To be totally fed up with dogs?

[dogtroubl]

When we moved in, neighbours had an old dog that used to wander into our garden and leave poo everywhere. Couldn’t use garden with young kids due to mess and large dog.

Complained (politely), after quite a bit of unpleasantness fence finally fixed, dog died and they got 2 new dogs that were loud but contained.

Neighbours moved, new neighbours also have 2 dogs and fence is in a bad state of repair again due to the constant barking, snarling and scratching that happens every time we go outside. I always make sure I’m out there with the kids in case it breaks because they don’t sound friendly at all.

Their neighbours also have 2 dogs so the 2 sets are always setting each other off barking.

Family members also have dogs. One very old who soils everywhere and one very large, young dog who is very playful and jumps up and licks and dribbles all over you.

My daughter is terrified (the dog is easily as tall as her) and the family member always says dog will be shut away when we go over, but dog is always let or gets out soon after. I can tell my daughter’s fear of this dog irritates the family member but she’s genuinely scared after an incident when she was a toddler, plus this dog is like a horse to her and could do serious damage even with just a nip.

We’ve been to a few kids’ playgrounds over the holidays, dogs off lead and running all over the place at each one. Chasing kids in a “playful” way that scares them.

Dog poo all over footpaths and verges everywhere. Kids tread in it, I tread in it, buggy goes in it because I don’t see it until it’s too late.

I know it’s bad owners not the dogs’ fault etc but AIBU to just be totally fed up with dogs?

I readily accept my obligation to clean up after him and respond quickly if he acts inappropriately

How quickly if he’s off the lead? Can you prevent him running up to on-lead dogs?

If he ran up to ‘play’ with my on-lead GSD (who is dog reactive) he may not survive the encounter. I can hold mine back but I can’t stop yours getting in his face!

The more people I meet, the more I like my dog. How this thread has reminded me of why I have always loved this quote.

@vodkaredbullgirl

Off to beach with my 2 labs.

Lucky you. I'm off to the river with my lab then coming back for collie x on this fab sunny day, I don't think I will be keeping my dogs in, just to satisfy dog haters.

Shouting at a dog that's barking is not likely to have the effective of calming it down!

Yet it often does stop the barking/growling, especially the other side of a fence. It’s not my responsibility to calm their dog down.

It also alerts the owners to their dogs’ behaviour being annoying, intimidating and socially unacceptable.

I’d be mortified if mine barked and growled through the garden fence!

@FateHasRedesignedMost

I readily accept my obligation to clean up after him and respond quickly if he acts inappropriately

How quickly if he’s off the lead? Can you prevent him running up to on-lead dogs?

If he ran up to ‘play’ with my on-lead GSD (who is dog reactive) he may not survive the encounter. I can hold mine back but I can’t stop yours getting in his face!

My dog knows to look to me if he spots other dogs he wants to play with - on or off lead. He only goes to them if I give him the ‘go play’ instruction.

He’s also pretty good at reading other dogs so only generally wants to play with dogs that have body language suggesting they’re up for playing. We taught him from his time as a puppy how to do that by learning ourselves the sort of body language that dogs use when they want to play versus being left alone.

He doesn’t always get that bit right - sometimes he will look to me to be allowed play with a dog that doesn’t have the right body language and I’ll just carry on walking and tell him no.

Interesting how the dog owners on this thread that call out for facts just ignore them once given and then some other posters totally deny people’s own experience, do you all think they are lying or that the statistics are made up? Really interested to know? I think a lot of dog owners are just blinded by the fact they love dogs so much. They probably don’t even notice the times they encounter dogs running up to them unsolicited because they enjoy it, even welcome it. @HELLITHURT for example, specifically asked for statistics on dog bites but now they have them, are just ignoring the overwhelming evidence that they (dogs) are a huge problem at the moment. Stricter rules for dog ownership really need to be enforced.

Bring back a dog license might be a good idea.

