To just let my dog off anyway

[LittleYellowIceCream]

Live on a small rural street where we are all quite close with neighbours.

At the end of the street is a farm, they don't use one of the fields closest to the road so a long long time ago they turned it into a 'dog walking' field for the people on the street (and whoever really).

There is a public footpath through the field which is clearly marked and runs up the side near the wall and then through the other fields. You have to enter this field from the road and there is a big sign which says 'X STREET DOG WALKING FIELD' and a message about picking up after them etc...

It's nice, the dogs often play on there together and we all have a chat if we happen to be on at the same time etc...

However since this warm weather I've seen about 3/4 families all sat down on the field on blankets having picnics. Not with their own dogs, just them.

It means none of us feel we can let our dogs off to run around and play.

One neighbour did point out the sign and said it may not be the best place for a picnic but was ignored.

WIBU to just let my dog off his lead anyway? He does have good recall but I obviously can't guarantee his frisbee isn't going to land in someone's 'picnic area' whilst we play fetch!

There's not many places dogs can just have a run off lead round here that are closed off and safe. There is a park where people can have picnics literally 5 minutes away!

Its really annoying me. I don't take him to the park because I don't want to get in people's way when they are trying to sit/eat/kids playing etc.. this is the one area that is supposed to be for dogs to run about off lead and I feel like I can't even let him off here now either.

[BojoKilledMyMojo]

It's a private space, dedicated for dogs. If other people choose to use the space for something else then they have to accept that their activity may be disturbed or made a bit shit by dogs.

[TheLightSideOfTheMoon]

Yes, I think dogs should be on leads if people are having a picnic.

If a dog attacks uou while you're lying on a picnic blanket you have little chance of getting away.

Yes, they're twats for having a picnic in a dog field. But do they really deserve to be bitten for it?

[Booboostwo]

It’s a private field, dedicated to off lead dog walking which picnickers are misusing. Of course you should let your dog off the lead.

[ShaniaPayne]

I'd read that sign in the same way I do with 'Caution: Bull in Field' signs. IE, you're free to walk across and you should be fine but the bull lives here and he's a bull.

[Skyla2005]

You are in the right place they are not. Let your dog off If dogs come up to them and they don’t like it then they shouldn’t be there as they are in a place for dogs !

[AnneOfCloves]

YANBU
The owner of the field let’s people use it as a dog-walking field, so go ahead.

I have children nervous of dogs, so I wouldn’t choose a dog-walking field to picnic in.

[TheLightSideOfTheMoon]

I like doggos, btw.

But I've had a couple 'go' for me now. I feel very uncomfortable with dogs being around families/children.

[leckford]

The owners of the field clearly are happy with local dog walkers. Let the dog go and if the picnickers whine point out the notice.

[bengalcat]

Let the dog off

[TeaAndHobnob]

Clearly OP the picnickers are in the wrong and you would be ok to let your dog off the lead as normal.

However I guess the question really is whether you're prepared for the aggro from a bunch of people who think it's ok to picnic in a place designated for off lead dogs!

[LST]

I'd let mine off 100%. He has fabulous recall and it is pointless walking him if it isnt off lead (collie). They have seen the signs. If they arent comfo with dogs they could to somewhere else surely. That being said, if I had an unruly dog who didnt have reliable recall I wouldn't let them off. But I don't think dogs with unreliable recall should be off anyway unless in an enclosed field (we used to have a saluki who had zero recall)

[ChandlerIsTheBestFriend]

No. I was attacked by a dog yesterday and honestly think they should be kept on leads.

In a dog walking field? the whole purpose of. Dog walking field is for off less exercise.

[vanillandhoney]

Yes, they're twats for having a picnic in a dog field. But do they really deserve to be bitten for it?

Who said anything about people being bitten? Aggressive dogs should be on a lead regardless of where they are.

[LittleYellowIceCream]

We have a street WhatsApp group and the lady who owns the farm (and field) is on it too. Shall I mention it?

I know she's had a lot of trouble recently with people feeding her horses all sorts in the past few weeks which are in the next field over so she may want opportunity to move people on.

[Thymelord]

If it clearly says that it is a dog walking field then no, you aren't unreasonable, go for it. Who sits down to picnic in a field clearly marked for use by dogs?!

[PrincessConsueIaBananaHammock]

Yes, they're twats for having a picnic in a dog field. But do they really deserve to be bitten for it?

Who's talking about attacking and biting?

You seem to think dogs off lead= attack, which is nonsense.

Plus , if they're that worried they could always avoid the DOG walking field.

[LittleYellowIceCream]

He's not aggressive and I've absolutely no concerns over his recall. I'm more just feeling sorry for him (and the other dogs who use it) who can't play their usual game of fetch and have a good run about together!

[Thymelord]

But do they really deserve to be bitten for it?

Why would they get bitten? Did I miss the part where the OP mentioned her slavering hell-hound with a thirst for human blood?

[emz771]

It’s not even a question - let your dog off. That’s literally the point of the place.

[TimeIhadaNameChange]

It’s a field for free-range dogs, so let your dog run free. Anybody who complains is being v v unreasonable.

[LST]

Off lead dogs don't just find humans to attack. Jesus.. some people

[LittleYellowIceCream]

Did I miss the part where the OP mentioned her slavering hell-hound with a thirst for human blood?

Honestly if you could see him now. He is a bloody wimp. Our cats boss him about!

[Potionqueen]

Little yellow, I would whatsapp the owner of the field. I can imagine picnickers feeding horses with leftover picnic stuff.

[Potentialmadcatlady]

YANBU... it’s a private field that the farmer has allowed some ‘guests’ to use for their dogs therefore you have permission. Anyone having a picnic there does not have permission so they are in the wrong.
I would do the same as suggested above.. I would calmly explain once that this is a dog walking field for those given permission by the owner and I’m now going to let my dog off his lead to have a run. Their choice if they don’t move/leave etc.

[ChandlerIsTheBestFriend]

Shall I mention it?

Yes. She can put up a “strictly no picnics” sign.