first mate

Emily, Great news. I'm so glad that Woody is on the slow road to recovery. We must not forget that all of this will be costing you a small fortune in vets bills- I believe we are probably talking thousands? There is a great hydrotherapy place in the Battersea area called hydro vet. They are a also vet practice, really know their stuff and look after you and your dog well. I look forward to your feedback from the SNT and the MET.

I do wonder what will happen when the Harris Boy's School is opened? I really don't believe that all of the section of the Park fronting the school won't start getting used for sports and other activities at some point, rather like the Girl's school uses the other section. So the park is likely to be more packed, not just at weekends but perhaps on a daily basis too.

A couple of months ago I asked for a huge Southwark Cleaning Van to be moved from where it had been parked illegally and dangerously, for some while, right at the end of the road by the Palmerston. It was blocking the view into and out of Northcross Road and you could see an accident was waiting to happen. The driver and a number of Southwark employees were all congregated outside the greasy spoon, a few yards down with their Manager. The Manager did get the van moved but I feel he should not have had to be asked. Do these people get any training, do they care?

Huggers agreed. I say again, the solution is Wardens empowered to issue on the spot fines etc.. to miscreants. Those of us who are regular dog walker know darn well that certain powers that be would love to institute dog control orders across all Southwark Parks, so let's not give them the ammunition. The law abiding dog owner, just like the law abiding car owner, takes care and is sensitive to others, let's concentrate our efforts on the criminal/irresponsible minority rather than holding the decent majority to ransom. I would add to this that Parks are not the only area that problem dog owners are to be found. There are offlead dogs, often with dodgy owners, that are allowed to roam the streets. Our dogs, our pets and little people are just as at risk from these as in the park. Whilst I do not believe there is direct legislation covering this, it is my understanding that people are not allowed to cross the road with a dog off lead, so again, wardens and police could issue fines if they see this.

The survey seems to be as much an information gathering exercise on individuals as about the parks, though I am aware that it can all be justified in terms of what is necessary to produce statistics. Anyhow, in my view, the thing that would improve the parks is more park wardens patrolling the park. That way problems with with litter louts, with dogs, with muggers, with kids wrecking plants in Sexby Gardens or with teenage flashers can be dealt with immediately. Perhaps the burgeoning group of parking wardens could be retrained?

Huggers/2degreesfrom madness, Yes, some dogs will have problems/issues, especially if they are rescue and all dog owners should try to be across a bit of dog behaviour so that they are aware. Entire males in particular may not appreciate another entire male dog in their face when they are "trapped" on a lead. This does not mean that either dog is "aggressive" it is simply a natural result of the effects of testosterone. It would be great if people could just get to grips with this basic stuff before deciding to own a dog. Also there are also what I'd almost call "cultural" differences in communication between different breeds. Staffs and some other bull breeds are very hard for other dogs to read, ditto dogs without tails and so on. This can also cause misunderstandings. A puppy that has been badly beaten up as a pup may develop fear aggression around other dogs. Again, people need to watch their puppies in the park, not every dog will tolerate being leapt on by a strange pup and the ensuing telling off can be severe- doesn't mean the dog is "aggressive" it means the pup's owner should have taken more care. Bring back the dog licence and some kind of compulsory training.

Huggers, a very good post. Any dog on lead should always be given space- it is a no-brainer for anyone that understands the first principles of dog training and behaviour. I'm beginning to think that a prerequisite of dog ownership should involve compulsory attendance at a recognised dog training class, where a preliminary practical exam, like the Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme, must be passed by owners and dogs. I too get annoyed that people let their dogs run off lead around the pond and in the enclosed garden areas and particularly the children's area. People really must exercise a bit of common sense, or, as you say, we'll all be banned from letting our dogs run free on the larger grassed areas. As ever it's a mix of ignorance, lack of joined up thinking and sheer laziness (mobile phonitis- switch it off for half an hour and enjoy nature).

