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.

[Somanysocks]

Oh Op, you're funny.

[HardAsSnails]

So you're going for walks in your local dog walking areas and complaining there are dogs there?

Right.

[InfiniteSheldon]

Runners should be on treadmills? and children only in the caged areas of park and must be carried there and back??? ? My dog is as entitled to be there as you so chill out and learn to share.

[VivienScott]

My dog is always in a lead, but to be honest, it’s the parents who let their children wander aimlessly across the paths, completely uncontrolled, with no regard for anyone else, so anyone wishing to pass has to move out of their way the most irritating. I say this as a parent whose children have good recall.

[Bananacloud]

Don’t be such a grump

[ReturnofSaturn]

The dog shit on pavements is out of control around here. It's disgusting.

Although I'm not sure if it's because off lockdown or just that I'm spending a lot more time out walking now so seeing it.

[InfiniteSheldon]

Of course dogs need times off lead what absolute piffle

[SusanneLinder]

Am finding it more difficult to exercise my dogs because everyone has decided they are Mo Farah and are out running..🙄. Or families out with their kids on walks who just don't get that we all have to share space. I do try and move aside to let people past, but some people are generally rude.
My dogs are always on leads on roads. One of my dogs is very cute and friendly, and the people that want to pay him is doing my head in under current circumstances.

[Tiramisuiloveyou]

Totally agree with @TARSCOUT

‘My dogs and I feel exactly the same about you and your kids quite honestly’.

Exactly this

I usually walk my dog in the same wooded area one minute from where I live at least once a day and have done this for over 8 years. Its really quiet and peaceful and you usually see an occasional friendly dog walker most of whom I know and we have a socially distant chat to (a couple of them are older and have lost their husbands in the last couple of years). But since lockdown the woods are filled with panting sweaty runners, an occasional group of teenage tearaways on bikes not from the same household (as many went to school with my DC) but worst of all yummy mummies in their clean trendy trainers who think they own the place taking their precious poppets out for a scroll and they are fearful and aren’t used to seeing or being around dogs.

[FudgeBrownie2019]

One of my dogs is very cute and friendly, and the people that want to pay him is doing my head in under current circumstances.

Absolutely. We have a cockapoo and you wouldn't believe the number of young children who shout "waffle dog" at him and chase him to try and pet him when we're out on walks. He's lovely, gentle and used to DC, so never poses a risk to them, but they and their parents have no idea of that - he could be a total dick. Teaching your DC to ask before petting a dog is vital.

[Alymcnabs]

We have a cockapoo and you wouldn't believe the number of young children who shout "waffle dog" at him and chase him to try and pet him when we're out on walks

Oh yes.... Same here. Then they have a screaming tantrum as “Waffle” trots past them...... 😁

[GertrudeCB]

I'm glad I've never come across anyone as entitled as op in real life .

[twinkle2306]

But I'd be forced to mix with your children who are not on a lead and running about. If you want dog free exercise time would you be happy for a child free time to be implemented as well?

[dottiedodah]

Well we walk our dog in the park /by the river ,and are annoyed by cyclists !Come haring up out of nowhere , and I was forced backwards into a bush! or come really close and glare at us if we dont hear them coming!Before anyone accuses me of being anti bike ,my DH rides to work and back and hopefully treats other road users with some respect!

[twinkle2306]

I also think there should be a runners free time and cyclists free time and a household free time...

Do you see the issue OP.

[Lockdowner13]

I know what you all mean now. Silly me. I will keep my daughter on a lead now and stop her crapping on the pavement. Last week she tried to bite my face off and chased a cat!

[Lockdowner13]

You can not compare children with dogs

[Bestof7]

If dogs at the park frighten or upset you... don't go to the park. The dogs, cyclists, runners, little kids on wheelie shoes and scooters, families walking 4 or 5 abreast on the path...they're all there. They all have a right to be.

And if you are the sort of person to have your outing/day/month ruined by a dog sniffing you or chasing its ball onto your blanket, then you need to work on that. A dog off-lead wandered up to me this morning, had a sniff of my trainers, wandered off again wagging. I thought it was cute.

I don't have a dog, but they don't scare me.

[Alymcnabs]

You can not compare children with dogs

You are the only one who is 🤣

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

You can not compare children with dogs

Yes I can, yes I can, yes I can.

[ChardonnaysPetDragon]

[Tiramisuiloveyou]

No but we are all feeling the strain OP most dogs and most people and children are absolutely fine and are respectful of one another. But green spaces are become more populated and the vast majority of us are still trying to keep our distance from others.

But some people and children can be as annoying to others especially solitary dog walkers as dogs are to you and your precious children.

[Lockheart]

You can not compare children with dogs

Yes you're absolutely right, our dogs are much quieter and cleaner than my nieces and nephews - and my dog is toilet trained too

[QuestionableMouse]

@Lockdowner13

Mine is on a lead. I'm currently using an 80ft one 😂😂😂

Joking aside, I rarely see anyone while I'm out and if I do I bring him in close.