Dogs everywhere!

[WilmaFlintstone38]

In shops and cafes, barking and making people jump, tripping over them in the street... Seems everyone and their Auntie Flo has a dog nowadays.

What do you mean by walking to heel? Do you mean just walking alongside with the lead held loosely?

OK but please be aware that many people find free-ranging dogs annoying and even frightening.

I speak as someone who’s been bitten by a dog running far ahead of its owner (it drew blood and I had to go straight to A and E.) No apology from the owner - she told me I was making a ridiculous fuss. Nice.

Also I’ve had clothes spoiled by big a dog jumping at me while on a walk - again, the owner just laughed and told me…yes, you’ve guessed…that “he’s just being friendly!” So that’s all right, then.

Please, dog lovers - control your pets. Not everyone likes dogs, and with good reason.

Because it’s been proven that just plodding your dog around the block has no benefits. It’s more rewarding for them to explore and sniff - and tires them out more.

My dog can walk to heel and I do a lot of that training with him off lead in fields so he heels on command (useful when walking past people and crossing roads) but when we’re walking, he’s usually in front having a good old sniff.

I call it his scrolling on social media - checking out the latest news from the neighbourhood 😂

My biggest pet peeve is when places say they are dog friendly but aren't. Especially restaurants that put you on tables with no dog room.

I recently had to take my dogs on an emergency trip on a train a significant distance. I arranged it all and was very clear about having two dogs and being on my own.

The restaurant i booked put me on a table where there was no choice but for my dogs to be in the way (tiny table in the middle of the room).

The hotel that was dog friendly, had a dog friendly restaurant etc actually didn't allow dogs in the breakfast bit (fair enough but should have told me when I booked breakfast whilst holding 2 dogs). I could neither take them with me nor leave them in the room. The staff were completely bewildered when I pointed this out.

I booked seats (2 to allow me to sit alone for leg room for the dogs!) and spoke to them about having dogs, had to spend most of my several hour journey hanging out in the doors because I was put in a table seat where the dogs would have been on strangers feet

If you aren't dog friendly then say so!
I would much rather people say, actually our space is too small etc so you can plan

There's nothing worse than having to constantly apologise for dogs being the way when you've paid/ booked for them to be there

It also made me realise how little is set up for one person with dogs, toilets, bars hotels etc seem to assume you can pass them off to someone else to do the important bits

My dog is under control, thanks. Being annoyed is not a crime, and being frightened is something you are responsible for. My dog has no interest in you and does not approach people.

My dogs don't approach people, they too busy sniffing and wanting to get on with their walks.

Don’t you understand that being bitten by a random dog is reason to be afraid of free-ranging dogs? I have a scar on my face to this day. Please try to understand that not everyone is comfortable with dogs and they may have good cause.

Yes, I do understand. But my dog is under control and has no interest in you. She has the right to be out in the park as much as you.

I’m not sure about that!

You're making an awful lot of assumptions about dog owners.
Not all of us are irresponsible.

I was walking my dog and someone stopped to pet him "I'm too old to have my own dog now. One of the reasons I moved here is because there's always a dog to meet when I go out". Too old now myself. This place is Dog City and I like it a lot 🐕

Oh give over!

I was in Cornwall recently, so many dogs! I personally don’t mind the dogs but people hadn’t been clearing up their shite. Looe was particularly bad.

WIth one of the saddest endings ever.

Or he’s reading and replying to peemails!

The problem with dogs is entirely down to people. People getting dogs that are in 'fashion' rather than a dog that fits in with their lifestyle. For example, Huskies need a minimum of 2 hours of high intensity exercise a day. Most owners dont do that. I have a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever. She needs a minimum of 60 minutes a day, plus at least 2 sessions of play like scent training etc. People not training dogs, some dog breeds are easier to train than others. People allowing dogs off leads that can't recall. If your dog cant recall they cant be left off a lead. Ever. there are plenty of dog fields around that you can hire for relatively cheaply. People not picking up after their dog. etc etc. The problem isn't dogs. It's people.

Oh god you're right dogs are everywhere I just found one in my bed, it's really going out of hand !!!

No. She really does. Our local park is very dog friendly. It has an enclosed area for dogs to play in (no booking needed) and a cafe that welcomes dogs.

I'm very sure about that.

Most dog owners are sensible, so you dont need to tell us off like we are children.

😂 You clearly don’t visit my local park! It’s awash with fluffy white bundles rushing around and getting in the way of walkers, runners and cyclists. There’s some kind of altercation on average once a day. I saw a runner tripped up by a bichon frisée which ran up to him. Bloody knees and some very harsh words…but the owner said ‘he just loves runners!’ The runner went ballistic. If I’m honest, it’s that kind of dumb remark which is more irritating than anything else.

I’m a waterfowl lover and loose dogs are a pain in the spring when they have young. Don’t let them bother other people or wild creatures.

Tell the people in your local park. Don’t whinge on the internet and expect unrelated people to be able to do anything about it.

Are you telling me to stop letting my dogs bother other people or wild creatures?

You are coming across as unhinged as you don't know me or anything about my dog owning skills.

Get a life.

@CoffeeCantata moan at the people in your park, doesn't mean the rest of us dog owners are like yours.

We went to a local hotel bar for cocktails last night. Dogs are allowed in. Four different dogs from different families all barking their heads off. Sorry dog owners but it doesn't add up to a good night out.

Are there any chains where those who are scared of dogs can go and relax? I believe Wetherspoons are non-dog but would rather not go to a pub. Costa used to be but now has dogs as does John Lewis. I need somewhere to meet my friend, and she is terrified of dogs having been hospitalised after a dog attack. Any ideas would be much appreciated.