To expect people to stop their dog jumping up at me?

[NevertooearlyforGin]

I enjoy walking at our local beauty spot which is a very large forest and heath area, it’s very popular with dog walkers. The problem is I really don’t like large dogs running up to me and jumping up at me which seems to happen most times I go, usually the dog owner is some distance behind so they can’t see their dog jumping up at me.

This happened again today, and a large dog and two smaller ones ran up to me and jumped up, the big ones paws reached my armpits. For context I was attacked by an Alsatian at the age of 9 in our local park, I don’t assume all dogs are aggressive but I am nervous around large dogs.

Today I plucked up the courage to say something to the owner, I asked him to stop his dog jumping up at me because I am scared of large dogs. He was very arrogant and laughed at me and said then I’d ‘come to the wrong place.’ As if the countryside exists for dog owners and nobody else and I was being ridiculous expecting him to control his pets.

The area is managed through grazing by the local forestry commission (usually hardy breeds of ponies, sheep and cows), there are frequent incidents of animals being worried and often mauled by dogs, I’ve seen this happen and there are signs saying that animals that don’t have a string recall should be kept on leads.

AIBU?

[bigblueyonder]

I go running so seen as fair game by some dogs. I no longer bother speaking to the owners, instead I yell in non friendly tone at the dogs and stand over them which seems to work. Dogs run up expecting a friendly hello, if it is clear that this is not going to happen they do back off. Owners may not appreciate this but don't bother arguing with them.

[CuntyMcBollocks]

@YellowTreeHouse what a moronic thing to say. Not every single person who owns a dog is entitled and rude. The majority of dog owners I know are decent people. Try taking a look at yourself before making sweeping and untrue accusations.

[Newuser82]

@FlorettaB

’He got very aggressive and said that we shouldn't have the horses in public if we couldn't control them’

The irony!

Totally! The pony was just walking nicely along. I was only warning him if he didn't remove his small , white dog from around the back of his hooves he could expect said dog to recieve a kick to the face. He was so aggressive!

[sandytooth]

Oh it's awful when that happens I freeze and they don't even register that their dog has terrified the living daylights out of me

[ivykaty44]

I screamed at a large dog once and it worked, the dog stopped in its tracks - the owner was furious, but hadn't stopped the dog from bounding up to me and my dd1. Apparently screaming at the dog would upset it, then keep it from bounding up to people as if they're a long lost friend - the owner told me I was unhinged as thats what dog do....

I tend not to go to dog walking places, but this was the local children's park

[20viona]

Yeah I would absolutely hate this. It's unfair and rude

[Dacadactyl]

YANBU...dog people often annoy me with their "don't worry love,he won't hurt you, he's a big softie"

I want to respond "it's not that, I just don't want your manky dog slobbering all over me thanks."

Eurgh

[MyHamsterIsSmarterThanMe]

I love dogs and didn't mind then jumping up at me but it freaks out my daughter. I used to try to tell her that most dogs are just friendly and that's how they say hello. No need to be scared. Now I think though she has a point. Some of these dogs are much larger than her, certainly stronger than her and apparently most people killed by dogs are kids younger than five. Not that the jumpy dogs are killer dogs but how do you know when one runs at you. And maybe I shouldn't encourage her to believe that all dogs are friendly.

[Fizbosshoes]

I am also quite cautious about dogs that I don't know. I was out running and passed a dog who jumped up and put its muddy feet all over my tshirt. The owner did the usual "oh he's just being friendly" 🙄 then I passed them again and the dog did it again!!
Another time also when running I saw a dog coming towards me. I stopped as it seemed to be heading for me. The owner from about 20 metres away shouted "just carry on they won't jump" then the dog started crouching and growling so I stayed still. Again owner called out that the dog was fine. Then it did jump at me....owner finally catches up, admonishes the dog, says nothing to me and walks off.

I'm sure these type of owners are in the minority but it's not fun if you're not confident around dogs.

[PinkSox]

@YellowTreeHouse

YANBU but dog owners are entitled and rude and think everyone loves their mutt.