@Trixiefirecracker

Interesting how the dog owners on this thread that call out for facts just ignore them once given and then some other posters totally deny people’s own experience, do you all think they are lying or that the statistics are made up? Really interested to know? I think a lot of dog owners are just blinded by the fact they love dogs so much. They probably don’t even notice the times they encounter dogs running up to them unsolicited because they enjoy it, even welcome it. *@HELLITHURT* for example, specifically asked for statistics on dog bites but now they have them, are just ignoring the overwhelming evidence that they (dogs) are a huge problem at the moment. Stricter rules for dog ownership really need to be enforced.

But any fool knows that lots more dog owners are around since lockdown, so of course injuries have increased! I don't need a newspaper article to tell me that

Same as YK holidays have increased!

I'm intelligent enough to work that out all on my own, maybe others aren't abs use it as sone sort of justification? If cyclists increase in numbers, more cyclists get hurt etc.

I was asking for stats if the ridiculous 8000 hospitalisations a year quote? Please link stats to that? Because skim reading your lengthy and very obvious article was frankly boring!

@Trixiefirecracker

Interesting how the dog owners on this thread that call out for facts just ignore them once given and then some other posters totally deny people’s own experience, do you all think they are lying or that the statistics are made up? Really interested to know? I think a lot of dog owners are just blinded by the fact they love dogs so much. They probably don’t even notice the times they encounter dogs running up to them unsolicited because they enjoy it, even welcome it. *@HELLITHURT* for example, specifically asked for statistics on dog bites but now they have them, are just ignoring the overwhelming evidence that they (dogs) are a huge problem at the moment. Stricter rules for dog ownership really need to be enforced.

You provided stats for dog bites. But no one here is denying that some dogs bite. You’ve shown us that out of 13 million dogs, about 8000 seriously injured someone.

That’s 1 dog in every 1625.

What I asked for is how many of those were dogs out in parks or other public areas with owners who injured strangers? Most dog injuries occur in the home and most often with dogs that are untrained, not socialised, not exercised.

In fact the sort of things that people are criticising here - dogs in shops and cafes, dogs running off lead in parks - are precisely the sorts of things that contribute to teaching dogs the behaviour needed to not be a danger.

If some posters on here had their way my dog would be a much bigger danger because he would never have socialised around people or other dogs, and would have pent up energy, anxiety and frustration.

@HELLITHURT I gave you the stats! In the first post? But what does it matter anyway, you will just deny them or twist them or negate them in some way. If you are so intelligent I’m sure you can google ‘hospitalisations from dog injuries in the U.K.’ it takes 2 seconds. It doesn’t change the fact there’s a huge problem with dogs and more specifically dog-ownership and sadly even if it’s a minority of bad dog owners ( which I actually don’t think it is anymore) it just gives all the considerate owners a bad name too because people get fed up with dogs as a whole.

My little fluffy dog is only ever off lead in one of those secure dog fields. I pay £20 a month for the pleasure of using one! Too scared of people with massive dogs letting them off and hassling him. He’s a small crossbreed and very cute. He does genuinely delight the majority of small children he comes across, although it’s surprising the amount of little kids who stroke him without asking. You have to teach kids to ask before approaching dogs IMO. Luckily he is basically a stuffed toy and very soft so he adores the attention but I have a friend with a very very small Pomeranian who would nip if someone stroked him!

@tttigress

Bring back a dog license might be a good idea.

How would that help?

Dog licenses were a thing when my parents got their dog in the 80s. I can't remember how much it cost but possibly about £20 in today's money? So, cheap. You pay your money and yes your details are registered but that's it. Getting one doesn't make you a responsible dog owner, just means you have a piece of paper to say you have a dog. You may as well wave your TV licence around.

And irresponsible dog owners probably won't get one anyway. The ones that would are the ones that clear up their dog poo, only let them off lead in safe areas and don't let them scare kids, livestock etc.

