Here is what I don't understand about dog owners

[Samantha]

46. I know exactly what you mean and I am a dog lover

Had dogs, trained them, love them. But sometimes people buy dogs as a security element. In my neighborhood, near a metro stop, some of the houses near the back entrance of the metro have acquired large dogs which seem always to stay outside. They regard themselves as the protector of the household. When people exit the back of the metro and walk down the sidewalk, these dogs bark aggressively. Even though they are in fenced yards, some of them run up and down the fence barking at pedestrians who they regard as invading their territory. Some of them look like they could take the fence easily. They petrify me. Sometimes I wait until other people exit the back of the metro, and I walk with them. I keep my head down and just pray none of the dogs come over the fence after me.

These dogs are doing exactly what their owners intend -- warding off potential intruders. In that process, they are also scaring the be-Jesus out of normal people just trying to get home after a hard day's work. It is an extreme overkill, if you ask me, and it should not be tolerated. I don't think one can legitimately complain and get anywhere because neither the dogs or the owners are doing anything illegal.

And I like you would be terribly upset if my dog did something chronically like this to bother my neighbors. One of the first things I taught her was "no barking." She only barks now if she senses someone at the door that I have not heard knock, or she hears a disturbance outside. She too regards herself as the protector of the household, but all my neighbors love her because she exhibits perfect doggy demeanor!!!

Sam