Rubbish! I’m a dog owner. I do not allow my dogs to jump on me (or anyone else). I hate other peoples dogs jumping on me.

YANBU OP.

[ivykaty44]

And maybe I shouldn't encourage her to believe that all dogs are friendly.

ive heard some dog owners getting very cross with children for petting their dog without asking.

so perhaps the same in reverse should be asked, do you mind if my dog jumps all over your child & you?

[Quveas]

@threegoodthings

Good for you. Unfortunately there are enough horrid dog owners out there to give everybody else a bad name. Get annoyed with them, not people who don't want dogs jumping up at them.

No, why should we? Calling all dog owners because of the actions of some is no different than suggesting that all people who don't like dogs are idiots; or that all parents are awful because some parents can't control their children. I am not responsible for what another dog owner does, any more than all parents are responsible for other people's children.

[No2coming]

Completely agree with you and I keep having the same issue. It's worse since covid as everyone seems to have got a dog but not everyone train them properly.

[NotQuiteUsual]

Yanbu at all. I have a giant dog, she's overly friendly and would jump given the chance. She never goes off lead apart from in secure, controlled environments because it's unacceptable for a dog to jump at people.

Any dog owner allowing their dog big or small to jump at people is a dick.

[America12]

YANBU a big dog with a muddy stick in its mouth got mud all over my trousers. The owner though it was funny , I didn't and I made sure they knew.

[TheHauntedPencilCase]

I don't mind dogs being off lead if they have recall and aren't chasing or bothering people. I know some fab large dogs who are often off lead and incredibly well trained but they seem to be the rarity. My kids were knocked over as toddlers and both very wary of dogs now. Don't get me started on the 2 picnics I had this summer ruined by off lead dogs.

[BiscuitLover3678]

I hate this so much! I’m starting to go off dogs because the entitlement of the owners.

[MissShapesMissStakes]

Not all dog owners are self entitled twats.
Some are and that's because some people are. And some of those twats happen to own dogs.

I have two dogs. Both good recall. Unless someone smiles at the boy. Then he will want to jump up to get more smiles and fuss. So I put him on his lead as soon as I see people approaching. Because I'm a responsible dog owner. Like a lot of people are. I hate it when other people let their dogs run over to us and jump up. They are twats.

You are of course right to shout to the owners to call their dog away. You shouldn't even have to do that. I'm sorry you can't enjoy your walks without twats spoiling it. It's really not on.

[bigblueyonder]

Just need to remember that a dog learns it manners from their owner. If the dog has no manners don't waste your time arguing with the owner - just deal with the dog which is usually quicker to catch on.

And for all dog owners who do control your dogs thank you.

[Vulpine]

You should have jumped on the owner and slathered all-over his face

[rwalker]

@Stellaris22

I have a dog who I recall and don't let her jump up or bother anyone.

Another weekend and another dog bashing thread.

There bashing shitty dog owners and rightly so
the thing is the majority of dog interactions are unwanted because people don’t control there dog
personal an dog sniffing or jumping on me gets launched with my foot
you need to educate your fellow dog owners not us

[Tigerblue4]

I go for a walk with my DF once a week. I get so annoyed, the amount of time we've had dogs jump up at us and my jeans and coat are covered in muddy paw prints. It's ok to wear jeans in my job, and it's so annoying I have to come home and change just before I go - on top of which I have to put my jeans in for washing quicker and try and get mud off my coat.

[Boomboom22]

If a dog jumps at you and actually touches you it's out of control and you should always report with as much detail as possible to the council dog warden and 101 police form online. People need to start recording this or the gov has no incentive to change things. Pretty sure if the same dog keeps doing it questions will be asked.

[MinnieMountain]

The most ridiculous incident with a dog I had was “sorry, she doesn’t like strangers” as it came charging towards me barking. Keep it on a bloody lead then.

[Enko]

@YellowTreeHouse

YANBU but dog owners are entitled and rude and think everyone loves their mutt.

Huge Generalisation