The Dog performed at Lake Sumpter last night.

[bsloan1960]

The band was made up of 2 Guitarists, 1 Keyboardist, 1 Drummer, and 2 Lead Singers.

One of the singers was a woman with a really nice voice. The other singer was a dog on a leash that barked loudly and managed to ruin several songs. Every time it barked about 100 people turned their heads and sneered in the owner's direction- but it's OK because she loves the dog and thinks it's cute. Now would be a good time for people to explain why this pet's loud barking should be accepted. No. It did not have on a Service Dog vest.

[Cyndee@twc.com]

If enough people walk out on them the band will get the hint

[Chi-Town]

No such thing as a stupid dog. Just a stupid owner

[JSR22]

There is not a p in Sumter and service dogs do not wear vests.

[Taltarzac725]

There is not a p in Sumter and service dogs do not wear vests.


Service dogs are usually well trained. Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA | ADA.gov (https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/)

[BrianL99]

There is not a p in Sumter and service dogs do not wear vests.

Most do and 99.9% of them won't bark, unless there's a significant reason ... lousy music doesn't qualify.

[JSR22]

Most do and 99.9% of them won't bark, unless there's a significant reason ... lousy music doesn't qualify.

Service dogs do not need to wear a vest. The majority of them do not. Dogs are allowed in the squares. They do not have to be service dogs.

[bsloan1960]

There is not a p in Sumter and service dogs do not wear vests.

I guess your role here is to correct posters rather than address the subject matter.

[bsloan1960]

Not questioning if they are allowed. Questioning how neighborly a woman is who sits through several songs as her dog's loud barking ruins it for the humans who are present.

[JSR22]

I guess your role here is to correct posters rather than address the subject matter.

You are welcome.

[Fredster]

I guess your role here is to correct posters rather than address the subject matter.

No…JSR’s role is to defend inconsiderate
dog owner behaviors!
Not all dog owners are inconsiderate,
but many in TV unfortunately are!

[JSR22]

No…JSR’s role is to defend inconsiderate
dog owner behaviors!
Not all dog owners are inconsiderate,
but many in TV unfortunately are!

You are wrong I never defended inconsiderate dog owners. I stated a dog does not have to be a service dog to go to the squares! I have owned dogs since I was 8 and owned a dog business for many years. It is ignorant to think a Service Dog needs to wear a vest.

[BrianL99]

You are wrong I never defended inconsiderate dog owners. I stated a dog does not have to be a service dog to go to the squares! I have owned dogs since I was 8 and owned a dog business for many years. It is ignorant to think a Service Dog needs to wear a vest.

No one in the thread, said a Service Dog has to wear a vest. The vast majority do, for a myriad of reasons.

& I doubt there' are many folks in TV, who don't know dogs are allowed in the Squares. I bring mine, all the time.

So forgive me, but I can't find any point to your posts, other than to let us all know you owned a "dog business".

[fdpaq0580]

Different point of view. The person whose dog was barking and interrupting the show was rude (for allowing her dog to ruin the show), egotistical (for using her noisy and disruptive dog as a meas of making her the center of attention), and a perfect example of a bad dog owner. The dog was apparently not happy to be there, but the owner, apparently didn't care about the poor dog.

NOTE: most negative post's about dog behavior are really about the clueless, self-centered owners.

[Two Bills]

Thank your lucky stars I wasn't there, had a few to many beers, and decided to sing along with the band.
The dog would have sounded like Pavarotti! :sing:

[Aviator1211]

Barking dogs at Sumter, blood curdling screams at Spanish Spring -- seems like the squares aren't for people who like to listen to music anymore, they are for people who like to draw attention to themselves.

[Sandy and Ed]

We brought our dog to the squares in the past thinking it would be good for her. Then read that the barrage of loud some times discordant sound might not be good for her (and perhaps the cause of the barking??) so we decided to leave her home. Suggest other caring dog owners do the same. Of course since the squares are open to the general public who is to say that particular dog owner (or others like him/her/it, them, etc) would even read this?

[mikeycereal]

Barking dogs at Sumter, blood curdling screams at Spanish Spring -- seems like the squares aren't for people who like to listen to music anymore, they are for people who like to draw attention to themselves.

