was out walking my dog today and met a woman that told me she had a dog the same as mine but couldnt take it out because it pulled, barked, bit, growled, you name it. Also was ill with allergies and something else. My other half always says that there are lots of dogs out there that one doesnt see because they are too difficult to take out in public, this was one of them, next time I think I might have any problem at all I shall remember this. Puts it all in perspective.

:( I find that womans story utterly heart breaking, more for her dog!! but also for her,if she knows no better.
     My dog was passed from pillar to post and rehomed several times as 'aggressive' (note the inverted commas pls!)
     6 months down the line (alot of time (especially) and training) and a great Behaviourist we are nearly ready for training classes,and my dog spends each Sunday afternoon with us in a dog friendly pub where everyone comments on how he's the best behaved and how placid he is...and he looooves that attention from dogs and people alike :D
    Far cry from the 'aggressive' dog with lots of 'problems' (which were all man made :rolleyes:) He is *understood* and allowed to be a dog and has a great life ahead of him for that.
If you see her again, tell her it doesnt and shouldnt have to be like that!!

Poor woman. But I do wonder how much the dog's problem is down to self-fulfilling prophecy in that it's been labelled "impossible" and promptly rewards everyone by behaving accordingly.

i know of a case like this. A friend of a friend bought a DDB bitch-adored her as a pup, but the novelty wore off. The girl owner found out she was pregnant, then the dog got shunned. Boyfriend worked days, she worked part days. She'd 'forget' to feed the dog, wouldn't walk her, would keep her shut outside pretty much all day rain or shine, or she'd be in her 'room'-half of the garage which was pited in dog hairs with mucky bedding and no window / air vent. Boyfriend reckoned he walked her 3 times a day, yet he'd contradict himself and say he didn't because she was impossible to walk. She had skin problems-looked like atopy...... They've now moved, and my friend takes their mail up. She went a week and a bit ago, and the dog was in a room maybe 3mx4m, no bedding, no food, no toys. She looked so miserable, and when she saw friend, couldn't even be bothered to wag her tail-she simply walked to the window and jumped up-her nails are massively overgown. She's taking mail up again this week and will check again. If she's like it still, i'll report her owners to the RSPCA-i doubt they'll do anything, but maybe if they visit or something, they'll realise that its not a life she should have, and could be rehomed (well hopefully-she's a madam). Poor baby.

Its so sad isnt it.

In the next building over there is a couple that live on the ground floor. They have an Italian Greyhound who is never ever walked. Every time I walk my Angus past the iggy, who always sits on the window sill seat, he perks his little ears up and wags his tail.

He got out once a few weeks ago when I was walking Angus, someone had gone into their home to fix something and the dog snuck out behind them. I had a spare lead with me in my handbag - Angus' vet lead - so I gave the poor little guy a treat and put him on the lead.

His owners werent home when I walked him back so I left a note saying that he had gotten out and I had him.

When they came to get him I asked if he gets walked at all, because he really enjoyed the walk I gave him while I had him, and I offered to take him out with me when I take Angus out. The woman looked at me and laughed, they told me that 'Italian Greyhounds dont need walking, they are lazy like cats'.

He is well cared for, healthy enough, but I feel that its cruel keeping him inside, in their front room where he can see other dogs going past all day and not get out.
I have wanted to report them to the RSPCA but I know there is nothing they can do.

Poor little IG :(

Why is it that people like that don't understand that in his brain he's just a dog who wants to BE a dog - not a piece of porcelain to sit in a window :( :( 

I've met a few IGs and they love nothing better than hareing around at top speed and socialising :)