@Blueeyedgirl21

My little fluffy dog is only ever off lead in one of those secure dog fields. I pay £20 a month for the pleasure of using one! Too scared of people with massive dogs letting them off and hassling him. He’s a small crossbreed and very cute. He does genuinely delight the majority of small children he comes across, although it’s surprising the amount of little kids who stroke him without asking. You have to teach kids to ask before approaching dogs IMO. Luckily he is basically a stuffed toy and very soft so he adores the attention but I have a friend with a very very small Pomeranian who would nip if someone stroked him!

My dog has a kiddy fan club too! She loves playing with bubbles so we play it up the Park, which attracts children's attention. Before too long, there are kids running round with my dog blowing and chasing bubbles with her. It's lovely to see. My dog thrives on the attention but being a responsible owner I am closely supervising the dog and I expect any parents who are happy for their child to take part to also supervise their child.

I've met so many people this way. People talk to you when you have a dog. Those that don't are probably mumsnetters who just come here to moan about dogs. I'd rather spend time with my dog thanks.

@Mreggsworth

I mean to actually hate dogs and wish they didn't exist when they evidently give so many people so much happiness, there has to be something wrong with wanting that not to exist

That’s obviously not what you meant or it’s what you would actually have said. The word you used is “dislike”.

I love my dog, I work with children so I like them too, but as I've got older I find myself disliking people. They are fucking everywhere you turn. Yapping, chatting shit, dropping rubbish, taking up space, being offensive and rude, shouting, showing no consideration, drinking, driving badly, being selfish, lacking compassion, and eating up the world's resources, and killing the environment. Whilst they show so little consideration for others and are rude and unpleasant, they themselves act like hysterical sensitive little flowers victim to the behaviour of others. Its tiresome to keep spelling it out......have some consideration, be polite, treat others as you wish to be treated.

My dog is well intentioned unlike so many humans. He's soft, warm, loyal, funny and trained. And he's on a lead except when we are walking in very isolated spots where he won't unintentionally spook people or inconvenience them.

@Phewthemutinyworked don't you dare tell me how to parent, again another post that shows an astounding level of arrogance, entitledness, and sheer stupidity.

My child isn't terrified of dogs (but plenty are due to terrible experiences which aren't there fault, who wants something thats 3 times the size of them bouding up to them barring teeth, of course a toddler young child is going to be terrified), my child is ambivalent, which is the safest way to be, dogs too frequently enough for my liking kill and regularly cause life changing injuries to children (and adults come think of it).

A human being's rights and that includes children are incomparable to a dogs, your dog has none in comparison they are not and will never be equel to a child. The child hating on this thread is evil to the point it's actually turning my stomach.

@Trixiefirecracker

I googled it i got this

www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-9164699/amp/Health-Adult-hospital-admissions-dog-bites-TRIPLED-England-20-years.html

The Daily Mail! The day I start believing anything in that pile of shit, then hell will freeze over!

@TeaKlaxon oh my word the entitledness again, Playgrounds are a safe space for ALL CHILDREN. Not just the children of dog owners. So you're basically saying if a child is wary of dogs they can't have access to a space specifically designed for them becuase a dog owners wants trump that. I'll repeat that, you think you think you and your dog have more rights to be in a children's playground than a child? Again the arrogance is astounding.

If you have made the decision to have a child and a dog then the dog must always come second, it is your problem, no one else, your need to not be inconvenienced will never trump the right that all children have to be able to enjoy a space which is specifically designed for them. Can you not see how arrogant and nasty you are being. If you're too time poor that you cannot prioritise your child and a dog's needs seperatley then you shouldn't be CHOOSING to get a dog!! That's really quite simple isn't??

Also your child falls and hurts themselves, falls of a piece of equipment needs all yoyr attention and both hands....what do you do with your on lead dog then?? Let it wander off to potentially go hurt someone elses child?? Not attended to your child properly?

