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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU dog owners?

59 replies

bertiesgal · 17/08/2018 14:38

I’m afraid of dogs. Not hysterically so but I don’t like it when large dogs approach me/jump on me/bark at me.

I’ve taken up jogging which I’m really enjoying.

I use a local park which is popular with dog owners as well as everyone else.

Today I had 4 large dogs jump on me and bark while trying to complete my run. It was unpleasant, I had to stop as they were chasing me and the owners were miles away.

Once I can cope with but repeated and with different dogs was just a bit miserable.

I don’t know where to go to run in peace.

What is the etiquette among decent dog owners? Is it fair to let them jump on strangers? Is that normal? Is there anything I can do to stop it?

I don’t make eye contact and I just run in a straight line but they seem to think I’m playing a game.

Lots of responsible dog owners seem to be able to keep their dogs back either verbally or remain close enough to bring them to heel so I know it can be done.

I’ve never had a dog so genuinely worried that I’m being unreasonable but it’s bloody miserable!

AIBU to expect to run without enormous dogs jumping on me?

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 17/08/2018 17:35

My dog just likes to jog alongside joggers, most don't mind her.

bertiesgal · 17/08/2018 17:41

Thanks everyone.

Really appreciate everyone being so reasonable.

I think I’m going to have to find somewhere else to run which is annoying as it’s otherwise perfect.

The second lot of the 2 dogs who jumped me then jumped DH who went running straight after me. Same breed and owner sounds identical so suspect same dogs.

He’s 6’3” and has been around dogs all of his life but was still pissed off at 2 massive dogs thundering towards him barking and jumping on him.

We might just set our toddler twins free (occasional biters) on that particular dog owner next time 😉....

OP posts:
Purpleartichoke · 17/08/2018 19:53

Dogs should be on a lead or behind a gate. Sadly, many dog owners are irresponsible.

QuickNC123 · 17/08/2018 20:06

For what it’s worth I think you’re exaggerating. I honestly don’t believe that 4 separate large dogs (what Newfoundland? St. Bernard? Or medium Labrador?) ran after you and jumped on you in such a short space of time.

I walk and run around 10 miles everyday Monday to Friday outdoors in dog friendly abandoned busy parks etc and this has never happened to me?

Maybe you smell like a bone?

arranfan · 17/08/2018 20:12

I regularly paddle on the local canal (pretty narrow in spots). I've had problems when people are walking several dogs and the dogs all decide I'm a large bath toy and they jump in to try and scrabble onto my boat. It's worse when other dogs see what they're doing and attempt to join in.

The owners find it hilarious. I don't think they realise what it's like to have several dogs (the total weight of which completely outweigh me) trying to climb on my boat, fall off, try again, pin my arm on one side if they've caught my paddle etc.

bertiesgal · 17/08/2018 20:15

There’s always one eh?

I’m not exaggerating. I came back from my run and posted about it immediately. It’s happened before but today was the worst which is why I posted about it.

Maybe I smell like a bone?

Why get so personal when I’m trying to be fair to dog owners and figure out what’s normal?

Either way. I’m not a liar. I’m not exaggerating and it was miserable which is why I posted about it.

HTH...

OP posts:
Vicky1990 · 17/08/2018 20:17

You can buy a small battery operated electronic devise that when pointed at a dog will cause them to back off, have a look on line.

bertiesgal · 17/08/2018 20:17

Above for Quick, not Arran who sounds perfectly reasonable. I’m too slow at typing.

OP posts:
CherryPavlova · 17/08/2018 20:25

Our dog is rarely on a lead but then he doesn’t chase people and we don’t take him to crowded areas. Only dogs with excellent recall should be off leads in parks. Big breeds need to run but not after joggers.
I’d be tempted to kick or restrain any dog that jumped up at me in anything other than clearly playful exuberance. I know that’s not a popular idea but badly controlled dogs need to learn they can’t behave this way.

Dogs that attack or are aggressive in public should be muzzled. The owners need a sharp talking to. Worth stopping off on your run to identify the owner and make it clear you will report the dog as dangerous if it chases or jumps up again. Size of dog is irrelevant- smaller press such as staffies, pit bulls and even Jack Russells can be vicious. Great Danes can be soft as anything,

Littlepleasures · 17/08/2018 20:37

Take photo on your phone of dog and their owner and email, with details of the harassment, to the local dog warden department. Dog owners know it’s unreasonable and anti social to let their dog threaten other park users but know they can get away with it so no incentive to change their ways. And yes it is threatening and harassment when an out of control dog is snapping round your heels, chasing you or trying to jump up on you. Let me say that again. No, your dog is not trying to be friendly, it is threatening and harassing me and I will report that. Waste of time? No council resources to do anything about it? Well, it’s worth a try. Enough complaints and it might make the council do something.

OldGreyBoots · 17/08/2018 20:39

YANBU. I own a dog, love all dogs, but get very angry at dogs off lead in public spaces.

Ethelswith · 17/08/2018 20:51

I was really pissed off with a dog owner when I was walking.

The dog was off lead and trying to 'play' with an unconnected boy who was clearly terrified and whose adult was shouting 'whose dog is this, get it away' whilst trying to calm the boy so his alarm didn't make things worse. The dog then 'romped' at me and scratched my leg.

The owner tried to tell me the dog 'wouidn't hurt a fly'. I told him that the dog had terrified a child and scratched me, and both those count as hurt, so he'd better never make that claim again. And that if it had drawn blood I wouid have been on to the police, and that if I saw that dog off lead again I wouid report it as it was not safe to be loose.