The barker and the screamer... imagine if they were both at the same square on the same night. Luckily I have a dog catcher and the men with nets on speed dial! :duck:

I would just time it to when they arrive the band is playing the requested song "They're coming to take me away haha." :duck:

[BrianL99]

We brought our dog to the squares in the past thinking it would be good for her. Then read that the barrage of loud some times discordant sound might not be good for her (and perhaps the cause of the barking??) so we decided to leave her home. Suggest other caring dog owners do the same. Of course since the squares are open to the general public who is to say that particular dog owner (or others like him/her/it, them, etc) would even read this?

Perhaps other dogs are unlike yours and they enjoy the music and noise at the Squares? You never know what's possible ... it's even possible you're misinterpreting your dog's reaction.

[FosterMomma]

This dog is either reacting to some notes that disturb him or has literally been encouraged to sing along. Either way, the owner is inconsiderate of those trying to listen to the music and of the dog for being forced to endure the heat. No way to know if the owner was a Villager.

[annecobb]

too early in the morning for a squabble fest.

[banjobob]

My opinion leave your pets at home when attending crowded venues .

[Bay Kid]

If this is a service dog he wasn't very well trained if he is barking for no real reason. Maybe the owner needs to be trained.

[JGibson]

It will probably take a couple of dog bites in the square for them to ban dogs until then either say something to community watch or instead of the death stare which is passive aggressive confront the lady.

[airstreamingypsy]

I wasn't there, but 100% it wasn't a service dog. It was just a dog with an idiot owner. People with barking dogs and crying babies should remove them from public places, if they continue to bark or cry. No one wants to hear that.

[fdpaq0580]

My opinion leave your pets at home when attending crowded venues .

I approve this message!

[fdpaq0580]

too early in the morning for a squabble fest.

no it's not!

[fdpaq0580]

Perhaps other dogs are unlike yours and they enjoy the music and noise at the Squares? You never know what's possible ... it's even possible you're misinterpreting your dog's reaction.

Or, you could be blind to your dogs discomfort, while they have it right. Just saying.

[Caymus]

too early in the morning for a squabble fest.


This is day 2. The thread probably has two more mornings.

[Whitley]

If enough people walk out on them the band will get the hint

I thought the same as you until I read it a couple of times. The dog was not part of the band (at least I do not think it was). It was someone in the audience pet.

[BrianL99]

No way to know if the owner was a Villager.


& how would that be relevant, in a public Square?

[Whitley]

If this is a service dog he wasn't very well trained if he is barking for no real reason. Maybe the owner needs to be trained.

Or maybe, just maybe, as the poster was getting annoyed at the dog barking, the dogs owner was about to have a life threatening situation and the dog was doing as it was trained, bark to make others aware and get help. What do you think? Too far of a stretch maybe? DOG "Bark ruff ruff bark (my human family is about to have a seizure)" Other Village Resident at the square "Shut that dog up, he should not be singing". (I need to complete an audit and don't want to start so I am admittedly reaching)

[Bill14564]

Or maybe, just maybe, as the poster was getting annoyed at the dog barking, the dogs owner was about to have a life threatening situation and the dog was doing as it was trained, bark to make others aware and get help. What do you think? Too far of a stretch maybe? DOG "Bark ruff ruff bark (my human family is about to have a seizure)" Other Village Resident at the square "Shut that dog up, he should not be singing". (I need to complete an audit and don't want to start so I am admittedly reaching)

If the dog was attempting to alert its owner to a life-threatening situation, would the proper response by the owner be to wait until the music was over?

Personally, I can't think of any situation where a dog barking or a baby crying or a child screaming should be handled by sitting there obliviously and doing nothing.

[Whitley]

I give up for today. Nothing to say.

[mikeycereal]

The dog was not part of the band (at least I do not think it was)..

Are you sure about that?

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2d/The_Archie_Show.jpg

[Trishakaye]

But why wouldn’t a service dog wear a vest? Asking sincerely. I thought an identifying vest was helpful so others wouldn’t try to pet or distract a working dog.

[Whitley]

But why wouldn’t a service dog wear a vest? Asking sincerely. I thought an identifying vest was helpful so others wouldn’t try to pet or distract a working dog.

