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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think dog owners should actually be responsible for their dogs in public spaces?

159 replies

Dilemma87 · 17/03/2026 14:22

I’ve had a couple of situations recently that have really annoyed me.

First one I was out running along the beach and a dog coming in the opposite direction suddenly ran straight at me and jumped up. I had to shout several times to find the owner, who was on the other side of a wall and couldn’t even see their dog.

Then today in an estuary car park, two dogs came flying towards me. I shouted to the owner that I’m scared of dogs and asked him to call them back. His response was to tell me to “go to therapy” because there are “plenty of dogs around.”

I don’t have an issue with dogs being in these places at all. Plenty of owners have them on leads or keep them close and under control.

But surely if your dog is going to run up to strangers, jump up, or not respond to recall, it should be on a lead?

AIBU to think that’s just basic responsibility as a dog owner

OP posts:
SwedishSayna · 17/03/2026 14:32

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

Ahh he's friendly, how lovely 🙄 I guess those of us who have developed a fear after being bitten or seeing our children attacked should just stay home.

Plot30B · 17/03/2026 14:31

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

That's beyond unreasonable! People should control their own dogs, you know, animals that they are legally responsible for. End of.

I've always had dogs and love them, but I keep them under control at all times. Other people's personal space does not belong to me or to my dogs. A dog walking past someone is fine, but dogs running right up to and jumping up at people is absolutely not on!

itsthetea · 17/03/2026 14:30

itsthetea · 17/03/2026 14:28

I don’t give a toss that your dog is friendly - the naffest excuse ever
your dog is uncontrolled and unwanted

And just because there are lots of dogs - round here MOST are well trained and well behaved - why should I avoid going somewhere because one lazy person hasn’t trained their dog ?

Firtreefiona · 17/03/2026 14:29

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

Goodness, what an areehole you are!

People have EVERY RIGHT to go about their business without YOUR dog going anywhere near them!

itsthetea · 17/03/2026 14:28

I don’t give a toss that your dog is friendly - the naffest excuse ever
your dog is uncontrolled and unwanted

Bigtom · 17/03/2026 14:28

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

How are people meant to know your dog is “only friendly”?

I don’t like dogs running up to me regardless of how friendly they are. It is your responsibility to stop your dog from doing this.

Why should people who don’t want dogs running up to them have to avoid certain places just because there might be dogs there?

LimeGoose · 17/03/2026 14:27

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

There are lots of dogs nearly everywhere now. I really feel for people with a fear of them.

WhereIsMyLight · 17/03/2026 14:26

Obviously but people are arseholes.

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.