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Two dog walkers chatting while their 10 dogs were off lead, and running around

83 replies

Upsetmother12 · 01/02/2024 20:02

Today I was walking my two small reactive spaniels on playing fields near my house. I always put them on a lead around other dogs. Normally, I walk my cockers in woodland away from other dogs and people. In part, because urban parks tend to be full of big dogs - like Huskies or Rottweilers. Today, my dogs were galloping around the fields when I saw two, I assume dog walkers, with ten dogs, including two huge mastiff like dogs and a Rottweiler, all off lead. These dogs were a literal dog pack and I knew that they posed a potential danger to me, my dogs and, worse, any toddlers that were on those fields. The women were weakly calling for them to ‘come back’. The dogs ignored them and the two women concerned were pretty nonchalant, and engrossed in conversation. I am angry. I am angry on so many different levels: 10 dogs running loose and together form a pack; the women were chatting away and completely oblivious to fouling and, finally, the fields are a public facility used by parents and children, in addition to dog owners. Am I right to be angry? I am so tired of dodging dog walker dog packs … argh. I feel that my small, elderly spaniel would have reacted defensively towards the pack and they, literally, could have eviscerated her. My spaniels only react nervously to other dogs, one of them having been mauled in the past by a husky and a Red Setter. It is not just XL Bullies who should be banned. Dog walkers should are ‘advised’ to restrict themselves to up to six dogs. They should be required to have a much smaller maximum. Is it because each dog is worth £25 and this means that 1-2 hrs work becomes more lucrative? Also, why do so many dog walkers walk their dogs in public shared spaces? Why not hire a field for 2 hrs (£40) and let the dogs charge around? Grrrr …. Btw, I am not attacking dog walking as a profession. I even thought about being one. However, I would never allow so many dogs off lead - especially if they were not mine. I am assuming that these two ladies were dog walkers.

OP posts:
spanishviola · 02/02/2024 09:45

Fleeceflop · 01/02/2024 20:07

I really do think dog walkers shouldn’t be allowed to use public parks. They totally
Dominate a park near us and have turned into a no-go area for everyone else. Members of the public ought to be able to use parks without being hassled by dogs.

Agreed.

PennysLane · 02/02/2024 09:48

It’s honestly breaks my heart to read comments about how awful people take professionals dog walkers are.

I honestly wish I could publish my business page, my website on here so that you guys can all see what a proper one does and what customers think of a proper one a good one one that cares about welfare over profit.

I wish you could see the number of telephone calls and emails I’ve had to local Council trying to put an end to other dog walkers that do walk substantial amounts of dogs and where occur and piss off the general public. And not to mention the daycares all over the U.K. that fill them with totally oversubscribed numbers of dogs, but no one sees it no one bats in eyelid because it’s behind closed doors. At least professional dog walkers are out there in the public. You can see what’s going on and see there’s no animals. You can see if the dogs are out of control or not.

okay, so much to show you guys what I do and how I do it. You’re barking up the wrong tree and don’t tar us all with the same brush

I have clients who are vets or veterinary nurses teachers rescue owners. Other Dog professionals famous actors, even they can all see what a valuable resource this is.

BigDogEnergy · 02/02/2024 19:23

PennysLane · 02/02/2024 06:59

This woman in question was mauled to death by her own dog. It was an XL bully.

She was attacked by several of the dogs, a number of which were large or giant breeds. It was only 2 Dachschunds that were initially not siezed by police.

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/mauled-dog-walker-seen-struggling-8044618

Mauled dog walker seen 'struggling to control' pets days earlier

Eight dogs have been seized after the 28-year-old woman was mauled to death

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/mauled-dog-walker-seen-struggling-8044618

Spacecowboys · 02/02/2024 19:35

I think it depends really. If there are dogs off in the distance playing around together, with zero interest in approaching us then that’s fine. If they are close or approaching I always put my dog back on his lead and find it incredibly rude when other dog owners don’t do the same.

