To think the majority of dog owners where I live are inconsiderate and arrogant.

[AngryRunner]

I am a runner, I have run the marathon and compete regularly in half marathons, 10k's etc.

I like to run in my local park and i normally run about 5 times a week. I do go at speed faster than most joggers.

However I am constantly harassed by dogs. I tell owners to put it on a lead when there dog is clearly chasing me, jumping up on me. I was bitten by a dog as a child so I don't like them and I am very scared of big dogs.

The reaction I get when I say put it on a lead please is met with total anger/ rudeness from owners. Yesterday I was running and a very large almost wolf like dog was off its lead and started running towards me. I normally stop but it was barking and I just sprinted away it began to chase me for around 200 meters before eventually being distracted by a smaller dog. I was crying and visible shaking when I confronted the owner who was 100meters behind. She said the usual oh he's lovely oh he won't hurt you bullshit dog owners spout. I asked for her name and details as I said I'm reporting her to the police. I felt threatened by the dog and that is all that is needed for her to break the law. The police are investigating.

The week before a dog jumped up at me and I feel to floor from behind. Again the same thing from the owner.

I pay my council tax to use the parks but no longer feel like I can use them because dog owners take dogs off leads. Please it is so inconsiderate. I live in an urban area so road running is horrible with the fumes. Aibu to be fed up of dogs being described as lovely in response to scaring an i being unreasonable to think dog owners should no I have no idea about the character of their dog. Am I being unreasonable to be fed up of being blamed for tempting the dog for keeping fit and doing something I love.

And for the record I know there are good owners but majourity as a runner I've encountered aren't!

Sorry but YABU. Some dog owners don't control their dogs, but some runners are also annoying. As are some cyclists. And some children. It's unfair to tar everyone with the same brush just because you don't like dogs. We all pay our council tax and have the right to use open space. Many dogs will get excited when they see a runner and chase them as they want to play, they don't mean any harm. I don't see why they should be kept on leads the whole time and not had a proper run, just because of your phobia.

Miaow
That's one of the best posts I've ever read.

Personal best time dick wave festival

YANBU

Dogs off-lead are a nuisance in public spaces. I hate being jumped on, chased or having my picnic ruined by someone's out of control animal.

IMO it's foolish to get a big dog if you don't have private land or farmland to exercise it. Even the friendliest GS looks intimidating when charging at you in the park. I don't go to my park anymore because I'm scared of the dogs running free. I've had to shoo dogs out of the kids playground on 2 occasions despite no dogs signs up!

We need separate secure dog parks (which dog owners can pay to maintain) and let their dogs off lead where they won't bother anyone. Normal parks should be for everyone to enjoy. Runners, children, elderly people (who may be unsteady on feet and at risk of being knocked over by a boisterous dog!)

I know many dog owners are sensible and keep their dog on lead in the parks. But please understand many many people are nervous of dogs, and your playful Rotty/greyhound/Newfoundland bouncing around off lead is actually terrifying for many.

When DD was a baby, a big slobbery dog stuck its head into her pram. The owner did the usual 'she's soft as butter' thing but I was furious. I don't want your dog anywhere near my newborn let alone sniffing her face

@MiaowTheCat 👏👏👏

Wtf is your dog doing out of earshot?! You can't call him back if he's bothering someone, you also can't call him back if he looks like doing something that will endanger himself. Call him back before he gets out of earshot, or looks like doing so!
If the runner comes up behind you at speed then you can't have your dog on the lead or paying strict attention to you because you don't see them coming! And if they're ultra-fast 'I run marathons and go faster than everyone else' runners then they'll be on the other side of the field with your dog running after them thinking it's a great game before you've had a chance to react.
If you want to run in places where there are dogs off the lead then just don't run close to them. It's pretty simple. And don't run up behind someone because that's bad manners with or without a dog being involved. I steer clear of runners and children just to be on the safe side. I wish they'd have the same consideration.

Miaow can you run then. My experience has not been with runners only with dog owners. It's not the dogs fault it's the owners. Why have a dog if you can't be bothered to train the dog. My child is terrified of dogs what do you expect when they chase her. I have seen some fantastic dog owners who train their dogs to walk with them and some who keep them on the lead. Dogs are like children they have to be taught how to behave or don't get a dog. Some dog owners are not strict enough with their dog.

Dog owner here. I usually have every sympathy with this sort of post. You can be as rude as you want about people who don't pick up poo or who genuinely let their dogs harass others. I've encountered my share of arseholes.

But in this case I think YABU.

1. All dog owners do not 'spout bullshit'. Most dogs and owners are fine. You are just generalising and being rude about a group of people due to your own prejudice.
2. You think that most dog owners are doing this- I've never even seen a runner aggressively chased by a dog. Apparently all these dogs are 'almost attacking you' but non actually attack you. I suspect the dogs just run near you and the problem is in your head.
3. You called the police over a dog that ran after you for a short distance.

