The Dog Blog with Kathryn Socie
Leash Law Proposition in Missoula’s Open Space, Raising Hackles
By Kathryn Socie, 3-05-09
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| Are leashes the future for the dogged in Missoula? | |
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When it comes to dogs in the West, people either love ‘em or loathe ‘em and there’s a giant chasm separating the two extremes. Missoula is no exception. You’ve probably heard about “that” leash law in the North hills and Mount Jumbo currently sitting on the City Council table, being batted around between officials, raising serious hackles on both sides of the dog-fence. On behalf of respectful, responsible dog owners in Missoula who value Open Space and the many purposes it serves, I am a staunch believer that the off-leash dogged lovers can peacefully co-exist with the non-dogged loathers.
Fellow dog owners, keeping our off-leash privilege is not going to be easy and, frankly, those against us have more than a few good reasons to be upset. Too many of the dogged fail to recognize that off-leash hiking in Missoula is a tremendous privilege not to be taken lightly, but instead take it entirely for granted and entirely too few are giving the rest of us a bad rap.
For instance, on a recent hike in one of these controversial hot-spots, I was completely un-phased by the 100-pound lab/newfoundland puppy bounding up to me, bellowing out a deep bark, jumping on me and covering me with mud. The non-dogged person hiking behind me, however, was completely overwhelmed by this and had every right to be frustrated. Yes, yes, I know he’s a big, dopey puppy and I totally get that, but allowing him to be rude is not acceptable anywhere outside your own backyard. Unfortunately, yelling: “He’s just a big, friendly pup,” while your dog slobbers on, molests and barks at every person you pass, is not a substitute for manners. Nobody likes a rude person even fewer are tolerant of rude dogs.
Sure, you’ve read all of those books about your dog’s wolf ancestry, probably watched a documentary or two about the wolves of Yellowstone and thought “wow, my dog acts kinda like that,” but do you get that the ‘sweet’ thing wearing the neoprene coat with his initials embossed on it is a predator (albeit likely a rather lame one) and chances are he has held onto some twisted version of those predatory characteristics like, say, chasing deer? On the one hand, the city has agreed that the deer population in Missoula is out of control, which I agree is the case as my dogs have been attacked more than once by deer (while on-leash, I will add, and it was scary) and have seriously considered hiring sharp shooters to deal with the ‘problem.’ On the other, they are vehemently opposed to dogs putting any sort of pressure on said ‘problem.’ Not sure what thats all about. Still, while no responsible dog owner I know ‘allows’ their dog to chase deer, benign neglect of this behavior and ‘hope’ that you won’t bump into any on a hike, isn’t going to cut it if we want to keep our off-leash privilege.
On a less savory topic, thanks for picking up your dog’s poop, responsible dog owners of Missoula. Now, lets make sure the bagged poop makes it to the final stage of its journey, into the garbage. I’m not sure when or how bagging it and dropping it could ever be justified as ‘picking up’ after your dog, so don’t kid yourself into believing you’ll actually remember to go back for it. If picking up is not your practice, well, then you’re going to have to take it up, because poop is a problem all dog owners have to address.
Finally, you know those signs that say ‘stay on the trail,’ well, um, stay on the dang trail. Seems fairly simple, especially given the plant ecology dissertation that often accompanies the sign, explaining why this terribly small act is really, really, maniacally important for the survival of a rare, endemic plant species. Show a little love for the greenery and keep your feet and Fido’s four off of it. That’s not asking too much, really.
Although it sure seems like it, not everyone in Missoula loves dogs. I accept that. What I can’t accept is that not every dog owner is respectful and responsible. To quote Marilyn Marler, a city council member who would like to see dogs leashed, but is really listening to what dog-lovers have to say:
“The best thing you can do is peer-pressure dog owners to be responsible.”
The pressure is on dog people.
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Comments
Too many dog owners act as if the dog is a precious human baby, not a DOG. DOGs have their place, and in a human space, that place is leashed at the owner's side. Or at least always at heel. Since 90% of owners don't train their dogs to walk at heel, that means all dogs should be leashed. Too bad.
For what it's worth. My wife and I trained both our pound dogs using a "shock" collar. After a few consistent weeks working with both of them and a half dozen zaps, they "leave it", even when deer cross right in front of them at Lubrecht. Darn near amazing. Now we don't need it at all. I reckon a few pups up on Jumbo and Water works could use a little training and electricity.
My wife and I own 2 dogs. When outside our fenced yard, they are on leashes without exception - we recognize our dogs are not perfectly trained. We used to constantly recreate in the public areas mentioned, but have had too many bad experiences with off-leash owners and have had to start avoiding them. A well-behaved off-leash dog is the exception.
We have literally hundreds of friends with dogs in Missoula, and have discussed this issue with most of them. The vast majority agree that 99% dog owners are inconsiderate and that 99% of dogs do not have enough training to be considered under voice control.
I coudnt agree more: all dogs should be leashed at all times in public spaces. There are dedicated areas for off-leash recreation, which are appropriate and necessary. The 99% off-leash dog owners have made it impossible to fully enjoy these public spaces, even for other dog lovers. Those who want their dogs off-leash should either go to the dedicated areas or where foot traffic on a trail is reduced to maybe 15% of the usage at the trailhead.
The City/County has said that it is hard to enforce this law. Most of our friends would be willing to increase our licensing fees ten-fold to help cover costs.
And yes...pick up after your dog whenever it is outside your yard. Try being a little bit considerate...
I also do trail work on city property. My dogs need time out so they have to come with me. I've asked the city (open space people) for $200.00 into the budget. I will need that much for a paid city employee to come out and hold the dogs' leashes will I do the trail work.
At the Lincoln Hills trail head, the city think you should leash a dog for 300 feet. But that is for car drivers. Others have come up from city open space and are just passing through the parking lot. So, since we seem to rank rec users (ie., bike not allow on certain trails) - a non-dog car driving user should have to stay in their car until a walking/biking dog owner passes through the parking area.
I really don't like being put through that fear or anxiety, and I don't understand why dog owners insist that I immediately should know their dog doesn't bite. People have actually gotten offended when I picked up my son (when he was a toddler) off the ground when I have seen a strange dog approaching off leash. It's my job to protect him and be cautious. Your dog might be nice, but I have no way of knowing.
If you want to walk your dog off leash, please go where there arent also children and families and tons of other dogs. Another problem for me was when I had my dog. She was kind of protective and would fight some dogs. I kept her on a leash, but when random other dogs came running up to her, it put me, her , and any kids i had with me in danger! Why do people insist that the dogs have this right? I know how happy dogs are to run free. There just are certain places where we are all sharing, that its important to work together, NOT SCARE people--- so they can enjoy their hike. When you make it OK for dogs to roam up there, then its a "Dog" space and you make it not a "community" space.