IlsSortLaPlupartAuNuitMostly · 02/02/2024 19:53

Do you not have rules about dog walkers in your local area then? Lambeth has licensing for use of parks. No idea whether it's enforced properly - I'm rarely in parks in the middle of a weekday. Note how the licence for 6 dogs is much higher than the licence for 4.

Two dog walkers chatting while their 10 dogs were off lead, and running around
eduwot · 02/02/2024 20:07

I am a dog walker and think large groups like this should not be in public locations. I don't take more than four and I would never meet up with another walker.
You are unreasonable in thinking 1 dog is worth £25 for an hr. I don't know where you are, but that would be very high for an hours walk. Also, think about the time it takes to drive to each dog, collect them, drive to walking location and home. Think about the fuel and the insurance. I don't think anyone walking dogs is 'quids in'. This is probably why you get silly situations with large groups, because dog walkers are struggling financially and it probably is the only way of making decent money. I wouldn't do it though. I think it is totally irresponsible.

Fizbosshoes · 02/02/2024 20:24

I was out running and I am a bit of a wuss about dogs I don't know. One came bounding up to me with the owner some way behind. She yelled "don't worry he's fine ". I stopped anyway and then the dog looked quite threatened and started crouching and growling, then started jumping at me. It didn't hurt me, but as I say I'm quite wary and it made me nervous. The owner eventually caught up and then reprimanded the dog and did give me as much of a backwards glance!

This isn't indicative of most dog owners I meet though, I would say majority are amenable and in control of their dog and its easy to share the space

Upsetmother12 · 02/02/2024 23:51

PennysLane · 02/02/2024 09:42

Complete waste of time and resources. dog workers aren’t doing anything illegal.

If I saw the original posters reactive Dog off lead and out of control that might warrant phone calls to police as she’s already stipulated the dog is reactive and off lead.

Good grief. They were not ‘out of control’. Just two small spaniels catching their rubber balls, in an unoccupied corner of the field. The dogs are only reactive if approached by other dogs who are over friendly or aggressive. Even then they do not bite. One of them cries and the other gives a growl to say, ‘Leave me alone’. She was attacked by a husky and red setter who ended up bouncing her on their backs. The point is a total of ten dogs, all together, several of them mastiff like, is unnerving. Forget my dogs, you are missing the point. Even if I did not have my dogs with me, I would still be uneasy. It is potentially dangerous, if not lethal.

OP posts:
lightinthebox · 03/02/2024 13:55

I think a lot of people have lost sight of what dog playing is like. If you’re unfamiliar or unused to it then it can look exuberant and full on. Obviously no dogs are the same and some won’t like that style of play.

Theres a difference between excited play and aggressive fighting, most people nowadays see play and think it’s out of control dogs. They probably aren’t out of control, they’re enjoying their play and should be allowed to do so.

It is hypocritical to have an off lead dog then assume anyone else with an off lead dog is ‘out of control’.

Prawncow · 03/02/2024 14:06

Most dog walkers offer solo walks (for just your dog or just the dogs in your household) but they cost more. Owners go for the cheaper option and there’s not enough regulation to stop irresponsible dog walkers from walking too many dogs at a time.

I know one dog walker I’d trust. I never used her to walk my dogs but I saw her out walking 4/5 days a week and she was exactly what you’d want. The maximum number of dogs she’d walk at once was three, she knew the dogs she walked very well and she did 3/4 solo walks a day. She worked for herself and wasn’t making a fortune.

Gloriosaford · 03/02/2024 14:14

HeBeaverandSheBeaver · 01/02/2024 21:41

A few weeks ago in my village a dog walker had 5 dogs off lead in the wood near housing They attacked a muntJack deer and left it in pain.

Passers by Calle drive
Police to have the animal humanly killed and the dog walker just walked off.

The dogs in question were labradors and a spaniel. No big breeds.

It was awful and I say that a single dog owner.

Dog walkers should
Not have
More than 3 dogs imo and certainly
Not off lead.