Sorry, I must make clear to all that the link is obviously NOT the dog under discussion (not least because the one in the picture is tan and white not black and white) but I included it simply in order to show what kind of dog we are talking about. Size is one of the things that would differentiate this breed (American Bulldog) from a Staff or Pitbull. The Staff is a lot smaller. The Pitbull is a lighter build and smaller than this type of American Bulldog but taller than a Staff. Remember also that unlike the American Bulldog Staffs and Pitbulls do not make good guard dogs and so, contrary to popular belief, are likely to be more trustworthy around people- though not other dogs. Finally, there are two sizes of American Bulldog, one is shorter and squatter- the type under discussion is the taller version. Please remember too that an American Bulldog is not a banned or illegal breed but rather like a Rottweiler, another large molosser type with a guard instinct, it needs careful handling, training and control. Absolutely not a dog for beginners- I'd say the same of all Mastiff and Bully breeds, I'd also say it about other breed types with a strong guard instinct like Dobermanns or German Shepherds- you've got to know what you are doing and know your breed. A person earlier mentioned about their greyhound- even these gentle souls can and will chase small dogs and cats they consider prey. But we seldom hear of such cases because they are not a breed that attracts irresponsible ownership.

Here's a link to a picture of an American Bulldog: http://europuppyblog.com/media/40/american_bulldog.jpg

TonyQuinn, No I don't blame you for feeling angry, I feel the same- because dog ownership is being blighted by a few idiots. These are the same types who will blight our community in other ways, I think you know that, they are generally irresponsible and,I'm sure, cause problems in all kinds of other ways. What is significant is that they almost always own a bull breed, so perhaps we can narrow this down to types that are attracted to owning a bull breed for the wrong reasons. As you say, in your street the lab owner does not fall into the category of bad dog ownership. To make a rather clunky analogy, there are a fair few boy racers who drive cars and vans extremely recklessly and dangerously- you can often recognise them by the type of car they drive but we would not tar all car owners as being irrepsonsible and of the same ilk. I do feel for those responsible owners who have well trained and socialised bull breeds- even I will make assumptions before I get to know them. All I'm saying is that for many of us dog ownership is a joy and a hobby- getting out for a good walk is part of that. I would hate to see us getting penalised because of the feckless few.

TonyQuinn, Sorry, I must object to your implication that many dog owners behave in this irresponsible way- a bit like inferring the same of most car owners whenever there is an accident. Most dog owners do not behave this way, the irresponsible dog owner behaviour is down to a significant minority who make a big impact. Please note that the dog in question is NOT a pitbull but an American Bulldog. I would hate to see an example like this used to institute dog control orders across our parks- that would be a disaster for all us many, many responsible dog owners.

It would be good if some political pressure could be brought to bear on the police to take an incident like this seriously and not just file it away as another "dog fight". For many of us law abiding dog owners walking in the park has become a decidedly unrelaxed affair- because we are always having to look out for dodgy owners with their bull breed accessory. What a shame that we cannot have more of the old fashioned park wardens back- actually on patrol, visible and there when you need to report something. I know funding is an issue but all I will say to that is this would be a better use of money on its way to "brighten up" the Northcross Road wall etc.. etc.. Feeling safer in the park would brighten up my day no end. Emily, I am so glad Woody's prognosis is good, you'll get plenty of support from the ED dog peeps if you make it back to the park, but gently does it.

