Listen John and smiley I have seven hundred acres my dogs run free at home and work the sheep. So don't pity them they are well looked after, well trained, healthy and happy pull your head in!!! If you read the thread we are talking about CARAVAN PARKS

This is EXACTLY the reason why we have a one size fits all rule of all dogs on leads.

One person thinks their dog is so special, or small, or cute, and doesn't need a lead, and when challenged by other owners becomes insulted and insulting, and the heat rises.

If you read the topic on dangerous dogs, you see that most people agree that uncontrolled dogs can be frightening, threatening and dangerous. Many comments highlight that its not always the dog's fault, often its the owner's attitude.

Personally I don't care if your dog comes when you call, if it doesn't go when I want it to, its a problem, and you as the owner are a nuisance.

Please, keep your dog on a lead, or stay at home.

sounds like their dog is taking them on a holiday. i like dogs but not for me while travelling.

open and public forum isn't it

very interesting thread with lots of good comments. My personal opinion is that all dogs should be kept on a leash.

Some people are very scared of dogs, regardless of size!

Some people are allergic to animals, why should they have to suffer just because we want our lovely animals with us? They have every right to enjoy their holiday too!

I love my dog to bits, but do I trust her.......NO! She is an animal with animal instincts, if she feels threatened or thinks we are being threatened then she will protect herself/us.

My dog is my friend, my protector, she makes me feel safe, she gives me love unconditionally. She is big and to me she is a softy. :)


BUT she is still a dog, loved by some, hated by others, and I respect that.

I hate dogs off leash. Had a couple even come in the door when they heard my dog. Very frightening.

Have't you got the message yet? People do not like unleashed dogs around their dogs.

I travel with three dogs - 2 small (silkies) and 1 big (border collie cross ex working dog). I have a collapsible, fairly solid dog yard which keeps the little ones confined and (relatively) safe from roaming dogs. My big boy goes on a long tether at the rear of the van but when I am at the van he is inside the yard with all of us. Operators of CP I have stayed at have been more than happy with such an arrangement.

There is nothing more annoying when an uncontrolled (off leash) dog decides to visit and perhaps share a pee here and there around your campsite, be it in a van park or free camp.

Owners who allow their dogs free range show no concern or respect for other people, with or without dogs, and saying they are "trained" is no excuse to flaunt the "on leash" requirement when sharing a communal living area. I too like to be able to walk my dogs off leash when the opportunity arises but not around a communal living area such as a CP or free camp site.

No matter how well "trained", a dog is a dog and instinct in certain situations will simply take over. Let us all show respect for others by controlling our dogs so they do not bother other people and other dogs who are being appropriately physically "controlled". If there were fenced off leash areas provided where owners who wish to congregate with their dogs off lead may do so then that would be OK. Then it is a matter of choice if I want my dogs to socialise with other dogs. But do not force your dogs onto me and mine by having your dogs running around playing ball or "fetch" or whatever, off leash near where I am camped without asking if I mind or not - and if I do mind then gracefully take them elsewhere.