This is awful and if it wasn't bad enough the dog walker just shrugged and acted like it was nothing to do with her 😲😳🤬

Snoozymoozy · 03/02/2024 14:23

Devilshands · 01/02/2024 20:48

Never met a ‘dog walker’ (i.e. one who claims to be a professional or is one) who wasn’t a twat.

Ultimately, if they’re not walking 10 dogs at once or they don’t have six dogs booked into a one hour slot and give them all 10 minutes each and leave them in the van for the rest of the time (which some near me regularly do) they’re not making money. They don’t hire fields as it eats into their profits.

Dog walkers don’t care about the dogs they walk. They care about the profit. You’d need your head read to use one IMO

Edited

Oh how lovely!

I used to be a dog walker (until I had my baby). I only walked 3 dogs at a time and wouldn't ever dream or leaving dogs in my van!

I also cared very much about the dogs (and other people walking nearby) Routes were planned carefully and if I wasn't 100% confident in a dogs recall, I didn't take any chances in letting them off

Gloriosaford · 03/02/2024 14:36

@Snoozymoozy
You sound like one of the good responsible dog walkers, I think it's likely that the bad ones are much more noticeable whereas you go under the radar!

oakleaffy · 03/02/2024 14:53

Devilshands · 01/02/2024 20:48

Never met a ‘dog walker’ (i.e. one who claims to be a professional or is one) who wasn’t a twat.

Ultimately, if they’re not walking 10 dogs at once or they don’t have six dogs booked into a one hour slot and give them all 10 minutes each and leave them in the van for the rest of the time (which some near me regularly do) they’re not making money. They don’t hire fields as it eats into their profits.

Dog walkers don’t care about the dogs they walk. They care about the profit. You’d need your head read to use one IMO

Edited

THIS a thousand times this.

Couldn't agree more.

A frightful trio of ''Professional dog walkers'' according to their t shirts were on a popular walking spot and had a gaggle of around ten mutts, OFF LEAD , the woman were gossiping and not watching the dogs.

One nasty little Spaniel saw an old woman's dog and began to harass it, and the ''Pack'' then chased the old woman's dog towards a road, absolutely zero control by the shitty walkers.

They never have control.

Seen dogs be let loose from their vans, one dog bolted out into traffic, and another became a ''Tripod'' from being hit by a car.

The one hit by a car now has a ''one on one'' walker who only takes out her two dogs.

They can and do harass other dogs when in a milling pack.

They need proper regulating. The dogs they walk tend to be very badly trained as well.

oakleaffy · 03/02/2024 15:03

lightinthebox · 03/02/2024 13:55

I think a lot of people have lost sight of what dog playing is like. If you’re unfamiliar or unused to it then it can look exuberant and full on. Obviously no dogs are the same and some won’t like that style of play.

Theres a difference between excited play and aggressive fighting, most people nowadays see play and think it’s out of control dogs. They probably aren’t out of control, they’re enjoying their play and should be allowed to do so.

It is hypocritical to have an off lead dog then assume anyone else with an off lead dog is ‘out of control’.

Dogs have different ''Play'' styles depending on breed and type.

No one with a finely built dog like a sighthound wants some lard~arsed flabrador or Large heavy type charging into it, just as someone with a tiny dog wouldn't appreciate a Lurcher grabbing at its face ''in play''

''He only wants to play'' seems to be the bullying dog owner's mantra.

Dogs that are well matched in size and temperament are fine to play together.
Loose body movements, relaxed and calm.

No one wants a strange dog harassing theirs.

oakleaffy · 03/02/2024 15:18

eduwot · 02/02/2024 20:07

I am a dog walker and think large groups like this should not be in public locations. I don't take more than four and I would never meet up with another walker.
You are unreasonable in thinking 1 dog is worth £25 for an hr. I don't know where you are, but that would be very high for an hours walk. Also, think about the time it takes to drive to each dog, collect them, drive to walking location and home. Think about the fuel and the insurance. I don't think anyone walking dogs is 'quids in'. This is probably why you get silly situations with large groups, because dog walkers are struggling financially and it probably is the only way of making decent money. I wouldn't do it though. I think it is totally irresponsible.

