Dogs in Crowded Places.

Now, I have nothing against it, when owners are sensible, but yesterday was unreal.

Me and my Sister, took our younger sisters to an art festival thing at Lydiard Park, in Swindon, where there were a few thousand people.

I saw so many dogs running around the crowds off lead, with owners having little control. I thought it was quite irresponsible, anything could've happened to the dogs, or the people sitting around.

The kids got bored, so we went off to feed the ducks and have some chips somewhere else, and go back later, when the laser show thingy was on. When we got back, it was just about dark. We were sat with my Auntie and her grandson when a little dog, looked like a large jack russell, but it was dark, so I can't be sure, came running up to us. It stayed off lead for the whole laser show. The owner appeared to be quite drunk, and kept forgetting he had the dog with him, only calling it back every so often, but pretty much leaving it to its own devises!! I couldn't believe it, it was dark and there were still a thousand odd people milling around, it could've got lost!

There was also a woman with a muzzled GSD, that was getting quite rowdy, not sure if it was generally aggressive, or just stressed out, the sound that went with the laser show was really loud, and there was alot of people around. I thought it so unfair to the dog, it really wasn't having a good time!

Sorry for the rambling on, but it really annoyed me, that these people are so stupid. I couldn't do that to my dogs. Admittedly, the noise probably wouldn't have bothered them, they associate loud noises with shoot days, but I wouldn't subject them to that many people, they just wouldn't cope! Am I being stupid thinking like this!?

Certainly not. I totally agree with you. I certainly wouldn't take my dogs there. They'd be terrified!! Each to their own I guess but they at least should keep them on a lead.

I've had dogs that loved going to places like that, crowded and everything...of course, they were lured by the dropped food they knew they would find...but, they were on lead the entire time though. lol But my current dog, no way would I take him to something like that. He doesn't do well in crowds and hates loud noises/storms/thunder.

People are oblivous sometimes though, and their pets suffer, unfortunately.

i take all my dogs to big events, great way to get them used to sights and sounds, on leads of course with plenty of water and shade. Children and adults constantly asking to say hello which is good for the dogs, i find the game fairs tend to attract more responsible dog owners and the events like race for life we attended yesterday how can i say attract the less knowledegable dog owners.
Each to their own i guess but i do like my dogs to experience as much as possible in life.

If dogs are happy with crowds and noise fair enough on lead though and owner knows where they are at all times. Plenty of shade and water no problems. Personally this weekend even if dogs were happy in those situations I think I would of left at home due to the heat.

We never take Ollie to these sorts of places as he hates the crowds and noise we did twice when he was younger once to a bit agricultural show and he hated it and became very stressed we had the camper van then so we took him back and took it in turns to go and look around. He was much happier looking from the window.

The second was a brass band in a park and he hated the noise of that and started barking so for his sake and others listening I took him to another part of the park. I could still hear the brass band but he was happier and not disturbing people and Gorden caught up with us later.

We now know he will never like these types of events so leave him at home.

Ours often go to crowed places but they are on lead. We have been to many places like dog fun shows, where ther is alot going on both for dogs and people, and we have seen many many dogs off lead, running around etc.,
We've walked ours through Birmingham Town centre (on lead) and again many people walk dogs without.

Personally I like ours getting used to noises and crowds, but we always keeps them on lead, only thing I watch for is if I think they are fed up then we take them out for ''space time''.
But I agree I wouldn't have them off lead at such places just incase they got parted from us

the past couple of weeks we have been to a festivals and boot sales. the weather was scorching hot. and all i saw was lots of dogs out. it was too hot for them.there was a few dog fights break out. also when we was at the booties the amount of ppl out with their dogs. again getting hot and on some occasions trodden on. we leave ben at home. blinds down. lots of water around the bungalow. and i suspect he sleeps.

We quite often take Monty to crowded areas such as a town centre on a Saturday or a busy farmers Market, crowded pub etc etc.

He stays on lead the whole time and he loves the fuss and attention he gets. I think it's good for socialisation and for adapting them to different situations but I agree that the owner should be responsible and know whether their dog is able to cope with it.

I agree wtih Steph. I've also walked my lot through the City Centre - one at a time and only ever on lead. That was after gettignthe bus into town.

it's all new experiences for them and I love to see the look of curiosity on their faces. But if I thought they were unhappy, I'd take them home or not take them in the first place.

Zane is the best in these situation - maybe because he's the oldest. He's very laid back whereas as a young pup he was very skittish and got easily stressed out. A little bit of hard work over a few months worked wonders and now he loves seeing and hearing new things. He's always on lead at such events though.

Laura xx

Personally I don't like to see dogs in crowded places and IMO there is nothing worse than seeing a dog being taken round a car boot or town center.

I guess I can see why people do it if they want their dog to get used to noise etc but I still think it is a pointless exercise. None of my dogs have been subjected to such events and they have all been well adjusted dogs

Look at it from the dogs point of view, especially if they are small dogs, all they see are a sea of legs coming at them, that can't be fun can it? Why do they need to see that?

Even worse when it is a hot day! Or when the dog is being constantly tugged to heel and not allowed to do the usual doggy sniffing!!

I understand that sometimes it isn't practical to leave your dog at home but if you don't have to take your dog to these places then personally I think they should be left at home.

Blimey! That was a rant!! sorry