Hacking with a dog

[Wally]

Because I have been bitten in the past and I would not trust someone else's dog! I would if needed to save mine but not unless I reallly had to. And as I said, she just rams her tail between her legs and runs away.

my collie is very much the wuss and runs off tail between legs of a dog is less than friendly with him

 

[SeeingSpots]

I would never in a million years ride with even one loose dog next to me never mind two. It is dangerous and irresponsible. The Dangerous Dogs Act states that you can be prosecuted if your dog is deemed to be out of control in a public place. I know this because being the owner of two Staffordshire Bull Terriers* which, as most people are probably aware, have mixed views from people about, it is in my best interest (and theirs) for me to know the law. My dogs (even my Pug) are always on a lead in public. Even in a field, I put them on a lunge because I don't want to risk them getting into trouble or hurt or hurting something else. I couldn't live with myself if I was responsible for an accident caused by myself or an animal under my control.

*My two staffies are fantastic with people, love kids but not good with animals. The male picks and chooses what dogs he likes and dislikes and it's dangerous to take that risk so I keep him away.

 

[SeeingSpots]

why wouldn’t you grab the collar of someone else’s dog if it prevented your own being chased/mounted/harassed?

I did this once when a labrador threw itself at my male staff and got shouted at. I'd rather grab it though than have my dog attack it.

 

[Silvia]

Is it really that uncommon in the UK to take dogs along when riding? Where I live, many people do. I don't have a dog myself, but if the dog is well behaved I would not think it's a problem? One of my friends has taught her lab to stand with his front paws up on a fence or treestump so she can take his leash off without dismounting. The dog is on a leash near roads and just runs along the rest of the time.

 

[squidsin]

Is it really that uncommon in the UK to take dogs along when riding? Where I live, many people do. I don't have a dog myself, but if the dog is well behaved I would not think it's a problem? One of my friends has taught her lab to stand with his front paws up on a fence or treestump so she can take his leash off without dismounting. The dog is on a leash near roads and just runs along the rest of the time.

Yes - not sure where you are but there are too many roads in the UK! Unless you live on the moors somewhere, you can't hack without doing roadwork which puts most people off taking their dogs.