AIBU for losing my temper with a dog owner while out running?

Just let it go OP. We all have a moment. Dogs off leads dog walkers and runners are both irritating in their own way. Today they just clashed.

We always get annoyed with our selves for losing our temper, but it happens.

If "clouds and cuckoos" is surrounding myself with lovely friends who are responsible dog owners and respectful of other people, I'll take it and keep people like you out of my life

@SplishSplash123
Everyone else uses a lead because their dogs aren't trained in that way, and if they want off lead exercise they hire a private space to do so.

I hope you enjoy all the clouds and cuckoos in your world 🤣🤣🤣

So by your rules, it's fine to have no social awareness in the park? Cool, I'll let my toddler run amok next time I take her. If she pinches another child's toy, or runs across someone's blanket and tramples on their picnic food, I'll just shrug and say everyone should be tolerant of her...

I know a few friends whose dogs have been trained well enough that they would never jump up at anyone. Everyone else uses a lead because their dogs aren't trained in that way, and if they want off lead exercise they hire a private space to do so.

I can't say what decision I would make in a split second encounter where I was scared and being physically attacked. I assume I'd probably kick and/or throw my water bottle. My point is, its not my job to go out for a run expecting to have to deal with being attacked - whether playfully or aggressively, I don't care, I'm entitled not to be assaulted in a park. The law would be on my side regardless; you're responsible for the dog and it's actions, not me.

Assume you're fine with the possibility of your dog being hurt and/or potentially losing its life if the incident was such that the dog caused an injury and the police deemed it necessary to put your dog down? Such a shame for your poor dog that you're exposing it to that risk.

In my experience, dog walkers and joggers are all as bad as each other, so...

The point is you should have control before your dog jumped up. Ensuring your dog doesn’t jump up isn’t impressive. It’s basic. Get control before an issue arises or keep your dog on a lead.

I hope you’re being goody
No of course I wasn't. I was trying to present a balanced view. Dog owners and runners have to occupy the same spaces (sometimes).

I hadn't heard of giant sighthounds, but they look lovely and I'm impressed that you have so much control.

You know, years ago I had a couple of Shelties. They are timid little dogs, wouldn't dream of running away from their "pack". But I wouldn't trust them near a small child - if they got cornered they might bite because they are afraid.

Later I had a terrier. She had a lovely temperament, wouldn't dream of biting anybody - but she was excitable and wanted to be friends with everybody.

The jumping up was occasional - as I said earlier it would be because the runner did something she interpreted as a game (not criticising the runner, just explaining) - and I would always rush over and take control of the situation.

I'm prepared to be flamed but every staffy owner I've ever met has been a dickead. Just saying. Yanbu.

I hope you’re being goady @MrsJeanLuc

All dogs should have recall if off the lead. I have giant sighthounds. When I see someone running they are called to me. They stand and wait (generally with a treat under their nose as added inventive.)
By law dogs must be under control in public. Any person fearing a dog may injure them (includes knocking them over or tripping them and sending them flying) can report them as a dangerous dog. That has potential disastrous consequences for you and your dog.

You have admitted your dog is not well trained enough to understand that someone out running is not a game.
Yup. Show me a dog with enough social awareness to understand that

Your dog is not well trained enough to be off lead in a public space.
Nah, don't be daft

Runners do not have to "tolerate" this.
No of course not. But some awareness of tactics to deal with it might be useful

If your dog jumped up at me while I was out running, I would assume they were in attack mode and act accordingly in self defence. Your dog would suffer because you can't be bothered to train them/pay for off-lead safe space for them. How cruel of you to leave your dog open to injury.
Interesting. Out of interest what exactly would you do? As a runner I have experienced problems with other people's dogs - once an Alsatian basically cornered me and wouldn't let me run, I had to wait for the owner to rescue me. I'd be interested to know what you would do in that situation?
Oh and for the record, the dog owner apologised, we had a chat and then I continued my run ... no drama.

Bullshit

Training a dog not to jump up at strangers is not elite dog performance or too high of an expectation. Take her to a dog field if she cannot be trusted not to do this.

The park behind my house is a huge open green space - we're not talking about a children's playground. Of course the dog should be off the lead and free to run.

I put a lot of effort into training her - but people have far too high expectations in this respect. The dog performance stuff you see on tv is elite; and specific breeds as well. It's unrealistic to expect that degree of recall in real life.

You have admitted your dog is not well trained enough to understand that someone out running is not a game. Your dog is not well trained enough to be off lead in a public space.

Runners do not have to "tolerate" this.

If your dog jumped up at me while I was out running, I would assume they were in attack mode and act accordingly in self defence. Your dog would suffer because you can't be bothered to train them/pay for off-lead safe space for them. How cruel of you to leave your dog open to injury.

If my dog almost tripped someone up, i's say sorry straight away. I think manners escape people these days.

You said your dog runs up to people and jumps? So your dog should be on a lead because it’s poorly trained. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with well trained dogs being off lead, but you openly admit your dog is badly trained.

Isn’t it obvious why your dog should be on a lead?

It happens, humans lose their temper at times.
Runners and unleashed dogs in the park can both be annoying to people who don’t participate.
I am not surprised there was a clash.

Only one dog.
But why would she be?

I think your reaction is a long time coming. I have a dog which I keep on a lead except for dog running areas that are secure. However friends of mine feel it’s fine for theirs to run off lead and they like to either run up to runners or chase after them and yap at their legs. The owners seem nonchalant to it all and half arsed call them back whike chatting. It riles me while mine is on a lead looking annoyed (knowing it would join in given half the chance).

min my view when you share a park dogs come second and humans first. Plus I don’t want mine harmed and humans harmed either when I know mine will play up off lead.

My husband was out running and a dog (that was on a long lead) jumped on him scratching him on his thighs and stomach. I try to cross the road as soon as I see a dog walker approaching.

The OP is not 'dog-hating' in my opinion.
It is the owner who is at fault - as is usually the case - people need to control their dogs. At the very least they should keep their animals on a leash.
Imagine if an elderly person or child were rushed by a dog.
I am 62 and reasonably fit, but I have Osteoporosis - if I were to fall because of an out of control dog, the result could put me in hospital.

I was just responding to your comment to another poster that they should get help for their anxiety about being bitten by a dog when in the park - it’s not unheard of especially for joggers so not really a sign they need help for anxiety.

I dont let my dog off in public since he took a fancy to a runner. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen. Ddog spotted a jogger in the distance in a field and reacted as if he was his long lost soul mate. I've never ever seen such a wiggly waggley overjoyed display of unrequited love in my life. The guy took it quite well. He wanted to go home with him. Lesson learnt.

I think in most places you are right. But in parks or woods etc, you have to allow dogs and kids to run wild to some extent. As a jogger I don't get priority, open spaces are there to be shared by everyone so it's just a case of being grown ups.