OT: Dog Rescue

[Mikemarc]

Thinking of getting a dog.

Any recommendations of an adoption agency in Union County?

Will be my first dog so any tips, advice for a first time dog owner?

 

[jerseybird]

Thinking of getting a dog.

Any recommendations of an adoption agency in Union County?

Will be my first dog so any tips, advice for a first time dog owner?

Petfinder.com will start you out with available dogs near your zip code then list dogs further away.

 

[UMRU]

Thinking of getting a dog.

Any recommendations of an adoption agency in Union County?

Will be my first dog so any tips, advice for a first time dog owner?

You might want to focus on shelters rather than rescue groups. There must be exceptions, but my experience with dog rescue places was that they are super hesitant about giving dogs to people who don't already have dogs. Be ready to fill out long applications, send pictures of your home, count how many stairs you have, explain how you will take care of the dog while you are at work, figure out how much it will cost to own a dog, who your vet will be, have references, show pictures of your fenced in back yard and more. I wish I as kidding.

 

[Roy_Faulker]

Contact your local seeing eye or fire and rescue dog organization to see if they have any dogs that failed out. Typically they are trained and socialized just not up to the task of leading a blind person across the street or helms with a water rescue. Will cost you but the trade off to get a dog you don’t have to bust your *** to train.

 

[RC1991]

St. Hubert’s in Madison is supposed to be very good. A friend of ours volunteered there and also did agility training there too.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

You have kids?

Seeing eye dog suggestion sounds smart. Trained dog way easier to deal with for first timer (or any timer).

 

[Shelby65]

St. Hubert’s in Madison is supposed to be very good. A friend of ours volunteered there and also did agility training there too.

Good info. Am looking to do some agility training too. Never would have thought to do it at a dog rescue facility.

Do they have bigger equipment for people or is your friend small enough to use the dog agility props ?

 

[brgRC90]

Save an adult dog. They're much easier and less destructive than puppies.

 

[yesrutgers01]

love the suggestion of getting a dog that may have failed our of the service dog training.
our German Shepherd that recently passed came from “failing” out of army training. The reason, when given the command to stay, after 3 hours, he would get restless. I believe their requirement was over 6 hours.
But super intelligent, friendly, already highly trained. And you would know the dog they may have, would be good with people.

that was a super suggestion. And great for a first timer.

 

[brookdale-soda]

Get one of ceasarMilans books. How to raise a puppy or any dog isa good one. He does a good job of explaining what should be expected when u have a dog and how to train and socialize the dog.

 

[dfr1966]

Not in Union County, but my wife volunteers at Sammy's Hope in Sayreville. They always have dogs and cats available,.

 

[fg7321]

I volunteer for Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue in Cliffwood NJ. We just got 13 puppies in this week. They are all in foster homes now and will be looking for homes.If interested ping me at [email protected]

 

[highsoxguy]

Check out the Franklin Township Animal Shelter on DeMott Lane. Dogs (and cats and rabbits) are only $60 and have all appropriate shots, are fixed and microchipped.

 

[gef21]

Adopt a 2 year old+ female dog who has had at least one litter.

 

[NightKnight]

A large percent of rescues have a large percentage of pitbull/Amercan Stratfordshire Terrier. It can be hard to see these features in a pup. If it at all possible, get a look at the mother. Best dog I ever had was a german shepherd mix "rescued" from a shelter when he was about two. (They said under 1 but I guess you have to expect a little lying in advertising.) A wire haired terrier was easily the smartest dog I ever had and she would go after ground hogs and raccoons twice her size. Currently have a yellow lab at my feet. Very lovable but needs a lot of exercise. Consider size, how the breed fits with children and other pets, exercise and genetic conditions (don't get a french bulldog and know that larger breeds can get hip dysplasia as early as 7 yo). My experience is that medium size dogs bark more than bigger dogs and for longer barking jags - something your neighbors might want you to consider.

