Dog walkers

[Lockdowner13]

I’ve noticed that since the places we can visit are restricted at the moment due to virus, just how many dog walkers there are.

I’m finding it impossible to take kids out without seeing dog off it’s lead. I really don’t like dogs much.

I’m finding that dog owners round here are selfish. Taking up the whole of the path so I need to run in the road, off lead when kids are walking, taking over the local green space.

AIBU to think that during lockdown some better rules should have been implemented. Eg dog free hours for exercise. We usually go to dog free places for our fun. Eg kids parks, cafes, national trust. Now I’m being forced to mix with dogs and it’s annoying me.

[Macncheeseballs]

I don't trust anyone who calls strangers on the internet hysterical twats

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

There's also a wonderful invention called long lines

Yes, these are perfect for tripping up joggers.

[BossAssBitch]

I have been attacked by dogs 3 times in my life - all unprovoked

In that case, I would suggest it’s not the dogs but you. Dogs are v v perceptive. Dogs bite as a reaction to something. If the dog finds itself in a stressful situation, it may bite to defend itself or its territory. Dogs can bite because they are scared or have been startled. ... They can bite to protect something that is valuable to them, like their puppies, their food or a toy. It was undoubtedly your behaviour that led to you being bitten.

I’ve had dogs all my life, never been bitten 🤷🏻‍♀️

Dogs are such good judges of character

[SerenDippitty]

We may soon be being screened for coronavirus by sniffer dogs, so best get used to them!

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52686660

[devildeepbluesea]

I fucking hate humans who think they take precedent over every other species on the planet.

You and I would not get on OP.

[Grumpylockeddownwoman]

These threads and the smokers smoking outside thing always the same... people who don’t give a shit about the parks, tables outside cafes etc for approx 350 days of the year are outraged when for the 15 that they want to use them.

[Macncheeseballs]

Devildee - so the fact that you own an animal, in effect its master, makes you a superior human being

[thedancingbear]

I don't think this kind of pile on against the OP is particularly useful. It's MN at its very worst and is pretty unedifying. I thought this site was meant to support women.

I do think the suggestion upthread that the OP seeks counselling for her phobia/hatred of mostly harmless animals. OP, with kindness, it sounds like it's destroying you from the inside out. Your GP would perhaps be a good place to start?

[Poniesandgin]

I have big dogs and people are ruining my walks

I’m not an arse hole though so keep them in leads. Can’t wait until everyone goes back to wherever they were 7 weeks ago so peace and quiet resumes!

[CherryPavlova]

Dogs don't NEED exercise off the lead. There are plenty of games you can play with them that tires them out. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical. There's also a wonderful invention called long lines. I say this as an owner of a very active, demanding dog. A very active, demanding dog that is still knackered after going for a walk on the lead.

What sort of dog is it that doesn’t need exercise but is active and demanding? Our Dalmatian is 38kg of muscle. He needs to run fast. He needs to run far. He starts with a ten mile run for my husband that involves off lead running across the Downs. The dog obviously does much further as he’s chasing squirrels, deer and pheasants.

He gets two further hours out and off lead for his sniffing and exploring time. He’d like more and is never exhausted. He runs about twenty five miles along canal towpaths when we’re staying on our boat, very happy between two bicycles. He’d like more but we’ve usually done enough.

He’d be hanging strangled from a tree if he was on a retractable lead. They are rather silly inventions that suggest control but in reality offer none. They risk whiplash to dogs and rope injuries to walkers. I think our dog would snap it in minutes.

Obviously he gets garden games, training games, puzzles and plenty of interaction but nothing replaces his need for lots of off lead exercise. Fat Dalmatians are very ugly.

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

I thought this site was meant to support women.

Of course. Some women, many women, have dogs, and they also need our full support.

[Alymcnabs]

Dogs don't NEED exercise off the lead. There are plenty of games you can play with them that tires them out. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical. There's also a wonderful invention called long lines. I say this as an owner of a very active, demanding dog. A very active, demanding dog that is still knackered after going for a walk on the lead

Teach your dog to recall, then take him where he can run freely off lead, sniff in the undergrowth and play runaround with other dogs. Some of your walk could incorporate him chasing a ball. Try it - you’ll find your dog won’t be so active and demanding at home.

Of course you can still play brain stimulating games at home. Most of us do.

