[Closed] Prepare the flame retardant suit - Dogs

7 pages, then closed. 2 bans and a flounce

I'm off to walk this gorgeous girl

No

Can I add "Pointless walking shit factories existing only for the vanity of owners" without reading anything else in the thread and then never contribute or view again please.

Dog tax to recoup the lost car tax revenue.

Big bear dog = SUV.
Little hamster dog = smart car.

Mandatory tax discs on the collar.

Obviously I'm being ridiculous.... Sometimes that gets lost on here!

I'm not a people person but I am a pet person.

There are a lot of people with dogs who don't seem willing to put the work in. The number of times I get comments like "oh, what a good dog", or "wish mine behaved like that". It's not rocket surgery, we just put the work in.

Certainly don't think there should be a blanket ban but I've no objection to ownership being more selective.

As for the environment angle, where do we draw the line?

You're advocating a life of misery for many people, yes?

Dogging Tax

Can I add “Pointless walking shit factories existing only for the vanity of owners” without reading anything else in the thread and then never contribute or view again please.

Isn't that children?

Can I add “Pointless walking shit factories existing only for the vanity of owners” without reading anything else in the thread and then never contribute or view again please.

Made me LOL.

You probably knew you were on a hiding to nothing OP.

Now if you'd gone for cats...

Since we know nothing about the dog involved or the circumstances anything posted is going to be purely conjecture & opinion.

How about leaving it alone till we know a bit more?

A lot of people who have dogs probably shouldn't have, but you could probably say the same about children.

Does he work for the Government? Makes you think ...

What about just having pet training for the potential pet owners to make sure the pets are properly looked after and trained.

At least we aren't like America where any loon can have a chimp or a lion!

I will break the rule about not reposting but, yes, you can add squirrels, cats and children to the list.

My sister had a go at me for owning more than one car and the fact one was unnecessarily fast and sporty. I pointed out she had three very nice but fundamentally pointless children and before she lectured me about my environmental impact she should have learn to keep her legs shut. We then pulled the crackers and continued the family Christmas dinner.

It's time they isolated the gene in cats that makes them burry their own poop. If they could do that and then introduce that gene into dogs, I might well become a dog owner.

In the last year I've twice had to use my bike to shield myself from dogs that are attacking me.
The first time I genuinely thought that my time was up as 3 Vislas were going for me and the owner was off in the distance and couldn't recall them.
The second time, yesterday, was when a professional dog walker with 8 dogs had no control over them and a couple of them went for me.
Working dogs only would be my preferred option.

I'm a dog loving person (though haven't had one for a while), but the number of badly managed dogs when I'm out and about drives me bonkers. Dog muck left, or left in bags, dogs running, jumping and attacking other dogs and people is very common in any popular public place I go. People who know their dogs hate bikes or will jump up at people yet still have them off the lead. Grrrrr....

I'd not ban dogs. I don't know what I'd do, but it's inconsiderate/clueless owners that are the issue, along with people jumping on the money making breeding bandwagon.

My spaniel is a working dog. Well, not right now as it's his lunch break and he's asleep on my feet. But come back when he's back on the clock.

Mind you, his definition of work seems to be annoying the local cats, barking at other dogs from the safety of his side of the fence, eating bird seed from the floor and trying to get snacks from our neighbours. He has a hard life.

He's still asleep.

I'm not asking for a ban, just for people to give a bit more thought into ownership. Its not an impulse buy.
If we aren't allowed to discuss yesterdays death how about this one:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/dog-attack-lincolnshire-baby-killed-b2030242.html
or this one
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/caerphilly-dog-attack-breed-jack-22333461
this one?
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/04/dogs-humanely-destroyed-after-fatal-attack-on-85-year-old-woman

Is it usually similar breeds that kill children? Could they extend the list of dangerous dogs? Or ban certain breeds from living with young children?

You’re advocating a life of misery for many people, yes?

The effect of dogs on my life has been entirely negative. Why should people be allowed to inflict that misery on me?

And I'm with the OP on the environmental impact - a dog in western society has an absolutely massive negative effect on the environment.

The environmental impact must vary massively, mine eats dry dog food that must be mostly waste from the food industry, 1 tin of meat a week and has non human consumption tripe on occasion add to that worm and flea treatments her impact cannot be that big can it?

Then again some of the shit dogs get fed she may well be the exception and a load of dogs seem to get driven somewhere for their walks.

Or ban certain breeds from living with young children?

Anything with a mouth bigger than a head?

Oh look, there's an R in the month.

I lost my dog 3 weeks ago, he was my best mate, I was rarely without him, we had some amazing adventures together, he was the family dog the kids grew up with him and he was one of the biggest things to keep me going when I’ve been at my lowest. It’s been awful since I lost him, I’ve slept badly, I’m at home at home on my own and he’s not there.

