'Don't worry, he's friendly'

[PraiseBee]

Too flippin friendly. Yet again, another dog running up to my four year old DC with a chunk of a branch in its mouth, firmly ignoring it's owners recall whilst they yell at me 'don't worry, Fluffyballs is friendly'. My DC loves dogs but hates dogs rushing up to him and is obviously scared. Large dogs are the same height as him and can easily knock him over. Imagine as an adult being rushed up to by a horse with a bit of tree trunk in its mouth trying to lick your face. I think most adults would be perturbed by this. It seems to be happening more often. Are dogs getting less well trained? I think the thing that makes my blood boil over is that the dog owners seem to think their dog is the most amazing thing ever so of course me and my DC want to bowled over by Fluffyballs. No we really don't and no, I give a shit what your dog is called. AIBU to be so annoyed by this happening every time we go to a children's park?!

I think one of the biggest problems has been with new dog owners not been able to access puppy training classes in lockdown. Mind you even as I write that I know a fair few people who had pups pre pandemic who never did puppy training on their over enthusiastic jumpy puppies!

I think there were just as many badly behaved / poorly trained dogs as a proportion than there are now really, there are just a lot more dogs now.

Most dogs are stupid though. Mostly down to stupid owners I imagine.

Except dogs from MN. Apparently they're different. They never so much as sniff or look at anyone, in fact they're probably the Messiah popping down for his second coming - think about it, God is dog spelled backwards

@Moonface123

I live near a big park, walk my dog daily, yes dogs run up to me, as a dog owner l kind of expect it, dogs are sociable creatures, and excited to finally be untethered off lead. I have never experienced an aggressive dog running up to me , or my children ever. But what l have noticed is the fear concerning non dog owners and their children. In my opinion non dog owners don't want dogs off lead full stop in parks. My dog is a greyhound, she was born to run but not the slightest bit interested in humans, yet it is tiring having to recall her, put her back on the lead whilst passing hysterical kids and parents , l do try to avoid people and walk mostly in remote fields and woods as so much more relaxing and enjoyable.

How do you know if the massive dog running at your child is aggressive or not?

Please do stay as remote as possible, your local park visitors will thank you for it.

I love dogs myself, but even I, at 43 years old get nervous if a dog comes bounding up to me.

Well when I say dog, mainly big dogs or staffies.

But this seems to be an anxiety that rears it’s head because I was attacked by an Alsatian when I was 14. Was just walking across the field by my house with a friend and a man was walking his dog (on a lead I might add). Dog just suddenly crossed in front of his owner and went straight for my leg. Before I knew it I had torn jeans and a dogs teeth going in my thigh.

And although I’m not scared of dogs in general and love them, if a big dog comes running towards me, I immediately get anxious. I can’t seem to control it, it just kind of takes hold.

So for a young child, I can imagine how a dog bounding quickly up to them and jumping towards them, would scare them, even if they’re not afraid of dogs!

I love dogs. Grown up with them, looked after them, walked rescue dogs. However, I don't believe you can 100% trust any dog, especially with little ones. So when owners say, oh they're fine, they won't hurt you, as their dog comes bounding up to my 2 year old. How do I actually know that?! As a parent, it does worry me. Any dog could turn.

When I used to teach reception, we had a fabulous visitor from the Dogs Trust to speak to the children. She told them how to stay safe if a dog came up to them in the park or somewhere. So I think when children are old enough to understand, educating them on what to do is really valuable.

Since the lockdown puppy boom, there seems to be far more dog crap on the pavements too. Train your dog and CLEAN UP after them, otherwise, don't bloody get one!!

I really don’t know where you lot are walking to encounter all these over friendly dogs.
I walk my dog on and off lead every day, beach, road, parks. He’s not the slightest bit interested in children or people in general.
And no increase in badly behaved dogs coming up to us. 99% of people are friendly too.