I am fairly certain I know this guy- longish grey/white hair, slimmish build, medium height (Irish accent?|). I believe his dog is an American Bulldog or cross. Though this is not a banned breed they are not for the faint-hearted. They do indeed have a strong prey drive and fighting instinct and without extremely careful training and socialisation they are likely to go after other dogs. Unlike Staffs and Pitbulls they also have a strong guard instinct and so could represent a problem to people too. In my view this man has loaded the dice further by foolishly keeping his dog entire- so you have a very large powerful male dog with a strong fighting/prey drive roaming Peckham Rye offlead. Whenever I have seen this dog in the distance I have avoided it like the plague, not for my sake but for my dog. Ditto any other bull/molosser breeds that are entire males or that I do not know. When will people learn that these breeds are a liability with other dogs and therefore potentially with people, should they try to intervene in a fight. When will people learn too that if you keep an entire male, of whatever breed, you have an additional responsibility to your own dog and to other people's. If the owner of the Daschie felt in any intimidated by this dog, fearful that they might get bitten (before they intervened) or just plain scared for their own safety then they may have grounds for prosecution under the DDA. Otherwise there are areas of dog law in the civil courts that can be pursued. I have watched this dog develop over the last few years. The owner never seemed to have much control over it and I was alarmed to see also that he had not castrated it- in my view this attack is the inevitable result of irresponsible/ignorant ownership. I do woner if this owner ever properly researched his breed and knew exactly what he was taking on. Sorry, I meant to say also how devastating for the owner of Woody I hope he recovers to full fitness. You were in NO way to blame by having your dog on the lead- again this is an excuse used by cretins when they cannot control their own dog- and his dog was not under control (yours was which is why there may be a case under the DDA). If this man knew (and the fact that he used it as an excuse is a giveaway) that his dog is likely to attack other dogs when they are on a lead then he should never let his off a lead- not under any circumstances. Someone may have a young pup not ready to be let off that they are walking in the park, another may have a bitch in heat, another may have an ill, elderly or injured dog. All of these will be on a lead in the park at some point- all have a right to feel safe from dogs that are in the habit of attacking other dogs on lead. Please pursue legal action against this guy- he should not be allowed to keep a dog.

"Don't try to keep up with the Jones', drag them down to your level." Quentin Crisp

Again, leave the wall as is. It's fine. I cannot stand the idea of areas being given a fresh "identity" by council and community committee- you just feel that the end result will be a series of compromises- bland and tacky. Still cannot understand why this is an "ishooo" at all. I cannot ever recall seeing graffiti on this wall. Can Councillor Barber give times and dates of offending graffiti? Concentrate the funding on getting the paving sorted, I say, so fewer of us trip whilst on our way to peruse market goods.

No line for five days. Eventually fixed. Problem was damage after bad weather to local exchange.

No thanks. Ghastly waste of money. It's an odd place for a 'work of art'-this looks nothing of the sort. Why not just erect a large perspex box, stick it to the wall and let budding artists display a new work every month?

womanofdulwich, These people sound a bit of a disaster to be honest. If the dog is barking/crying continuously it does not take a genius to work out that it is distressed. Anyhow, no use me venting here. Probably the best contact is Bobs Broadbent at Dog Knows. She's based in SE6 and is APDT registered as well as having other behavioural qualifications. being a professional though she will have to be paid. Her contact details are: Website: http://www.dogknows.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 07867507774 Dog Knows and Puppy School, based in South East London. Specializing in resolving puppy problems and training kind reward based methods. Puppy and Dog Training, Problem Solving, Dog Walking and Puppy Care. Pre-vaccination Puppy Consultations Puppy School training and socialisation classes - vaccinated to 20 week old puppies Home consultations to give advice, or for if you have a puppy trouble or dog behaviour problem Private training programmes for puppies and dogs Exercising and Puppy Care service Pre-vaccination Puppy Consultation Puppy Training and Socialisation Classes Private Puppy & Dog Training Puppy Troubles Solved Dog Behaviour Consultations Puppy Care and Dog Walking Address: London, London, SE6 4XN UK I hope this helps. If, as I suspect, they are not the kind of people to spend money on their pup/dog then please come back. I would have a word with them about the pup barking. I don't understand why it is left out for two hours. If it is being properly exercised etc.. according to it age, it could be left inside, in a puppy pen, where it would happily sleep for two hours. If it is older it could be going through a teething phase and being destructive, but there are ways round this and if they are responsible dog owners who properly considered a taking on a puppy, they should have known what to expect and how to deal with it. Please keep us updated and well done to you for being concerned. Unless this is sorted I can see another dog heading to rescue.

