I'm having a bit of a problem because I live in the countryside and people tend to let their dogs run loose and basically do what they want.

Thing is, the dogs are running onto my land and I've got livestock.

Does everybody think the countryside is an 'open house,' and it's OK to let their dogs do what they want?

After all, you couldn't get away with this in a city.

They should be good!

Dog Forum - DiscussDogs.com

I've always lived in the country. I don't mind people letting their dogs run off-leash (I do), but they should make sure their dogs stay on their own property. I never let my dogs out of my yard. There usually is a leash-law, even in the country. Dogs are allowed to be off the leash as long as they're on their own property.

I've got no problem with dogs actually being off the leash, it's just annoying when owners don't actually have any control at all over them.

If the dogs come back when called, then that's OK. But most folk have no control at all and seem to think it's ok to just let them run where they want.

The other week, some people actually parked on my drive, had a picnic and then let their dog out for a walk!!!

The other week, some people actually parked on my drive, had a picnic and then let their dog out for a walk!!!

Oh, my! Now that's just rude! I would have said something about that. I'm usually a pretty tolerant person, but that's just going overboard. The front yard, no matter how big, is not a public park.

Originally Posted by arizona

They should be good!

Dog Forum - DiscussDogs.com

So I am curious, do you also recommend people on your discuss dogs forum to come here and talk about dogs? Or is this one sided advertisement? Seems a bit rude to send private messages to everyone inviting them to the website, and then also find a way to suggest people go there for other things in each of your posts....

Luvmymutt,
Would this be better in a thread on it's own.
It's just that I started this one and it looks a bit like folk may think the PM's are coming from me.

I received one as well, by the way. You do tend to get this kind of spamming sometimes.

I let my dogs roam free all of the time. If they leave, there is really nothing that the owner can do about it. Maybe the owners don't realize that they aren't on their property. That happened to me this past week. I am trying to figure out a way so they don't go out like that again. I don't like them leaving my property and then again I don't like to pen or chain.

I also live in the country and do keep my dogs confined to a one acre pen with 5ft chain link fence. People think that living in the country is an excuse to not be responsible owners, but the truth is that the dogs are the ones who suffer from owners' irresponsibility. Down here it's not unusual to have dogs shot by landowners who also have livestock. And roaming dogs are likely to get into trouble in one way or another, whether it's by running livestock, killing chickens, or getting hit by a car or killed by a coyote. Even if not killed by wildlife, the dog may become exposed to dangerous diseases such as lepto or rabies. A vaccination is NOT a total defense against a disease. Just as in the city, a loose dog is always in danger and, if it's caught running or killing livestock or poultry, the owner may be liable for damages---and calves aren't cheap.

We also live in the country.. and its a pet peeve of mine that the dogs wander .. Im always being chased by one... on my way to work at 1030 at night... Our Dal jumps the fence but is called right back in.. I especially don't like the fact if they aren't home.. contain them in some way... What abot the pets safety?? We have a fence that 2 stay in that is around a half of an acre.. the dal of course.. due to jumping has to be in the house when no one is home. What happen to common curtousy and protecting our pets..!!

These dog owners are showing no respect at all for your property, or the countryside.

These are same people who will complain if one of your livestock was to hurt their dog.

When in the countryside you need to show respect, and keep your dog under control all of the time - thats not to say they cannot walk off the lead, but they still need to be under control.

Other than talking to these people who let there dogs off the lead, and warning them of the dangers, I am not sure what else you can do?

I really hate people who just let their dogs run free. I live in the suburbs and people still do this. I would have hit one of them if my brakes were perfect. You could try calling their owners if you know who they are, or you could put up a fence. Other than that, there isn't a whole lot to do. If your neighbors refuse to fence them up, then you might want to remind them that if a bull gores their dog, you aren't responsible .