You do sound responsible.
Probably if I was to see you ,I'd not think you were a ''Dog walker'', more someone with their own pets.

Talii · 03/02/2024 16:51

The dog walkers at my local park / fields all meet up around the same time during the week. Most of the dogs are off lead but they spend ages standing around, throwing balls occasionally, letting the dogs play. Despite being a dog owner, I can easily see that the number of dogs can be intimidating for many people especially if their normal dog play can look rough to the outsider. They do eventually move off and walk but standing around for ages having a chat and letting the dogs say “hello” isn’t ideal.

Gloriosaford · 03/02/2024 17:23

Seen dogs be let loose from their vans, one dog bolted out into traffic, and another became a ''Tripod'' from being hit by a car
@oakleaffy
I am deviating from the topic I know but a little while back I saw 3 or 4 chihuahuas being walked together (seemed to be a family so not dog walkers- I presume) they were ALL 'tripods'😬

Ginandjuice57884 · 03/02/2024 17:48

oakleaffy · 03/02/2024 15:03

Dogs have different ''Play'' styles depending on breed and type.

No one with a finely built dog like a sighthound wants some lard~arsed flabrador or Large heavy type charging into it, just as someone with a tiny dog wouldn't appreciate a Lurcher grabbing at its face ''in play''

''He only wants to play'' seems to be the bullying dog owner's mantra.

Dogs that are well matched in size and temperament are fine to play together.
Loose body movements, relaxed and calm.

No one wants a strange dog harassing theirs.

Nonsense. Well socialised dogs will "listen" to each other, adapt their play styles, and leave alone if warned off by another dog. Size has nothing to do with it.

Rangelife · 03/02/2024 17:55

I walk out in isolated areas often - moors, fells, mountains, countryside. Off lead dogs and fell runners are an absolute menace to anyone trying to have a relaxing walk nowadays. It feels like there's a 'love me love my dog' or 'my physical pursuit is more important than yours because I'm running' vibe to walking nowadays and it's shite.

MaMisled · 03/02/2024 18:07

Last week, I turned a corner on the lesser walked end of a playing field with my 12yr old little dog and my weeny 14 week old puppy on leads. Coming right at us were 3 adults, deep in conversation and 15 off lead dogs! They ALL came over and overwhelmed my 2. Not huge dogs, labs, golden retriever, spaniels and little terriers, and their body language was relaxed and curious. My 2 were very uncomfortable but coped. Not once did the humans look over or check the dogs. They did not even notice us or that the dogs weren't with them. I yelled loudly that they were ignorant and inconsiderate, my arms waving to get their attention but no, they were oblivious!

mondaytosunday · 03/02/2024 18:09

There should be designated dog areas fenced off in parks big enough. Parks that are small should have an on lead policy only.
However, those that say rugs shouldn't be allowed in parks is ridiculous. Dog walkers are the most frequent visitors to many parks as they go every day. Children only go occasionally. But dog parks would be a great idea, and dogs on leads otherwise.

Boomer55 · 03/02/2024 18:13

Our council has banned anyone walking more than 4 dogs in council run facilities.

BasiliskStare · 03/02/2024 18:28

@Boomer55 - We have two parks near us - one is you have to pay to walk dogs , another is a larger park with signs all over saying dog walkers cannot take more than 3 dogs in per person. , I don't go there any more because people ignore this and they will take 4 - 8 dogs and dog walkers just sit down and have a coffee and don't take care of the dogs.

That said - A chap I know does does dog walking and he walks 1 at a time
I do think that dog walkers should be more scrutinised. There are those around me who think a cheap way to earn money . BUT they are not in control of the dogs they should be in control of.

Gloriosaford · 03/02/2024 18:54

@mondaytosunday
Dog walkers are the most frequent visitors to many parks as they go every day. Children only go occasionally
Do you not see the connection?
Children are put off due to the amount of out of control dogs, they dominate the outdoor space!