 

[yesrutgers01]

A large percent of rescues have a large percentage of pitbull/Amercan Stratfordshire Terrier. It can be hard to see these features in a pup. If it at all possible, get a look at the mother. Best dog I ever had was a german shepherd mix "rescued" from a shelter when he was about two. (They said under 1 but I guess you have to expect a little lying in advertising.) A wire haired terrier was easily the smartest dog I ever had and she would go after ground hogs and raccoons twice her size. Currently have a yellow lab at my feet. Very lovable but needs a lot of exercise. Consider size, how the breed fits with children and other pets, exercise and genetic conditions (don't get a french bulldog and know that larger breeds can get hip dysplasia as early as 7 yo). My experience is that medium size dogs bark more than bigger dogs and for longer barking jags - something your neighbors might want you to consider.

Haha all good info and the little lap dogs bark more than any of them.
We have had 3 dogs. 2 were first purchased by our oldest but with his traveling for football, we started babysitting and they eventually just stayed with us.
The first was a pure boxer he rescued from a shelter. Her original owners were nasty people and threw a burlap bag with her and her siblings into a lake. She was the only one to survive.
if you want a fun playful loving mid sized dog, a boxer is great. Just be ready to laugh and put time into them.
The other was a big ole German Shepherd- he lived to almost 16 and highly trained before our son got him at 5y/o- people tend to be afraid of them but if you want a big smart loving friendly and loyal- a GS is also a great dog.
But, as stated above- if you go with a big dog- see if they have any papers about the hips.

Also, word of advice- if you get a puppy- get insurance on them. Do NOT wait until older with pre conditions.

 

[Mikemarc]

Thanks all for the advice! Greatly appreciated. I have a lot to think about lol

 

[DHajekRC84]

Thinking of getting a dog.

Any recommendations of an adoption agency in Union County?

Will be my first dog so any tips, advice for a first time dog owner?

Everyone wants the puppies. Consider getting one of the older dogs who have been stuck in those places for some time because everyone wants the puppies.

We're on our 4th now who's a 2 year old female who's had pups and is a dream. (Sitting end of page 3 now at Rescue Website because of how long she's been there). We're fostering but I'm adopting her in Nov. for my wife's birthday.

 

[RC1991]

Good info. Am looking to do some agility training too. Never would have thought to do it at a dog rescue facility.

Do they have bigger equipment for people or is your friend small enough to use the dog agility props ?

Not sure about equipment but I think in addition to the rescue facility they also have a training part.

 

[Rutgers Chris]

Everyone wants the puppies. Consider getting one of the older dogs who have been stuck in those places for some time because everyone wants the puppies.

We're on our 4th now who's a 2 year old female who's had pups and is a dream. (Sitting end of page 3 now at Rescue Website because of how long she's been there). We're fostering but I'm adopting her in Nov. for my wife's birthday.

Second this. We've adopted two females, around 2 years old and they were both the most amazing dogs. First we called a "boxer mix" and the second looks just like her. Turns out they were both probably more Black Mouthed Cur than anything else now that we found out what that was.

 

[Jm0513]

I volunteer for Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue in Cliffwood NJ. We just got 13 puppies in this week. They are all in foster homes now and will be looking for homes.If interested ping me at [email protected]

What breed? Asking for a friend

 

[Jm0513]

Thanks all for the advice! Greatly appreciated. I have a lot to think about lol

The love and loyalty you will receive from the dog is unconditional and unmatched. It is such a strong bond that you will form. I can’t stand when people say “It’s just a dog.” It is so much more than that.
Word of advice…teach the dog you’re the alpha.
My ****-zu (I did that intentionally) thinks she wears the pants.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

What breed? Asking for a friend

Is that friend in your photo

 

[MADHAT1]

Petfinder.com will start you out with available dogs near your zip code then list dogs further away.

thats where I found the rescue shelter where I got my two spoiled beasts.
The shelter people inspected my place, gave a two week trial period before processing the adoption
Cheeked how dogs were when 2 weeks was up , to make sure everything was good for dogs and adopters.
Think going through pathfinders would be wise.
Dogs for Adoption Near Union, NJ | Petfinder
https://www.petfinder.com/search/dogs-for-adoption/us/nj/union/

 

[yesrutgers01]

Contact your local seeing eye or fire and rescue dog organization to see if they have any dogs that failed out. Typically they are trained and socialized just not up to the task of leading a blind person across the street or helms with a water rescue. Will cost you but the trade off to get a dog you don’t have to bust your *** to train.

