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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Get your dog away from me!

168 replies

Mamalicious16 · 07/08/2019 22:47

I'm sick of dogs charging / jumping up at / barking at my dd.5. I'm.not a dog hater ( I used to have a Labrador) but why is it ok for dogs to approach / bark/ jump up at me) my DD? More to the point what can I do to stop this? Would a silent dog whistle help? I have NO issue with any other dogs, on lead / off lead but with perfect recall etc.

OP posts:
Aridane · 07/08/2019 22:49

It’s not ok but others will tell you it is

Propertyofhood · 07/08/2019 22:51

Yes, I'm with you.

I find the majority of dogs are OK and will come back to their owners when called, but it really grips my shit when some dog is bounding up to you and the owner is all like 'oh don't worry, he is just being friendly'.

I don't give a fuck if he is 'just being friendly' I don't want your dog all over me or my kids!

Wingingthiswholething · 07/08/2019 22:52

Silent whistle is just likely to get the attention of what sounds like an over friendly dog.

Is it the same dogs or different ones?

Bunnybigears · 07/08/2019 22:53

I agree it is very annoying. Also annoying is people who let their kids stroke my dog without asking. He does not like it he will growl. Basically some people are inconsiderate some are not and unfortunately we have to live with them.

Bicnod · 07/08/2019 22:54

Completely not ok. I am scared of dogs and have now stopped running in my local woodland due to fear of being barked at, growled at, jumped at and chased by dogs who ignore their owners trying to call them back. All of the above have happened so frequently I don't feel safe running there anymore. Bloody hate owners who can't control their dogs.

Wingingthiswholething · 07/08/2019 22:54

I'm not sure what to suggest really but you could try having some treats on you and throwing them away from you. This will give you time to get your DD out of the way, and for the dog to break it's focus on you enough to be recalled or for its owner to get to it.

My dog has amazing recall but I always put him on a lead when there are kids about, just in case!

squee123 · 07/08/2019 22:55

I don't think a silent dog whistle will do much except possibly attract more dogs.

Obviously they shouldn't be off lead in the first place if they're not under control, but does your daughter (and you) know how to react to minimise inappropriate interaction?

bellabasset · 07/08/2019 22:55

You could always ask advice from the local vets about using a whistle. I doubt you are alone in your wish to not have dogs jumping up at you or your dd. It does seem to have become an issue recently as you often see posts relating to this.

One of the first things dogs used to be taught was not to jump up.

Original poster
Mamalicious16 · 07/08/2019 22:57

Wish all dog owners were as considerate as you Winging.

OP posts:
squee123 · 07/08/2019 23:00

this explains well how kids should stand when approached to minimise the risk of problems (although again I totally agree dogs should be under control in the first place)

Wingingthiswholething · 07/08/2019 23:02

bella I think dogs just have more off lead time than they used to. The issue with dogs jumping up is that it so easy to accidentally reward it with attention, even if the attention is negative. Best to get in there and interupt the jump with a preventative action (e.g. throw treats), greet from down low so 4 paws stay on the floor, or ignore the dog with arms folded and back turned so that you are boring and the dog gives up.
Not so easy to do with a 5 year old and that is where some owners have crap manners.

Onesailwait · 07/08/2019 23:06

I agree 100%. I am not a dog lover(or even liker). One of my kids is terrified of dogs after a dog chased him on the beach and the owners stood and laughed when I shouted to them please call your dog back. I don't want your dog to approach me I do not want your dog to jump up at me and my kids. I find most dog owners are very considerate, if I do see a dog approaching that's not on leash I will call out to the people please put your dog on a leash or call it back to you do not let your dog run up to me. When they call out so it's okay he's friendly I tell them well I'm not!

GorkyMcPorky · 07/08/2019 23:07

Ugh. Hate it. Used to like dogs but after being shut out by my extended family of dog lovers who won't accept that a dog going for a toddler's face is dangerous, I can't bear them any more. Really dislike the fetishisation of dogs as equals.

