Page 25 | Dog ate my picnic

Manypets · 14/07/2025 06:21

Why are you picnicking in park if you are scared of dogs. Neither of you have exclusivity. Surely there are "no dog" areas by the children's play park. Why not pick somewhere on a bench/table?

It reads like you were sat on the ground and ran away panicking as a dog was approaching..in a park where lets face it dogs will be. Dog smells food on the floor and no one there..bingo. Bye bye food.

Pick more appropriate spots for you? Sit on the floor with food and your chances of dog bombing will increase.

The owner equally poor without doubt but what could she have done? You literally laid out dinner on the floor and ran away. Are
you angry because of the dog, or her reaction.

Zanatdy · 14/07/2025 07:11

Manypets · 14/07/2025 06:21

Why are you picnicking in park if you are scared of dogs. Neither of you have exclusivity. Surely there are "no dog" areas by the children's play park. Why not pick somewhere on a bench/table?

It reads like you were sat on the ground and ran away panicking as a dog was approaching..in a park where lets face it dogs will be. Dog smells food on the floor and no one there..bingo. Bye bye food.

Pick more appropriate spots for you? Sit on the floor with food and your chances of dog bombing will increase.

The owner equally poor without doubt but what could she have done? You literally laid out dinner on the floor and ran away. Are
you angry because of the dog, or her reaction.

Exactly. Why would you sit in a park on the ground if so scared of dogs you’re going to run away (and also cause your child a life long fear of dogs), especially with food that’s going to attract most dogs.

Cherrytree86 · 14/07/2025 07:19

Manypets · 14/07/2025 06:21

Why are you picnicking in park if you are scared of dogs. Neither of you have exclusivity. Surely there are "no dog" areas by the children's play park. Why not pick somewhere on a bench/table?

It reads like you were sat on the ground and ran away panicking as a dog was approaching..in a park where lets face it dogs will be. Dog smells food on the floor and no one there..bingo. Bye bye food.

Pick more appropriate spots for you? Sit on the floor with food and your chances of dog bombing will increase.

The owner equally poor without doubt but what could she have done? You literally laid out dinner on the floor and ran away. Are
you angry because of the dog, or her reaction.

@Manypets

ffs, people are more important than dogs. If Op wants to picnic with her kid (which traditionally means outside, spreading a blanket on the floor and eating the food off there) then she can!

Elephantiner · 14/07/2025 07:30

Zanatdy · 14/07/2025 07:11

Exactly. Why would you sit in a park on the ground if so scared of dogs you’re going to run away (and also cause your child a life long fear of dogs), especially with food that’s going to attract most dogs.

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OP has said it was a park where dogs were meant to be on a lead. Would it not be reasonable to expect dog owners to follow the rules?

Manypets · 14/07/2025 07:32

Cherrytree86 · 14/07/2025 07:19

@Manypets

ffs, people are more important than dogs. If Op wants to picnic with her kid (which traditionally means outside, spreading a blanket on the floor and eating the food off there) then she can!

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She has the right, she used it but didn't take into account other users of the park.

It is common sense...OP put herself in a public shared space where there are no controls over who goes where nor should there be it is
in the name public parks

At the start she had every right to pick up her picnic and put it somewhere where behind a sign that says no dogs or on a table and then the complete right to be offended if the same happens but come on..the floor..would she consider setting up on a football or cricket pitch suitable.

No..she would look for an appropriate place for her (away from the opportunity of dogs visiting) and imo setting up on the floor if you ate scared of dogs is taking that risk,

Misswright88 · 14/07/2025 07:37

People know their dogs..and it pisses me off when their dog isn’t under control. These owners look shocked when they run off, or snap at another innocent dog or passer by!! “Oh he isn’t normally like this” and become defensive, whateverrrrrr!! Unless your dog responds instantly to commands, then they should be on a lead with no exceptions in a busy public place. If this dog ate grapes, he will most likely die and that owner will be entirely responsible! My dog ate one raisin and had to spend 2 days on a drip to save his life.

WhereIsMyJumper · 14/07/2025 07:39

Horses7 · 13/07/2025 22:26

Rubbish - most owners have no control over their dogs off the lead, they don’t bother training either.
Owners and their dogs can be a nightmare - suspect you’re one of them.

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I do think it’s a good thing to teach your dog to recall and walk to heel when off the lead. Even if you don’t take them off lead in busy public places (which you shouldn’t - plenty of suitable places for them to run around off lead) just in case something bad happens - you accidentally drop the lead or they manage to wriggle out of their harness or you were in a rush and didn’t realise you didn’t fasten their collar properly and then at least you know you can get your dog back to you even if it is crowded.

The problem being, as someone mentioned upthread, how do you train a dog to recall and walk to heel in busy crowded places unless you train them in busy, crowded places?

