Yeah, I definitely believe that somewhat of a cliche “there is no such thing as bad dogs, just bad owners”

It’s true there are badly behaved dogs, but as your post makes clear, there are also badly behaved people. In fact badly behaved dogs are probably a result of badly behaved people. Either are annoying. Too much so and both can be removed from the train.

I’ve seen Golden Retrievers on the Hudson Line, and they certainly weigh more than 65lbs, so it really is up to the conductor’s good judgment, as it should be. As you acknowledge, a large dog may cause fewer problems than a small one–it depends on the dog.

A stupid girl might just as easily be dragging a toddler on a leash, and they’re not going to ban toddlers. The accident has been waiting for happen for about two decades now, and just doesn’t seem to want to happen. You can’t outlaw stupid people on trains, and somebody that stupid could just as easily lose the dog elsewhere. Dog deaths associated with being Metro North passengers–zero. Dog deaths associated with being passengers in automobiles–many.

Remember also, there’s no rule saying the dog has to be out of a container. But for most dog owners, mandating a container means, in practice, that their dogs can’t ride at all. I don’t believe in penalizing responsible people for the deeds of irresponsible people.

It’s a great rule, and should be emulated everywhere. As to the ‘no dumb people on trains’ rule, I’d just as soon start with no dumb people in voting booths, but good luck there. ;)

You don’t need to clarify the policy with me, that is copied directly from Metro-North. If they supposedly allow larger dogs under a specific weight limit, this is not mentioned on their website, as the previously stated text was a direct quote from them.

I’m not sure if I ought to be offended by your opinion that I don’t know anything about dogs. Amusingly, I’d actually feel better if people *did* bring their big dogs on the train. Because of their size they have little difficulty with getting over the gap and such. A stupid girl dragging around a 2 pound chihuahua on a leash I think is an accident waiting to happen. As a commuter you get used to seeing dumb people on trains that just don’t pay attention to things.

We’ve ridden with two different dogs on the Metro North, to Croton Harmon, Cold Spring, Manitou, etc. I appreciate your concern for dog safety, but I think if you knew more about dogs, you’d realize just how adaptable Canis Familiaris really is, and how much they enjoy adventures. Dogs certainly do better than small children on trains, and IMO, the Metro-North rule should be the rule for all U.S. mass transit. It’s a long-standing policy that has worked incredibly well. And not everybody can afford a car–so those people can’t travel anywhere with their dogs? Basic fairness says dogs should be allowed on trains. It’s the normal thing in Europe, and nobody blinks an eye when a big German Shepherd gets onboard a German train. You actually buy a ticket for your dog there–and I’d happily do so on Metro North, if they would agree that meant the policy was permanent.

As to small dogs, maybe some people should be more careful about boarding and deboarding, but since they could bring their dogs in a carrier anyway, that comes down to personal judgment, just as is does for parents with small children. You do have to trust somebody to know what their dog or child is capable of.

Thanks! You’re right… I’ve probably seen more annoying kids on the train than I have dogs. Though there are kids that are legitimately intrigued about riding on the train, those kids are cute to see.

All that said–assistance dogs are another matter entirely, but I rarely see those on the train, anyway, maybe because the owners know how scary it can be for dogs, even assistance-trained dogs.

Thanks for the blog!

At least if they are in a bag or carrier, they are off the floor, and less likely to get lost in a crowd/be surrounded.