I have always had dogs and am very saddened by the huge numbers of people who think they come ready trained. Lockdown has a lot to do with this I'm afraid, people getting dogs who have no idea how to treat them or train them. You don't need puppy classes, just be able to read and do some research. There is also a huge rise in the number of owners referring to their dogs as 'fur babies' (I am nearly sick writing this phrase). I think it says all you need to know about the owners. A dog is a fantastic companion and needs to be understood as a dog first and foremost and always with other people in mind. And - that goes for the stupid parents who let their kids jump all over my dog too.

All those pps talking about dogs being allowed to run amok in play parks. Do you know that is against the law? Dog owners hate me reminding them, but I’d sooner they understand the law before a child gets seriously hurt.

Dog doesn't need to be aggressive to hurt a child. Or adult. My sister was knocked down by a over eager dog yesterday and has cut her arm quite badly

I'm a total animal lover but YANBU. Those dog owners are totally out of order.

When approaching children on walks, I/we call our Floffyballs to heel, because we know some children are scared of dogs. She would never go up to unknown children or adults (she isn't interested), but she might run past and frighten them. You just have to be sensible and understand that your pets may be the centre of your world, but no-one elses.

Fluffyballs is a Romanian rescue and I'm in an FB group for other owners who got dogs from the same charity. There are constant complaints exactly the same as @PraiseBee where sensitive dogs* being kept on lead have badly trained dogs rushing up to them with hapless owners not able to recall and shouting "he/she is friendly!"

*some of these dogs come from awful backgrounds and are kept on lead because they are dog aggressive or frankly terrified of other dogs.

NO dog should be running at large in a children's park. I don't care how friendly he is. Besides timid children, there are children with allergies. I don't know...do you even have dog parks in the UK, or are those a US thing? They're great, and the one place I am all for friendly dogs being allowed to run at large, other than out in the country (and only if they are exceedingly well-behaved around livestock!)

I was an owner of dog who hated other dogs ‘wanting to play’. Other dog owners could be sooo slow to get their dog away. Have been chased on horse by off lead, non recall dogs. This was all pre pandemic. So prob worse now. I haven’t, sadly, got horse or dog any more. Too many owners are utterly useless at doing basic training.

I have 4 dogs (used to have 15 but time has taken its toll) and I'd be mortified if any of them ran up to strangers out of control. It's not only unfair on the stranger who may love dogs but be wearing their best clothes; be afraid of dogs; have a child with them .. it's also unfair on the dog, as the stranger might kick them hard enough to do serious damage. And it's the same with dogs running up to strange dogs. I live with a right of way through my property, and some idiots regularly walk their very aggressive dog down the track, to the danger of mine should I have them out at that time. Dogs don't know how to behave "politely" if they're not taught and bless them, should be muzzled if their temperament is at all suspect.

As I life long dog owner, I think it's totally irresponsible to allow your dog to run up to people. It's not about whether your dog is friendly, it's about whether the person wants a dog to come up to them. Most dogs are naturally friendly and love to say hello to everyone, it's up to the owner to keep them under control.

When I used to teach reception, we had a fabulous visitor from the Dogs Trust to speak to the children. She told them how to stay safe if a dog came up to them in the park or somewhere. So I think when children are old enough to understand, educating them on what to do is really valuable.

I think this is quite a dangerous thing to teach children and gives them a false sense of security around dogs.

Dogs are predatory carnivores. They are driven by instinct and can be startled or turn in a split second. Even well trained dogs can suddenly become remorseless maiming, even killing machines. Dogs have sought out human prey to kill for no reason even sneaking into neighbouring houses. They can attack for the simplest of reasons, a child sneezing, playing with a ball, jumping off a couch, taking off a coat or just being there

I respect the dog owners who will admit, and often do on these topics, that you can never fully trust any dog, no matter how well trained

YANBU. We have a very sprightly and energetic lockdown adolescent dog. We actually went on the waiting list for her in August 2019, she was born in February 2020 and arrived with us on 3 April 2020 just a week or two into lockdown, when vets were refusing to vaccinate puppies and breeders were being advised to keep puppies until it was safe for new owners to collect (all of which were disastrous for socialisation). However, my husband had already completed dog training courses himself before the arrival of our puppy, had access to consultation with a well known trainer, and I think she has had a pretty good start. Nevertheless, she is an energetic and athletic working dog breed; loves exploring and new people. And it doesn’t matter how much recall training you do; if there is something more interesting than you, it’s going to be a challenge getting her back immediately (unless she is very scared of you, which is a fairly outdated training method).

