Trusted
vavroom: It *is* a shame that there are such restrictions. Conscientious owner of well behaved dogs ought to be allowed everywhere.
I don't know what the solution is for everyone to be able to enjoy public spaces.
As a wheelchair user, working with a dog, I have often felt unsafe. In the UK, there is an incredibly high number of dog attacks on guide dogs (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18386963 ). That's a problem. Consider it costs approximately NZ$45,000 to train a mobility assistance dog, an attack on a working dog is... problematic at best.
Well, I still think "education" is the best solution. As usual, more for the owner/handler than the dog! We are aware that our dogs have their own quirks and temperament so we work well within the boundaries :) One of our dogs we would not take to crowded places, and that's not a fault of the dog. Like people some dogs prefer more space around them. We don't take him into the city and such. Thankfully Canterbury and NZ still has plenty of quieter open spaces where such dogs can enjoy their time out. The trick is for the owners to be aware of their dogs' personality and work with it. Easier said than done of course... as with any "schooling" results may (will?) vary...
I'm aware of the cost of training service dogs but never thought about attacks on them! Yikes! Sounds bloody scary for the dog and, probably more so, the owner!!
3 month old Bernese Mountain puppy???? WHERE ARE THE PHOTOS??? :)
Ask and ye shall receive? :)
... 