WhereIsMyJumper · 14/07/2025 07:50

Blackoffe · 14/07/2025 01:08

This makes no sense.

Nowadays these dogs are “exposed to those things” and still - look at the behaviour of many of them. They may have been banned from this specific shopping centre in Glasgow, but I see them in many other shopping malls, bookstores, restaurants, public transport etc the list goes on…

I grew up in the 90s and many people in my neighbourhood had chilled out well behaved dogs that didn’t invade places designed for humans such as shopping centres, libraries and restaurants. They didn’t need to be trained to be in these spaces, because most sensible people recognised they shouldn’t be there. For the sake of both the dogs and humans.

They got to sit at home with familiar faces and play in fields and walk around their neighbourhood and relax in their garden, which the dogs probably enjoyed more than going shopping with their owners for makeup and clothes.

many of the more dogs - particularly “lockdown dogs” - go to all these places I’ve listed above. You claim these spaces are an opportunity “to teach” them and yet they seem far more anxious, highly strung “reactive” and badly behaved.

I have seen people let their dogs run up to random people including me in public spaces and behave badly so no, the mere act of taking your dog in these spaces doesn’t automatically teach them how to behave. The owners need to actively train them and many are not.

And it’s not really acceptable to use public spaces as an opportunity to “teach your dog” if it negatively impacts people in the process such as having to dodge poo in shopping centres or as in the catch of OP having your picnic ruined.

And it’s all very well saying it’s the owners fault because yes of course it is, but the point is many of these owners exist and inflict their chaos on everyone. It not being the dogs fault doesn’t really help much.

We need more dog free spaces and many dog owners and dog lovers agree with this too. Not everyone needs to drag their dog around everywhere with them.

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I’m a dog lover and agree with a lot of what you have said. Some places are perfect for dogs - I’ve been on many a hike around the Peak District and observed owners and their dogs - happily trotting along side, having the time of their lives and being well behaved and largely ignoring everyone around them.

In outdoor parks that are busy and allow dogs - they should be on the lead. But with excellent recall on the off chance they become loose.

But having them in John Lewis and Waterstones is madness IMO. A well behaved dog in a pub or cafe I can kind of understand.

What I would want to know is, what if someone’s dog has a tendency to lash out or jump all over and try to play with other people’s dogs and they happen to try it with a guide dog?? I know guide dogs are extremely well trained but what if one got attacked when minding its own business? Better to only allow service dogs in those places IMO

Khayker · 14/07/2025 07:54

MyHeartyCoralSnail · 13/07/2025 18:43

Just listen to yourself “if the police try it on” when the police are stretched to the limits struggling to cope with serious crimes you want to go to an incidence of a dog stealing a picnic. The crime is having a dog dangerously out of control does not cover stealing an unattended sandwich! Christ on a bike.

Sorry we couldn’t attend your domestic violence incident we were too busy tracking down the dog who ate a cream cheese sandwich lying on the floor in the park

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If Christ had been on a bike in the area, there would be no reason to report it to the police. Get a grip, I said report it to the police not dial 999. Can't you read?? PCSOs normally deal with incidents like this rather than officers. ASB Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows for Community Protection Warning/Notices to be issued in circumstances where behaviour persists after a warning. Not going to know if the behaviour persists unless you report it. What suggestions have you got, or would you rather the owner keeps allowing this behaviour until someone gets bitten? Never come between a dog and its dinner which is just as well as its not the dog that needs some boundaries, its the owner.

eastegg · 14/07/2025 08:03

LemondrizzleShark · 14/07/2025 04:58

Lots do but twat dog owners just ignore it. DH was bitten on a supposedly dog-free beach, in the height of summer, by an off lead dog. His fault for jogging in sight of the dog, according to the owner. Runners and cyclists apparently always set this dog off, so what did DH expect?

Police weren’t interested.

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Oh yes, the ones who blame runners for running are an absolute delight aren’t they? How disgraceful to deliberately take a dog off lead when she knows runners ‘set it off’.

I’m really surprised and sorry the police weren’t interested when there was a bite. The bite is excellent evidence that the dog was dangerously out of control which is an offence. I thought they normally prosecuted when there is a bite.

lemonraspberry · 14/07/2025 08:03

Manypets · 14/07/2025 06:21

Why are you picnicking in park if you are scared of dogs. Neither of you have exclusivity. Surely there are "no dog" areas by the children's play park. Why not pick somewhere on a bench/table?

It reads like you were sat on the ground and ran away panicking as a dog was approaching..in a park where lets face it dogs will be. Dog smells food on the floor and no one there..bingo. Bye bye food.

Pick more appropriate spots for you? Sit on the floor with food and your chances of dog bombing will increase.

