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Original poster

Dog owners put them on a lead!!!

630 replies

BusyJessica · 28/07/2016 14:24

I am a runner, Im so tired of people's dogs running and jumping on me while i'm on a run. Its always dog owners with the larger dogs, if you have a dog that is excitable and is known to chase jump and be a general nuisance to others trying to enjoy the park please put it on a lead.

I suffer severe allergies and today a dog jumped on me while i'm out running and scratched my leg. I have now got a 4 inch scratch which could scar from the knee down. The lazy owner had the dog off a lead and was very overweight so could not keep up with the dog running off ahead.

She then had the nerve to tell me i was out of order for kicking the dog off me.

Please Dog Owners put your dog on a lead.

OP posts:
MuffyTheUmpireSlayer · 29/07/2016 09:07

So then why is it so unreasonable for me to expect others to do the same?

WaitrosePigeon · 29/07/2016 09:09

I don't think it is unreasonable but I think you're wasting your energy on getting in a tizz about dogs sniffing you. Dogs sniff.

MuffyTheUmpireSlayer · 29/07/2016 09:12

The point is it shouldn't be near me at all if the dog owners are calling them back when they run towards strangers, like so many claim to.

When I see a dog running towards me, how am I to know whether it is going to sniff or jump? Just don't let it run to strangers.

There is a lot of repetition going on here, mainly because people keep on missing the point the first time.

Lweji · 29/07/2016 09:14

I think everyone on this thread agrees that if you can't control your dog it should be on a lead..

The problem is that, surprisingly, no.
Or at least they disagree on what is lack of control.
Apparently letting your dog run up to people and jump at them it's fine. Hmm

hollyisalovelyname · 29/07/2016 09:15

I'm with you OP.
I love dogs but hate when they are off lead.
On our local esplanade they are forbidden to be off lead but some dog owners ignore that and their dogs run ahead, do a poo and the owner is unaware ( perhaps) and the poo doesn't get picked up and people walk on it. It spoils a nice walk. It's just gross.
Well trained dogs can be called to heel quickly but the majority of dogs are not that well trained.

babybythesea · 29/07/2016 09:15

Pearlman, can you please read? I have said several times she doesn't harass, she doesn't sniff, she doesn't follow, she doesn't chase.
I call her back because I am of the understanding that other people prefer it, and because if she mooches in front of them they may trip over her. More of an issue with cyclists to be fair, but yes, a jogger may have to run round her.
I call her back because people might otherwise worry that she is going to harass them and find it more reassuring to have her recalled to me, to be made to sit and wait while they pass.
This is also what I read on here. Now you are saying that this is not the case? Because yes, it might take me a second or two to get her to come to me (on account of the fact she's not faster than the speed of light). If I see the jogger in plenty of time, no problem, but if not, they may need to slow down for a moment. Or I can just let her run free. I know she won't do anything but they don't. Is that not the point, as has been pointed out repeatedly? That other people don't know my dog and may not like it if I seemingly ignore them running past and not have my dog under control??

Essentially, you seem to resent the fact that I am out with a dog at all, and I don't know what we can do about that. I don't like cyclists. I don't like them hurtling towards me and my kids at stupid speeds on the track we use frequently, I can expect consideration and courtesy but I rarely get it. I don't expect all cyclists to never be out on a bike, ever, because that's not going to happen. I can also show consideration to others, ensure my dog is under control, pick up her poo etc. But even that is not good enough for you, as you don't like the fact I am calling my dog to me. So I will simply have to go on calling her back and be pleased that most people react with a smile and a thank you.

WaitrosePigeon · 29/07/2016 09:15

I don't know the answers to everything to do with dogs, nor do I know the opinions or feelings of people that don't control their dogs. I do control my dog, he's a lovely obedient dog and doesn't run towards anyone, he's more interested in eating cow pat, so I wouldn't know the answers for dogs that are out of control.

OhtoblazeswithElvira · 29/07/2016 09:16

Semi rural location here, we walk on paths and parks every day. Dogs running towards us with no owners in sight, big dogs jumping at toddler, dogs growling and barking as you walk past, chasing children on bikes etc... Yes these are all daily occurrences. Most dog owners are responsible and very polite around here though.

WaitrosePigeon · 29/07/2016 09:18

The problem is that, surprisingly, no.
Or at least they disagree on what is lack of control.
Apparently letting your dog run up to people and jump at them it's fine. hmm*

I don't think I've seen anyone on this thread advocate not controlling their dog?

