Well took Sal for her third road walk of the day (joys of a day off) had been out for about an hour
when we "picked up" a dog who was a jack russell sort of dog only bigger. And boy was he a nuisance!! :( He kept runnng up and snarling/snapping at Sal who I must say behaved better than I did because  although she kept turning round to face him she did not bark or growl but did "lunge" at him a few times when he came a little close. I tried ignoring him saying "go home" I must say I even stamped my foot at him but nothing worked we had him for about 15minutes when we meet a couple with a Lab and things got slightly hectic as the loose dog went for the Lab lab growled and went back poor man had his work cut out holding him. I had to wait as this happened in front of us. Eventually I gave in and left the poor couple with the Lab too it and jumped on the bus with Sal.
     We rarely see stray/loose dogs on the estate so no idea where this one has come from but he had a red collar on so maybe a latchkey dog. :(
     Just grateful I never had the pup with me too.

Karen

What a nightmare! I had a similar experience a couple of weeks back at the end of a walk, 2 small terriers of some description had escaped from a house nearby and the 3 very little girls had gone after them (rather than telling their parents). The girls had hold of the dogs but couldnt control them, they really tried to go for Leon and were barking loads, fortunately he was fantastic and didn't retaliate as he could have swallowed them in one gulp if he so desired but I couldnt cope with 3 dogs going nuts and 3 screaming children. It was awful. Also we were in the middle of the road. Eventually a chap came sprinting down the road, grabbed the dogs and put them both on one lead, swiped them a few times then asked if they had bitten Leon (he evidently thought they would have). I was not impressed I can tell you (except with Leon bless him)!!

Sort of similar, just walking into the park with Buster on the lead [2 year old Staff], and a Jack Russell came runnign over with owner close behind, and went straight for him and bit him on the mouth.  Luckily Buster didn't retaliate, just looked a bit stunned by it all, the owner said "sorry about that", scolded her dog and off she went.  The following evening, we were out again, the same park, saw the same Jack Russell go running up to another dog, did exactly the same thing and the owner once again said "sorry" and then scolded the dog.  The first evening I made an exception, the second evening it's obvious she just lets him run riot and thinks it's okay just to say sorry, with no effort whatsoever to call the dog back to her.  Some people!

Loose dogs are an absolute nuisance on our estate (well to me anyway).  Half the time they aren't with anyone and they come running up to sniff copper and he just goes for them, then I have a dog fight on my hands.  I know its not the loose dog's fault that mine goes for him but what do you do?  I have copper on the muzzle but he still tries to fight.  If the owner is with them, it's always my fault as well apparently.  I think all dogs on the street should be on a lead and people shouldn't be allowed to just open their doors to let their dogs out because they're too lazy to walk them.  Moan over!

CG

Get the dog warden CG. If you live where I think you do, his name is John and hes pretty good. If a dog gets handed into the pound by police 3 times in 1 year the owners can be fined - as long as someone does their job. Wish the SSPCA would do a campaign on Latchkey Dogs publicising the risks and costs to all concerned.

Lorelei, its no secret, I live in West Pilton in Edinburgh and we have our problems and big dogs roaming around alone is one of them.  I wouldn't personally like to try and accost any dog in the street.  There are supposed to be "dog wardens" and "environmental wardens" but where are they???  I've never seen either.  One day someone is going to get hurt with a latchkey dog biting.  On the other hand, a lot of residents are very responsible and keep their dogs totally trained and under control.  Yet again, the minority hacking every one else off.  Grrrrr.  I will find out about the dog warden, thanks for that.

CG