Letter to the Editor:

I am writing in regards to my anger and frustration with the owners of dogs that use the Benton Riverfront Park Walk. I am a dog owner and enjoy using this trail to exercise myself and my dogs. My problem is that this trail is considered an on or off-leash path and there are far too many dog owners who choose to take their dog on this trail off-leash and have absolutely no control and concern for other users. I always keep both of my dogs on-leash at all times while walking on any path or trail because I know that I do not have 100% "voice command" over my dogs. My dogs do have basic obedience skills and I have accrued countless hours of training; however, they are still not 100% under "voice command." As a responsible dog owner I recognize this and keep my dogs leashed.

This is where the problem lies. There are numerous owners who take their dogs on this trail and do NOT have "voice command" over their dog. This is required. Maine state law requires that all dogs be leashed or under voice command at all times. The definition of voice command as found in The Ultimate Guide to Dog Parks, Beaches, and Trails in Maine is: The dog returns immediately to and remains by side of the owner or keeper in response to the owner or keeper's verbal command, whistle or hand signal. It is quite obvious that many of the dog owners that use this trail do not know this definition. On three separate occasions while walking my dogs this evening I was approached by an unleashed dog and an owner that showed no care or concern for the fact that my dogs were leashed and not appreciating the advances of the other dog.

What these owners are not taking into consideration is the fact that if they do not have 100% control at all times then it is not safe to be exercising their dogs in this manner. It doesn't matter if your dog is friendly and gets along well with everyone; what if the dog yours just ran to greet does not like other dogs? Now, you have put the owner of the leashed dog, the leashed dog, and your dog in a very dangerous situation. Not only could there be a terrible dog fight, but anyone of you or the animals could be seriously injured. You as the dog owner, with no control, are responsible for this incident because the other owner had their dog on leash and under control. (Not to mention if this responsible dog owner is trying to overcome this dog's aggression towards others you may have just irreparably set this dog and owner back in their training.)

This doesn't even have to pertain to your dog greeting other pets; what about the other people on the trail? Not everyone enjoys a strange dog coming to greet them. This is a public trail and should be able to be enjoyed by all that would like to use it.

This is my request to all dog owners that use all of Maine's trails. Please be aware of the abilities you and your dog have. If you don't have 100% control at ALL times keep your dog on leash for the safety of you, your dog, and others around you. When you see others coming on the trail keep your dog close by your side and under control. It only takes one bad incident to ruin these places for all owners and their dogs. As a dog owner it is your responsibility to be the ambassador for dogs and their owners.

Signed,

A Conscientious and Concerned Dog Owner