I don't let my dog, nor would he be interested in running up to anyone else so I can't comment on other people.

MuffyTheUmpireSlayer · 29/07/2016 09:23

What you do sounds perfectly reasonable Baby. Most other dog-owners on this thread (and IRL) seem to see the issue as being with other humans in the park rather than their own responsibilities though.

EeksyPeeksy · 29/07/2016 09:29

No I wouldnt let my dog run to strangers but then she was old and eye sight not the best. She guided herself by smell so if you're near her and she sniffed near your feet then no I wouldn't have called her away unless she stopped at you and continued to sniff.

But I walked her on fields and parks where everyone knew there would be a ton of dogs. People didn't like it then there were alternative routes.

TheSolitaryBoojum · 29/07/2016 09:30

'Yes they dog haterz will want sniffing banned next'

The laws regarding dogs in this country have got tighter and tighter over the years, largely because of the attitude of dog owners.
The restrictions of freedom now, compared to the 60s is significant.The laws tend to be reactive to incidents and concerns as many owners seem unable to take full responsibility for their animals.
Keep laughing and mocking, wait another decade or so and see how many more restrictions those attitudes will trigger.

ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe · 29/07/2016 09:32

I shall have a t-shirt done, with "Stop sniffing my feet you animal" embroidered.

MuffyTheUmpireSlayer · 29/07/2016 09:34

Send me the link to your Etsy page when you're done Chardonnay, it might save me some stress.

TheClaws · 29/07/2016 09:36

WaitrosePigeon Eeksy I haven't any reason to make up bullshit. The dogs scared me off walking in my own area. If it was only one or two incidents, why would I do that? Hmm I can't stand the feeling of a dog rushing at me, barking and carrying on - I don't know what sort of dog it is, I don't know if it's a "big softie" or not, I just know I need to protect myself. And yes, like the OP, when the terrier bit me, I shook him off and in the process, kicked him. The owner's response? "Oh, he hasn't done that before! He shouldn't have been out anyway!"

I don't like dogs. Maybe they can sense it Confused But I should still be able to walk in my own area without these issues.

EeksyPeeksy · 29/07/2016 09:37

I'd by one of them. But I'd buy it for DD who currently likes to pretend she's a horse and says hello by sniffing...

Hopefully this won't last more than a morning 😳

ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe · 29/07/2016 09:40

I do accessorise with a dog or two though....

EeksyPeeksy · 29/07/2016 09:40

That's fair enough. As I said I wouldn't let my dog do that and it is unusual imo.

Jumping, running, licking (bleugh) on someone is not OK. Sniffing Hmm

ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe · 29/07/2016 09:41
Grin
MuffyTheUmpireSlayer · 29/07/2016 09:41

Solitary I agree. If you think people not wanting your animal to sniff their feet are being ridiculous then you are exactly the sort of person to roll their eyes when someone doesn't want your dog running at them. Which is why there is so much dog-owner animosity on this thread.

WaitrosePigeon · 29/07/2016 09:46

If you think people not wanting your animal to sniff their feet are being ridiculous then you are exactly the sort of person to roll their eyes when someone doesn't want your dog running at them

I'm the odd one out then!

WaitrosePigeon · 29/07/2016 09:47

Yes, I will wait for those to maybe laws to happen.

In the mean time I will walk my dog off lead where is it permitted because he's a good controlled dog and I'm a responsible owner.

Maybebabybee · 29/07/2016 09:49

I don't have a dog and I still think the op was being daft.

Can you people seriously not tell the difference between an aggressive dog and one that is being friendly (Irrespective of whether or not they should be on leashes bla bla)

Maybebabybee · 29/07/2016 09:50

And I agree that "out of control dog" on MN can mean anything from dog who comes up and bites you to dog who looks in your direction whilst walking past.

TheSolitaryBoojum · 29/07/2016 09:50

I've always disliked the way that people who aren't afraid or worried about something feel that's reason enough to mock someone who is.
Where's the understanding that being approached by a dog when you don't want to make its acquaintance is a reasonable attitude? That's before you get into jumping up, stealing food, accidental scratching and barking and biting.
I love spiders, I can't understand the stupidity and fear of those who fuss about a minuscule and harmless little arachnid. Does that give me the right to go round dropping little spiders onto unsuspecting women and saying 'FFS, get a grip'?
All I see in the future for dog owners is more restrictions, regulations and insurance against Acts of Dog.

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