Rollnhome wrote:
I think a big part of RV park dogs is their owners think everyone else in the campground likes their dog.
While walking in the park or on my own site I may greet a dog walker with "Hello, nice dog". Next thing I know they are charging towards me so I can pet and play with Fido. Why do owners think everyone wants to pet Fido? I don't. If I did I would ask. So as I untangle Fido's leash from around my legs I try to keep a smile on my face and same something like "I better not hold you up. Looks like Fido wants to continue his walk. Have a nice day." If I wanted to pet your dog I would ask.
These fake certified therapy/comfort dogs (owners) are not doing a lot for thier breed by trying to fool people into thinking they are ADA Service Dogs. It cost around 50K and often years to train these special needs dogs. It shows the true character of dog owners that go on line and for $50 to $250 get a certificate and a cute little vest (that I could issue) so they can fool the public that their dog is special. They might as well get their minister certificate from the Universal Life Church whilst browsing the web.
I believe this does more to hurt the dog community (all breeds) than to promote acceptance. It is a selfish act by the owners with no regard for anyone else's rights.
I like most dogs. It's usually the owners I wish were banned.
First a therapy pet is not a service dog, it is a pet. Service dogs perform a task that a human cannot perform otherwise. My dog was temperament tested and a RV park asked about it. Drives me nuts when I go out and I see someone with a dog on a flexi lead going bonkers and get told it's a service dog. I do think some great posts about being a ambassador for your dog. Picking up after your dog, respecting other people and their dogs space. I always ask, "can my dog say hello to your dog?", "Is your dog friendly?". It isn't my place to judge someone's reaction to me or my dog. We all have our own experiences. As well behaved my dog is I always keep her on leash and respect camp policies. I have to say the most annoying dog experience related to a dog wasn't even the dog. We had a person with two little dogs near us that every time they barked she blasted a marine air horn. Dogs were probably deaf and couldn't hear themselves barking after that.
