The English people's relationship with dogs

[Rose65]

I glanced out of the window at 6a.m. at the chilly frosty world and sure enough, a dog walker went past, dog wearing a lit up collar in the darkness.
A hardy breed, Dog Walkers! Out there in all weathers.
In our case we walk later in the day, before lunch usually, our time to relax and chat, enjoy the air. My knees are not so good and I can't be too cold. I can't imagine life without canine company.

Is it a peculiarly English thing? Not all cultures value dogs in this way of course. The English dog walkers are extremely regular in their habits, I know some who go out four times daily. There are the very early or night walkers. We all know each other by sight or a quick chat. Dogs are great for opening conversations.

I wondered if anyone who has lived in other countries, what did you observe about people's attitude to dogs, compared to the English?

 

[hollydolly]

If I said every second person who walks by my house has a dog... I would be wrong...it's almost every single person, and some have 2 or more dogs... all prettied up, with lighted colours and day-glo coats in this icy weather.. and as you say , I see them several times a day walking their dogs..

My daughter gets up at 5am, so she can walk her dog before she leaves for work to start at 8am... ( until last month she had 3 dogs).. then she drives home at lunch time to let her dog out for a pee.. before driving back to work.. and then she takes her dog out before she goes to bed.. she never misses a day..even when she feels poorly

 

[VaughanJB]

I wondered if anyone who has lived in other countries, what did you observe about people's attitude to dogs, compared to the English?

My impression from living in the US is that there are fewer dog lovers. That said, the US is a big place, and I only knew so much.

I wouldn't be without my dog. In fact, I've been caring for my dog over the last few days because he's very ill. I've seen the vet, and they think it's pancreatitis. Poor guy is not himself at all.

It's not that I think of them as a child, it's just that they rely on us for everything. They can't book a vet appointment on their own. I love my dog, and he and I come as a set. It'd be a deal breaker for sure should I be dating. I've had dogs in the past that have passed away - I cry like a baby. They're very special animals.

 

[Tom52]

Where I live, the largest 55+ community in the world, dog owners typically fawn over their "fur babies" like real babies. Old people who can bare!y walk themselves, push around their little darlings in strollers.

When out walking, dog owners let their dogs run out on those retractable leashes toward you as the owner is just positive their pooch is the cutest in the world and you surely want to stop and pet it.

Of course, your pet needs a daily golf cart ride.

How dare you tell me my little darling is not welcome to sit in the shopping cart at the grocery store. And lastly, it is not fair to confront me just because I snuck my little guy into this restaurant and let him sit with me on the bench and share the food on my plate.

Of course you want to take the "fur baby" everywhere you go and know it is not allowed in some places, so buy one of those Service Dog coats on Amazon then you can dare them to stop you. Just like most people can't see past that sham.

 

[VaughanJB]

Where I live, the largest 55+ community in the world, dog owners typically fawn over their "fur babies" like real babies. Old people who can bare!y walk themselves, push around their little darlings in strollers.

When out walking, dog owners let their dogs run out on those retractable leashes toward you as the owner is just positive their pooch is the cutest in the world and you surely want to stop and pet it.

Of course, your pet needs a daily golf cart ride.

How dare you tell me my little darling is not welcome to sit in the shopping cart at the grocery store. And lastly, it is not fair to confront me just because I snuck my little guy into this restaurant and let him sit with me on the bench and share the food on my plate.

Of course you want to take the "fur baby" everywhere you go and know it is not allowed in some places, so buy one of those Service Dog coats on Amazon then you can dare them to stop you. Just like most people can't see past that sham.

I love my dog, but would never take him to a restaurant. I don't mind leaving him on his own. I'm a human, and I have things to do. He's a dog, and he largely does what he's told to do. I know he's a dumb animal. I also know where he belongs, and where he doesn't. I'm well aware that some people don't like dogs, so would avoid situations where it would make others uncomfortable.

 

[Remy]

I'm a cat person but like dogs also. Once in a while I'll see a dog snuck into a store. The only stores I know that allow dogs in is pet stores, PAWS thrift, of course, and Goodwill lets people bring dogs in, usually small in the cart. Probably cleaner than some of their human clientele.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

"Walking" a dog in all kinds of weather is why I'm a cat person.

 

[jujube]

I wouldn't be without my dog. In fact, I've been caring for my dog over the last few days because he's very ill. I've seen the vet, and they think it's pancreatitis. Poor guy is not himself at all.

This time of year, pancreatic is an epidemic for dogs. My quasi-daughter-in-law is a vet tech and she says they are swamped with dogs with that malady.