Tragic that there are dog attacks but they’re rare when you consider just how many people own a dog.

It’s time they isolated the gene in cats that makes them burry their own poop.

If only that were true!

Or just have a proper licence, with a test, and fines/points for not following rule 1.

Though, some of the breeding stuff that goes on terrifies me.
A neighbour had a show dog, best in class, won trophies and suchlike.
Poor thing was so inbred it was permanently in pain. Had problems walking and died at about 4 or 5 years old. The "usual" lifespan for a dog like that, or one with a bit of mongrel in it would be more like 12-15 years.

I've personally got nothing against adding a few hurdles to dog ownership. Its too easy to just go out and buy any type of dog you like and then not look after it properly which is bad for the dog and society in general.

There should also be tougher penalties for people, neglecting, mistreating or generally not controlling their dogs. Banning ownership completely as required.

Oh and an army of drones that throw shit at anyone found not picking up after their dogs

Is it time everyone started looking at dog ownership/breeding and thinking about the consequences?

Substitute 'Dog ownership/breeding' for:

Children.

Cats.

Guns.

Log burners.

Cars.

Parking.

Road bikes.

Crypto currency.

Blah blah blah.

Everybody should think more about the consequences of their choices and actions, the self entitled attitude that is prevailing in todays society is mental.

when you take the kids

I’m tempted to start a thread on the environmental impact of your kids, who are going to f’up the planet far more than my dog ever will

On a side note, the only people I’ve ever met who don’t like dogs are all slightly odd. I don’t think it’s a coincidence..

There’s simply too many dogs.

To me, dogs are synonymous with bronze/ iron-age settlements where there would be a couple of dogs running around within a hill fort.

Dogs are gregarious by nature, so need many more ‘owners’.

If dog ‘ownership’ rotated very day, the dogs would be better socialised.

I’ve got nothing against dogs, but they need to be pretty special to get into my social circle.

Growing up in the 1970’s, it seemed a fairly rare occurrence for someone to own a dog.

Is the whole pet ownership fad being driven by the meat/ veterinary industry?

There’s hardly any attacks by dogs in middle-class homes.

You either like em or you don't.
Apologies if you don't I try to kepe mine under control and not let them poo anywhere, plus we clean up after them.
In a huge dose of whataboutery I expect that your internet usage, bicycle riding, other forms of transport, stove use, other consumerism etc etc also has a huge environmental and moral impact.

You’re advocating a life of misery for many people, yes?

I'm pretty miserable and no one is interested in adjusting the rules of society to make me happy.

Dog ownership is entirely selfish. They don't improve the community in any way and actually make communities less pleasant for those who don't own dogs.

Obviously, we can't ban things just because they don't benefit the community as a whole.

However, I don't think responsible dog owners should be putting up too much resistance to having more barriers in place for wannabe dog owners.

I’m tempted to start a thread on the environmental impact of your kids, who are going to f’up the planet far more than my dog ever will

Your dog isn't going to wipe my arse when I'm old.

Someone's kids will.

Dogs and kids are not the same thing.

They don’t improve the community in any way

Depend on whose community you are referring to.

Another benefit of banning (phasing out) dog ownership would be a reduction in internet traffic caused by all the dog owners whinging about fireworks, every.bloody.year.

On a side note, the only people I’ve ever met who don’t like dogs are all slightly odd. I don’t think it’s a coincidence..

I've always thought that if you needed to enslave another sentient being for your own selfish gratification then there was clearly something missing from your soul. Still, takes all sorts, eh?

Depend on whose community you are referring to.

I'm sure they improve the quality of life for your family.

They don't improve the quality of life for your neighbours*.

*This is where you tell me about how your dogs play happily with the neighbour's kids and they love each other so your dog is improving the quality of life for everyone in your community ignoring the people whose heart starts racing when they see you and your dog walking towards them on the pavement.

There’s simply too many kids.

To me, kids are synonymous with bronze/ iron-age settlements where there would be a couple of kids running around within a wheel.

Kids are gregarious by nature, so need many more ‘owners’.

If kid ‘ownership’ rotated very day, the kid would be better socialised.

I’ve got nothing against kids, but they need to be pretty special to get into my social circle.

Growing up in the 1970’s, it seemed a fairly rare occurrence for someone to have more than one kid.

Is the whole child ownership fad being driven by the social service/media generation?

There’s hardly any attacks by kids in middle-class homes.

SWIDT

My spaniel is a working dog. Well, not right now as it’s his lunch break and he’s asleep on my feet. But come back when he’s back on the clock.

Mind you, his definition of work seems to be annoying the local cats, barking at other dogs from the safety of his side of the fence, eating bird seed from the floor and trying to get snacks from our neighbours. He has a hard life.

