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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dogs not on lead

82 replies

Devastatedyetagain · 11/05/2021 14:57

I need some perspective on this! Just returned from a walk with my puppy and I am still shaking a hour later.

I live in a lovely village with a large open park. You take your life in your hands walking across it due to the amount of dog poo that is left, but the issue today was a big retriever type dog racing up to me and my puppy. Owner nowhere to be seen. Said dog had been running up and down drives before bounding over to me. I noticed the owner through the hedge on the path that runs adjacent to the park. I shouted "put your dog on a lead" which met with some feeble calling but at this point her two other dogs appear. I was told I was being silly because they aren't dangerous - at no time did she remove them or put them on a lead. We had words but as a person who is apparently a solicitor and has had dogs for 12 years she does not need to have them on a lead or close to her.
So AIBU?

OP posts:
Topseyt · 11/05/2021 15:11

Why were you shaking for an hour? Was the dog particularly fierce?

She should have been in better control of her dogs obviously but that doesn't mean that all dogs must be on leads in all open spaces. Most are just playful.

Are you nervous of dogs?

Nightbear · 11/05/2021 15:10

What actually happened?

3JsMa · 11/05/2021 15:07

I am so sorry OP,that's completely irresponsible and YANBU.
Saying her dogs are not dangerous is complete tosh,they may turn dangerous at any time,especially when unsupervised and in the pack.
If anything else fails,would you consider speaking to a local council?

VanceRefridgeration · 11/05/2021 15:05

Dogs don't need to be on a lead in a park unless signs say otherwise

But any good dog owner knows you absolutely don't let your off lead dog approach an on lead dog. And if that is likely to happen then you leash your dog straight away.

I'm not sure I would be shaking but she was unreasonable to let that happen. But dogs can be off lead in parks (apart from as above)

shivawn · 11/05/2021 15:04

Hmmm I think its a bit unusual to be shaking an hour later because a dog approached you while out walking. Would you be a bit nervous of dogs in general? Other dogs often approach me when I'm out walking my dog, 99% of them just want to say hi.

Dog owners should have their dogs closely supervised but your reaction is very extreme.

Chathamhouserules · 11/05/2021 15:03

What did the dog do that made you shake for an hour?

Chathamhouserules · 11/05/2021 15:02

I don't think dogs should be on a lead all the time but do think they should be put on lead when faced with another dog on a lead or are likely to bother people. She sounds a bit rude.