Freedom and the NO police

[Vitaver]

We don’t go to hotels, we don’t travel in tourbusses, or cruise ships, we like freedom. That is often at odds with people with all kinds of badges that give them the right to ruin your day, your trip, your mood, your freedom. Power is intoxicating if not outright vicious for many a people on parks of all kinds.

Dogs are a big issue. They are our best friends, they make life so much better, they are not born with a leash. They like to run free, to play with other dogs, to explore, smell, discover and come back as we call them. (The few vicious dogs excluded, but those are the exception and mostly the product of likewise owners).

But… we have to keep them on a leash at all times! Countless signs says that every where, the most frequent sign behind ‘NO’ (put anything after that world, you will find it).

Some people are afraid of dogs you say?…. OK, that is your problem and better face your fears, don’t limit our freedom please. Dogs are good people, actually the best people some of us know. A bundle of unconditional love. Of course ‘freedom’ is not a trendy concept nowadays yet the best nation in the history of mankind is founded on that very principle. Let’s keep it that way, did not do too bad for 250 years. Mullions yearn to get in here for reasons that many of us forgot.

[Robere]

I understand and agree with the concern of this post however I think it belongs elsewhere. Travel and Airstream issues are the heart of this forum. Thank you for understanding.

[Vitaver]

I guess I just found another (subtle and polite) ‘no’

This IS a travel and RV issue IMHO (hold the H).

In fact, we like to go to nature, that is the essence of RVing. Well, a dog is the friendliest 4 legged creature you can find there. Moose, bear, mountain lion, etc don’t respond very well to ‘stay!.

[kscherzi]

Originally Posted by Vitaver

Some people are afraid of dogs you say?…. OK, that is your problem and better face your fears, don’t limit our freedom please. Dogs are good people, actually the best people some of us know. A bundle of unconditional love. Of course ‘freedom’ is not a trendy concept nowadays yet the best nation in the history of mankind is founded on that very principle. Let’s keep it that way, did not do too bad for 250 years. Mullions yearn to get in here for reasons that many of us forgot.

Some people have legitimate fear of dogs. Viciously attacked when young, never been around dogs, elderly and unstable with fear of falling over from an overly exuberant dogs, other reasons... To say, just get over it, is not quite fair. BTW - I have always had a big dog (GSP) and also get annoyed with blanket no dogs rules. I just try to be a good dog owner and hope to leave good dog impressions with all I meet along the way.

Adding more. I also find it irritating when dog owners flout the rules. Say someone lets their dog off the leash to chase the ball in a campground where its not allowed. My dog doesn't know the difference and he goes nuts wanting to also chase that ball. In this instance it isn't fair to other dogs and their owners trying to be good campers.

[Jeff7176]

I love dogs. Have always had them in my life. About 3 months ago in a campground a dog that appeared nice and was on one of those 25’ retractable leashes decided it didn’t like me. The dog’s owner asked me a question and I turned to answer and the dog took the opportunity to lunge at me and bite me square in the crotch. Drew blood, whole nine yards. The owner said she was so sorry, the dog had never done that before. I guess she can’t say that anymore.

About 3 weeks after that in Denali NP, I was walking my dog (8lb mutt) when a German Shepherd (on a flexi-leash) lunged at my dog. Fortunately we use a harness and a 6ft leash, so when I pulled to get my dog out of the way, she came well off the ground and I got a good look at the Shepherd’s wide open jaws. Again, the owner said that had never happed before.

I guess I put off some bad pheromones or something…

But in both campground the rules said dogs were to be leashed on a 6ft leash. Follow the ****** ******* rules. If you can’t do that, find someplace else to camp.

[field & stream]

I am a dog lover, and a Nature lover. Respectfully, a tiny amount of research would show that one of the primary reasons for dog restriction rules is to minimize the conflicts with wildlife. Seems like a worthy goal for a park, and not much of a limitation of dog owners’ “freedom”.