He’s still asleep.

I didn't know my missis had a log-in here! I'll have to watch myself in future.

SWIDT

DOGS ARE NOT KIDS.

Nobody's dog is going to ensure that society carries on in the future*.

Dogs and kids are not the same thing no matter how much dog owners like to pretend they are.

*If you want to argue that maybe society shouldn't continue then can we start a different thread for that?

Your dog isn’t going to wipe my arse when I’m old.

Someone’s kids will.

Dogs and kids are not the same thing.

My dogs wont go and rob an elderly lady in her home when there is nobody else around.

My dogs will however visit you and other people who need it and allow you to pet them and provide a companion.

*This is where you tell me about how your dogs play happily with the neighbour’s kids and they love each other so your dog is improving the quality of life for everyone in your community ignoring the people whose heart starts racing when they see you and your dog walking towards them on the pavement.

If you accept this is true then you admit your statement about not improving the community is wrong.
So we essentially agree, they do benefit some (communities that I define), they don't benefit others (communities that you define).
I do sympathise, but it is not gonna change. People have exactly the same arguements as you where you replace dog with bicycle, lorry, forriners, chip vans, etc etc.
If you were my neighbour and asked me to restrict my dog around you and your environment I would understand and comply, as much as is pragamtic. Communication is key here.

My dogs will however visit you and other people who need it and allow you to pet them and provide a companion.

If your dog comes near my kids they'll burst into tears and possibly run into the road to escape so overall they'd really prefer to avoid this 'companionship'.

This is the point where you not too subtly suggest I'm a bad parent because I haven't figured out how to condition my kids not to be scared of your companion.

Dog owner here, and would be happy to support sensible and proportionate controls on dog ownership, but I think it would need careful consideration. The vast majority of owners are responsible, and would probably follow the rules, but an irresponsible minority would not, so what would you do then?

My current pet hate is the preponderance of professional dog walkers (5+) who invade our local green space every lunchtime, often with between 5 and 8 dogs off the lead and leaving **** everywhere.

DOGS ARE NOT KIDS.

You mean furbabies aren't real babies?

Nobody’s dog is going to ensure that society carries on in the future*.

au contraire

I do sympathise, but it is not gonna change. People have exactly the same arguements as you where you replace dog with bicycle, lorry, forriners, chip vans, etc etc.

Bikes help people get to work, the shops, nursery, and do all this while reducing the use of fossil fuels. Good for the community.

Lorries are needed to transport everything society needs to function. Good for the community.

forriners - huh?

chip vans - I don't know. Maybe in the grand scheme of things they are bad for the community. However, people need to eat so I'm going to go out on a limb and say good for the community.

What service does your dog provide for the community?

Your dog isn’t going to wipe my arse when I’m old.

Someone’s kids will.

Dogs and kids are not the same thing.

Are you saying youd be ok with dogs if they are trained for rimming?

One thing people don't consider when having children is some of them grow up to become dog owners.

Are you saying youd be ok with dogs if they are trained for rimming?

What kind of nursing home did you send your folks to?

Asking for a friend.

Would that not be exploitation? I mean, my dog eats most things, but I am not sure I would be happy with him doing that. He is only 13 and very easily led.

Actually, quite literally easily led. He's super-good when out for a walk. Never really off the lead though, with his deafness he has a tendency to wander. Also, spaniel... Wandering leads to food.

Dead bodies in shallow graves in the woods are always found by dog owners. Makes you think…

This is the point where you not too subtly suggest I’m a bad parent because I haven’t figured out how to condition my kids not to be scared of your companion.

Nope, couldn’t give a shit whether your kids like dogs or not, or whether you are a bad parent. In the same way that you probably dont care that i dont like children or people and go out of my way to avoid social interaction when i can (crossing the road when i'm walking my dog being a prime example!).

OK I'm calling troll now, BruceWee refusing to see any other side of the conversation or concede any points. Happy to have reasonable disucssion but not going to argue with dogmatic people.

As a vegetarian and dog owner, no-one is using the 'animals taking up too much of the world's resources' line to convince me not to have a dog. Ours brings so much to the family. Don't get me wrong, I won't be rushing out to get another, but still defend the right to choose to.
Like cars and firearms, dogs can be dangerous, or at best a real nuisance, in the wrong hands.

One thing people don’t consider when having children is some of them grow up to become dog owners.

This ^^

Therefore the only logical solution is to ban children. Dogs are ace and the world would be a much better place if everyone had a friendly, waggy tailed pooch!

Nope, couldn’t give a shit whether your kids like dogs or not,

An attitude most dog owners seem to share.

OK I’m calling troll now, BruceWee refusing to see any other side of the conversation or concede any points.