Nonetheless, we would never allow her off lead in a public park, let alone one populated with children. That is inviting trouble for the general public, for you and for your dog.

Which brings me to my plea! We walk our dog off lead on a designated off-lead walk which includes a small play field. This is how our dog was socialised during lockdown. Dogs cannot socialise properly with each other on lead; it’s more likely to lead to aggression. The same area has at least 6 other paths and walks where dogs must be on a short lead at all times. When we have only one option for her to properly run, explore and socialise, please could people who are scared of dogs or don’t want to be approached use the more plentiful on-lead walks. Of course we are always mindful of who is around and recall her when people are approaching, but she is still learning (and won’t ever learn if she never has any freedom).

Not just kid’s either! I have a small twiggy dog. I have her on a long line or with a trailing leads to grab if she doesn’t listen. She’s a bundle of joy and loves other dogs but you get those people that just let their untrained dogs just tear up at speed and knock her about. Wafffles might just be playing but they don’t care that they are too rough or flattening her. Really pisses me off that they just stand there. Put your dog on a ducking lead. I have!

I love dogs but think all dogs need to be on a lead at all times hate, dogs running at you is awful x

@Golightly133

I love dogs but think all dogs need to be on a lead at all times hate, dogs running at you is awful x

Yes that right. Punish all for dicks that can't control theirs... Erm no

@Flaxmeadow I agree with what you said on never really being able to trust a dog. Your right, I'm not sure how many owners would admit to that.

However, I don't think educating children gives them a false sense of security. It's things like, if a dog comes up to you, don't just put your hand out, try to be calm and quiet. Just basic stuff.

I have a very friendly dog who is placed on a lead if there are people about. I also have 2 children who run jump and have fun exploring on walks. They both have a fear of other off lead dogs when out incase they are 'jumpy dogs'. We never had this problem before. Then I have the issue that my dog growls when another dog jumps at her hoomans that she has to protect. It results in me being the one criticised for my aggressive dog who is growling at their adorable friendly little s%$t who has jumped at my children. Lots of dog owners without control. (And I am very vocal when I am out)

I hate this too. And the poster who compared it to a horse knocking you over and licking you is spot on. When the dog is in reach of your face, or is big enough to knock you off balance, it's very scary. Being approached by a "friendly" dog is enough to traumatise a child and put them off dogs forever.

I'm glad your dog "wouldn't hurt a fly" but I would like him to also not scare a child. Or an adult.

Also, can I say, I do a lot of political canvassing and am shocked by how many people will let their dog jump on a caller at the door. Not people trying to get rid of you - people who will happily stand there at the door and talk about Brexit, or masks or the parking on their road, and even promise to vote for your candidate, all while their dog is yapping away so neither of you can hear each other, wiping drool on your clothes and digging its claws into your thighs while the owner makes half hearted efforts to control it and then laughs off its bad behaviour. I have to pretend to be charmed by these antics. But I'm not. Sorry, I know that was a bit of a tangent rant.

It has got worse this last year. I've only mentioned it once to the owners when two dogs were barking, running and jumping on a path by the playground. My reception son now has a fear of dogs due to how many have run up jumping at him or next to him off lead. Toddler got knocked over. I asked them if they could put them on leads on the path by the playground and was told they're only doing what dogs do. FFS.

My friend was having a picnic with her son - dog ran over and took his snack. Owner called over that he was friendly. My friend said "he's just taken my child's food and sniffed over everything. Owner went ballistic at her because dogs shouldn't eat that type of snack so why the fuck did she bring it to a park!!!!

Your dog may be friendly. As dog owners, can I ask that you respect other people?! I say that as someone who has had dogs and loves dogs. I wouldn't let my child come screaming and climbing on your dog and say it's friendly - please show us the same courtesy!