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Letter: Dog Off-Leash Pilot is 'Experimenting' With Safety

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About 50 or so residents attended the first community meeting at Louise Van Meter Elementary School to discuss the

When a few moms raised concerns over child safety, one person who was for the off-leash pilot suggested with a tinge of sarcasm that a fence be built around the children's playground.

Another person who was against the pilot feared the soil may become contaminated from feces.

As I expected, there were a lot of statements that began with the words "my dog," and when the off-leash group was asked why they just couldn't use the Los Gatos Creek Trail Dog Park, one person said it was because there was no parking.

One thing is clear when it comes to dogs, people are passionate. I am not passionate about poop not picked up or doggy socials. I am passionate about the safety of children in the presence of dogs.

At approximately 320 pounds per square inch, a dog's jaw can tear through tissue and muscle at lightening speed leaving permanent scars and nerve damage. There is NO human fast enough to prevent a dog from making contact once it has committed to bite.

Dogs also at risk: It's not just the children who are at risk here. If dogs are legally allowed off-leash in our parks, these locations will be published on dozens of private dog park directory websites.

Let’s say an out-of-towner shows up with an intact male dog who fights other male dogs and they're told never to return. Mysteriously dogs are turning up ill or dead—likely from eating poisoned meat. Call me paranoid ... but would I take my dog to one of the parks? Absolutely not! Rat Poison Left at Dog Park in Sunnyvale.

Fact: No matter how well trained or socialized, dogs are still predators.

Fact: The domestic dog, whether Chihuahua or Golden Retriever, share 99.8 percent DNA with the Gray Wolf. Instincts before dogs ate kibble and lived in pampered homes, if dogs didn't hunt, they didn't survive.

Some rescue dogs that have lived on the streets can be very prone to chasing and food aggression. These dogs are unsafe to be around playing children and children with food. 

To aid in hunting, a dog's visual system is highly attuned to detecting movement. Some dogs switch from play to predatory aggression when a child runs away from them. 

A child's high-pitched scream, flailing arms, or rolling on the ground, can also trigger a predatory attack. People need to understand that small individuals, whether a cat, a squirrel, or a toddler can look like prey to some dogs so it should be no surprise when a 10-pound dog is attacked and killed by a larger dog.

Children have been seriously mauled, and on rare occasion killed while trying to run away from predatory dogs. The book Fatal Dog Attacks chronicles real cases of cases where adults and children are killed by predatory dogs. These type of attacks are more common when there are multiple dogs operating as a pack or pairs. 

Many dogs also like to chase people on bicycles and skateboards. Once they catch up to a person on wheels, dogs often nip and bite at the rider causing the person to crash. Serious head injuries can occur when overly exuberant dogs knock children to the ground.

In 2009 Beverly Head, of San Jose, died from a brain injury when she was tripped by a flexi-lead. San Jose has since passed a no flexi-leash law.
Humane Society--

How to avoid getting bit by a dog?

  •  Never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car.
  • Don't pet a dog—even your own—without letting him see and sniff you first.
  • Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you.
  • Don't disturb a dog while she's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies.
  • Be cautious around strange dogs.

Benefit vs. risk: I understand that dog owners would like to keep their dogs healthy and fit. Like humans, dogs need to maintain muscle tone, control their weight, and interact with their own species.

However, "experimenting" with dogs off-leash for the sake of a few residents who don't want to walk their dogs to exercise them, or drive them to the proper dog park is hardly worth risking the safety of human beings.

What I don't understand is why Los Gatos can build a multimillion dollar sports park, yet cannot figure out a way, with the help of the community, to raise funds for a proper dog park.

This is an excellent short video every parent should watch by the American Veterinary Medical Association on teaching children W.A.I.T. (Wait, Ask, Invite, Touch)

The next community meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 9 at Louise Van Meter Elementary School. People can also voice their opinions to the Town Council at council@losgatosca.gov. 

 