The owner equally poor without doubt but what could she have done? You literally laid out dinner on the floor and ran away. Are
you angry because of the dog, or her reaction.

Because the whole of society has to adjust their life choices and become dog behavioural experts as dog owners have no manners, zero regard fro anyone except their precious fur baby. Dog bombing is unacceptable. It shows that too many are owned by people who have no idea what they are doing. I remember a time you could picnic outside without some out of control, half trained pest jumping all over you.

I will make sure to have picnics only with grapes, dark chocolate and coffee (actually quite a nice combination) and see if people can control their dogs then.

Pi$$ed off at being sniffed lunged at and jumped over, & seeing dog poo.dog poo bags lying around everytime I leave the house.

Manypets · 14/07/2025 08:05

lemonraspberry · 14/07/2025 08:03

Because the whole of society has to adjust their life choices and become dog behavioural experts as dog owners have no manners, zero regard fro anyone except their precious fur baby. Dog bombing is unacceptable. It shows that too many are owned by people who have no idea what they are doing. I remember a time you could picnic outside without some out of control, half trained pest jumping all over you.

I will make sure to have picnics only with grapes, dark chocolate and coffee (actually quite a nice combination) and see if people can control their dogs then.

Pi$$ed off at being sniffed lunged at and jumped over, & seeing dog poo.dog poo bags lying around everytime I leave the house.

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Righto, everyone keep your dog in, this lady doesn't like them.

lemonraspberry · 14/07/2025 08:11

Manypets · 14/07/2025 08:05

Righto, everyone keep your dog in, this lady doesn't like them.

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YAYYYY - life would be so much better.

Nope some owners can actually control their dogs. they can walk past without a lead and not be a menace to society. Manners all round.

I can see you are of the free spirit training and everyone must love your dog, like the idiot I encountered last night who gave his dog a treat after it hurled itself over someone. But it had a 'friendly' vest on so that is OK 🤔

AngelicKaty · 14/07/2025 08:20

LemondrizzleShark · 14/07/2025 04:58

Lots do but twat dog owners just ignore it. DH was bitten on a supposedly dog-free beach, in the height of summer, by an off lead dog. His fault for jogging in sight of the dog, according to the owner. Runners and cyclists apparently always set this dog off, so what did DH expect?

Police weren’t interested.

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And when your husband pointed out his dog shouldn't have even been there?

Cherrytree86 · 14/07/2025 08:24

Manypets · 14/07/2025 07:32

She has the right, she used it but didn't take into account other users of the park.

It is common sense...OP put herself in a public shared space where there are no controls over who goes where nor should there be it is
in the name public parks

At the start she had every right to pick up her picnic and put it somewhere where behind a sign that says no dogs or on a table and then the complete right to be offended if the same happens but come on..the floor..would she consider setting up on a football or cricket pitch suitable.

No..she would look for an appropriate place for her (away from the opportunity of dogs visiting) and imo setting up on the floor if you ate scared of dogs is taking that risk,

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@Manypets

nah, however you may and try and wrangle it, the OP is not in the wrong, the dogs owner is. But I guess it’s karma seeing as that no doubt will no doubt have shat all over the floor all night

Manypets · 14/07/2025 08:26

Cherrytree86 · 14/07/2025 08:24

@Manypets

nah, however you may and try and wrangle it, the OP is not in the wrong, the dogs owner is. But I guess it’s karma seeing as that no doubt will no doubt have shat all over the floor all night

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They are both wrong imo.

If I were scared of something I wouldn't put myself in its path. If I had a dog I would do my best to control it.

AngelicKaty · 14/07/2025 08:28

echt · 14/07/2025 00:44

How do you stop dogs and what does that even mean? Or crack down on them? Or heavily restrict them?

You do realise that the context of dog ownership in the UK is one where successive governments haven't even got up off their arse to have compulsory registration.

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In Britain, it became a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of eight weeks to be microchipped and registered on an approved database on April 6, 2016.

Cherrytree86 · 14/07/2025 08:32

Manypets · 14/07/2025 08:26

They are both wrong imo.

If I were scared of something I wouldn't put myself in its path. If I had a dog I would do my best to control it.

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@Manypets

basically you’re saying that Op should just never leave her house then given that dogs can be allowed everywhere. Even just walking down the street she’s at risk from a dog not being in control of its owner and not being on a lead. No. Dogs should always be on leads and controlled by their owner, end of.

AngelicKaty · 14/07/2025 08:32

GreatPoster · 13/07/2025 19:54

We had a similar experience when taking our grandchildren to the park for a picnic. The GC are nervous of dogs especially big bouncy ones. So dog and lady owner walked passed, the dog bounced up, we shooed it away owner walked on did nothing. We got picnic out, dog appeared back we shooed to no effect DH called out to owner to keep dog away. She said why should she as we shouldn't have food and her dog had as many rights as our GC.!