Rover gets fed turkey and dressing and rolls and candy and cranberry sauce and........and Rover being a dog y'know also helps himself to the garbage. The next thing you know, Rover's a very sick boy and HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

I can tell you're a responsible dog owner and wouldn't do this but a lot of people think "Oh, it's only once a year, what harm can it do?".

 

[Timewise 60+]

I am over 70 and have been blessed to travel around the USA over the years.

Our current home sits in a large housing development and we have a corner lot. In the mornings and evenings, we have a constant flow of many of our neighbors and their dogs out walking. Most only have one dog, but a few have two and even one with three dogs they walk. This is common in America, just like in many other countries Americans have dogs and many walk their dogs.

I have seen this all over our country, it is commonplace for people in neighborhoods to be out walking their dogs, big ones, medium size ones, and little ones. Frequently, a mix of more than one...

So, unless you have lots of experience in America neighborhoods.... move on!

 

[jujube]

What amazes me is the amount of dogs who have to go to "doggy daycare", because they have separation anxiety.

When I was growing up, you said goodbye to your dog in the morning on your way out to go to school or work and it slept all day, waking up only to harass the mailman or bark if a leaf fell off the tree.

When you came home, the dog was glad to see you and wanted to be fed. There was no anxiety. It was, "Oh good, you're home. I thought you might have died or something. When's dinner?"

Anxiety? That's definitely something new.

 

[dilettante]

Sublimation of natural instincts in the face of rapid population decline. Near-worship of infantilized slave animals is on the rise everywhere as a consequence.

Next up:

 

[MarkD]

I'm a cat person but like dogs also. Once in a while I'll see a dog snuck into a store. The only stores I know that allow dogs in is pet stores, PAWS thrift, of course, and Goodwill lets people bring dogs in, usually small in the cart. Probably cleaner than some of their human clientele.

I’m a dog person who greatly appreciates cats. (I’d have one if my wife hadn’t played the dander card.). I think it is a huge mistake to think that everyone who loves their dog is the same. Way to many of us for that to be true.

I’ve always had a dog starting from before I was an adult. For years I’ve had two dogs and once I took on a third to help a niece out who was overwhelmed. Mostly my dogs have gone with wherever they are welcome. In my neighborhood pretty much every store allows dogs on leash. But I bring my current dog into them. She is too reactive to sound and movement. I made a mistake in getting her but will keep her as long as I can and love so many things about her. But she is very protective of me and also quick to herd what is available.

She accepts that bikes and runners are not okay and though I don’t fully trust her around children I have successfully called her out of a soccer game going on at the beach where we were working the ball. An errant throw of mine sent her into their midst but when called she came right back. Still unless we’re in a wide open area with space to maneuver, I prefer to leash her when small kids are about. Something about the way they will squeal, hop and spurt off in any direction is extremely engaging for her.

 

[Remy]

What amazes me is the amount of dogs who have to go to "doggy daycare", because they have separation anxiety.

When I was growing up, you said goodbye to your dog in the morning on your way out to go to school or work and it slept all day, waking up only to harass the mailman or bark if a leaf fell off the tree.

When you came home, the dog was glad to see you and wanted to be fed. There was no anxiety. It was, "Oh good, you're home. I thought you might have died or something. When's dinner?"

Anxiety? That's definitely something new.

I had downstairs people living there who's small dog whined for up to 12 hours while they were not there. They knew this was happening as it started the second the door closed. On top of the male screaming at the woman they were evicted. I finally complained after months of these people. I know the dog clawed at the door and bedroom window area and this was confirmed when I heard them repairing the areas after these people were gone.

 

[hollydolly]

What amazes me is the amount of dogs who have to go to "doggy daycare", because they have separation anxiety.

When I was growing up, you said goodbye to your dog in the morning on your way out to go to school or work and it slept all day, waking up only to harass the mailman or bark if a leaf fell off the tree.

When you came home, the dog was glad to see you and wanted to be fed. There was no anxiety. It was, "Oh good, you're home. I thought you might have died or something. When's dinner?"

Anxiety? That's definitely something new.

simply IMO because people try to make a dog a human... forgetting its an animal....

 

[Tommy]

When I was growing up, you said goodbye to your dog in the morning on your way out to go to school or work and it slept all day, waking up only to harass the mailman or bark if a leaf fell off the tree.

When you came home, the dog was glad to see you and wanted to be fed. There was no anxiety. It was, "Oh good, you're home. I thought you might have died or something. When's dinner?"

My was a laugh of agreement. Your story struck me as hilariously true.

Was your dog a lab, maybe?

 

[Knight]

Dogs can be more than just a way to exercise. This show was worth watching.