My daughter got bitten badly in the face when she was young. It took a long time for her to get any confidence whatsoever around dogs but we've worked hard at it. She's older now and loves dogs, would like one of her own, but still gets nervous if an unknown one runs up to her. I can't even count the amount of times I've ended up having a face off with the owners who think it's my daughters fault their dog runs and jumps up at her, like she has no right to enjoy an open space without it happening! 'Oh, he's harmless and just playing' is a commonly used phrase 🙄

Then there's the fact it seems like dog s*^#t city near me. I'm so sick and tired of having to clean the stuff off boots!

I love dogs, I would love a couple but we can't. It's not the dogs fault, just irresponsible owners who give dogs a bad name.

Talking of dogs being unwelcome in public eateries; it reminds me of irresponsible parents, who allow their children to bother other diners. Running around, screaming, blocking up toilets with too much loo paper. Maybe I should start a thread. Maybe I should accept that different things irritate different people. However, I won't be entitled about my annoyances. For the record, the OP is fair and reasoned. Much of the dissent about dogs, on this thread, is drama llama time.

[quote Questiontellme]@TeaKlaxon oh my word the entitledness again, Playgrounds are a safe space for ALL CHILDREN. Not just the children of dog owners. So you're basically saying if a child is wary of dogs they can't have access to a space specifically designed for them becuase a dog owners wants trump that. I'll repeat that, you think you think you and your dog have more rights to be in a children's playground than a child? Again the arrogance is astounding.

If you have made the decision to have a child and a dog then the dog must always come second, it is your problem, no one else, your need to not be inconvenienced will never trump the right that all children have to be able to enjoy a space which is specifically designed for them. Can you not see how arrogant and nasty you are being. If you're too time poor that you cannot prioritise your child and a dog's needs seperatley then you shouldn't be CHOOSING to get a dog!! That's really quite simple isn't??

Also your child falls and hurts themselves, falls of a piece of equipment needs all yoyr attention and both hands....what do you do with your on lead dog then?? Let it wander off to potentially go hurt someone elses child?? Not attended to your child properly?[/quote]
A dog on a lead sat next to their owner isn’t harming anyone and doesn’t detract from a playground being a space designed for kids.

I have a crazy view that the works should be geared around making being a parent as convenient as possible to maximise quality of life.

If the only reason to make a parent make two separate trips to walk their dog and take their child to a playground is to avoid children even having to see a dog on a lead, then that is an unnecessary burden on parents and I think unnecessary burdens on parents should be removed.

As a dog owner of 3 dogs , I actually don't think YABU OP. I have a teenage puppy, and I am currently training him ( training is an ongoing thing). An off lead dog ran up to him ( he was on lead obviously) and attacked him. Owner had fuck all control over it, and luckily I had treats in my pocket which distracted the attacking dog enough for me to pick him up and get away. Now he's point blank terrified of big dogs and barks to make them go away, which I am having to work on.
I am fed up of irresponsible dog owners not training their dogs and allowing them to shit everywhere too. 😒
I don't allow Mine to bark incessantly, and they get brought in for barking.

Well I’ve taken the dog out for a lovely walk in the park this morning, wasn’t wading through dog poo to get there, a thousand other dogs didn’t come running up and put their paws on me (in fact it was 0), and my dog didn’t eat any of the kids playing football there… almost as if this world full of 9 million anti-social dogs where the streets are paved with 💩 is just a figment of people’s imagination…

In public we keep her on a lead, open fields she's allowed to roam, however, she's very benign and always stays close by.
I think if your dog came bounding up to me on the river tow path, your dog would be in the water, shortly after the owner would be following it.

I can remember whilst roaming with my eldest in the woods as a toddler, a rather boisterous dalmatian came bounding up. I had to pick her up to protect her from the dog. It's examples like this, where owners need to be aware that not everyone wants their personal space invaded by a dog.
It only takes one incident to ruin the dog and the owner.

Bring back the dog license and enforce it. There should be stringent restrictions on who is allowed to own a dog, just like there is for other animals, and those that break the law should be sent to jail for a long time.