RubbingHimSweetly · 07/08/2019 23:08

If you blew a whistle round mine he would probably charge at you as he associates dog whistles with treats.

RubbingHimSweetly · 07/08/2019 23:10

I completely agree though that unless a dog has perfect recall it shouldn't be off lead. I put mine back on as soon as I see anyone in the vicinity and use the dog whistle to attract his attention and get him back. I would suggest firmly saying 'no' to a jumping dog and hold out your hand flat to the floor over its head. If it's a big dog I use my elbow over the head. They only get a tap if they jump and it doesn't hurt them.

Yeahnahmum · 07/08/2019 23:15

Haha using a dog whistle
Tell me how that works out for you Grin

No seriously.people should have good control of their dogs
Dogs should never be allowed to jump on other people or kids. Unless it is in a fenced of dog park. But not just in the streets or your local park or something like that

To pp saying they dont like dogs and the kid is terrified: yelling out to other people to put their dog on a leash? ? Really? You are not doing your kid ANY favors with that. You are just ensuring him to be forever scared... not helpful at all

cheeseislife8 · 07/08/2019 23:16

YANBU. I'm a dog owner and it amazes me what some owners are like.

My dog is not allowed to do this. She is immediately called back to walk at my feet and put on lead when passing children, bikes etc, and I genuinely don't see why anyone wouldn't. It's good manners

stucknoue · 07/08/2019 23:16

It's not ok, bad dog owners didn't train them. Though if a dog jumps up at me in the park they sometimes get a shock if my ddog notices (he's off lead and avoids people) he runs over to protect me!

PapaShango · 07/08/2019 23:21

Not ok. I have 3 dogs. I also have young dc. Two of mine are very old and unable to jump up anyway (not that they ever have). 3rd is a puppy and can be boisterous and get overly excited, especially around children, as my dc play with him so much. For this reason, I put him back on the lead if I see anyone with children coming. I’m also training him out of it. I would never let him approach someone and jump up to them.

SomeAfternoonDelight · 07/08/2019 23:23

@Bunnybigears I’m with you. My puppy is shit scared of children - so am I. They’re unpredictable sometimes very evil little things. And if I say no she’s scared the child still goes in for more.

My puppy has been one of these dogs that has went up to someone before but not a child. We were practicing recall in an enclosed field. I was in the wrong (kind of) as she did go up to them, but their reaction was a disgrace followed me shouting at me. And By Jove my heckles went up and they regretted it.

When kids are involved it’s especially different I think. No dog should just approach a child.

AnastasiaVonBeaverhausen · 07/08/2019 23:25

YANBU. YY 100 times over.
I'm not a dog lover. I quite like them and there are certain dogs I absolutely adore but, as with humans, I tend to only feel love for those I know. I'm also severely allergic to them - they trigger horrible asthma attacks and hives. If I touch my eyes after stroking one my eyes swell shut. My youngest is 3, hasn't grown up around them because of my allergies and is nervous around strange dogs. One of my close family members is a dog breeder and DC loves the dogs at that house because they are known. I'm also a bit nervous when people let their dogs jump all over us because ultimately they are animals and you can't say for certain how they will react to a stranger. If I'm out with my DC in the park or on a walk, I don't care if you don't think your dog will bite, I don't know that for sure and I don't want it on me or my kids.

MrsKittyFane1 · 07/08/2019 23:25

The 'stand like a tree' thing works. I do it and taught my DC same.
It didn't stop the first jump up last time it happened unfortunately (dirty paw marks on coat Angry) but stops the dog continuing.
Can't stand it. Keep your dogs with you.

SomeAfternoonDelight · 07/08/2019 23:27

@Onesailwait HOW can’t you like dogs! It’s seriously unnerving

PennyPitStop19 · 07/08/2019 23:28

People are always trying to encourage my kids to pet their bloody dogs, my child has autism and it really makes me nervous.

GabsAlot · 07/08/2019 23:32

Yep completely agree op and i cant stand the dont worry hes friendly shit-its not on to let a dog go up to anyone in public