Runner here. Is it my imagination or have dog walkers….

[thanktor]

Become SO much more considerate over last couple of years than ever before?!

I have run for 20 years and until the pandemic…. I was used to being jumped at, chased and generally harassed by dogs when outrunning - with the pens smiling on benevolently whilst making heart hearted attempts to stop the situation.

Recently though, and when I think back probably for last >1 year / very striking change! Dog walkers see me coming and generally put dog on lead or at least make the dog sit or distract the dog - and I am left to run pass in peace.

If ever a dog does chase, the owner is on it immediately. And very apologetic.

It’s so refreshing

Wondering if it’s all the new dog owners remembering how bloody annoying it used to be and determined not to be like that! 😂

Whatever the reason - thank you and I’m over the moon! Any other runners noticed this?

I thought that all dog owners who dared buy a lockdown puppy are irresponsible idiots and the rescue centres are waiting to be filled with lockdown puppies (two years later still doesn’t appear to be the case!)

I think the majority are fine and especially if there is more than one of you.

You still get the occasional person with four dogs who lets them all off lead to chase you.

I am not a dog fan at all, but I do laugh at the people who say they get accosted by dogs every time they go out for a run. Much like the people think say they have a sweaty runner breathing all over their face every time they turn a corner, too.

@JuergenSchwarzwald

I think the majority are fine and especially if there is more than one of you.

You still get the occasional person with four dogs who lets them all off lead to chase you.

I am not a dog fan at all, but I do laugh at the people who say they get accosted by dogs every time they go out for a run. Much like the people think say they have a sweaty runner breathing all over their face every time they turn a corner, too.

And those with the four dogs are unlikely to Be a new owner, aren’t they? Makes sense!

I’ve noticed that on the whole joggers seem to have become more considerate post covid, and will now shout “coming through” or something similar while they’re still quite far behind me, rather than running up and me only noticing once they’re breathing down my neck.

I got my dog during lockdown
I put her on a lead if I see a jogger to be on the safe side, get her to sit or walk looking at me while they pass and on the rare occasion I’m not able to do these I’m very very apologetic to a runner who gets a barking running buddy by their side!

We’re not all inconsiderate !

opposite where I am.

lots of bouncy untrained dogs with ineffective/inexperienced handlers. I can't remember my last run where I was no followed or jumped at by offline dogs.

looking forward to bird nesting season where dogs need to be on the lead by law

@purplesequins

opposite where I am.

lots of bouncy untrained dogs with ineffective/inexperienced handlers. I can't remember my last run where I was no followed or jumped at by offline dogs.

looking forward to bird nesting season where dogs need to be on the lead by law

but plenty of good dogs and owners too!

Ive noticed that dog owners are more considerate in different parts of the country. Where my parents live (rural East Anglia) dog owners are much more considerate than where I live (urban Surrey).

@millymolls

I got my dog during lockdown I put her on a lead if I see a jogger to be on the safe side, get her to sit or walk looking at me while they pass and on the rare occasion I’m not able to do these I’m very very apologetic to a runner who gets a barking running buddy by their side!

We’re not all inconsiderate !

Thank you

Yes this is my common experience these days
Thank goodness!!

I agree, I think attitudes are slowly changing and - now you mention it - it’s been a while since I’ve been chased or followed by an out of control dog.

My standard response is to run fast towards the nearest road. I like to think I’ve done my bit in motivating irresponsible owners to do better.

Haven’t particularly noticed, just wanted to say how refreshing and lovely it is to see a thread about how something has got better rather than worse.
Hope your running continues to be pleasantly uninterrupted.

You certainly don't live near me as everyone has become significantly ruder

* The introduction of dog-friendly exercise areas so that they can be kept there, and away from me! *

@JuergenSchwarzwald

Odd to say the above on another thread (I came across when looking in to the issue before I started a thread on it)

And yet on this thread say

* all, but I do laugh at the people who say they get accosted by dogs every time they go out for a run.*

Wondering whether this new breed of really considerate dog walking is because so many threads on mumsnet about it! 😂

@Barkingmadhouse

You certainly don't live near me as everyone has become significantly ruder

Everyone Or just dog walkers?

Well runners manners round my way haven’t improved!

This is definitely me. I used to be a runner, now a dog owner and I remember how annoying it is when dogs chase you.

My run this morning was filled with awesome dog owners. In the nature reserve they were correctly on lead and uniformly all dogs were under complete control whether on lead or not for the more public part of my run

I'd love to say this is a common occurrence for me, but it's definitely variable in our area.

However a gaggle of photographers did their very best to block my path. None of them were actually taking photos but all four men made a point of refusing to move even with several "excuse me please", at least 4 at a complete standstill until my less polite version popped out and threatened to shove one in the canal so I could get past.

I'm now probably an evil runner in their circles 🤷🏻‍♀️

I've owned dogs for the better part of 20 years and have always tried to be considerate towards runner (I've been a runner myself, ms DH runs). I'm very glad to come onto a runner's thread and find dog owners NOT being slated, so thank you!

Why does every dog come with a coat these days? Regardless of size and fur texture etc

I’ve noticed this in the last couple of years and am really grateful for it.

Finally, a positive thread about dogs!

I'm a dog walker OP and I agree with you. People are generally much more away about dogs and their behaviour. I see lots more dogs on leads and lots more owners making an effort to keep out of people's way etc.

@DrManhattan

Why does every dog come with a coat these days? Regardless of size and fur texture etc

Because it helps keep them clean in mud season.

I'd much rather wash a coat than clean and dry a filthy dog.

@DrManhattan

Why does every dog come with a coat these days? Regardless of size and fur texture etc

I'm a dog owner and it baffles me too. Mine have drying coats if they've been washed or come home soaking, and a little waxed number for use if they have to stand around in the rain.

But then, we have hard floors which are fairly mud-proof.

I've definitely found that having been pushed into sharing the same spaces for a long time, everyone here is much more considerate of others be it dog walkers, cyclists, runners or people out for a stroll.

Places became busier so I suppose a lot of people just adopted these ways.

I have 2 dogs. 1 is an absolute angel and the puppy is not. She's easily distracted and very playful. Not down to my training either!! I know she gets excited by runners so I distract her or put her on lead and it works most of the time, but if I'm taken by surprise she can get a bit shouty for which I've always apologised profusely.