We've all heard of the hit show "Dancing with the Stars," but what about dancing with your dogs? That's right, it's a real thing.

Every year, people and their dogs from across the globe compete in this international sport on the world's preeminent dog dancing stage, Crufts dog show, in Birmingham, England.

"Heelwork to Music" is a competitive sport where handlers choreograph intricate dance routines with their dogs.

Inside the extraordinary world of dog dancing.

 

[jujube]

My was a laugh of agreement. Your story struck me as hilariously true.

Was your dog a lab, maybe?

Every dog I've ever had, I think, was created in a lab.

 

[againstthegrain]

Labs you say- my buddies hunt.

The young female on the left, Pepper, is the mellowest thing going, but she loves to hunt. These are quite a bit smaller than their English cousins, so they can operate in rough terrain all day.



10 California Quail




And a mallard.

 

[oldaunt]

What amazes me is the amount of dogs who have to go to "doggy daycare", because they have separation anxiety.

When I was growing up, you said goodbye to your dog in the morning on your way out to go to school or work and it slept all day, waking up only to harass the mailman or bark if a leaf fell off the tree.

When you came home, the dog was glad to see you and wanted to be fed. There was no anxiety. It was, "Oh good, you're home. I thought you might have died or something. When's dinner?"

Anxiety? That's definitely something new.

Actually, neurotic people make their pets neurotic too. Its a learned response for dogs.

 

[oldaunt]

I’m a dog person who greatly appreciates cats. (I’d have one if my wife hadn’t played the dander card.). I think it is a huge mistake to think that everyone who loves their dog is the same. Way to many of us for that to be true.

I’ve always had a dog starting from before I was an adult. For years I’ve had two dogs and once I took on a third to help a niece out who was overwhelmed. Mostly my dogs have gone with wherever they are welcome. In my neighborhood pretty much every store allows dogs on leash. But I bring my current dog into them. She is too reactive to sound and movement. I made a mistake in getting her but will keep her as long as I can and love so many things about her. But she is very protective of me and also quick to herd what is available.

She accepts that bikes and runners are not okay and though I don’t fully trust her around children I have successfully called her out of a soccer game going on at the beach where we were working the ball. An errant throw of mine sent her into their midst but when called she came right back. Still unless we’re in a wide open area with space to maneuver, I prefer to leash her when small kids are about. Something about the way they will squeal, hop and spurt off in any direction is extremely engaging for her.

I have always had both dogs and cats, as well as horses, and sometimes guinea pigs. You know, sort of a living fur coat......

 

[MarkD]

I have always had both dogs and cats, as well as horses, and sometimes guinea pigs. You know, sort of a living fur coat......

I used to fancy having a proper menagerie something like Gerry Durrell but animals are much harder to keep happy and healthy and once they die you can't just plant a piece and wait for it to grow another animal as you can with plants. That is probably why I switched to plants from birds but I did have three outdoor aviaries at one time. In fact it was beginning to plant those aviaries which got me interested in the plants. That and the nuisance of having to look in on small birds at least twice a day convinced me to plant the garden for the birds in our neighborhood to come to and go as they like.

The aviaries were all built to have external flight cages connected to indoor options in an old shed here:

The last photo was taken from the deck of my neighbor's building seen here past some of my birds.

This male Mesia was one of the better looking birds.

When my older birds aged out I converted all but one of the outside flights to other purposes. But one I kept to keep an outdoor bed free of vermin.

Now 'my' birds are all self sustaining local birds. Two of my favorites being the humming birds and bush tits.

 

[oldaunt]

I used to fancy having a proper menagerie something like Gerry Durrell but animals are much harder to keep happy and healthy and once they die you can't just plant a piece and wait for it to grow another animal as you can with plants. That is probably why I switched to plants from birds but I did have three outdoor aviaries at one time. In fact it was beginning to plant those aviaries which got me interested in the plants. That and the nuisance of having to look in on small birds at least twice a day convinced me to plant the garden for the birds in our neighborhood to come to and go as they like.

The aviaries were all built to have external flight cages connected to indoor options in an old shed here:

The last photo was taken from the deck of my neighbor's building seen here past some of my birds.

This male Mesia was one of the better looking birds.

When my older birds aged out I converted all but one of the outside flights to other purposes. But one I kept to keep an outdoor bed free of vermin.

Now 'my' birds are all self sustaining local birds. Two of my favorites being the humming birds and bush tits.

I love birds, very lovely to watch, but they are really hard to cuddle on a cold evening.

 

[CarolfromTX]

When we were in England in September we saw lots of people with dogs. Most of the shops had signs welcoming dogs and provided water bowls for them. It was rather remarkable.