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Original poster

Dog walking during lockdown

151 replies

Gruffalomom · 30/03/2020 15:17

Is anyone else getting enraged by some dog walkers during lockdown?

Walking with my two small children and taking lots of care to keep our 2m distance and every 5 minutes we have a dog off the lead running up to us Angry.

My littlest one freaks out with that at the best of times after a bad experience as a toddler but we have no idea if dogs can transmit the virus or not.

Even if they can't transmit the virus, the dog walker who comes running up to us to reign in their dog certainly can!!

Aibu to think dogs should be on the lead in the current circumstances if their is any chance of them running up to other people?!

I really don't care if your dog is friendly, we don't like them running up to us!!

And the increase in dog poo .. AngrySad

OP posts:
stophuggingme · 30/03/2020 16:32

Another day another morning about dogs thread

Honestly it’s like grounddog day Grin

Hoggleludo · 30/03/2020 16:32

@Alialialiali

I know right? This is why in Spain. My father hasn’t even left his house in 16 days or so. Only another 14!! On total lockdown. His neighbour got arrested going out for a walk on total lockdown. It’s not essential travel. That’s what people don’t realise

We will be going that way. I posted on a thread about the police were going to get powers. Everyone shot me down. I was right! They passed that legislation

It’s the. ‘Rules don’t apply to me’ I’ll still do tons of non essential travel. To my second home etc. Shame. Shame shame.

fourpeasinapod · 30/03/2020 16:35

@Hoggleludo I agree but I don’t go anywhere apart from socially distanced walks, to check in on my elderly vulnerable mother and to work. The rest of the time I’m at home watching Netflix!

Escrima · 30/03/2020 16:37

@fourpeasinapod You are not helping anyone with your attitude though are you? It's not a problem for YOU so it's not a problem. The more people like YOU who flout the rules, the longer we will be in lockdown, the further the virus will spread, and the more people will die. But as long as it's not a problem for YOU.

To the people saying the countryside is now overrun by people who don't normally walk, those spaces are not your spaces. It doesn't matter whether you've been walking your dog there every day at the same time without seeing anyone else, it is no more your right to walk there than it is theirs. We should all be happy that people are getting exercise, which helps the immune system, which might save some people's lives.

cockapoocrazi · 30/03/2020 16:39

Whilst there is no increase in dog poo I've made a point of putting my girl in a lead. It's selfish not to, not only to other walkers but if your dog runs off you are being irresponsible by other people potentially grabbing them and therefore risk of contamination etc. RAPCA and Dogs trust are asking people to pop their dog on a lead

fourpeasinapod · 30/03/2020 16:40

@Escrima people can make their own minds up. I don’t agree with social gatherings or unnecessary travel but I just don’t see the problem with people walking if they’re not near anybody

mencken · 30/03/2020 16:42

dogs need to be on a lead on public roads, and in other areas designated as lead areas. It doesn't matter how little traffic there is on the public road, that's the law and has been for years. Road traffic act 1988 if you don't believe it, look it up.

so with parks and many green spaces closed, those ignoring this because snookums-puppy-woo needs a run are still breaking the law. I'd carry a stick if I were you.

sHREDDIES19 · 30/03/2020 16:43

It's funny how many people are surprised by the number of so-called 'fair weather walkers' taking over 'their space'. Most of the country are WFH/at home, gyms closed, sports venues closed, so the only real option is to go for a walk/run outside. It's not for long, let's all learn to share and be nice.

RedRed9 · 30/03/2020 16:43

It's really lovely to hear so that so many dog owners are walking earlier or later. I'm assuming this allows your dog to enjoy the walk more
No. I must have the only dog who is afraid of the dark. 😂

But it does stop me panicking about the amount of people who are out and it also lowers the number of dogs with shit recall running up to mine.

fourpeasinapod · 30/03/2020 16:45

@mencken a stick??? I hope you’re not encouraging animal abuse??

Hoggleludo · 30/03/2020 16:45

@Escrima

Grin. Agree!