That isn't just an arsehole dog-owner, that's an arsehole full-stop.

henlake7 · 14/07/2025 08:37

It is annoying when people don't keep their dogs on leads where they are supposed to.
But it's also tricky dealing with the summer people sometimes!

I once got told off by someone because my dog ran up to someone having a picnic. We entered a park we had been to regularly throughout the year only to be greeted by loads of people picnicking and some sort of fete going on.
My dog ran up to someone before I could call him back because the summer people had taken over the entire park.
Obviously it was wrong the dog ran up to someone but it was a totally unexpected scenario I hadn't trained him for.

I imagine the same applies if your dog is on there normal walk and suddenly finds free food on the floor!

AngelicKaty · 14/07/2025 08:39

August1980 · 13/07/2025 21:18

Why did you run? Aren’t those dogs small-ish? Did he look dangerous?
I suppose he could have attacked you behind the tree if he was. Sorry this happened to you and your little boy.

Why don't you Google a photo of one? They're not very tall dogs, but they're heavy and powerful - males can weigh over 4 stone!

AngelicKaty · 14/07/2025 08:44

SistaPB · 13/07/2025 22:13

What a ridiculous overreaction. Dogs are just scavengers and opportunists. Yes ideally the dog should have been under better control but some times mistakes happen. I also agree the owner could have been more apologetic but really the hysteria about a dog coming over is just ridiculous- if you’d have just sat there and covered the food it would have gone away. It’s very very unlikely that the dog would have been out to attack anyone and if it was its body language would have been a lot more aggressive. Maybe if you’re that terrified, go for a picnic somewhere that doesn’t allow dogs - there are many such parks and playgrounds!

Didn't bother reading all of OP's posts then?

OP has no knowledge of dogs;
there were many signs in the park stating that dogs must be kept on leads.

The dog owner was in the wrong, not OP.

SistaPB · 14/07/2025 08:50

AngelicKaty · 14/07/2025 08:44

Didn't bother reading all of OP's posts then?

OP has no knowledge of dogs;
there were many signs in the park stating that dogs must be kept on leads.

The dog owner was in the wrong, not OP.

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I actually read the full thread. Not sure I recall it saying that there were signs but I do agree that the owner should have had better control of the dog.
however God forbid that OP should actually educate herself and her son about what to do if a dog does come near. I don’t think society will be happy until it becomes like America where dogs are only allowed off lead in dog parks because people get so hysterical.
I’m not super fond of cats - they have been known to come in my house and garden- one once ate some of my roast chicken. Yes it was irritating but I didn’t rant, rave and contact owner for a replacement chicken!!

OonaStubbs · 14/07/2025 08:54

So sick of people making excuses for dogs.

Hangingonthere · 14/07/2025 08:55

givingitupok · 12/07/2025 20:36

Had a picnic with my child today in our local park. Random dog (Shar Pei) appeared out of nowhere and ran over to us. I stood up and picked up my child and ran in a panic and stood behind a tree (probably looked like a total fool doing so but there was nowhere else to go without running towards the dog!). No idea where the owner was at this point. Watched the dog eating our food and also drooling all over our lunch box. Owner suddenly appeared from a path that lead into the park screaming at her dog to 'get here now'. Dog totally ignored her and she had to grab it and literally drag it away and put the lead on it. She apologised but when I asked her if she was going to pay for our food she actually had the gall to say 'you should have picked it up when you saw him coming' !!! I have just got home and this literally only happend 45 mins ago so am still fuming. She did not pay for our food and despite initially apologising, was incredibly arsey and walked off in the opposite direction. My child is very upset and the worst bit is, he has SEN and made everything in the lunch box himself (spread the sandwiches, cut up the apples, broke the chocolate into pieces to fit it in the container, etc). This was quite a big thing for him and he's really upset. I am also on a low income and spent a lot on the food. I took a photo of her and it clearly has her face in it. Not sure why but I just felt like I had to do something. I am not going to name and shame, but I'm just so angry.

Not sure what I want from this thread. Just rather pissed off.

My dog is a scavenger. She is a bouncy lovable animal who is, for the most part, well-trained and amazing with children. But when we are out, she is always on the lookout for food. If she found a picnic laid out, she would behave exactly as this other dog did and no amount of commands from me would stop her. So at this time of year, if we are in an open area where there may be picnics, I keep her on the lead at all times. I walk in quiet paths where we won't meet people eating.

I am so sorry that you met such a rude owner who didn't recompense you for your picnic without question. I keep an emergency fund in my dog-walking bag although I have never had to use it. I am baffled as to how some dog owners think that this is acceptable behaviour from their dog and from them, not all of us are so thoughtless and selfish.