The Seeing Eye Org

 

[yesrutgers01]

You might want to focus on shelters rather than rescue groups. There must be exceptions, but my experience with dog rescue places was that they are super hesitant about giving dogs to people who don't already have dogs. Be ready to fill out long applications, send pictures of your home, count how many stairs you have, explain how you will take care of the dog while you are at work, figure out how much it will cost to own a dog, who your vet will be, have references, show pictures of your fenced in back yard and more. I wish I as kidding.

You can understand why a rescue organization wants to make sure a new parent will be loving, caring and in it for the long run. So many people do not understand that dogs are a lot of work and time. They require love, they require you to be diligent with their health. They do not want a person or family that think they are just getting a toy and who may tire of all the care, work, frustration that they will face. They already rescued the dog, they do not want to have to do it for a 2nd time.

The application is not that long but yes, they will ask details. None of them are a sure fire no answer.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

We got a couple great dogs from Husky House in Matawan... it was on the expensive side, a few hundred each.. and supposedly that was with all teh shots and so on, but they had worms... a very unpleasant surprise. Easily fixed.. but shocking to see em coming out of their butts.

We got brothers.. two males. Risky getting 2 males as sometimes it becomes a dominance fighting issue even when fixed. But it worked out with these two.

So is that a recommendation or an anti-recommendation? The dogs were a Husky-Akita mix. Very athletic. Read up on breeds and mixes and requirements/issues with same. The earlier thing about Cesar Milan's book.. or online sources to see if you REALLY want to be a dog owner.

HINT: the dogs actually own YOU. You work for them... on their schedule.. like kids.

 

[LeapinLou]

We rescued a four year old female dachsund/beagle mix. Already spade, already potty trained. 11 years later, she's still here.

But the first few months we were letting her use stairs and jump off of beds/sofas and she ended up injuring her back and was unable to walk for about a month before miraculously getting better. We had no idea the stairs/jumping would be a problem. So ask questions because certain dogs do have limitations.

 

[yesrutgers01]

We rescued a four year old female dachsund/beagle mix. Already spade, already potty trained. 11 years later, she's still here.

But the first few months we were letting her use stairs and jump off of beds/sofas and she ended up injuring her back and was unable to walk for about a month before miraculously getting better. We had no idea the stairs/jumping would be a problem. So ask questions because certain dogs do have limitations.

yeah- that jump off a 2.5-3 ft high bed must be similar to a 7-8 ft jump for a real lol dog

 

[i'vegotwinners]

a little ot, but for me, leash laws for all dogs ruined dog ownership for both the owner and the dog.

ownership was made a full time job by leash laws for all, and ruined things for the dog too.

so much better when smaller and medium sized dogs could just be let out, then back in, and so much better for the dogs too to have some freedom, and not always be on a leash or fenced in.

also as a side consequence of leash laws for all that i noticed where i lived, (before which the cutoff was 30-35 lbs i think to not require a leash), was that before leash laws for all, people got mostly smaller and medium sized non pit bull mix dogs, because they didn't require being walked several times a day no matter the weather.

once all dogs required a leash, i noticed was when pit bulls, pit bull mixes, and larger dogs became far far more prevalent, since at that point all dogs required a leash anyway, and the wonderful convenience factor of a medium or smaller dog that didn't have to be walked every time it had to go, was gone.

 

[DHajekRC84]

Not sure about equipment but I think in addition to the rescue facility they also have a training part.