That's certainly an easier contribution to the discussion to make than actually answering the question I asked you.

(Reads first post then posts this without reading others)

I like dogs, it’s their owners I don’t like.

Mainly those who think that any patch of grass or anywhere in the countryside automatically belongs to them to let their dog run off the lead and piss/crap wherever it likes. Ground nesting birds? Nah my Fido won’t harm them (said as Fido is bounding through the long grass and undergrowth).

And it should be made legal (with government employed snipers) to shoot any dog walker that doesn’t pick up their dogs crap and/or hangs the poo bag in a bush.

A lot of people who have dogs probably shouldn’t have, but you could probably say the same about children.

This nails it, also add cars, e-scooters and bicycles to the list.

There's a common denominator here, and it's not dogs.

Given the amount of (unburied) cat shit my dog eats I think she's probably a net contributor to the community.

Are you saying you'd be ok with dogs if they are trained for rimming?

Given the above, I don't think she'd need much training to be honest...

Not read anything other than OP's post.

Its adults that decide to have dogs and children. Its adults that are at fault here not dogs.

IMO children should be banned, they have more of a environmental impact than dogs, and children grown up to kill other people too. Perhaps thats the next thread?

This nails it,

No it doesn't.

Children are needed for the human race to continue*. Pet dogs are not.

Cars, e-scooters, bicycles are needed for people to get to work/the shops/school etc.

What essential part of society would grind to a halt if pet dog ownership was restricted?

*If you want to argue the human race shouldn't continue then I think we should start another thread.

Don’t we always have a similar argument though whenever anyone starts a thread about e-scooters? Or for that matter cars?

[url= https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/why-is-it-imperative-for-the-human-race-to-survive/ ]I already did..[/url]

Also, dogs kill fewer people than other people, so it's clear we should ban people, right? Dogs also make me happier than people do, and I'd wager lots of other feel similarly. See, I can make silly arguments too!

Notes about poster: I’m not a pet person

No shit?

Dogs and kids are not the same thing no matter how much dog owners like to pretend they are.

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.

lol @ road bikes.

Don’t we always have a similar argument though whenever anyone starts a thread about e-scooters? Or for that matter cars?

And for the third time, people have to get around and therefore if we banned or restricted bicycles, cars, or even e-scooters (I'm not sure are they still banned?) it would negatively impact society. Incidentally, I am in favour of restricting car use as well because I think that long term it would be in the best interest of society even with the short term negative impact.

So, for the third time, what impact would it have on society if dog ownership was banned or restricted?

What essential part of society would grind to a halt if pet dog ownership was restricted?

And what essential part of society would grind to a halt if having more than one child was restricted?

The self entitlement of the human race is sickening. Suggesting that non essential animals, such as dogs (and any other wildlife come to think of it) , are banned/restricted/whatever, whilst the world is becoming over populated and under resourced to an unsustainable level.

So, for the third time, what impact would it have on society if dog ownership was banned or restricted?

Mental Health issues would increase. More people would be out of work. More houses would be robbed. People would be less fit. People would have more babies - children are far worse for Society than dogs

Ooooh a thread that could get interesting, it'll be just like Mumsnet.

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. 😀

OP - got a car? Cars kill way more kids than dogs do. WAY more. Also just checked, more kids die in cycling accidents than are killed by dogs, like twice as many.

what essential part of society would grind to a halt if having more than one child was restricted?

The economy.

what essential part of society would grind to a halt if having more than one child was restricted?

Yeah, China's one-child policy has been rolled back because it's an economic disaster. You need the economic output of a smaller number of people to pay for the care and retirement of a much larger group of people. Which is very difficult to sustain.

Mental Health issues would increase. More people would be out of work. More houses would be robbed. People would be less fit.

Well, not for everyone. Mental health would improve for people who have a phobia of dogs. Their fitness would probably improve because they would be less scared to leave the house. But yeah, maybe they'd end up having babies if their improved mental health meant they were more likely to be able to sustain a relationship.

I guess the question is what are the rates of cynophobia vs the number of people whose mental health would be adversely affected by not being able to own a dog.

People would have more babies – children are far worse for Society than dogs

You do realise that fertility rates are dropping already?

OP – got a car? Cars kill way more kids than dogs do. WAY more. Also just checked, more kids die in cycling accidents than are killed by dogs, like twice as many.

Probably doesn't own a bike

I don't think anyone's saying dogs should be banned, but what's the problem with restricting ownership? Also, some breeds are completely pointless and unnecessary (and can cause the dogs some suffering, too). Breeding could be much more strictly controlled and maybe the number of dogs per household could be limited (cats, too). Finally, some sort of licensing system?
Put simply, there are just too many of them and owners should recognise that not everyone loves a cute doggy.
There - quite restrained, I thought.