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Poot May 4, 2012 at 09:51 am
Good lord, fear monger much?
Jeffrey McClanahan, M.D. May 4, 2012 at 09:30 pm
First I would like to know how many dogs you personally own. How long have you been training dogs and especially what is the source of your certification and eduction regarding dog training or as you state, "Certified Pet Dog Trainer." I have never seen this designation and anytime someone states a qualification, it is incumbent upon them to provide the qualifications of their training. That is, what school did you attend, was it online or was it in a classroom. How many dogs were you exposed to and what courses did you complete that make you qualified to provide unquestioned advice to the Town of Los Gatos. Anyone can state statistics, but without the proper context they are worthless. I would like to see someone who is not looking to benefit from possible training gig's with parents who fear dogs or has some other agenda. If you are transparent in your role I will expect to see your training, if not, well then best of luck to you in what you are trying to achieve.
Sincerely, Director Residients Los Gatos Off Leash Program J.S.M.
John Williamson May 4, 2012 at 11:36 pm
With this kind of fear why even leave your house? there could be an evil dog waiting on your porch just waiting to eat you, little red riding cynophobia..
AR May 5, 2012 at 02:15 am
i wish i would have attended this meeting. it seems that many well-intentioned dog owners are incapable of arriving at the obvious conclusion that while their own dog is well-trained, not all dogs are.
what is the aversion to an enclosed dog area? the dogs don't care. the dog owners don't have to worry about the dog running off. the people on the outside of the fence don't have to deal with dogs they don't want to, and don't have to worry about walking in poop. seems to work in every other town in america.
Jonathan Knowles May 5, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Vikki,
I am deeply disappointed in your uniformed approach to this issue and irresponsible use of the word "facts." Abraham Lincoln famously said, "I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts." I encourage everyone to consider the real facts and relevant examples as they approach this issue in our community. A thoughtful, considered, shared use approach to the largest segment of our residents is certainly in order. Please don't let fear and misinformation drive this process and outcome. I am a dog owner, however my dog's only off leash activities are at doggy day care several days a week, not in our parks. That said, I support the current process and proposals for off leash hours. Regardless of the final outcome, my dog will not be off leash in our parks unless/until there are fences installed. A central town dog park is not an option. Dog owners have exactly as much right to use neighborhood parks and any other users (kids, tennis players, basketball players, picnickers, walkers, runners, etc.). Maybe someday we will have fenced in areas in our parks the way we have playground and sports facilities. In the meantime, off leash hours are working across the country. I believe we should act responsibly and move ahead with a pilot program.
Edward May 6, 2012 at 02:32 pm
This is not a complicated subject. Off leash dogs in unfenced, mixed used parks are a safety issue. Mr knowles likes to use the term "irresponsible" to describe anyone who disagrees with his factually unsupported view. The truth is that you are allowed to use the parks in Los Gatos WITH YOUR DOG, as long as it is on leash. That is fair, and that is the safest course. That's why it's the existing city code.
Raising Canine May 6, 2012 at 04:50 pm
Ms. Boyd asked me to look at the above article and give my opinion.You may view my credentials at: http://becomeaprofessionaldogtrainer.com/about/about-your-become-a-professional-instructor/.
If you would like more information on dog trainer certifications: http://becomeaprofessionaldogtrainer.com/articles/business-articles/what-does-certification-for-professional-dog-trainers-really-mean/. Having unleashed dogs around children certainly has the potential to be a dangerous situation and I would advise against it for these reasons. • Many dogs are not socialized to children. • It is a myth that “dogs love children.” Dogs DO NOT love children unless they are taught to do so. Children are shrill, jerky, and often (from a dog’s POV) aggressive. • Children often have things that dogs want. If a child tries to take something from a dog, they run a very real risk of being bitten. • Children who are raised with a family dog are often comfortable around dogs and will do things their family dog tolerates but strange dogs will not. • Finally, parental supervision of children around dogs is often inadequate and uninformed. I do not know the logistical issues surrounding dog parks in Los Gatos, but I think compromise would be a much better solution. Have fenced areas within the local parks for the dogs; designate certain parks as off-leash dog parks; etc. Mixing children and dogs is bound to result in a tragedy, eventually.
Karen Wood May 6, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Although my dogs are well-trained, and extremely sociable with children and adults, I would never presume to allow them off-leash ANYWHERE. It takes just one distraction,movement, sound, to make them forget, even momentarily, how they would normally behave. Call me over-protective, but I would prefer to exercise my dogs on leash, as not only others (pets and people) are safer, but in having complete control over my dogs, they too, are safer.
P. Blake May 6, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Mixing off leash dogs and the public is irresponsible and dangerous. Los Gatos has fenced off leash dog parks which are very nice. Use them! I don’t want an off leash dog charging me, my fragile parents or my small dog. I observe dog owners at the off leash parks that we go to, many of the owners are talking to other and not watching their dogs. It’s a fact that I have observed numerous time, most people don’t over see or manage their animals as they should to protect other dogs or other people in the area the dog is running around. I have been bitten at an off leash dog park by a strange dog who was trying to bit my dog. The attacking dogs owner was no where in sight.
ALBINS MARTINSKIS May 7, 2012 at 03:09 pm
Observer
To impugn Ms. Foley-Boyd's professional qualifications to make your point, Dr. McClanahan, is shameful and not befitting a man of science who should be capable of of rational thought. What has happened to civilized, public discourse and our inate ability to disagree agreeably. By the way, what was your point?
Gena Styles May 9, 2012 at 06:46 pm
Jefferey- I'm just a "simple minded" Los Gatos soccer mom. I don't have M.D. after name so I'm sure you will reply using condescending big words in an attempt to make yourself look superior.
When did you become the park owner? Or the Director? Are you a non-profit organization? Either way you will have NO legal right to ask anyone to leave with their dog. You guys better buy some hefty liability insurance because if my kid is bitten playing in the park, I'll sue you, your group and the city " Your arrogant attitude gives doctors a bad rap. Shame on you. Don't you have better things to do like heal people? PS: I didn't have to use the dictionary to look up any words".
Gary Walker May 24, 2012 at 02:05 pm
I agree with Edward. This is not a complicated subject. Off leash dogs able to pack and run around near children is a safety issue. BTW Gina, I can understand your frustration. Gary
Hachi May 24, 2012 at 07:13 pm
Thank you finally some well informed sanity. I have two large dogs and two small children, so I get it. My children have a very heathy respect for unkown dogs of any size.
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We need more details/facts, I realize these are minors and their names are protected. But when,Read More where and what were the circumstances!
Steve Johnson June 18, 2013 at 10:14 am
I would rather not put out any of the names of the victims or the alleged rapist just in case he isRead More acquitted. I would suggest you follow up with LGPD and LGHS officials for any further information.
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 10:17 am
I just emailed Sgt. Stephen Walpole, but he's on vacation until June 20. I last reported on a rapeRead More at the Los Gatos Lodge in March, but Sgt. Harris back then said the department's records unit need time to research just how many of these sex crimes had been reported to police. I'll check with the district.
Castle Rocking Chair.
McGill Patio June 9, 2013 at 01:09 pm
Have this link copy and paste on your web page to get to our Facebook Page:)
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 5, 2013 at 09:46 am
Thanks for the announcement, Laura. Can you please post this under events? That's where our usersRead More are going to find out what's happening in town, too! Thank you.
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 4, 2013 at 08:08 am
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