I thought it would wear a vest as well. I guess it really doesn't matter. Dogs are permitted in public squares, and it will ultimately come down to owner responsibility to assure the dog behaves properly. I am not sure if we can even agree on what is behaving properly these days.

[retiredguy123]

But why wouldn’t a service dog wear a vest? Asking sincerely. I thought an identifying vest was helpful so others wouldn’t try to pet or distract a working dog.
Or, a non-service dog can wear a vest so people will think that it is a service dog and not ask any questions. Any dog owner can buy a service dog vest. It doesn't prove anything.

[Whitley]

Or, a non-service dog can wear a vest so people will think that it is a service dog and not ask any questions. Any dog owner can buy a service dog vest. It doesn't prove anything.

Could the owner get fined for identifying his/her dog as a service dog, similar to how a driver can get fined for using a handicapped parking space without a pass?

[retiredguy123]

Could the owner get fined for identifying his/her dog as a service dog, similar to how a driver can get fined for using a handicapped parking space without a pass?
I don't think so. The service dog law is a Federal law. I don't think any state or local authorities can fine someone who violates a Federal law. So, a person would need to be assessed a fine by a Federal official.

The handicapped parking law is a state law that prescribes specific fines for violating the law.

[DennisDee]

Maybe the owner didn't notice any errant behavior because he/she identified as a dog.

[Marsha11]

