Dogs and the golf course

[jimcee]

Some time back in the annals of this topic one of your correspondants agreed with most of my remarks, but suggested that as a golfer myself, I might like to pass an opinion on dog walkers.
To start off on the definition of a dog walker they fall into probably two categories. Firstly, and probably the minority, keep a dog as an excuse to get some exercise themselves, to get them out of the house for a while, and have a good excuse for dodging household chores - health may come into the equation, but you do not need a dog if your doctor has told you to get some daily exercise. Secondly, and probably the majority, have dogs whose bodily functions need adressing probably about twice a day. They (the dogs) have been trained not to defecate inside the house ,and the immediate garden area is probably out of bounds also (except in cases of extreme human unwillingness to venture out of doors). Thus they seek an outdoor arena where the dog can perform as nature requires, and the (dog and human) exercise is probably secondary to the evacuation. It is unfortunate that the areas available for this function are not designated, and the owners therefore have to use whatever space they can get away with, without falling foul of the law.
While probably the majority of the dog owners on this island are reasonably responsible individuals, there are unfortunately one or two (and I am not excluding golf club members) who think that the ownership of a dog allows them the freedom to let their dog(s) run free wherever they choose. Unfortunately there is no easy solution to this problem. I have perused the website referred to, somewhere back in this thread, about how other golf courses have dealt with this problem, but their general approach seems to have been to seperate the dog walking/fouling area from the rest of the course either by fencing or tree planting - neither of which solutions are really possible here on Seil.
I would not wish to deflect this discussion away from the subject being addressed, but it might be an interesting sideline to investigate just what benefits accrue (probably more emotional than financial) to those members of society who opt to include a dog in the menage - here it might be prudent to include cats in the equation.
That diatribe might well put the cat among the pigeons.

[Foxglove]

I think you are right jimcee...there are no easy solutions to this problem on Seil. As to the benefits of dog ownership, well, they offer companionship, stroking them lowers blood pressure [apparently] and they are a good solution to 'empty nest' syndrome. I think a lot of humans get pleasure out of caring for another sentient being. Back on topic..two people seen walking with dogs running free this afternoon ,maybe we should set up a 'dog watch rota'

[MonaLott]

JC, it seems to me that dogs have many qualities to which perhaps humans should aspire, e.g. simplicity, general contentment, not over-analysing or overcomplicating, friendliness, loyalty etc., and, as Foxglove says, having one in the house is a plus in many ways such as encouraging good health, exercise and fun. The main downside is that they're tying. It's never easy to put your family friend into kennels while the owners go on holiday. There must be scope in Seil for a shared dog-sitting system amongst responsible dog-owners, whereby owners leave their dogs with each other? As for the continuing presence of the minority of irresponsible dog-owners on the golf-course, Foxy, surely it's a matter for the golf club committee to organise 'a dog-watch rota' amongst its members? A few new signs would be good too, polite but to the point.

[sleepy]

Just been speasking to my new neighbour.

His name is Hannibal and he has two old, charming, docile, loveable pets named Pachi and Dermio.

He was asking if I knew of a place where he could exercise his companions and I suggested Defecation Park at Balvicar where all the other four legged friends of the area congregate on a regular basis.

I asked him to be careful of the odd golf ball, a hyena and a retentive committee member that roam freely from time to time.

He's been to see the place and considers it ideal as his big pals are not very good on their feet anymore and find hill climbing difficult.

Give them a wave, you will not miss them!

Stroking your pet good for you ...............mmmm I like the thought Foxy!

NOS, who is the 'Retentive One' who is responsible for all this?

I see it's three years since this was up for discussion and absolutely nothing has changed.

The golf club must recognise that bicycling, dog exercising committee members do nothing to encourage responsible behaviour from the dog owning public.

The latter have no 'right' to allow their dogs or themselves to go and do as they please on another's ground. People should really bear in mind that dog ownership involves a lifetime of crap from them - as if life was not full of it already!!

To 'relieve' this problem I am perfecting an appliance to be sold in the shop to be known as
'A Rectal Suction Evacuator' or A.R.S.E. for short.

It will now come in XXL for my new pals Pachi and Dermio!!

Back to the drink......

[MonaLott]

Boom Boom! It's panto time! Good on you, Sleepy!

[Maggie]

..two people seen walking with dogs running free this afternoon ,maybe we should set up a 'dog watch rota'

Most people have got lives to lead Agent Foxglove and, anyway, you seem to be doing an excellent snooping service yourself. Looking forward to your next patrol report

[Pentlandpirate]

I think all dog owners on Seil should have to submit their dogs for paw printing so that a data base can be kept allowing Foxy to track down offensive owners and hold them accountable. The sceptic in me assumes it will only be a matter of time before some owners get bootees for their dogs with a different paw print on the sole (anyone remember those Clarkes shoes you could get in the 60's with the sole moulded in an animal paw print shape so that you could pretend to be a lion or a bear in the mud or snow?)

[MonaLott]

Good idea! And there's plenty material for DNA testing too. Plus Longshanks is apparently loaded so he could pay for the forensics!

[Pentlandpirate]

Wow! Imagine the potential! You could export the expertise! Just look at how many golf courses have got the same problem. What a proud moment it would be for the island if it could gain international recognition for finding a solution to this problem! Create a centre of excellence here and it would benefit jobs and tourism!

[MonaLott]

A new cutting-edge Department of Canogolforensics in the UHI - their budget has just been increased by over 40% must be enough to extend the golf club hut appropriately and establish a Chair!

[Foxglove]

Most people have got lives to lead Agent Foxglove and, anyway, you seem to be doing an excellent snooping service yourself. Looking forward to your next patrol report

Ow...'bitch slap' duly received Maggie , however, my suggestion of a 'dog watch' rota was tongue in cheek