Whether you are right or not, your options are:
-get therapy for your issues,
-stop running,
-run somewhere/somewhen without dogs,
-continue to complain that the whole world doesn't behave the way you think it should.

Anyone want to guess which one the OP goes for?

"So in the land of complete overgeneralisation based on isolated shit experiences that is AIBU dog threads... all runners are twats."

MiaowTheCat FTW

Here is another option learn to defend yourself when the dog chases. I bet the dog will never chase you again.

I understand that must be so annoying and I agree with @donqui though that those are your options.

Just want to add sometimes humans can be just as bad. I was walking my dog the other day we have only had her a while and she is very very nervous as she is a rescue who was badly abused, it has took me a lot of work to gain her trust, I keep her on lead at all times.

Whenever people walk past her we have to stop so she can lie flat to the ground, a couple stopped the other day and wouldn't stop fussing her, she was shaking and I repeated very firmly "she is very nervous" he kept tutting and saying "oh shes fine" and waving his hand in her face and speaking very loudly in her face. This went on for ages and I kept saying "honestly She is very scared" she was visibily shaking and lying flat to the ground. She eventually wet herself she was so scared all over her tail ( which was between her legs ) he finally got the message and walked off after saying some arsey comment to me.
Am I now asking that humans don't walk in parks next to me or they don't even acknowledge my dog because they terrified her or report them to police? Ideally Yeah, but realistically it's ridiculous I can't demand that.

Most dog owners are great and in control of their dogs. There are always a minority who can't/won't control their dogs. However best advice if you are scared of dogs and one starts chasing you is to stop and 'be a tree.' Whilst this may be irritating to a runner to have to stop, it does mean that the dog should stop and then leave you alone.
www.doggonesafe.com/Dog_Safety_for_Kids
I've taught my eldest who is scared of dogs to do this and it does make a big difference. Running and flapping makes it worse. A park is a shared space and whilst most people respect it there will always be a small minority of all users who don't.

Anon you need to be much clearer and firmer here. When you said 'she is very nervous' you gave him an in to argue. You should have given them an instruction 'please stop stroking my dog and walk away. You are scaring her'.
OP I am with you. The majority of dog owners are responsible and we don't tend to notice them but a lot of dog owners seem to think they have precedence. The dog poo outside the gate to the playpark (dirty protest?), the dog that bit my dh who had luckily lifted 2yo ds and turned his back to the dog, the ones that like to chase bikes, runners or livestock. Dog poo everywhere. I think anyone who wants a pet should require a licence which requires them to attend training classes.

I've got a cocker spaniel who is completely uninterested in people, he just is so fixated on birds and finding birds in hedges/undergrowth that I've always just left him off the lead and he's never bothered anyone. But he's been badly attacked 3 times now, by other dogs off the lead that literally have run up and attacked him. It's made him (and me) so nervous around other dogs now that I keep him on the lead unless we are in a large field that I can see others approaching us from a distance. It has made both of our lives a complete f*cking misery to be honest, and I am heartily sick of it. I own a dog and take complete responsibility for him but there are a lot of dog owners out there that really shouldn't be. The last dog attack left me with a £100+ vet bill that we had to pay (he was bitten around his mouth, swallowed lots of blood that made his stomach really poorly and he had some bites that got infected) and the Police were completely uninterested and powerless to do anything other than to speak to the owner.

I have always had dogs that are walked 3 times a day, and I've never seen anyone's dog chase a runner, unless it's their owner... I think sometimes people stretch the truth on MN.

The dog didn't attack you, what happened was: you were running in the park, the dog was running in the park.

If you actually called the police over this (which is bonkers) you know they won't do anything, right? It's a non-event and a waste of valuable resources. Plus if you asked for my details because my dog ran near you, I wouldn't tell you or I'd give you a fake name

I'd rather share the park with dopey dog owners than prick runners who think because they've got a smattering of finishing medals for random 10ks they own the world

I don't know any runners who think they own the world, this is a completely unfair post and smacks of jealousy! I think it's appalling that your 4 year old was knocked off her bike by a runner, but really, I am part of a running community and I don't know any runners who would do this. The majority are considerate and lovely and in no way think that they own the world just because they compete in a few races.
As for runners taking over the park during Park run...it's only for a few hours every week, it's great for community, boosting physical and emotional and mental health, just go to the park before or after if you don't want to be around the runners.
You sound majorly prejudiced.

You get pricks in all walks of life...runners, cyclists, tap dancers, fencers, dog walkers- but they are the minority, don't generalise and tar all with the same brush.

Some dog owners especially in London use dogs to intimidate others. I lived there most of my life you see them.

Yep, there's definitely irresponsible dogs owners out there. Without a doubt.