Oh yes they do. In-appropriate

[coffeebean]

~~~

[coffeebean]

We brought our dog to the squares in the past thinking it would be good for her. Then read that the barrage of loud some times discordant sound might not be good for her (and perhaps the cause of the barking??) so we decided to leave her home. Suggest other caring dog owners do the same. Of course since the squares are open to the general public who is to say that particular dog owner (or others like him/her/it, them, etc) would even read this?

I see what you did there. LOL.

[Redsmom]

A few days ago my husband and I were at Spanish Springs town Square listening to the band. A couple had their boxer with them and I noticed a lot of barking from this dog. I watch long enough to find out that the dog was barking, to demand some of their beer, Which they would periodically pour into a cup to allow the dog to drink. That would shut him up for a little while, and then he would bark again for the same reason. Repeated all evening. Completely clueless dog owners subjecting everyone to their rude and irresponsible behavior. I feel sorry for the dog.

[coffeebean]

A few days ago my husband and I were at Spanish Springs town Square listening to the band. A couple had their boxer with them and I noticed a lot of barking from this dog. I watch long enough to find out that the dog was barking, to demand some of their beer, Which they would periodically pour into a cup to allow the dog to drink. That would shut him up for a little while, and then he would bark again for the same reason. Repeated all evening. Completely clueless dog owners subjecting everyone to their rude and irresponsible behavior. I feel sorry for the dog.

At least he was a "happy" dog.

[fdpaq0580]

But why wouldn’t a service dog wear a vest? Asking sincerely. I thought an identifying vest was helpful so others wouldn’t try to pet or distract a working dog.

Reasonable assumption on your part. Unfortunately, not all "service dogs" actually perform a service that requires any training. Some are more correctly called "comfort animals" and serve the same function as a teddybear. Something to cling to when someone feels some stress.

[fdpaq0580]

At least he was a "happy" dog.

Hope the beer ran through him the way it goes through me, and when he had to go just relieved himself on his owners leg. An inebriated boxer that has lost his inhibitions. Things could get interesting.

[BrianL99]

Reasonable assumption on your part. Unfortunately, not all "service dogs" actually perform a service that requires any training. Some are more correctly called "comfort animals" and serve the same function as a teddybear. Something to cling to when someone feels some stress.

"Emotional Support Dogs", "comfort animals" and teddybears, are NOT Service Animals. There's a legal distinction under the Americans with Disability Act and most state laws.

[margaretmattson]

Barking dogs at Sumter, blood curdling screams at Spanish Spring -- seems like the squares aren't for people who like to listen to music anymore, they are for people who like to draw attention to themselves.
No one is questioning whether a dog is ALLOWED in the squares. We question why an owner would bring one when it is apparent the dog is going to have trouble with the loud noise. Reality check!

As for the screeching in Spanish Springs. The gentleman in question suffers from autism, as explained in several posts. His disease makes him incapable of controlling behavioral impulses. Acting out and screeching are common with people who suffer from autism.

Me? I would rather be with the guy who has the verified brain disorder. At least he is trying to adapt. I can sympathize and relate.

The inconsiderate dog owners? Self-entitled and want everyone else to adapt. Even their poor dogs whose hearing are much more advanced than humans. Maybe these owners should have their brains checked and not worry about some poor guy who suffers from autism.

[I'm Popeye!]

"Emotional Support Dogs", "comfort animals" and teddybears, are NOT Service Animals. There's a legal distinction under the Americans with Disability Act and most state laws.

Another reason we (the USA) will lose the next war, this country is producing: --------------------

[fdpaq0580]

"Emotional Support Dogs", "comfort animals" and teddybears, are NOT Service Animals. There's a legal distinction under the Americans with Disability Act and most state laws.

My point, exactly!

[EdFNJ]

But why wouldn’t a service dog wear a vest? Asking sincerely. I thought an identifying vest was helpful so others wouldn’t try to pet or distract a working dog. Not that it matters to the "barking" discussion, 3/4 of the service dogs wearing vests aren't service dogs anyway. Now the dogs wearing boots, hats, ties and cummerbunds are another story. I'm going to bring my service peacock next time.

[bowlingal]

bsloan....it's Sumter no P

[retiredguy123]

"Emotional Support Dogs", "comfort animals" and teddybears, are NOT Service Animals. There's a legal distinction under the Americans with Disability Act and most state laws.
Technically, there is a legal distinction under Federal law. But, the law is so weak on enforcement that it is virtually unenforceable. All you need to do is to train your dog to perform a task for you and the dog is a legal service animal. States cannot enact any law that changes that.

[Fredster]

bsloan....it's Sumter no P

Sorry, but JSR22 beat you out catching that spelling error in post #4
Do you have any opinion on the topic?

[Camranhvet]

What the band should have done is make an announcement.
I’m sorry but we will be taking an unscheduled break and return for your enjoyment after the mutt has completed his performance. It’s very difficult to perform to our standards with noise like that. Then take a break and let peer pressure take over.

[brianherlihy]

keep your dog at home . no need to like all dogs

[BrianL99]

What the band should have done is make an announcement.
I’m sorry but we will be taking an unscheduled break and return for your enjoyment after the mutt has completed his performance. It’s very difficult to perform to our standards with noise like that. Then take a break and let peer pressure take over.

Where's Miranda Lambert when we need her?

[Dusty_Star]

Or maybe, just maybe, as the poster was getting annoyed at the dog barking, the dogs owner was about to have a life threatening situation and the dog was doing as it was trained, bark to make others aware and get help. What do you think? Too far of a stretch maybe? DOG "Bark ruff ruff bark (my human family is about to have a seizure)" Other Village Resident at the square "Shut that dog up, he should not be singing". (I need to complete an audit and don't want to start so I am admittedly reaching)

Excellent point. :)

[bsloan1960]

Excellent point. :)

No. At the time I wrote I didn't realize I should be specific about the dog's triggers to bark. It was not alerting the owner to a medical emergency- it was barking each time a person walked closer than it was happy about, each time it spotted another dog being walked down the sidewalk or going by in a golf cart.

[wisbad1]

We brought our dog to the squares in the past thinking it would be good for her. Then read that the barrage of loud some times discordant sound might not be good for her (and perhaps the cause of the barking??) so we decided to leave her home. Suggest other caring dog owners do the same. Of course since the squares are open to the general public who is to say that particular dog owner (or others like him/her/it, them, etc) would even read this?

How about when they walk around the farm market and pavement is 100 + degrees? Really stupid. When you almost fall over a 10 ft. leash?

[fdpaq0580]

How about when they walk around the farm market and pavement is 100 + degrees? Really stupid. When you almost fall over a 10 ft. leash?

See the poor dog panting and alternately lifting one paw then the next in an effort to keep from burning them while the clueless owner inspects some doodads or another. Animal abuse, or just normal stupidity?