[rd tighe]

I have asked many dogs if they are nice, not one has ever responded.

[Shiny16]

I’m a dog lover but freedom to me is the freedom to walk into the campground bath and not be attacked by the unleashed dog who was just protecting his showering owner.

[Jcondon]

Tie up your dog.

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by Vitaver

(The few vicious dogs excluded, but those are the exception and mostly the product of likewise owners).

It is obvious you know nothing about dogs but you dearly love yours which many of us understand. As the owner of a dog that has been attached while on leash by "friendly" dogs off leash I implore you to please obey leash laws as they are there for many good reasons. Your view of freedom on this implies that all other dog owners should be allowed to let their dogs roam free also. Think about how that might work out for you and yours. I also do not think it is appropriate for you to impose your freedom on others who may have a fear of dogs as that is an invasion of their freedom. Lastly, I also agree with others that this post has no place on the Airstream forum.

[Saluda372]

Originally Posted by Jcondon

Tie up your dog.

X 2
Not to mention the mess that inconsiderate pet owners leave behind. We shouldn't have to dodge your pets or their mess.

[John Ware]

Originally Posted by Jcondon

Tie up your dog.

X3
I've lost too many ducks, geese, rabbits, and chickens to these freedom loving mongrels.

[EmoryRiver]

The great thing about freedom is you are free to go somewhere else and let the dogs run free!

[Daquenzer]

We leash our dog for his own safety, so that he doesn’t get run over by vehicles.

[Vitaver]

Something I am pleased to have in common to most comments is that we all love dogs. OK, let’s take that ‘love’ into real wold practice: are you familiar with any dog that does not need to exercise, run (much faster than you can), play with other dogs, socialize with them, go out and explore, take a good swim? Love in practice means having your dog enjoy all the above. My GSD is 7 times Best in Breed champion and gave me 11 amazing pups. I took no money from their new families, just made sure they would love them, take them into their family, allow them inside the house and NOT chain them as ‘security dogs’ and/or have them as a vanity item without freedom. I am sorry for those bitten, dogs that bite, like people that assault other people, don’t belong in communities. I agree their owners should muzzle them up or otherwise restrict their potential to hurt.

[Jeff7176]

But they never did that before…again and again.

Follow the ****** ******* rules where you choose to camp.

If you don’t like those rules, go someplace else.

[uraljohn]

I got bit 40 years ago by a dog that was not on a leash as the owner was walking it. I purchase my first house with the settlement $$$$ from his insurance company. Go ahead and let your dog run free. Just be prepared to pay the price if little precious bites someone. I still have the marks on my leg. A reminder every day for the rest of my life. It was not a pleasant experience.

[pteck]

Smacks of entitlement.

We are a free country. Yet we are a civilization - civil meaning advanced cultural development with social norms and agreed upon rules. Many a rule was paid for in blood.

When I'm in public or other peoples spaces, I respect the rules established for the betterment of society.

Tie up your dog #4.

[rmkrum]

Leash about 6 feet long is the only way to totally control the dogs I love dearly. Other rule is “two gates to daylight minimum” to keep them in the yard or house. If your loose dog attacks me, my family, or my dog, although I’d much prefer to simply take out the stupid owner, the dog will pay the ultimate price. Been there, seen that in person. Deputy didn’t miss…the owner thought it was clever to send his dog after passing kids.

Be civilized, and obey the rules that are there for a reason. Freedom is not license to do anything you please, and your rights end where mine begin.

[Robere]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Leash about 6 feet long is the only way to totally control the dogs I love dearly. Other rule is “two gates to daylight minimum” to keep them in the yard or house. If your loose dog attacks me, my family, or my dog, although I’d much prefer to simply take out the stupid owner, the dog will pay the ultimate price. Been there, seen that in person. Deputy didn’t miss…the owner thought it was clever to send his dog after passing kids.

Be civilized, and obey the rules that are there for a reason. Freedom is not license to do anything you please, and your rights end where mine begin.

Right on! You nailed this.