However a couple of points that crossed my mind reading this thread -
The 'he's friendly bullshit' - I'm not sure you're right to say it's bullshit. I walk my dogs in a mixture of fields and roads and if I see someone coming I'll pull into the side and short lead them. My dogs are friendly, I don't expect anyone to know that, and yes they will wag tails and try to greet someone and pull forward, that's exactly why they're on the lead so they can't greet someone and I've left clear space to pass without interaction. But faced with someone who is showing fear and hanging back I will say 'It's OK, they're friendly' I am not saying it as an excuse, I'm saying it as reassurance.

My dogs may not pay council tax but I do. Which means I have the right to use a shared space with who or whatever I choose (within the law obviously) the same as anyone else.

I've had bad experiences with runners. I leashed my dogs seeing two running behind me, it was a single track path, but with room to overtake me by stepping onto the field, I stayed on the path and got told to 'get out the fucking way then'. I refused and got a gobful for not moving over. No, I don't care if you're trying to meet a PB, that's not my problem, if I'm on the path and you want to be past then go past not an issue, do not expect me to get out of your way.
I've also had runners appear suddenly, with silent approach, making me, my horse when I rode out, and my dogs sometimes, jump. But then if the dogs bark once or twice that's unacceptable? They're not attacking, they're on a lead, they cannot reach you, they're under control. If I say 'oh' because a runner makes me jump then is that unacceptable too? I have been told to 'control my dogs' in this situation as well. No, you shouldn't have to warn me you're behind, but if you don't do so, do not complain at a perfectly reasonable response.
BTW - 'you' as in universal you, not you personally OP.

While I don't think you're BU for not wanting to be chased or jumped on by dogs, I do think you're being a little intolerant. If you are using shared facilities then you have to expect that other people will also be using it in a way they want to. Dogs will be there, they may run around in your vicinity, it's only an actual problem if they do chase you or jump on you, otherwise they're just doing exactly the same as you. And why should an owner recall a dog if it's not bothering you? In the same way you don't know the dog is friendly, they don't know you have a phobia and may be bothered by a dog.

As a dog owner I am the first to say the behaviour of some off-lead dogs is shocking. The majority however, are absolutely fine. Just as the majority of runners - of all speeds - I meet on our local cycle path are fine, and very appreciative when I make a point of getting me and the dogs to the side of the track so they can get past. Then there are the rude runners who seem to think they own the path, don't do much as smile or nod their thanks as they go past, and look at me as if I am something extremely unpleasant on the bottom of their no doubt very expensive running shoes!

@ladypw 'don't run behind people' 😆 That's kinda difficult when we're sharing the pavement or the path. Should I not walk behind people either? Apparently I must be some kind of ninja when I run because apparently my heavy breathing, and sound of my shoes hitting the ground, is not sufficient warning before I politely say 'excuse me'. I've had people jump out of their skin, but then I've had the same when I've passed people whilst walking. I can't help it if people are oblivious. I slow down for children and animals as both are liable to do something unexpected. But grown adults should probably get used to people walking or running past them!

@beerwench just FYI, if someone is fearful of dogs it does not matter one jot to them if your dog is friendly or not. They are afraid of dogs, including your dog. Your dog is not going to cure them of their fear through dint of being friendly. What would probably be more reassuring is to point out what you're doing: 'it's ok, he's not going to approach you, I've got him on a lead and you're safe to pass him'. Fear doesn't distinguish - a friendly dog might say hello and if you're fearful of dogs that's pretty scary.

"@beerwench just FYI, if someone is fearful of dogs it does not matter one jot to them if your dog is friendly or not. They are afraid of dogs, including your dog. Your dog is not going to cure them of their fear through dint of being friendly. What would probably be more reassuring is to point out what you're doing: 'it's ok, he's not going to approach you, I've got him on a lead and you're safe to pass him'. Fear doesn't distinguish - a friendly dog might say hello and if you're fearful of dogs that's pretty scary."

Reetgood - I don't expect my dogs to cure anyone of being scared of dogs. Firstly, I know it's not as simple as that, and secondly it's not really my place to go around curing people of their fears. It's not my intention at all or the point I was trying to make. I was referring to the OP comment about the 'he's friendly bullshit' which is ime, used as an excuse by poor owners for lack of control. But, I do think as in my case it's also used as a reassurance when you come across someone on a pavement who's obviously worried about passing, or similar situations. As they can see I've stopped, have the dogs as far away as physically possible and leashed I feel adding something, in a friendly and calm manner my self, is the right thing to do. I do however take on the different wording you have suggested. By saying what I do I'm not trying to cure anyone, I'm just reassuring someone it's OK to pass my dogs won't bother them and are not going to be snarling slavering beasts ready to rip their throat out.

Where can they let their dogs off the lead to run and play fetch etc if they can't do it in a public place or anywhere where a runner may be?

Even the back fields near my grandparents' home is usually empty, but you get a few walkers and runners every now and then.

Scrumpy

I think you missed the point of that post... 🤔

I also don't think it's up to everyone else to protect you from your phobias.