There is no comparison between an on lead walk and a good old run around. One leaves the dog constantly needing to get rid of energy. The other allows the dog to burn off his energy and be happy to relax for a few hours at home.

[Sonichu]

Haven't had this thread in at least 48 hours. 🙄

[Mistymonday]

I find there are too many kids around, I don’t really like them! In fact too many humans around full stop. Dogs are great though.

[Majorcollywobble]

If you could have rules for dog free exercise how could they possibly be enforced ?
Unfortunately you can’t legislate against the type of selfishness you describe .
As a dog owner myself I see shocking behaviour from other owners . Dogs totally out of control off lead - jumping up at people ( just being friendly!!) and in the process frightening children . I’ve been knocked off my feet by a large dog out of control ( having fun )

I understand not everyone is a fan of dogs . I’m not a fan of those who let their animals run riot and don’t pick up the mess associated with them . The open spaces I use plus parks have clear signage which show dog free zones . Try pointing this out to the owner of an off lead dog - its taken as an attack on little Fido . Romany dog owners have a sickly furbaby attitude to their dogs which often translates into them being spoiled rotten .
It’s a respect issue - I love my dog - who has a great life. ! but he shouldn’t cause a problem for anyone else in the process of trying to enjoy their outdoor @Lockdowner13
YANBU

[Isawamagpie]

@twigletfairy

I must agree with a previous poster when they say you cannot base you opinion on lead free time on the experience of your dog.
My GSD and I went on a 8 mile round lead walk, which included steep hills, lots of stopping an sniffing and interaction from other dogs. This was on an extendable lead where I could let him roam more freely when appropriate, not only was this difficult to me (as GSD had a tendency to get to end of lead and not realise he was still attached) but it absolutely didn't not give him the release he needed, that free running obviously does.
As stated before, the reason GSD is now being walked on long line is because of the sheer amount of people scared of a large dog who are not usually in the spaces I walk my dog.
After 8 mile walk, my dog and I still played in the garden blowing bubbles for him and playing with various toys. GSD was still not satisfied as he had not been able to truly stretch his legs - chase his ball long distances, interact with other friendly dogs etc.

Now on the other hand I have a great dane and an irish wolfhound. If I take the Irish wolfhound on a 3 miles walk she will be exhausted and hardly move for the rest of the day- the dane is happy as long as she has been out - that doesnt matter if its lead walked or free run -

So no, not all dogs are the same. I truly belive in order for some dogs to be happy and be at thier full potential they require off lead time, particularly if they are usually able to do so/used to doing so.

I have 3 different breeds. All with very unique requirements to what keeps them happy.

...we've never had a problem prior to lockdown.

[Majorcollywobble]

Many ! Many owners

[Chloemol]

I think you need to grow up, and learn to live side by side with people. As a dog walker I get sick to death of people assuming I am going to walk my dog in the road to get past them with social distancing rather then them move of the path ( those not with children) I get sick to death of those with children, who I normally let pass by waiting on someone’s drive not teaching their little darlings how to say thank you to so robe who has given them a safe space to pass

I am sick to death of parents who think their little darlings come before anyone and anything else

[CHIRIBAYA]

All these anti-dog, anti-cat, anti runner threads are just serving to make people more fearful, angry and intolerant of each other. I refuse to partake and think it should stop. NOW. There is room for everyone on this planet.

[mencken]

we don't loathe dogs, we just loathe shit owners.

if it is on a public road, it is on a lead. Road traffic act 1988, nothing has changed.
if it makes anyone feel threatened (let alone actually does attack) it is a dangerous dog and the police should be called. Dangerous dogs act.
if you don't want to pick up dogshit and carry it, you should not own a dog.

it is a lower life form and is less important than people.

[Thewomeninthemirror]

YABU and a twat

[BossAssBitch]

@Thewomeninthemirror

YABU and a twat

Straight to the point

You’re right though 🤷🏻‍♀️

[HeckyPeck]

You are by the sounds of it now visiting the places the dog walkers always go to walk their dogs.

This. You’re basically saying that because you can’t go to your usual areas you’re invading the dog walkers usual areas and think they should have to go somewhere else.

That’s ridiculously entitled!

[PeggyJarvis]

What annoys me is the parents who have not taught their children to not pet a random dog. What annoys me even more is the parents who just stand there doing nothing when I’m asking their children not to pet my dog because she is working.