Dog rescue is my wife's and my passion now that we're in our early 60's and the kids gone. She goes to adoption events and walks kennel bound dogs and I do other stuff ..more the financial side.

We lost our last Rescue Oliver this past March. An amazing story of street pit on death row to the loving best friend ever. I am in the process of building an agility course at his rescue ...11th Hour Rescue of Flanders/Rockaway. A commercial grade agility course in his memory.

He had his own Facebook page they created with 4k followers..

https://m.facebook.com/100063864993907/

 

[fsg2_rivals]

a little ot, but for me, leash laws for all dogs ruined dog ownership for both the owner and the dog.

ownership was made a full time job by leash laws for all, and ruined things for the dog too.

so much better when smaller and medium sized dogs could just be let out, then back in, and so much better for the dogs too to have some freedom, and not always be on a leash or fenced in.

also as a side consequence of leash laws for all that i noticed where i lived, (before which the cutoff was 30-35 lbs i think to not require a leash), was that before leash laws for all, people got mostly smaller and medium sized non pit bull mix dogs, because they didn't require being walked several times a day no matter the weather.

once all dogs required a leash, i noticed was when pit bulls, pit bull mixes, and larger dogs became far far more prevalent, since at that point all dogs required a leash anyway, and the wonderful convenience factor of a medium or smaller dog was gone.

Gonna say no on this. Not sure why it's so difficult to fence or leash a dog in.

Leash laws are necessary because people are idiots. Sadly, the biggest idiots always seem to get the worst possible dog types.

 

[yesrutgers01]

a little ot, but for me, leash laws for all dogs ruined dog ownership for both the owner and the dog.

ownership was made a full time job by leash laws for all, and ruined things for the dog too.

so much better when smaller and medium sized dogs could just be let out, then back in, and so much better for the dogs too to have some freedom, and not always be on a leash or fenced in.

also as a side consequence of leash laws for all that i noticed where i lived, (before which the cutoff was 30-35 lbs i think to not require a leash), was that before leash laws for all, people got mostly smaller and medium sized non pit bull mix dogs, because they didn't require being walked several times a day no matter the weather.

once all dogs required a leash, i noticed was when pit bulls, pit bull mixes, and larger dogs became far far more prevalent, since at that point all dogs required a leash anyway, and the wonderful convenience factor of a medium or smaller dog that didn't have to be walked every time it had to go, was gone.

Gonna say no on this. Not sure why it's so difficult to fence or leash a dog in.

Leash laws are necessary because people are idiots. Sadly, the biggest idiots always seem to get the worst possible dog types.

Ruined it because it sounds like you may just be a lazy dog owner. Sorry, but just from the comment- it is very strange.

I have had medium to big dogs that need to run. Boxers and German Shepherds. We went and spent the money needed to fence our yard so that they could go out an play. But, we also never kept our eyes off them.

90% of the time they were outside in our yard- we were too.

If in public- even if you have the a super happy friendly never hurt anyone dog- you still should have a leash. For 2 reasons- there are people that are actually afraid of all dogs- not your business why.
And, there are people that may have a great dog, friendly with people but not so much with other dogs- they may have their dog leashed or in an electric fence...That owner is being responsible by leashing and fencing with the electric fence. But, you friendly little dog may be the one that wants to come over to say hello- most likely- it is the one to start barking- and I no longer have control on my dog if yours is unleased and in his space.
Or your dog wants to come inside my electric fence.

If you do not have a fence- you need not B about leash laws.

Sorry- but it is the truth.

And I am a huge dog lover- like them more than people...lol

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Also in this day and age of dog parks, one of the fastest-growing things in municipal recreation last decade, it's not as though it's difficult to find a (free) place for dogs to exercise off-leash.

I have about three within 15 minutes, and it looks like I would have had about the same anywhere I ever lived in NJ, including near RU.

 

[i'vegotwinners]

Gonna say no on this. Not sure why it's so difficult to fence or leash a dog in.

