Wow- I think this is an overblown and very ineffective response to a minimal problem. I've been on the property 100+ times in the last 10 years. The presence of off-leash, and therefore happy, dogs is such a stress reliever to those of us who no longer have dogs.
Yes, there was one time when we were surrounded (with our dog) by 3 full-blown, aggressive hunter bloodhounds with radio tags, threatening to tear all 3 of us apart. The owner could barely contain them even once he got them back on-leash. But staff knew the perp/owner, and had previously banned him from the area. Will these new rules stop that behavior? Nope. The owner is a known creep. (I carry dog mace now.)
And, will the new leash rules stop the common (and outrageous) event of people bagging poo then leaving the bag on the trail? Nope. Leash rule won't help that. More disposal cans likely would. People don't want to carry poo for miles once a hike has begun.
Will leash rules make dogs less aggressive/ better controlled? Nope. Most long term dog owners know that dogs develop more aggressive behavior on-leash than off, as they think they must protect their leash-attached owners.
And, will there be less erosion along Harbor Brook? Prob not, as -most- of that erosion is caused by our harsh rainfall events, plus the constant traipsing of humans off-trail. Proof of this is that it is happening everywhere else too, even where dogs are not common.
No, this is just a case of a board being given power, then feeling it must do -something- to justify its existence. But regulating for the sake of regulating is just wrong.
California handles the issue well. Rules at the regional parks state you may have dog off-leash unless you do not have voice command of them. This way, inappropriate dog behavior becomes de facto proof of the violation of the dog owner, who legally becomes a "trespasser," capable of being banned from the Park.
Agree and am so sad to hear this. It has been such a wonderful place to allow our dogs a little freedom while being completely kept under control. We have never had a problem with aggressive dogs and have been going frequently for years.
I think this is a reasonable approach and appreciate the Garden Preserve for finding a balance between leashed and off leashed times. While I used to walk frequently there with my dogs, I have not done so in years after encountering one too many off leash humans who could not seem to keep track of, much less manage, their canine companions.
Wow- I think this is an overblown and very ineffective response to a minimal problem. I've been on the property 100+ times in the last 10 years. The presence of off-leash, and therefore happy, dogs is such a stress reliever to those of us who no longer have dogs.
Yes, there was one time when we were surrounded (with our dog) by 3 full-blown, aggressive hunter bloodhounds with radio tags, threatening to tear all 3 of us apart. The owner could barely contain them even once he got them back on-leash. But staff knew the perp/owner, and had previously banned him from the area. Will these new rules stop that behavior? Nope. The owner is a known creep. (I carry dog mace now.)
And, will the new leash rules stop the common (and outrageous) event of people bagging poo then leaving the bag on the trail? Nope. Leash rule won't help that. More disposal cans likely would. People don't want to carry poo for miles once a hike has begun.
Will leash rules make dogs less aggressive/ better controlled? Nope. Most long term dog owners know that dogs develop more aggressive behavior on-leash than off, as they think they must protect their leash-attached owners.
And, will there be less erosion along Harbor Brook? Prob not, as -most- of that erosion is caused by our harsh rainfall events, plus the constant traipsing of humans off-trail. Proof of this is that it is happening everywhere else too, even where dogs are not common.
No, this is just a case of a board being given power, then feeling it must do -something- to justify its existence. But regulating for the sake of regulating is just wrong.
California handles the issue well. Rules at the regional parks state you may have dog off-leash unless you do not have voice command of them. This way, inappropriate dog behavior becomes de facto proof of the violation of the dog owner, who legally becomes a "trespasser," capable of being banned from the Park.
Agree and am so sad to hear this. It has been such a wonderful place to allow our dogs a little freedom while being completely kept under control. We have never had a problem with aggressive dogs and have been going frequently for years.
I think this is a reasonable approach and appreciate the Garden Preserve for finding a balance between leashed and off leashed times. While I used to walk frequently there with my dogs, I have not done so in years after encountering one too many off leash humans who could not seem to keep track of, much less manage, their canine companions.