Escrima · 30/03/2020 16:47

@fourpeasinapod No you can't make your own mind up, or else the measures will not work. The idea behind only going out once is to make sure there is enough time in the day for everybody to get out without seeing people (or as few as possible). If you go out four times you are effectively taking four people's allotted time instead of just your own. Also the emergency services don't want people out and about because that adds to resource use. It takes more time, people and resources for an ambulance to attend to someone who is out walking who has a medical episode or injury for example, than if they were in their house. So people going out for exercise multiple times a day rather than just once as advised is risking putting even more pressure on the NHS. They cannot take any more right now, which is why they are asking people to just stay home.

I do not mean to sound harsh but I have a family member in ICU with covid 19 and am also preparing to give birth alone, and I am honestly sick of people not being able to follow simple instructions because the rules 'don't apply to them'.

cockapoocrazi · 30/03/2020 16:48

What people need to understand is that you could have the best behaved dog in the world then they pick up a scent, get spooked, get attacked by another dog even. You then put people at risk. If your dog slips it's collar they would need to be scanned for a chip this involves a team of people from the people who find your dog, the vet receptionist and the vet nurse. It's just irresponsible. For the sake of a few weeks keep your dogs on a lead. Do more games at home to burn off excess energy!

fourpeasinapod · 30/03/2020 16:50

@Escrima fair point and I hope all goes well with the birth and I hope your relative makes a full recovery very soon

willowpatterns · 30/03/2020 16:51

I overheard (from a safe distance) two dog walkers chatting to one another about half an hour ago. One said to the other that it was the fifth time they'd been out today.

Escrima · 30/03/2020 16:52

@fourpeasinapod Thank you.

Lazypuppy · 30/03/2020 17:05

As a dog walker i'm carrying on as normal however the paths through woods are full of people!

I walk through the woods because i can let my dog off (same as other dog walkers). If you don't want to meet dogs off the lead stay on pavements.

Hoggleludo · 30/03/2020 17:06

@Escrima

Sending love. I’m so sorry to hear of your family member

I don’t think people realise until it effects them what could happen. Massive hugs

I’m being shielded. Already told I will be in ICU if I catch it. Due to an underlying health issue. Hence why we haven’t even stepped out the door. It’s frightening times.

If you ever need to chat. Please pm me. Xxxxxxxx

YouDoYou18 · 30/03/2020 17:16

I’m really surprised, we actually see a lot less dog walkers at the moment! My husband even commented on it today, we live in a semi rural area and have two massive fields right outside the door that we often see dog walkers in, but the last week he’s barely seen another soul! It’s meant our boy has had a lot more off lead time! (Usually he’s kept on the lead as he’s 50 kilo and I actually don’t trust people as they assume he must be mean if he’s big!)

Burgerandchipvan · 30/03/2020 17:44

Our local park is getting covered in more dog shit by the day, the bins are now taped shut to make matters worst. And there's loads of people letting their dogs have a great time in the playground area where dogs are normally not allowed. I presume they are expecting the park team to clear it all up when it eventually reopens.

MereDintofPandiculation · 30/03/2020 17:46

it's more ppl going to the places that are ordinarily only dog walking spots. Unless the owner of the land has specified it is to be used only by dog walkers, these other people have as much right to be there as you do. It doesn't become yours just because you use it more often.

Original poster
Gruffalomom · 30/03/2020 17:51

" If you don't want to meet dogs off the lead stay on pavements "

This is just ridiculous. It's the dog walkers responsibility to keep their dog under control, not others people's responsibility to avoid you!

OP posts:
Original poster
Gruffalomom · 30/03/2020 17:53

Just to add lazy puppy, our current walk is all footpaths through a nature reserve. We are hardly going off the beaten track.

OP posts:
Cacaca · 30/03/2020 17:59

@FranGoldsmith it’s certainly possible there’s an increase in dog poo as I know in my area dog poo bins are not being emptied by the council at the moment. You would think people would realise the bins are overflowing and take it home but no, bags are just being dumped.

After8itsgrownuptime · 30/03/2020 18:21

Our park has put up huge fencing and made family only areas which is working really well. The perimeter of the park is then free to anyone to use and I have my dog off the lead here - for the record she is a 1 year old and exercising her on the lead won’t be enough for her in one hour as she is a high energy breed . The family areas cover at least 4 full Size rugby pitches and there are 2 different areas - it works well and I don’t see why other parks couldnt do this. Interestingly our park has banned cyclists as they don’t do social distancing and spit on the floor all the time (according to the council website).