To plan my day around my children and not my dog?

[Sugarmagnolia]

I had the most peculiar conversation with someone the other day. At least I thought it was peculiar but maybe it was just me.

We were discussing various things we did over the easter break - trips to the park, soft play etc. She said she can never go to soft play because they can't take the dog. I told her we had a dog too but to be perfectly honest I usually plan my day based on what the kids and I want to do, not the dog. This got me a funny look. So then she asks if we take the dog when we go to the park. I said sometimes but not always because I can't manage to keep the dog on the lead and keep an eye on the kids and help with their bikes (which they are very into at the moment) all at the same time. Well, why not just let the dog off the lead, she asks, would he run away? No, he wouldn't run away but he might frighten another child. I know he would never hurt anyone but a child we don't know might not know that I don't think it would be fair. I would only let him off the lead in the "doggy" part of the park that's well away from the playground. Well, the indignation this other woman expressed was unbelievable! She told me that park was for dogs and if a child was scared that was there problem.

I really didn't know what else to say after that.

No, not unreasonable - this other woman is a bit odd.

I have a dog too, and I keep the childrens' trips to the park dog free for the exact reasons you describe. I would hate the thought of the dog inadvertently scaring another child, or for me not tohave my full attention on my dc. Also, if I tie the dog up outside the park, he barks, howls and generally creates so much that I get embarrased...

I always make a point of walking the dog in the woods daily, off lead so he gets a good run, and then dog stays at home during my child-orientated excursions.
Makes perfect sense to me.

you soulnd perfectly reasonable sugarmag

Your last sentence makes me think this woman is one of those who gives other dog owners a bad name.
The whole 'the park is for dogs and if my dog scares someone in the park tough luck' attitude really riles me.

Silly arse - her not you !!

I do the "dog" thing - we go for a long ramble with DD and dogs - not the park or anywhere were they may be other children who could be scared of him ( he's a poppet but they're not to know that!!)

And then there's "our" thing, which could be the park etc

Then there are "joint" things - day at a dog friendly beach etc

But no - she's bang out of order IMHO !!

oh god you sound fabulous

i bloody wish all dog owners were like you, its people like that women who get all dog owners a bad name

The other woman is barking mad if you ask me.

yes, park is for dogs but only when following the park rules, and if you can as their owner give them proper attention, i have 2 dogs and wouldnt take them to the park with my daughter, it not fair on them (the dogs)
imo you are not unreasonable, just a consciencious dog owner.

i cannot stand dogs

we only go to parks where dogs are banned (there are loads round here so its great)

My mum is like that.

Se won;t go anywhere the sogs aren't loowed.

I come way down on the list after the dogs, always have.

In fact, I often think she wishes I was a dog.

We like to take our dog on family outings if possible, but it is not always practical, and I only will if my hubby comes too.
In the summer she is often better off at home in the cool, and we give her long walks in the mornings and evenings to compensate.
Our dog is an important family member, but she is still a dog, so can't always be included.

my mil is lovely, but a bit mad when it comes to the dog, she would never leve it on its own as it once chewed the furniture and tore her blinds down.
So when her dp is at work she stays in until he gets home and then goes out when he gets back. Its treated like a baby, I mean, it will never get used to being alone if they never leave it alone wil it?

Seems a bit strange to me, but then we dont have a dog so what do i know

Oh, re the op the woman sounds mad,I dont think parks are for dogs only are they, they are for everyone. Humans are more important imo!