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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dog off lead running at DD in park

480 replies

megcleary · 26/10/2011 16:19

AIBU to have roared at man who said oh he won't hurt her.

My comments on his dog owning skills included the fact there is no sign on the dog to say he won't attack DD, the dog should be on a lead, sign as you enter park and the dog did not return/ respond when he called it.

His response was to tell me to shut up.

I hate dogs on the loose in the park.

OP posts:
GypsyMoth · 26/10/2011 16:20

What did the dog actually do?

worraliberty · 26/10/2011 16:20

Roared? Yes YABU

But so was he as he didn't adhere to the park sign

slavetofilofax · 26/10/2011 16:22

I let my dog run loose in the park, He is a good dog, he comes whn he is called the vast majority of the time, and he is as close to harmless as you can ever trust any dog to be. And he's only small.

Our park doesn't have signs saying dogs should be on a lead, so he has as much right to run free there as any child does.

mousyfledermaus · 26/10/2011 16:23

oh I hate that "but he only wants to play" maybe but I don't!
"she's only a puppy" so what?

Goldenbrown1981 · 26/10/2011 16:23

I think Roaring seems a bit on the harsh side, depending on what the dog did when it ran over. My dog is very friendly and will run over to children given the chance, but always stops short and waits to be patted.

However, at the same time I would NEVER have her off the lead where there are signs to keep dogs on the lead, rules are there for a reason.

ChocolateBiscuitCake · 26/10/2011 16:23

YABU - parks are for dog owners as well and dogs should be exercised off the lead. I actually think that dog owners have the hard time because so many children wonder around with snacks or there are snacks in the buggy or bread to feed ducks etc which is always going to attract them. If YOU don't like it, then go to the playground.

I am the mother of two small boys and do not have a dog btw. If your post was about dog poo, then I would agree with you!

GypsyMoth · 26/10/2011 16:24

So where are dogs supposed to get off lead exercise if nit the park?Confused

Original poster
megcleary · 26/10/2011 16:24

JUmped at DD as she was screaming and backing away from it.

OP posts:
Goldenbrown1981 · 26/10/2011 16:25

Can I also add that as a dog owner it's often frustrating the other way round. It scares me how many children run over and pat my dog without asking. My dog is soft as muck and I don't fear her response, but I do fear the same children doing this to a less friendly dog

mousyfledermaus · 26/10/2011 16:25

Tiffany - simple solution: don't get a dog...

suburbandream · 26/10/2011 16:25

I love dogs but my ASD son doesn't! The "oh but he won't hurt you" comments drive me mad when it is clear that my son is beyond terrified. Please just get your dog away from us Angry. YAB a bit U for roaring but YANBU for pointing out that the dog should be on the lead.

Catsmamma · 26/10/2011 16:25

it's a dog , not a ravening beast.

as for screaming, teach your child better. Behaviour like that is unlikely to placate any dog.

MillyR · 26/10/2011 16:26

The man was unreasonable for having his dog off a lead in an area where that has been prohibited.

You were unreasonable for roaring at somebody in front of a child who was already distressed.

saggarmakersbottomknocker · 26/10/2011 16:27

YANBU meg.

But this will end badly. They always do.

ChairOfTheBored · 26/10/2011 16:28

This is one of my pet hates (if you'll forgive the pun). I have no objection to dogs exercising, but they must always be under control, and that includes the owner being able to prevent them (either by voice command or by keeping them on the lead) harassing others. I jog (it would be flattery in the extreme to describe it a running!) and I loathe it when I encounter dog owners who seem oblivious to the actions of their dogs as they skitter about my feet tripping me up, or other wise forcing me to run into things to avoid them.

It's not about whether the dog is dangerous and bitey, more about the hazard and nuisance it causes others.

And the thing is, I'm a dog person, I like them but prefer my interaction with them to be on my terms, not because they can't be shagged to keep their pup in check.

SacreLao · 26/10/2011 16:28

I am a dog owner, have 2 LARGE breed dogs.

I hate people who let their dog off lead to run wild when they are not trained to re-call. My dogs do go off lead, quite a lot actually, but if I call them they come to me IMMEDIATELY.

If I could not trust them to do this they would not go off lead, simple.

You have no idea how other people / dogs etc. will react so just because your own dogs are friendly and safe does not make it ok.

Not only that but what's to stop your dog running in front of a car etc. if they have no recall?

I wouldn't have 'roared' but would have pointed out that they should have re-called the dog when it ran towards your child.

MillyR · 26/10/2011 16:29

Tiffany, when councils bring in restrictions on dogs off leads in certain parks, they make sure that there are other nearby areas which are accessible to dog owners with mobility issues. They don't just place a blanket ban on dogs off lead everywhere.

My council is going through this process at the moment, and it is done with some thought and consultation.

slavetofilofax · 26/10/2011 16:29

Maybe OP should not have had a child then mousy

And dogs running off the lead is not the same as dogs jumping at children.

SusanneLinder · 26/10/2011 16:30

If there was a sign saying "dogs on lead" then yes he should have his dog on leads, However, dogs are generally social creatures that actually LIKE people. Dog attacks are actually few and far between ,which is why the make the papers. Many caused by silly people roaring and screaming like banshees every time a dog comes near.

No wonder kids are afraid of dogs.

TiredMUMMYno1 · 26/10/2011 16:31

Yanbu, if the dog was supposed to be on a lead, then you were within your right to be a bit mad

SacreLao · 26/10/2011 16:31

Golden I was once out for a walk with one of my dogs (Rottweiler) and my mum's dog (Yorkshire Terrier).

A child asked her mum to stroke the dogs and without asking me she turned around and said yes but not the big one!

I had to step in and explain that actually the Yorkie is pretty agressive and bites but she was fine to stroke the Rottie who is an absolute darling.

Why don't people realise what risk they are putting their children in by just sending them over!

I have been known to tell off children approaching my dogs many times without asking me.

SirHumphreyAppleby · 26/10/2011 16:31

He shouldn't have had his dog off the lead if there were signs prohibiting it. If he chooses to ignore those signs, he should at least be confident that his dog will listen to him and return when he calls it. He is not a good dog owner IMO. Trying to compare children runnning around with dogs running around is crap, children don't generally tend to bite dogs and shit everywhere.

GypsyMoth · 26/10/2011 16:33

Mousy.... Why should anyone NOT get a dog?

Andrewofgg · 26/10/2011 16:33

So where are dogs supposed to get off lead exercise if not the park?

Tiffany: on the off chance that you are serious I will tell you. In the owner's securely fenced garden. And if the owner has not got one then there should not be a dog in the first place.

LoonyRationalist · 26/10/2011 16:34

YANBU. My dd1 is scared of dogs. I am trying my best to help her not to be including introducing her to dogs I know to be well behaved in a calm environment. This incident would have put her back to square 1.

For this reason we are pretty much limited to playparks and dogs on leads areas. If some nitwit decided that they were above the rules and ignored a dogs on leads only sign when I had actively taken the time to seek out such an area I would be beyond furious.

Catsmamma - great empathy there Hmm

Goldenbrown - I agree completely, something I have had to instil in dd2.