The most effective way to get your dog under your (verbal) control is to attend GOOD puppy classes.

I am looking to start classes in this area, but cannot so far find a venue which has availability and will allow puppies inside.

Anyone who can think of a brilliant idea pls reply or PM me!

Thx v much
Deborah
www.thedognanny.co.uk
deborah@thedognanny.co.uk

Couldn't agree more with "norlandnanny" that if dog owners don't wise up then dogs will need to be kept on leads whilst in Lambeth/Wandsworth parks as they are in other areas.

I couldn't agree more! I am a qualified dog trainer and behaviourist living and working in the area. We are very lucky that dogs are allowed to be off-leash in public parks and the commons, and dog owners need to wise up and respect this by picking up the poop and having good control of their dogs. Otherwise we will lose the privilege as is happening in many other cities.

If anyone is experiencing any problems with their dog - even simple things like needing to teach them to be "less friendly" (ie to come back when called) - I can help!

www.thedognanny.co.uk / deborah@thedognanny.co.uk

BTW: I know the big scary-looking dogs appear intimidating, but if you watch them objectively, they are often the ones under the best control!

Some dog owners are a real problem. Today my son dropped his jacket - as he and my mother-in-law were going back to get it, a Jack Russell ran over and lifted his leg on it. The owner was too far away to even notice.

I could think of a few other incidences similar to this one but it is getting to be beyond a joke.

what a funny post

As a dog owner, I believe every dog owner (nomatter the size of a dog) should not have a dog off the lead if dog does not come on recall (it is the most basic thing everyone should require from their pet).
There was a small dog, ran into a child - child fell, broke wrist..
My dog was plowed by a smaller lab - broke ligaments..

While dogs intentions are not bad - does not mean the outcome will be happy. Accidents happen and it only takes a bit of an effort from the owner to train a dog.

It's good to hear peoples' views. A few people have mentioned a fear of 'weapon dogs' - ie dogs specifically owned by thugs so that they can be trained to attack other dogs or people.

We have set up an anti dog - crime scheme on Clapham Common. If anyone suspects that someone is using their dog as a weapon - please inform PC Matt Forward, who is based at Cavendish Road Police Station:-

Tel: 0208 721 2623
E: Matthew.J.Forward@met.police.uk

A description of the owner/dog is always helpful to Police.

Having said that - please be assured that Clapham Common is a very safe place and largely free of crime

Hi, I understand it's difficult to have a dog, I have had them and I think it's great that you apologised. Unfortunately many owners are irresponsible and the common and parks in London are full of under-exercised city dogs, so it is one of my biggest peeves.

My toddler does not scream or run, he shakes and stands still. His great-grandparents have a farm and his grandfather is a vet, so he has a lot of opportunity to be around dogs and animals, if anything this has made his fear worse and now it is not just dogs it has also extended to all animals. Most children grow out of their 2 year old fears naturally, but for now it is actually feel it is safer that he prefers to avoid dogs, especially in London where there are a lot of weapon/status dogs with irresponsible owners and neglected pets.

Dear Ursaminor,

Thank you so much for your kind and humble apology, I really appreciate it, many people would not own up so credit to you. It's great that you are doing puppy training and on reflection perhaps my post was a little o.t.t but my friend did not enjoy the experience and in future we will use the dog free area for our prone exercises as it's the not so friendly dogs we should be worried about. Thank you again xx