Leash laws are necessary because people are idiots. Sadly, the biggest idiots always seem to get the worst possible dog types.

have you ever lived where there weren't leash laws for all, and small/medium non aggressive breeds could run, and didn't have to be walked every time they had to go?

i did for decades. no problems, and life was so much better for both the owners and the dogs.

once every couple yrs you might step on dog poop, but you just wiped it off in the grass.

10,000 times easier than walking the dog all the time, and in bad weather, and picking up and bagging poop.

much better for the dogs too, who got to have fun, and who often got adopted by the neighbors as well.

every street was a dog park, and everyone knew everyone else's dog.

and the worst possible dog types weren't exempt from leash laws then, so most everybody stayed away from them.

only when leash laws for all became the thing, did the aggressive and larger breeds become common.

100 times more large and aggressive breed dogs were seen post leash laws for all, than when only aggressive and large breeds had to walked all the time, and a 2nd job, thus virtually everyone stayed away from them who didn't have a fenced in yard at that time prior to that..

people who still wanted to have large and aggressive breeds still were able to have them, but were in the same boat as today of requiring a leash and being walked all the time, or a fenced in yd.

(obviously it wouldn't work in an urban setting like Manhattan, but worked great everywhere else for literally hundreds of yrs)

 

[yesrutgers01]

have you ever lived where there weren't leash laws for all, and small/medium non aggressive breeds could run, and didn't have to be walked every time they had to go?

i did for decades. no problems, and life was so much better for both the owners and the dogs.

once a yr you might step on dog poop, but you just wiped it off in the grass.

10,000 times easier than walking the dog all the time, and in bad weather, and picking up and bagging poop.

much better for the dogs too, who got to have fun, and who often got adopted by the neighbors as well.

and the worst possible dog types weren't exempt from leash laws then, so most everybody stayed away from them.

only when leash laws for all became the thing, did the aggressive and larger breeds become common.

100 times more large and aggressive breed dogs were seen post leash laws for all, than when only aggressive and large breeds had to walked all the time, and a 2nd job, thus virtually everyone stayed away from them who didn't have a fenced in yard at that time prior to that..

Everything you just said is just lazy selfish BS...
I'm sorry, but I do not want random dogs in my yard. I am also sorry if when I am walking my dog on a leash- your little friend feels it may be a good idea to run out into the road to greet me and my dog if my dog wants no part of it.
I'm also sorry that when I am walking on a mountain trail, I do not want your dog with you no where in site running up at me because the last 3 that did so were also snipping at my heals.
I'm sorry you cannot afford a fence to allow your dog to do these things without bother, I am sorry I have a young child that is allergic and your friendly dog wants to come up into our private space to say hello.

The old days- back in the 70's, 80's- we all had dogs, no fences and did not always know where they were playing. We also had so many less homes, we had kids and families who all knew each other and their pets and we all played with them. If there was a bad dog- my dad would stop at your door and tell you straight up to keep control of your dog. And so many dogs were treated not as family but as, they are there, they will eat when hungry and they will come home when they are too hot or cold.

This is not life in 2022...houses are on top of each other, your dog does not always know my family or does my family know you or your dog.

And, many of us treat our dogs as loved family.

What would you say if your dog decides to come onto my property with my dogs that has an electric fence and my dog hurts him/her, when they do so?.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

have you ever lived where there weren't leash laws for all, and small/medium non aggressive breeds could run, and didn't have to be walked every time they had to go?

i did for decades. no problems, and life was so much better for both the owners and the dogs.

once a yr you might step on dog poop, but you just wiped it off in the grass.

10,000 times easier than walking the dog all the time, and in bad weather, and picking up and bagging poop.

much better for the dogs too, who got to have fun, and who often got adopted by the neighbors as well.

and the worst possible dog types weren't exempt from leash laws then, so most everybody stayed away from them.

only when leash laws for all became the thing, did the aggressive and larger breeds become common.

