Owners lead their dogs astray

 

Dogs are amazing judging by the part they play in society. Consider police dogs, seeing eye dogs, rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, then dogs at our own obedience group who learn any number of exercises and tricks and virtually speak to their owners. Why, then, can we not teach them to read? Is that because they might then be seen as more intelligent than their owners?

The sign pictured at left is just one dotted around the area and is placed in its position at the Mangawhai Heads campground for what are fairly obvious reasons – dogs lifting their legs, or depositing faeces where your and my children or grandchildren might be playing, or a dog that may show ‘unsociable behaviour’ through contact with strangers.

In what is certainly not an isolated case, early in the holiday period, camp proprietor Richard Gunson watched as a woman tied her dog to the post in the picture. When he pointed out that this was not acceptable, the woman, though not very tall in stature, explained that she couldn’t see the sign as it was placed ‘too high’. Others have been seen actually tying their dogs onto the leg of the swings and slide.

Dog owners do receive consideration but playgrounds are a no-no for dogs as are some playing fields and beaches at certain times in the high season. Most dog owners are aware of and sensitive towards this and abide by the rules but unfortunately a few tend to disregard any and all direction becoming a law unto themselves, justifying their misdemeanours thus bringing all owners into disrepute.

Some camp grounds are dog and animal friendly while some are not. This is also the case with a normal rental property or holiday home. Nobody complains about a rental home stipulating ‘non-smokers.’

If owners are in any doubt through moving into a new area, Council websites will probably list a full range of dog do’s and don’ts.

Dogs occupy an important place in society but if we could only teach them to read the signs, life would be so much easier for all.