Dear Cheshirecat,
My post (in which I apologise) comes before yours on the subject being discussed.
I was the owner of that puppy.
Just so you know, in response to what you wrote. I did recall my puppy and I did pick her up and I did apologise. But yes I was smiling and laughing a little out of embarrassment more than anything else. She was licking the poor woman to death and she clearly hated it.
I am a responsible dog owner.
I'm still training my puppy (5 months)
She's not dangerous and is full of happiness and love which can be over bearing.
I usually walk her in the evening and stay well away from the bandstand and cafe area normally, but was meeting a friend with a puppy on this occasion.
It was in the evening and the common is full of trainers and trainees doing their thing.
The training groups and other individuals find her attention amusing.
I always pick up her poo.
I spend considerable time with children and parents helping them to overcome their irrational fear and all are very grateful.
You teach your child how to deal with traffic and cross the road, why not teach them how to deal with the possible, unwanted attentions of a puppy or dog.
Stand still, turn your back and don't scream.
Puppies think a running screaming child wants to be chased. They do learn to respond to body language and eventually they become less ebullient and playful.
I hope my Boston stays as happy and loving and playful for as long as possible. My last puppy died aged 9 months in April and not only was she extremely popular on the common but charmed all that came into contact with her. Many children mourn her passing.

We were walking to the dog-free area once, only to come across a lady inside playing 'fetch' with a HUGE, energetic and scary-looking dog. My husband called over the fence that she was in the dog-free zone and she told him that she couldn't exercise the dog on the main common as she couldn't control it, it was too large and unruly - she also said my husband should shut up as he hated dogs!! Another family (who had a dog with them) told her to get out, that she was ridiculous and shouldn't have a dog off a lead if she couldn't control it. She left in a huff.

That was a couple of years ago and I still shake my head in disbelief. How mad.

I am a dog lover but I HATE loosing my picnic to out of control dogs, stepping in **** and eating at the common cafe. It is annoying.

Why should YOU have to move? She should come over to get her dog under control and apologise.

The area around the bandstand and especially the cafe is full of unleashed dogs and my friends toddler was nipped by one (owned by a family with children BTW) leading to my toddler and hers now shaking with fear at the sight of dogs. When I am at the cafe there is always at least 3 or 4 unleashed dogs wondering between tables while the owners enjoy a nice coffee and a chat. So my toddler hates it there and we no longer go. Plus despite my sons fear I do not want to share my coffee hour or lunch with other people's pets.

It is upsetting that the common has a small dog free enclosure. It should be the other way round!!

Dear Pod, I'm so sorry. I was that woman with the puppy that jumped on your friend. She's only 5 months old and full of love, which can be over bearing and yes, it isn't pleasant having her jump on your face and being licked and nibbled. She does love to run all over people who are lying on the ground and I'm working on it at home (lying on the floor and teaching her not to do that).
I was laughing out of embarrassment. And I was genuine in my suggestion of doing that kind of floor exercise in the fenced off area, only as it is difficult sometimes to stop unwanted (loving attention) from little ones.
Someone alerted me to your post (they didn't even know it was me and my puppy) but I own up. She's not actually a Pug but a Boston Terrier and if you google them you'll see how loving and fun loving the breed is - they are clowns and adore children - I usually manage to grab her before she gets near a toddler - she wants to lick them too. I do try to be responsible and spend a lot of time letting children meet her and touch her especially if I see fear. Again I apologise, sincerely. She's a lively, loving, little girl and i'm working on it. As she gets older she'll be less ebullient but I know that's no good for you now. Please accept my apology

Dog owners/walkers should be more responsible. Yes it was only a pug, but it could have been any dog in their charge. People are genuinely scared of dogs and they have a right to use the common without fear or being jumped on (cute pug or not!!). I would not let my child jump on someone and he doesn't even bite... anymore ;o) !!

The dog free area is for people to use with young children, not for people to exercise in. There should be more dog free areas. I've had dog poo on my hand from exercising on the common before. Not nice! Luckily I always have baby wipes and hand gel in the buggy.

I know staff on Clapham Common are planning an education programme for dog owners to address the issue of dog owners and other park users such as mums n young kids/ the elderly etc - all co-habiting happily with each other in the bandstand area - especially during these hot summer days - when the bandstand area can get very busy.

The CC team also plans a similar education programme for other park users eventually... so that we can all live happily together in the park.

I'd value your suggestions re: your advice to dog owners for creating a happy family in Clapham Common - I have a friend involved in the consultation and can pass on your suggestions. Thanks in advance everyone.