Isn't picking up after your dog just common courtesy?

[britishbandit]

I'm getting really tired of this. Whenever I go out with my dogs, I either make sure they "go" before walks, or I take a baggie with me in case they drop one while we're out. I always thought people were pretty good with this, but apparently not.
Since the cold weather eased up, I've seen numerous people with their dogs at the park, who just let the dogs go and walk away like it's nothing. How inconsiderate can they be? It's like a mine field out there right now, and it's only spring! The poor kids that play there must go home full of dog crap all the time, the baseball and soccer leagues must get a load as well, and the others walking dogs are always "dodging bombs". Even the kids play area with the slides and such, the sand is dotted with dog crap.
I'm actually getting so flustered i'm getting visuals in my head of running over with my baggie, picking up the poop and launcing it at the owner. Thinking if they can't pick it up.....they can "wear it home". I've even mentioned to some (when they are close enough), to pick it up, and on occasion got into a heated debate about it. Most people say, "I forgot to bring a baggie". I've even offered them mine, and no, they just don't friggin want to do it. AARRGGHHH! I wish there was someone there to enforce the "pick up" rule, but I guess I'll just have to "deal with it".
Sorry, had to get that off my chest.

[shandoggy1]

We have a problem at the park/pond I walk around. They even have dog spots with bags and trash barrels for you conveinence and you still see crap everywhere . But then again there is GOOSE CRAP everywhere to and nobody cleans that up! People are just rude and irresponsible. I have a guy in my neighborhood who has a greyhound that he walks and never picks up after him because it literally makes him sick and throws-up when he smells crap. LOL! So he trys to walk his dog away from peoples property when he has to go

[Shadowkins]

Don't know about other areas but here it is the law that you pick up after your pet. That said, many don't and I have always wondered how one would go about enforcing that law? Match the pooch to the poop, I guess!!!!
But seriously, if proven there is a $50.00 fine.

[princessjodi]

It is supposed to be a law here in SD too...but again...who goes around watching dogs poo and whether or not the owner cleans it up???

I ALWAYS take baggies with me and one time she went more than I had baggies for...so I walked around until I found something I could pick it up with and went back and took care of it. Some people are just irresponsible owners...

[richnrissa]

Seattelites recently placed as one of the 'worst' places in america for rating folks who responsibly 'baggie' their pups deposit in public places.

Considering 90% of parks around here have stations that give out free baggies and plenty of garbage cans there's no excuse.

Even w/o baggies, you could easily grab a few leaves and at least sweep it away to the garbage or an out of way place.

i have a great dane.......if i can do it whats your toy pup excuse??

[poodlesmom]

It's the law here too that people have to pick up after their dogs. Some communities are quite strict about it - from what I've heard people have been ticketed when they have been seen walking their dogs and have been stopped and questioned and they don't have any baggies. The dog doesn't even need to go - if you're out walking your dog you must have the necessary supplies.
Unfortunately most areas don't enforce it.

[britishbandit]

Originally Posted by richnrissa

i have a great dane.......if i can do it whats your toy pup excuse??

Exactly!! I have Rottweilers, and they definately don't leave "small ones". I can't say I enjoy picking up those fresh steamers...but I do.

We also have signs posted all over the park that there are fines if you don't "pick up". But honestly, who's really gonna enforce that. I just wish people would be more considerate. I wonder what these people's yards look like...YACK. Or do they have no problem cleaning up dog poo to keep "their property" useable.

[linnie]

I hate it when people walk by and pretend thier dog hasnt pooped
In Australia NSW we cant take our dogs to many parks for walking or to the beach as the law forbits it so as to stop the problem.
I remember my hubby picking up every doggy doo he could find in our street and throwing it into the neighbours backyard because he always encouraged his dog to poop on our front lawn
Ignorent people can make you so mad

[ewarp]

I'm mildly evil about this...

If I notice someone's dog pooping and the owner pretending not to notice, I'll yell, "Excuse me! I don't think you noticed, but your dog pooped. I'd hate for you to get in trouble for not picking it up!"

Invariably, I get the, "Oh. I don't have any bags."

So I come back with a big smile and a super sweet, "Gosh darn it, I forget sometimes too! But that's okay, because I have a bunch of extra ones for you. Here, take some extra so you don't forget next time!"

Occasionally, people will flat out tell me that they don't want to. In that case, I bag it for them, hand it to them, and say, "I know, it's gross. But it's what responsible dog owners do!"

And in the situations where they ignore me telling them that their dog is pooping, I'll bag it as well. Then I'll jog after them and hand it to them, saying, "Here! You forgot this!"

[bigdoglover]

RFLOL @ ewarp!!! The visual on you doing that is hysterical!!!

I agree, people act as if it's the worst thing to do by picking up poop. Makes you wonder what their yard looks like!!

[WolfRyder]

Those who don't pick up the poop should be in charge of a baby for 3 years and change diapers multiple times a day. Picking up after a dog is a piece of cake compared to that!

I'll admit until I got a dog that we had to walk regularly (instead of running him around the back yard) It never occured to me to carry bags. Even now my husband won't do it. Period. So guess who walks the dog most of the time.

I've even handed him the bag and showed him how to use it and he still "thinks it's gross". And he used to change diapers!!

[reggies mom]

We are not allowed to walk dogs in any parks or beach area here due to people not picking up.
I take Reggie and Winston to an area by the lighthouse where there is a beach. I pick up after them and the other dogs that have been there before us.
When we walk the dogs, if my husband is with, he carries a scooper. If I am walking them alone, I bring bags. I do not like to carry the scooper down the main street with me.

[anaconda]

If I notice someone's dog pooping and the owner pretending not to notice, I'll yell, "Excuse me! I don't think you noticed, but your dog pooped. I'd hate for you to get in trouble for not picking it up!"

Invariably, I get the, "Oh. I don't have any bags."

So I come back with a big smile and a super sweet, "Gosh darn it, I forget sometimes too! But that's okay, because I have a bunch of extra ones for you. Here, take some extra so you don't forget next time!"

Occasionally, people will flat out tell me that they don't want to. In that case, I bag it for them, hand it to them, and say, "I know, it's gross. But it's what responsible dog owners do!"

And in the situations where they ignore me telling them that their dog is pooping, I'll bag it as well. Then I'll jog after them and hand it to them, saying, "Here! You forgot this!"

You deserve an Oscar...

[Giny]

ewarp! Killing them with kindness, LOVE it! I think I'll do the same next time I see someone leaving their doggie deposit on the ground. I always carry my bone shape dog poop bags with me. It loops perfectly at the end of all the leashes.

[chocolatecoffee]

The problem's just been getting worse here, especially after all of the snow melted. It's disgusting, there's a small park by my house with a playground and a small field with a couple obvious "NO DOGS" signs, but whenever we go by there I doubt you can take one step without stepping in crap. Then there's a park right across the street (again with a bunch of signs) and people let their dogs run around everywhere and they don't even pay attention to them. It's people like that that give all dog owners a bad name.

About a month ago there were so many complaints that Animal Services increased the fine from $100 to $250 and they apparently have people going around patrolling. I haven't seen any of them yet, but it does seem to be helping.