100 times more large and aggressive breed dogs were seen post leash laws for all, than when only aggressive and large breeds had to walked all the time, and a 2nd job, thus virtually everyone stayed away from them who didn't have a fenced in yard at that time prior to that..

Sounds like your singular experience.

Yeah, I live in such a place right now. Dogs can be unleashed on their own property. Leash law applies to public spaces, exempting dog parks. No breed restrictions, which sound silly, anyway.

One time when I was walking my son as a baby in the stroller, had a big growling pitbull wander up to us on the sidewalk ... complete with the archetypical idiot owner calling after it but not actually running and grabbing the damn thing. That wasn't the first time I had that experience with a pitbull, but having it happen with a child was infuriating and scary.

Countless times, you get the random dog running up to you on a trail or at the park, sometimes while you are on a bike, with the, "Oh sorry" owner jogging behind. Just last week, I almost ran over a pit-looking dog absolutely tearing down the trail playing fetch with the owner. I'm always cool about it so long as the dog isn't aggressive (this one wasn't), but I shouldn't have to be.

And are you saying that you don't have to pick up sht from your free-roaming dog? Just wipe it off on the grass?! That doesn't work at all ... unless maybe you have completely flat, smooth soles.

I've had active breeds, two retrievers at one time, and really can't shed any tears for dog owners who find it too difficult to either walk their dog regularly or buy a fence. Don't buy an active breed, then (or probably any dog at all if that's the attitude one brings to it).

 

[yesrutgers01]

Sounds like your singular experience.

Yeah, I live in such a place right now. Dogs can be unleashed on their own property. Leash law applies to public spaces, exempting dog parks. No breed restrictions, which sound silly, anyway.

One time when I was walking my son as a baby in the stroller, had a big growling pitbull wander up to us on the sidewalk ... complete with the archetypical idiot owner calling after it but not actually running and grabbing the damn thing. That wasn't the first time I had that experience with a pitbull, but having it happen with a child was infuriating and scary.

Countless times, you get the random dog running up to you on a trail or at the park, sometimes while you are on a bike, with the, "Oh sorry" owner jogging behind. Just last week, I almost ran over a pit-looking dog absolutely tearing down the trail playing fetch with the owner. I'm always cool about it so long as the dog isn't aggressive (this one wasn't), but I shouldn't have to be.

And are you saying that you don't have to pick up sht from your free-roaming dog? Just wipe it off on the grass?! That doesn't work at all ... unless maybe you have completely flat, smooth soles.

I've had active breeds, two retrievers at one time, and really can't shed any tears for dog owners who find it too difficult to either walk their dog regularly or buy a fence. Don't buy an active breed, then (or probably any dog at all if that's the attitude one brings to it).

Thank you…and I am sure his dogs don’t only crap on his lawn- just saying

just don’t get a dog if you don’t want to spend the same time and attention as your kid.
mans it is no longer the 70’s80’s for either

 

[i'vegotwinners]

Everything you just said is just lazy selfish BS...
I'm sorry, but I do not want random dogs in my yard. I am also sorry if when I am walking my dog on a leash- your little friend feels it may be a good idea to run out into the road to greet me and my dog if my dog wants no part of it.
I'm also sorry that when I am walking on a mountain trail, I do not want your dog with you no where in site running up at me because the last 3 that did so were also snipping at my heals.
I'm sorry you cannot afford a fence to allow your dog to do these things without bother, I am sorry I have a young child that is allergic and your friendly dog wants to come up into our private space to say hello.

The old days- back in the 70's, 80's- we all had dogs, no fences and did not always know where they were playing. We also had so many less homes, we had kids and families who all knew each other and their pets and we all played with them. If there was a bad dog- my dad would stop at your door and tell you straight up to keep control of your dog. And so many dogs were treated not as family but as, they are there, they will eat when hungry and they will come home when they are too hot or cold.

This is not life in 2022...houses are on top of each other, your dog does not always know my family or does my family know you or your dog.