He looked a little taken aback.

And did put dog on lead.

missbattenburg · 17/08/2018 20:53

What is the etiquette among decent dog owners?

To control the dog and keep it out of your way. Battendog might risk an enthusiastic sniff as a runner went by so I hold his collar and keep him off the path to prevent that. I would expect most decent people to do something similar.

Agree with others that standing still or walking and being 'boring' for a few seconds may be the trick. You shouldn't have to but if you're looking for strategies...

bertiesgal · 17/08/2018 21:08

Thanks missb.

I don’t like stopping as I’ve worked really hard to run a set distance without stopping (I started with couch to 5k). It’s taken me many weeks to run non stop so stopping feels like a regression.

I’m going to try other parts of the town but this part is open/ soft grass/perfect distance.

To be fair, I’ve just re-read this and I have insight into the fact that I’m turning into a running wanker 🤗🤗🤗 so I’ll stop now.

To all of the lovely dog owners out there-you rock Star.

OP posts:
DoYouLikeHueyLewisandTheNews · 17/08/2018 21:17

You don't sound like a running wanker. I am a large dog owner and a runner (well, jogger really!). Just this morning I took my dog up the woods and encountered runners. My dog is pretty reliable for recall but I still pop him on the lead just in case as although he's friendly, it's not rocket science to work out someone minding their own business doesn't want a slobbery muddy pawed dog at their heels, or worse depending on the dog. For what it's worth, even though I have a large dog, I'm always on high alert for irresponsible dog owners. The dogs that jump at you are usually the dogs that charge at my dog being aggressive while their owners saunter along.

QueenDoris · 17/08/2018 21:22

Get hold of a taser. Or maybe a nail gun. That'll make the nasty barking thing back off

1stTimeMama · 17/08/2018 21:30

Can I ask, how you train your dogs not to run at, chase, or bother other people, without letting them off lead in an area where there are people to do those things to? I have a yr old puppy, and she wants to meet every dog and their owner, and most other people, when we're out. It drives me nuts, and I practice recall with her, but she's just so easily distracted!

QuiltingFlower · 17/08/2018 22:03

Water pistol, squirt ‘em in the face, that’ll do it.

WomanInBoots · 17/08/2018 22:17

My dogs need off lead running, they are active breeds. But as soon as we see anyone at all, runner, walker, cyclist, horse, other dog... I recall and sit them at heel until the coast is clear again. They get a biscuit every time too so they are always keen... they tend to come back and check in automatically when we see anyone now because they know it's biscuit time. Good job they get off lead running else they'd be fat Grin

Any leash laws would just be ignored by the same people that can't teach their dogs to recall and it would just be responsible dog owners and their dogs that would pay the price sadly.

UpstartCrow · 17/08/2018 22:21

bertiesgal You can get a hand held anti dog alarm which should scare them off.

missbattenburg · 17/08/2018 22:21

1stTimeMama

Use a long training lead so the dog cannot fail. Build up levels of distraction slowly - e.g. try in areas whee there are very few people and keep a long way from them. Over the coming weeks practise and move slowly to more distracting environments.

Barbie222 · 17/08/2018 22:28

I'm allergic so dislike any contact but honestly, no dogs have ever gone for me during a run. Maybe I just give off the wrong vibe, or run too slowly!

WiddlinDiddlin · 17/08/2018 22:33

No one should allow their dog to approach anyone, dog owner, jogger, other dog, child, horse, whatever.. without being told it is ok.

If your dog approaches someone and you can't call it back, then potentially your dog is 'out of control in a public place' which is an offense.

If that person has 'reasonable grounds to fear injury', be that a bite or being scratched or knocked down, then your dog may well be considered 'dangerously out of control in a public place'.

To avoid this if your dog does not have really good recall off moving objects - use a harness and long line!

So no you AIBU.

However there are things you can do to mitigate disaster in public places where dogs might reasonably be found.

*Don't wear headphones or have music up so loud you can't hear what is going on around you.
*Do not run up behind a dog.
*Do not run up AT a dog.
*If a dog is chasing you, stop.

This way you stand a greater chance of hearing a dog/owner around - and you are less likely to startle a dog or cause one to feel threatened.

This ABSOLUTELY applies to dogs on leads - they are well aware they are trapped, and if you hurtle at one, or up behind one, even the nicest dog might be startled or feel threatened and bark or lunge or even snap.

So, give them space - call out that you are coming past, and arc around, give the dog as wide a berth as possible and ideally slow down a bit too.

Off lead dogs often find someone running to be exciting/arousing, some will chase in play, some want to run with you, some will bounce and snap and nip in play and some will be aggressive - don't risk guessing which it is going to be, stand still, fold your arms and don't stare at the dog. Wait for the owner to collect their dog and once the dog is on the lead THEN you can tell them they are an idiot if applicable.

And believe it or not, other dog owners don't like loose dogs running up and pestering them and their dogs either!

Mummymummums · 17/08/2018 22:35

I cycle off road a lot and had a sonic dog repellent (until I accidentally put it in washing machine). I betting worked - I only used it once but a snappy little dog started chasing, growling and barking and I pointed the device at him and he stopped. When I ceased pressing it, the dog came at me again until I pressed it. Can't remember brand but Amazon have several.

Mummymummums · 17/08/2018 22:36

*not betting, I believe it worked