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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be unhappy to see dogs in the garden

192 replies

HoraceCope · 08/01/2019 08:52

I walk along a local sustrans route, there is a newbuild estate, lovey houses built on the site of an old farm, and a couple lovely springers.
I dont like seeing them loose in their garden:
they look like they want to go for a lovely walk,
they might be stolen
they look abandoned
They might take off of their own accord.

OP posts:
BitOutOfPractice · 08/01/2019 10:53

Aww I'm sorry you're struggling OP. Don't take the replies to heart too much (I know that's hard). Most people are just idling their morning away and it's not personal

I wonder if you have anxiety? Have you got any RL support?

And FWIW walking a dog is not "sad". It's a fine thing you do, for both of you Thanks

CrispbuttyNo1 · 08/01/2019 10:54

So you are looking down on the dogs. I know you say they are springers but new build fences generally conform to a standard height so unless they have a trampoline or a ladder they ain’t getting out.

Original poster
HoraceCope · 08/01/2019 10:56

Thanks for the words but I have to go, good point about idly away the morning, where has it gone!

OP posts:
Molecule · 08/01/2019 10:56

I have a 14 year old springer. She spends nearly all day outside, and given half a chance the night too. She could quite easily jump down (we look down on the dog walkers here) and run away, but she doesn’t, and never has, though she’s still insistent on coming for walks with our other dogs. I therefore happily let her stay in the garden. My Patterdale terrier is another matter entirely, and can only be let out at the dead of night, otherwise he would be miles away.

It’s all depends on the condition of the dogs, the garden and how content they seem.

BlueBinDay · 08/01/2019 10:58

Springers often live outside if they are working dogs

My neighbour has two who live outside and yes, they are working dogs. They have a proper doggie 'run' outside. They have access to the house all day if they want it but they prefer to stay outside.
They are lovely friendly dogs and extraordinarily well cared for.

CantWaitToRetire · 08/01/2019 10:58

Apart from the dogs being in the garden, what gives you the impression they may be abandoned or stolen? My dog goes into the garden frequently to have a wee, sniff around, bark at birds etc (and is walked frequently too), but regular visits to the garden does not equate with being abandoned or stolen. Can you elaborate more on what brought you to that opinion?

thegardenfairy · 08/01/2019 10:58

What is it about the dogs that make them look abandoned? What is it you are concerned about OP? That the dogs are abandoned or stolen or don't get exercised or the garden isn't secure?

You need to add a bit of padding to your concern(s) if you want to be taken seriously. Surely you know its not unusual for dogs to be in their garden. What, exactly, are you concerned about? And why?

thegardenfairy · 08/01/2019 10:59

Oops! Cross posted with CantWait.

MrsWillGardner · 08/01/2019 11:00

I dont like seeing them loose in their garden

Why?

they look like they want to go for a lovely walk

What gives you this impression?

they might be stolen

What gives you this impression?

they look abandoned

What gives you this impression?

They might take off of their own accord

You said you can’t tell if the garden is enclosed so what makes you think this?

local sustrans route

What is this??

BlueEyedBengal · 08/01/2019 11:03

Why so aggressive? Obviously the dogs are in a safe enclosed garden as believe me the would find that escape route before you can blink. Dogs love a safe outside environment as long as there's shelter water and food on offer mine was not allowed more than 5 mind as she loved the sound of her own bark and that wasn't fair on the neighbours. But no concern with dogs in the fresh air having a fab sniff out adventure. If you spot one out on its own then that would be worrying. But not In their own back garden. If they looked thin and out of condition easily spotted.

echt · 08/01/2019 11:04

When puppy-schooling our last dog, the vets were very clear that dogs are best as outdoor dogs, in kennels at night, in the yard during the day.

Needless the say the late ecthpooch was soon indoors, as we couldn't get him not to bark at the possums at night. And he was a canine hotwater bottle at the end of the bed.

JessicaSimpson · 08/01/2019 11:04

Sustrans is a charity for sustainable transport, I think it's all about safer cycle routes and footpaths.

SaskiaRembrandtWasFramed · 08/01/2019 11:06

HoraceCope, I'm sorry you think you have a sad life, I'm sure you don't. If you're struggling maybe you are focussing on these dogs instead of what is really making you unhappy? Why not come back and talk about it. I know people (me included) have been snippy, but most of us would want to help!

Omzlas · 08/01/2019 11:07

OP, are you high?

I am genuinely curious though, how can a dog 'look like it would like to go for a lovely long walk'? Seriously. I'm not a dog owner but I don't understand that statement

You've obviously paid a good degree of attention to this garden, does it have a fence high enough to keep the dogs secure?

You seem pretty heavily invested in someone else's dogs for someone who then brushes off people's questioning of why you're so bothered

echt · 08/01/2019 11:07

local sustrans route
What is this??

Often this is a re-purposed old railway line, dedicated to footpaths/bike paths.

www.sustrans.org.uk

IWannaBeYourFordCortina · 08/01/2019 11:09

This is utterly bizarre

BlueEyedBengal · 08/01/2019 11:09

If you want to help dogs out there there a plenty of rescue centres out there that would welcome volunteers and that would be very therapeutic, if you feel unhappy.

MrsWillGardner · 08/01/2019 11:12

@echt

So it’s just like a country walk kinda thing? Thank god youre on the thread!!

Dogstar78 · 08/01/2019 11:17

They are Springers they are working dogs. They love being outside. I have a Cocker. He sits on the freezing patio surveying his kingdom most of the day. If you sit down on the sofa he is up like a shot for a nice cuddle. As long as they don't look thin and mistreated and they are not chained up all day, the dogs are fine!

WickedGoodDoge · 08/01/2019 11:17

I’m pretty sure my dog would happily take a walk at any given time of day or night. His pottering about the garden doesn’t mean he’s not properly walked even if he’d like to think otherwise

MabelBee · 08/01/2019 11:20

This is a very good thread. I have thoroughly enjoyed it! It's been a while since I've laughed out loud at Mumsnet!

caringcarer · 08/01/2019 11:22

MY 2 dogs get taken for 2 mile walk early every morning, a 1km strol at lunch time and another 1 1/2 miles in evening. They are small dogs so plenty of exercise for them. We also have a very large enclosed garden with 8 ft wall around it. Unless it is pouring with rain and very muddy in garden we let our dogs go in and out as they please through a dog flap from the kitchen. They enjoy running around for a hour or so then come in have a drink and go and lie down and snooze. They wake up and run out again running in and out through the morning until I take them for lunch time walk. I don't think it is cruel. It would be cruel if they could never go in the house or were neglected.

GruciusMalfoy · 08/01/2019 11:27

YABUAUR

Unreasonable and utterly ridiculous.

MrsWillGardner · 08/01/2019 11:27

@MabelBee

This is a very good thread. I have thoroughly enjoyed it! It's been a while since I've laughed out loud at Mumsnet!

Snap!!

SaucyJack · 08/01/2019 11:29

I really don’t think it’s that funny at all Mabel- and I’m a massive cunt usually.

Horace sounds quite lonely and anxious.

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