I have a 2 year old Bullmastiff, she is the most docile creature I've ever been around. I often walk her off leash, and I sometimes get a very negative response. I've trained her well to stay by my side, and she won't cross a road unless I tell her it's ok. I always carry a leash, in case we meet another dog, approach busy roads, etc. I understand she looks a bit intimidating, but she wouldn't hurt a fly, and I'm always in control whether she's on or off leash. People have ran away when theve seen me and my dog, screamed in terror, threatened to call police, etc. All the while my dog is sitting at my heel with nothing but love on her mind. Bullmastiffs are uncommon in this area, and I think the reactions would be different if they knew more about the breed. Do you think it's irresponsible for me to walk my Bullmastiff of leash on our walks? Here is a pic of a Bullmastiff.....
I to have a well behaved dog and mostly walk him off a leash but it's still breaking the law. I'm am ready to take financial responsibility for him, are you? But I always remember he's a dog and dogs bite and the bigger the dog the more the damage.
Now That's What I Call A Serious Page Streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech... Cheers Glen. EDIT:- BUGGER, Somebody Just Shrunk It Back To Normal, Making Me Look Like A Total Fool....
You have a beautiful dog, and I think its great that you can walk her without a leash and it seems like people are just being ignorant, people that have not been around big dogs tend to think they are dangerous when in reality they are nothing but big babies!
You have a very beautiful dog. I have always had pets part of my family and always will. I would never walk my dogs without a leash. Not just for the safety of other people but for my baby as well. If there ever was an accident and I lost her because I didn't have her on a leash, the heart break would be unbearable. You know your your dog. You don't know other dogs people, drivers etc..... you can not possibly foresee every danger to your pet.
Ofcourse, I take 100% responsibility for my dog. Although I have 100% confidence that she won't hurt anyone unless her family is threatened. She has shown aggressiveness one time and I was Proud of her when she did. We were at a small dog park, and I had my young niece with me. I was talking to a group of people, my niece was running around with the dogs and my dog (Grace) was chewing on a stick in the corner. An older man showed up without a dog, but I didn't think anything of it....he stayed off in the distance and watched. My niece and the small dogs were chasing each other, having a great time. When they got near the mystery man, he called out to her and he began talking to my niece. I started to walk over there just to be sure. But then, my niece tried to turn away and the man jerked her by her arm. I started sprinting over there, but Grace beat me to it. She ran from the other side of the field, shoulder charged the guy out of the way, stood directly in front of my niece, and let out a single bark. The guy jumped the fence and ran away, and once he was out of sight she started licking my nieces face. Grace didn't leave her side for the rest of the day. Gracie ate a steak for dinner that night!
I am loving the picture of the little dog (is that a puggle???) next to your big one...so cute! Regarding the question -- you just have to be cautious of other people saying your dog is a threat or if he's sick or grouchy, he may snap at someone...maybe. Better safe than sorry.
I think its awesome your dog is trained well enough to walk without a leash. Unfortunately, not everyone is a dog lover. Even a lot of dog lovers aren't going to love a huge dog like yours because, like you said, they just don't understand the breed. I think its your judgement call in regards to the leash. You obviously know your dog well enough to know its not going to leave your side. However, other people aren't going to understand this and you can't really stop other people from having an opposing opinion about it. The story you told about the guy in the park was awesome too. My doggie has never showed aggression towards anyone, except one day we were walking and she started barking and snarling at this old man that was just standing at the edge of a yard, staring at a group of young children playing. I love how dogs have such great judgement about people
No, that's a puppy of the same breed. And those aren't pics of my dog, just google images of the same breed. I have some great pictures, but I can't figure out how to upload from my phone. I'll upload some when I have a chance to sit at a computer.
My dog's name is Grace as well. She was a stray when I got her a little over a year ago. She is people shy and would most likely run away from people rather than toward them. At this time she is always on leash outside, mostly because she will not come when called (she comes when she wants to. I continue to work on this.)
What a beautiful breed! I wish my dogs were well behaved enough to let off the leash during walks...but they're just too curious. I hate that people judge dogs based on size. My goofball 80 lb lab gets more flack than my 40 lb blue heeler/border collie mix, but the smaller dog is more likely to be aggressive and territorial (not that he would be without being provoked!).
I had a St. Bernard who never needed a leash. He was a sweetheart and always stayed by my side. We were fine in the neighbourhood because people knew him and there was just one very quiet road to cross to get to the park. If we went anywhere else though, he wore the lead regardless. It never bothered him, he was exactly the same on it as he was off. I miss that dog
