wandering neighborhoods
not under the owners direct control

Not under the owners direct control in most cases means off leashed, more often then not a dog does not have good enough training to be off leash and still under control.  I'm talking the average owner, not many here that actually train their dogs.
 

I agree with Ninja181 and Animules; any dog that is unleashed when off their owner’s property. And you are absolutely correct about most dog owner’s not having control over their dogs when they’re off leash Animules. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had dogs racing up to me with panicked owner’s screaming their names and chasing after them. Clearly, these dogs are NOT under their owner’s control.

I understand that sometimes dogs accidentally get away from their owners, break out of kennels and yards or slip out front doors, but too many people intentionally let their dogs play off leash in public areas because they THINK they know, and have control over, their dog(s). These people are naïve morons!

What pisses me off the most is when owner’s, attempting to justify their stupidity, try to convince me that their dog(s) are “friendly.” This usually happens after I’ve called the owner a moron. The owner’s only concern seems to be that their dog will not attack or bite someone. Maybe they won’t, but most people certainly don’t know that when a dog is running towards them. What about traffic or any other danger that might bring the dog harm? Where is the concern for members of the general public who are leery or scared of dogs: particularly big dogs? Most people that I know who are frightened of dogs had an experience as a child where an unleashed dog chased them: not necessarily aggressively, but it still leaves a lasting impression. It makes you wonder why so many people dislike dogs or think that all large breeds are dangerous.

Karen

I consider Running at large, being a dog off lead, off the owners property with the owner not directly next to and in control of the dog. Heeling off lead or within a reasonable distance from the dog and the dog returns on one direct whistle or call would not be considered "At Large" in my book. If the owner is 40 feet away and the dog is allowed to run through people's yards I consider not in control and "At Large".

Tina

Good answer Animules and very good K-9 mom.  So we go a step further owner on front of his/her own property with a Sch 3 and or CGC titled dog not on leash (in town with no mandatory leash law). Again dog is not in a public area as a park or playground and under verbal / hand control " would this be defined as Running At Large" ? thanks again VB

A dog "running at large" is going to be defined in each county or city in their animal control laws. Generally, it will refer to a dog who is off its' own property and off-leash. The area, with the exception of an area that allows off-leash dogs *(such as a dog park) normally does not matter. An off-leash dog on public lands, or places where one does not own the property, is an dog at large.

Can a dog be at large in ones' own yard? In my opinion, yes. IF a dog is aggressive towards others who walk by, chasing people or animals from its own yard because it is not confined by a fence, then, in my opinion, this too can qualify as a dog at large. The bottom line is that dogs should be under control at all times, and unfortunately, for most people who own dogs, they have no clue about what that means or how to get such control. Even really well behaved dogs, including SchH trained dogs, make mistakes, just as do humans. When a dog runs into the street and is killed by a car, or leaves a yard to chase down a dog, or a person, one gets consequences that come from not having a dog under control. In most situations, people become too complacent and think their dog is under control when, in reality, it is not. Seen it a million times.....and normally, it is the dog who pays for that, sometimes with it's life.

I own a large parcel of property. My dogs are NEVER off of it off-leash. However, they are NEVER out and having free run of the place either. I make sure there are no surprises when someone comes on my property even though all my business is done by appointment only. In other words, I am a fanatic about making sure my dogs REALLY are under control. And that means they are either in their kennels or I am right there with them. If someone comes onto the property, I put them away. Why? Not because I don't trust them, because I do. But because if I am too arrogant, and something happens, it will be the dog who pays for it.

I always tell my training clients that their dog need not like other dogs or other people, but it MUST ALWAYS be under direct control. I do not consider being off leash, even on my own property as "direct control". I cannot afford to ever have any kind of incident, so I make damn sure it never happens. That is conservative, but in my book, it is also wise.