In my experience 90+% of dog owners are responsible, and 90+% of people like dogs. When the 10% meets the other 10%, problems happen. Telling the 10% of irresponsible dog owners to suddenly start being responsible is not going to work. If problems happen, it is YOUR responsibility to protect yourself and contact the proper authorities later. I am a dog owner and take my 2 dogs with me everywhere, but I've also been attacked by loose dogs multiple times growing up in rural New Mexico and my dogs have been attacked by other dogs several times here in California. If I'm in an area where loose dogs are around, I carry something to protect me, my dogs, and my family.
Kittykath wrote: Am I the only one on earth that can't stand dogs at all? They seem like a PITA altogether, especially to bring camping. I've picked up numerous piles in my campsite. I hate being barked and growled at. It's not fair that I have to wait for some moron to get out of the bathroom or shower room because their mutt is protecting the whole place. I don't like being licked or having my butt sniffed. My kids have been threatened by a "family" pit bull, and it was lucky the owner got there before my shovel contacted his head. I would never buy any vehicle or house of a dog owner.
Yes, I know what kind of comments this will generate from dog people, but isn't it okay to not be one?
Actually, every one of those is an issue with the owner, not the dog. That being said, you are definitely entitled to not be around dogs.
Bobbo, Linda and the furry kids (1&1/2 German Shepherds)
2007 Winnebago Outlook WF331C on a Ford E450 Super Duty Chassis
2010 Subaru Forester w/BlueOx baseplate & Ready Brute Elite towbar
rickjf wrote: Hi,
we're new to camping/rving and are out for a number of months
heading from the northwest back to Florida. Our preference
is for camping in the national forests. We have had many
problems with people with their dogs, and we're talking large
dogs, not on a leash. twice, while heading to a restroom,
ladies have left the dog outside, loose while she uses the
facility. These dogs have been agressive. One woman using
a shower had three dogs, loose, and one was a pit bull would
not let me anywhere near the restroom. the husband came by,
put one with the wife, and told me point blank he would not
put his dogs on a leash, with a string of profanity.
do people feel that because its a gov't park/forest they
don't have to follow rules? We've been in washington, oregon,
california, and nevada and every park or forest has had a big
sign that says dogs must be on a leash.
can anyone explain this?
thanks
Us out West wrote: If there is a camp host tell him.
My Ruger or S&W is always with me in CG's that are not private CG's just in case...one should never be unprepared for just this type of issue you refer to.
Thats the ticket....lets shoot all those unleashed dogs! My Gawd!!!
We are all wise to protect ourselves. I don't see where there was a mention of "shooting all the dogs" . Your knee jerk reaction is not warranted. I have two dogs, beautiful little coker females. I am an animal lover. Perhaps you have never seen the horrible damage a dog can inflict when it chooses to attack; I have. That said I always carry my Glock, am licensed for concealed carry, and would have no problem shooting any animal if I or my family were attacked. So get a grip.
Acampingwewillgo wrote: This isnt the first or last time these same issues come up....but I wonder just How many dogs have you shot in a campground? Im guessing None, so unless I began to hear of a rash of dogs being shot for being unleashed in a campground setting, Ill go on believing that its not a common occurrence. Does it happen, Im sure it has and will again, but with the number of dogs and the number of RV'ers that interact each and everyday, the incident rate is extremely low. Couple that with the incident rate of actaul unleashed dogs(as some posters want everyone to believe).....then I think the picture is complete. I happen to be a Dog person and in my experience, including going into unknown backyards where large dogs were present, never did I have to consider the use of deadly force on a dog.....once again, in my experience in a large Metro area(LA).
Oh please, anyone remember Rodney King? The incidence of people being attacked by bears is also low but carrying a weapon in the woods is a smart idea.
I have been attacked by a pit bull (not in a camp ground). He grabbed me by the right leg and tried to knock me down, he then grabbed my left leg and tried again, when he stopped for a moment and looked at me I shot him point blank in the back. He stopped the attack. I have also been cornered by a German Shepard. The shepard was grabbed by owner, before it got to close to me. I will not hesitate to shoot a vicious dog anywhere. Vicious dogs can kill and mame.
cacoon
Nah, I'm not a dog hater. Just not a dog lover. Too much trouble and responsibility for me. 100% of my regular camping neighbors have dogs. They're fun to watch, but not for me to own in my opinion. It is absolutely the owners that can make or break a good camping experience for others.
Yes, I do have a cat...the pregnant one I took in that was abandoned at our campground. I don't take her camping as she'd probably disappear to the baby-daddy, but she sure is more user-friendly than dogs I used to have.
WandaLust2 wrote: Maybe CGs can start something new - a section for dog owners. Some already have those fenced areas for dogs to run loose in. The section for dog owners can be fenced off from the rest of the CG and owners be required to keep their dogs in that section. This way all the non-dog owners don't have to fear being bitten or stepping in poop or listening to some yapper bark all day long.
Ft. Desoto Park in Pinellas County FL near St. Pete has 3 (I think) loops with 1 being pet friendly. The pets are not allowed on the other loops. I thought it worked quite well. Only problem is it limits the number of pet sites available, so one might have trouble getting a site
when needed.
The park owners will surely increase the "pet" areas if they fill up and are aware of the demand. I wish all CGs would have a special dog section. I think both the dog and non-dog owners would be happy with that. And what's to stop them? I wouldn't cost them much to fence the area off so the loose dogs can't bother the other campers.
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This way all the non-dog owners don't have to fear being bitten or stepping in poop or listening to some yapper bark all day long.