I do know about dogs and puppy and dog care. Please be clear that if, as you say, this is a very young puppy that has not been vaccinated then what these people have done in tying it up outside for three hours is nothing short of outrageous. Dogs are highly social animals, separation from the pack or family group is something that has to be learned over time. This pup will only have just left its mother and littermates it will be trying to adapt to a new environment and will need security. To be tied up outside in the cold on its own is punishing and unnatural and the first stage to creating a traumatised pup that grows into a problem dog. It goes without saying that a young pup should not be awake for three straight hours, like babies they eat and sleep regularly. I dread to think what else these people may be doing. I am seriously concerned about this. The very best information on puppy care can be found in Gwen Bailey's publication "The Perfect Puppy". It sounds like this family could not cope with the pup under their feet at Christmas and one can conclude that they are not properly prepared and may have gone for a cute, impulse buy. These people need a puppy pen. This can be set up in the kitchen, with the pup's bed etc in it. This way, at busy times the pup can be with its family without getting under people's feet. If you continue to witness more abuse of this pup (tying it up outside is abuse) then please report the family. I just have to add that the thought of a perfectly decent little pup being totally screwed up for life by some feckless, irresponsible family really makes my blood boil. Our rescue centres are overflowing as it is. If the family are simply clueless but receptive I would be happy to give them advice or point them in the right direction. You can PM me

No, this is not right, it is animal cruelty and if this is really only a puppy (first few months) I would go so far as to report them. No dog, let alone a puppy, should be left tied up outside for three hours (though I know some people do this). The puppy could be traumatised. It sounds as though these people have no idea how to care for a dog. How big is the pup, is it black or white? I feel very concerned by what you have said, would it be possible to check that the pup has been taken in?

PK, Yes, a little transparency and less of the point-scoring and little word games so may politicians, would-be or not, seem addicted to would be wonderfully refreshing. VikkiM and Gavin may be passionate about local issues because they live here but they are also after holding political posts and should be completely upfront about that.

I'd like to see Gavin and VikkiM and the like, adopt user names that reveal clearly their political motivations and affiliations ie "Gavin Edwards Labour Party candidate/ campaigning for the Labour party, or better still just have a dedicated Politicians area.

Daizie, I'm glad your little dog has survived. What an awful experience. My advice is give anything that looks like a bull breed or oriental fighting breed (Staffs and Staff/pit/Am staff types, American Bulldogs, EBT's, Mastiffs, Akitas and Shar Peis) a very wide berth. Unless I know the owner and dog extremely well I would simply walk in the opposite direction as soon as possible. It sounds draconian and I know that it is grossly unfair on those people that own properly socialised and well bred bull breeds but currently, for the most part, many owners and their bull/molosser type dogs are frankly dodgy. You are just safer to steer clear. It is a shame that these dogs and their owners are casting a pall over dog ownership in general. Walking the dog used to be a joy and relaxing, now you have to scan the horizon to make sure you are not going to bump into the wrong dog. With a dog as small as yours you should also be aware that some sight hounds can flip from friendly game into prey game on.

To get rid of fox pooh you'll have to get rid of the foxes. Pooh is part of nature and is used by most mammals to mark territory and communicate rank and gender. Some might suggest hiring a good marksman/woman or a really strong poison. of course I would advocate neither. Clearing pooh up is a nuisance and, of course, where dogs are concerned best done by the owners. With foxes, birds (you can catch nasty things from bird pooh too y'know) etc.. we just have to all get on with it.

Hi, Your post on joggers hit a nerve. Can't say how many times I've been startled by a heaving, grunting jogger that has suddenly burst out of the undergrowth at full pelt- generally plugged into a phone or similar, oblivious to everything, totally focused on the mission to run from A-Z come what may, and boy, you'd better get out of their way, 'cos they ain't changing their course of direction for anyone. All that lycra and pounding away on the local flora is sooooo eco friendly! Oh well, case of live and let live I guess.