Unfortunately you never know which dogs will be agressive, although I doubt Fifi could do much harm to any kid over 5. Still, if that is the most serious problem the Swiss have, I would not worry too much about the dog owners there.

No one wants to talk about this. Come on people. I know it is not politcally correct, but I don't like chihahas, poodles and other little yip yip dogs. Others need to chime in!

Loose dogs are a hazard to themselves and others. They cause car and bicycle accidents (my daughter's ankle was bitten by a labrador the first and last time she rode her bicycle to the corner store with her friends), catch and spread disease, make people fearful to take a walk in their own neighborhoods, knock over trashcans and spread unsanitary litter everywhere. They may also injure or impregnate other dogs who ARE secured in their own backyards. This is not fair to responsible dog owners. This also strains the animal control system, which taxpayers are paying for. God forbid someone gets hurt while trying to protect themselves from a charging dog that thinks it has been cornered. I've been told to shoot the strays, but alhthough I have award-winning shooting skills and would have no trouble hitting my target, I will not take the chance of a bullet going through and through the animal and on to hurt someone in another yard. Shooting at an animal is not a realistic option for people in neighborhoods. There are very few people who would shoot an animal on their property unless it was lunging at them, and then it is probably too late to prevent injury to yourself. So owners, please secure your dogs with collars, tags, runs and/or fencing if they are outside much of the day or night. Be respectful and thoughtful of your neighbors' needs and rights as well as your own.