Dogs

[freaky_phil]

On the weekend I went for my run around Llyn-y-Fan Fach & Llyn-y-Fan Fawr, a good 5 mile/2000ft jog. My dog went with me and although there were sheep around she never left my side. She is trained not to. I did carry her lead but it was not needed. She has been trained not to chase animals (or people for that matter). My point is, and this will really annoy the dogs haters, why when I turn up at an event for example at the Forest of Dean am I told that dogs are not allowed in the competition area when the F of D must be the biggest dog walking forest in the country and you always see joe public walking their dogs when you are running (dogless) around your course. Where an event does not stipulate it's dog policy I take it that dogs are allowed and I take her around the course. So if dog haters don't want to come into contact with dogs at orienteering events don't go to events where they are allowed and only attend ones where they aren't. That way I won't meet you and you won't meet me, which I'm sure would suit us both. Or alternatively dog haters could take up some indoor sport like badminton or better still never set foot out of their house.

[ratleikur]

"Go somewhere else then" This is pretty typical of the mentality of some on this forum - intolerant and immature. It's not just dogs -as someone who dared to express a preference for long format courses and a dislike of short format events I was told to go away and grow a beard. People who have raised points about the logistics of events with young kids have been told "tough" and older people should be discouraged because they don't give the right image for the sport. I'm sure some of the people here won't be happy until the only orienteers are aged 18-35, short race fanatics with no dogs or kids or 4x4s - and you wonder why the sport is in decline. I also visit the FRA forum and the difference is amazing - that one is friendly, welcoming and easy going - this one is intolerant and nasty

[Snail]

Where an event does not stipulate it's dog policy I take it that dogs are allowed and I take her around the course.

Incorrect. The default position is that if the event does not stipulate a policy then dogs are not allowed - not even in the assembly area or car park. (Rule 1.6.10)

I am not entirely convinced this rule is the sensible way round (I think it was reversed from the previous position some years ago) because newcomers in particular - and that can include dog walkers casually coming across an event - will not be aware of it.

Any despite the rule, if the issue is particularly sensitive with a landowner any sensible organsiser will emphasise the 'not allowed' point anyway.

And noting the FRA reference, I think they don't allow dogs on the course in any circumstances, even in areas with no sheep.

[greywolf]

On the weekend ...blah blah blah... never set foot out of their house.

congratulations mate, you've got a well trained dog, but you've missed the point completely because it doesn't matter if your dog appreciates opera and writes haikus whilst skateboarding, as long as there are other dogs which aren't trained and dog owners who aren't responsible, landowners will continue to place restrictions on dogs as part of the conditions of access. So instead of berating "dog haters" (apart from those with genuine phobias a fairly small group i would have thought) maybe your energy would be better spent persuading some of the less responsible members of the "dog loving" fraternity to train their dogs to behave as well as yours.

And for the record, i don't have a problem with dogs at events, and i'm 100% with Kitch on how to deal with "difficult" dogs whilst out training (nothing compared to Port Meadow geese, anyway) BUT I have spent 4 years managing a very busy public access forest and have developed a fairly healthy contempt for that minority of dog owners who do not see a problem with allowing their dogs to sh*t all over areas used frequently by school parties for environmental education...

[Gross]

around your course. Where an event does not stipulate it's dog policy I take it that dogs are allowed and I take her around the

So don't moan if said dog gets a kick a la Kitchin

[Jon Brooke]

Gross, just how big is your dad? Relative to anyone else's?

[Mrs H]

I nearly chocked on my breakfast when I read this in the paper this morning

Dog owners - smug, deluded, hypocritical and selfish - are one of society's greatest burdens. But we're not supposed to say that. We're constantly told we're a nation of dog lovers.

I know this may make me one of the most vilified people in Britain, but I want no part of this conspiracy. To be fair, it's not the animals I can't stand; it's their owners. Impervious to complaints and blind to the annoyance they cause, they are a nuisance.

so i'm not alone - but do you think i should sue for copyright?

anyway - keep up the good work - i haven't had this much fun in ages

[Jon Brooke]

Journalists - smug, deluded, hypocritical and selfish - are one of society's greatest burdens... Impervious to complaints and blind to the annoyance they cause, they are a nuisance.

[Gross]

Gross, just how big is your dad? Relative to anyone else's?

????????

Besides - even a 'well behaved' dog running with it's owner can cause fright amongsta kids & adults. It is extremely selfish for owners to inflict this on others....

If you want to run in the forest with your dog.... fine... but go on your own & not at an orienteering competition.

[krocks]

So, are cows on leads ok, then or what?!

[DM]

So, are cows on leads ok, then or what?!

Forget about dogs, cows, bulls etc. Did nobody else see that massive rabbit roaming the hills around Langstrothdale last weekend? Scary.

[Gross]

So, are cows on leads ok, then or what?!

In Lithuania most of them are - they are tethered:)

[johnloguk]

Everyone in LOG knows that Bourne Woods has some rabbits the size of labradors, I kid you not

[runnerbean]

I'd love to put Kitch's tactics into practice, particularly against the dog that sank its tooth into my leg a couple of weeks ago. However, I'm pretty sure that in most cases, I'd either get my leg bitten off by the dog, or my head bitten off by the owner (hopefully metaphorically!) Anyone got any other tips on how to fend them off? Carry a big stick? I heard that threatening to throw a stone at them works, but I think that relies on the dog realising that's what you're planning and that if you follow through, you have a good aim!

[J.Tullster]

If dog runs towards you in aggressive maner try first shouting get away or something in an angry manner, dogs can understand tone of voice. This works quite often. If dog is undetered and goes for you, kick it?