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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dogs off lead in park - AIBU?

86 replies

SneakyGremlins · 04/10/2018 13:34

We have a pretty large park in town. Two play areas, two lakes full of birds, and then a wooded clearing. People walk their dogs in the park. Not an issue. People let their dogs off the lead in the clearing to play fetch - I'm not too bothered about that if they don't approach me.

However - AIBU to think dogs should be on leads in the rest of the park? Especially when they go after the birds and the owner just stands there looking gormless. There are no signs in the park regarding leads but surely it's common sense to keep a dog on a lead around birds/other dogs/small children.

I don't have a dog so not sure if I'm just being grumpy - AIBU?

OP posts:
AngelsSins · 04/10/2018 13:37

Dogs need to run off lead and socialise just like all animals! If the park has no rules about dogs being kept on lead then you’re being unreasonable.

lilyheather1 · 04/10/2018 13:41

In a word, yes you are if there is no signage or written restriction. But equally, if people are letting their dogs chase birds, go up to strangers or just generally be out of control, that's a training issue, and their dogs should be on leads until their recall training is at an excellent level.

Oh and to your last point, it's generally much easier for dogs to be off the lead when they meet other dogs as it lessens their anxiety and reduces the chance of aggression.

Busyworkingbee · 04/10/2018 13:41

I'm on the fence with this one. I think it you're a sensible dog owner it's okay.
If you are a twat like the person letting them chase birds. Then no it's not okay.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 04/10/2018 13:42

Dogs that aren't a nuisance to people in that they don't jump up at them and have good recall are ok to be off the lead imo.

Although the majority of MN won't agree.

werideatdawn · 04/10/2018 13:42

Keep a dog on leads around birds? Grin so basically everywhere then..
No, get a grip.

Original poster
SneakyGremlins · 04/10/2018 13:43

See the clearing is nowhere near any of the birds, it's fine there, just when you're feeding the birds and every 10 minutes there's a squawking and flurrying of feathers into the middle of the lake.

lilyheather I didn't know that about other dogs Smile

OP posts:
AllMYSmellySocks · 04/10/2018 13:46

You should maybe write to the council and suggest a dog free zone. My local park has this and it's great - all the wildlife congregate on this side of the park and it gives people a space to walk away from the dogs bounding up. The rest of the park dogs are on leads. There are other nearby fields where dogs can run.

Pissedoffdotcom · 04/10/2018 13:47

Dogs in play areas is twatty ownership.
Dogs in open areas with no signs...if they are under control. Chasing birds isn't under control. If your dog doesn't have spot on recall even with distractions then yeah it should be on a lead

AllMYSmellySocks · 04/10/2018 13:47

Keep a dog on leads around birds? grin so basically everywhere then..
No, get a grip.

Stupid and unkind comment. It's actually important for the birds to have an area of water to congregate away from the dogs. My local park has one. Dogs aren't a natural part of the local wildlife they don't need to be allowed in every park although there should of course be open spaces available for them to run in.

InDubiousBattle · 04/10/2018 13:48

I'm not a dog lover. Not really a fan at all to be honest but I do see that they need a good run around and it must be a lovely part of having a dog. Dogs should not be bothering wild birds, they should not knock little children off their feet, they should not be off the lead in children's play areas, they should not be pissing on kids play equipment, they should not be jumping up at other people, they should go back to their owners when re called. Aside from that i'm reasonably happy to share a space with them. The owners should basically be in control of their dogs and pick up after them, but beyond that they should be free to have a run about.

Wolfiefan · 04/10/2018 13:52

My dog runs off lead at the local park. She ignores other people. Has never stolen food or jumped up. She’s never caught a bird (or anything else either).
Unfortunately irresponsible owners let their dogs bother people and chase wildlife. That’s not ok. But it’s the owners. Not the dogs.

Lydiaatthebarre · 04/10/2018 13:52

In one of my local parks there is a sign up saying dogs can be off lead before 11 am and for the last hour before the park closes. It is widely ignored by selfish dog owners who think their rights trump the rights of others who want to use the park without fearing strange dogs running up and barking at them.
In principal, though, I think that's a fair way of doing things. Dogs get some time off the lead, and people who are wary of dogs can enjoy the park.

In another park I go to there is a specific fenced off area for dogs to run around as much as they like. Another good idea.

BumDisease · 04/10/2018 13:55

Is it time for the weekly dog thread already?

imamouseduh · 04/10/2018 13:56

YABU. Dogs need off leash exercise. Dog owners pay taxes for the use of the parks just like everyone else. Where is the problem exactly.

Lydiaatthebarre · 04/10/2018 13:57

Feel free not to open it Burndisease. It was very clearly titled, so no need for anyone who finds the topic boring to even read the OP.

2ndbase · 04/10/2018 13:57

It always amazes me that children are fenced in the playgrounds and dogs are given the run of the parks. It should be the other way round.

Original poster
SneakyGremlins · 04/10/2018 13:58

Hadn't considered writing to the council - will look into that.

OP posts:
Aprilislonggone · 04/10/2018 13:58

In our park its bloody dc who need a lead around the ducks.

IrmaFayLear · 04/10/2018 14:04

I agree - I've seen young children bothering the ducks.

I must admit I have no patience with dog haters. I understand not being too keen on fierce-looking dogs off lead and I agree that dogs jumping up... just no. But yesterday I was sweeping leaves in my own front garden with dog dozing in the sun. Mother and child pass by and the kid starts shouting and screaming, "There's a DOG!!!" Dog doesn't even twitch an ear. The woman is glaring at me and saying in a loud voice, "Let's run past the nasty dog " What an idiot.

bloodyhelllove · 04/10/2018 14:33

Of course YaBU they're dogs, they're far more important than anyone and anything and should be allowed to run free, eat whatever the fuck they like, jump up and harass people if they so wish, chase and kill birds and generally annoy people. Well anything really. Oh, and I'd love to know how the owners are managing to clear up all the dog shite when they're roaming all over?!

lilyheather1 · 04/10/2018 15:11

bloodyhelllove I bet you have a cat Grin

ThisIsTheFirstStep · 04/10/2018 15:15

Well-trained dogs - no problem. My dog loves to run off the lead and has no interest in other people, dogs, animals. He just wants to sniff and run. He comes back when called and is never more than 10 metres away from us. I think such dogs are fine off the lead.

Badly trained dogs are another story, if they chase people or other dogs or birds, or if they can’t be kept under control, no they should not be off the lead.

BumDisease · 04/10/2018 15:18

"Mother and child pass by and the kid starts shouting and screaming, "There's a DOG!!!" Dog doesn't even twitch an ear. The woman is glaring at me and saying in a loud voice, "Let's run past the nasty dog " What an idiot"

I bet she's on MN!

FinnegansWhiskers · 04/10/2018 15:55

I bet she's on MN!

Oh for sure! 😂

Jamieson90 · 04/10/2018 16:42

If you're around other people, especially young children, who let's be honest are the target audience for parks, then your dog should be on a lead.

Not doing so is irresponsible hence why every televised court case involving a dog not on a lead attacking somebody almost instantly results in the dog owner losing.