And, many of us treat our dogs as loved family.

What would you say if your dog decides to come onto my property with my dogs that has an electric fence and my dog hurts him/her, when they do so?.

sorry, imo you're the one with the selfish lazy BS.

you can afford a yd and an electric fence, but many can't.

and many work and can't walk the dog every time it has to go, or can't walk it all the time in all weather for other reasons, but still would love to have a dog.

and while you think your dog is might be happy in that small fenced in yd, i assure you they'd be 50 time happier if they could run the neighborhood. (and nobody's i knew ever strayed far from home much).

your dogs are only territorial now because of your fence, and aren't used to others from growing up in a non fenced/leashed world..

put a dog on a leash or confined to a small space, and it instantly becomes territorial even when it otherwise wouldn't be.

that said, obviously in very high density neighborhoods with large apt/condo MDU buildings, it's not going to work, but in single dwelling neighborhoods it worked fine.

and i find that almost all i talk to regarding this subject who are opposed to small medium dogs running, never lived back when small and medium dogs could run in single family neighborhoods, and leash laws for all is all they've ever known.

those who lived back when small/medium non aggressive breeds could run single family neighborhoods, miss those days and think it was better then, for both owner and dog.

another thing to realize, is back when small/medium dogs could run, they all grew up around other people and other dogs, so were used to being around strangers.

the leash and the fence are what created smaller/medium dogs needing to defend their turf, because running is no longer an option, and they are no longer used to being around other people and dogs.

btw, what type dogs do you own?

 

[yesrutgers01]

sorry, imo you're the one with the selfish lazy BS.

you can afford a yd and an electric fence, but many can't.

and many work and can't walk the dog every time it has to go, or can't walk it all the time in all weather for other reasons, but still would love to have a dog.

and while you think your dog is might be happy in that small fenced in yd, i assure you they'd be 50 time happier if they could run the neighborhood. (and nobody's i knew ever strayed far from home much).

your dogs are only territorial now because of your fence, and aren't used to others from growing up in a non fenced/leashed world..

put a dog on a leash or confined to a small space, and it instantly becomes territorial even when it otherwise wouldn't be.

that said, obviously in very high density neighborhoods with large apt/condo MDU buildings, it's not going to work, but in single dwelling neighborhoods it worked fine.

and i find that almost all i talk to regarding this subject who are opposed to small medium dogs running, never lived back when small and medium dogs could run in single family neighborhoods, and leash laws for all is all they've ever known.

those who lived back when small/medium non aggressive breeds could run single family neighborhoods, miss those days and think it was better then, for both owner and dog.

another thing to realize, is back when small/medium dogs could run, they all grew up around other people and other dogs, so were used to being around strangers.

the leash and the fence are what created smaller/medium dogs needing to defend their turf, because running is no longer an option, and they are no longer used to being around other people and dogs.

btw, what type dogs do you own?

I grew up in the 60's/70's/80's - had Irish Setters, Beagles and a bunch of mixes. We had half acre and no fence and they ran free, as did many other dogs in the neighborhood- I did not grow up in rural but not in a neighborhood with fences. No one walked their dog.
Different times my friend. My same neighborhood I grew up in has almost 3 times the number of homes.

I currently have had boxers and a german shepherd. I have a 1 acre property in suburbia. Before the dogs, only a fence around the pool. When we decided on dogs- we knew we wanted to let them run , so part of the decision was the cost of a fence, medical, care if we decided to go away, insurance and many other things....Why, because it is not the f-ing 70's.

If, in the 2020's, you are deciding on dog ownership- take all of this into account. and give your dog a great fun life- hell, even in an apartment- you give that dog a great life with love, and play and walks and dog parks if you wish.
In this day and age- your dog is not my dog. I love them but I do not love them when the parent is not there with them.

Like everything else- take a self assessment and some consideration for others. If your small to medium dog who you love decides to come onto my property or walk with my dog- are you ok with what happens, no matter what it is?