Page 4 | AIBU to think dog owners should actually be responsible for their dogs in public spaces?

Dilemma87 · 2026-03-17T14:22:50+00:00

I’ve had a couple of situations recently that have really annoyed me. First one I was out running along the beach and a dog coming in the opposite direction suddenly ran straight at me and jumped up. I had to shout several times to find the owner, who was on the other side of a wall and couldn’t even see their dog. Then today in an estuary car park, two dogs came flying towards me. I shouted to the owner that I’m scared of dogs and asked him to call them back. His response was to tell me to “go to therapy” because there are “plenty of dogs around.” I don’t have an issue with dogs being in these places at all. Plenty of owners have them on leads or keep them close and under control. But surely if your dog is going to run up to strangers, jump up, or not respond to recall, it should be on a lead? AIBU to think that’s just basic responsibility as a dog owner

WhatAMarvelousTune · 17/03/2026 16:00

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

I’m friendly. My children are friendly. I don’t expect everyone to tolerate them running up to them and making a nuisance of themselves, so I don’t let them. I don’t want to say hello to your dog. I don’t hate dogs, I just have zero interest.

Badbadbunny · 17/03/2026 16:00

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

I am amazed at your awful attitude. Take some bloody responsibility for your dog and that you couldn't be bothered to train it. It's people like you who ARE the problem. Why are you so entitled that you think your right to have your untrained dog off the lead trumps other peoples' right to go about their business without being jumped upon by an untrained dog?

WiddlinDiddlin · 17/03/2026 16:01

No you're not, the law agrees with you, dogs should not be out of control in a public place and if they are and that makes you 'reasonably apprehensive of injury' (note, an injury does not have to actually happen, it just has to be reasonable that you'd fear that outcome) then an offence has occurred.

Did you need to start yet another dog hating thread about it - the root cause of this is irresponsible humans. They are everywhere unfortunately and you'll find as many, or more, are irresponsible with their children, with their driving, with their drinking, with their own behaviour in public... than are irresponsible with dogs.

HappyGreenDay · 17/03/2026 16:02

Holdmybeermoment · 17/03/2026 14:32

Control your dog or put it on a lead. I’m a dog owner.

Show quote history

Must be hard for a good dog owner to be tarred by the same brush. There are so many shit dog owners out there now; it must be hard for the decent owners like you.

Icecreamandcoffee · 17/03/2026 16:02

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

I see you are one of those owners. Your dog is poorly trained and you are an irresponsible owner. You may not think you are but you are.

A properly trained dog does not approach anyone or any other animal unless instructed to by their owner.

There is a real lack of awareness of what a properly trained dog looks like nowadays and I really wish there was mandatory training that owners had to do for their dogs. Irresponsible ownership and poorly trained dogs puts other people and other animals at risk of harm.

Original poster

Dilemma87 · 17/03/2026 16:03

WiddlinDiddlin · 17/03/2026 16:01

No you're not, the law agrees with you, dogs should not be out of control in a public place and if they are and that makes you 'reasonably apprehensive of injury' (note, an injury does not have to actually happen, it just has to be reasonable that you'd fear that outcome) then an offence has occurred.

Did you need to start yet another dog hating thread about it - the root cause of this is irresponsible humans. They are everywhere unfortunately and you'll find as many, or more, are irresponsible with their children, with their driving, with their drinking, with their own behaviour in public... than are irresponsible with dogs.

It’s clearly not a dog hating thread as there is a lot of comments from dog owners.

its an irresponsible, entitled dog owner hating thread ☺️

OP posts:

Tryagain26 · 17/03/2026 16:04

UncannyFanny · 17/03/2026 15:55

See this always interests me. Children are not born with automatic fear of dogs. Even autistic children. So I would be wondering who started flapping around in front of them when they were small and encouraged them to be scared of dogs? My niece for example used to have a melt down if she saw a fly. Nobody considered that my mother running round the house like a lunatic frantically waving her tea towel around every time a fly came in might be connected with that extreme reaction to a fly. It was learned behaviour. Years ago an old neighbours mother used to practically throw herself under the traffic if she saw a dog. Her daughter also used to run across the road with the kid in the pram if she saw a dog. And guess what happens now if the toddler sees a dog? They’ve both passed their own neuroses down to the children - who didn’t even know what a dog was until mummy and nanny started flipping out every time they saw one!

Show quote history

My grandson developed a feat of dogs when a dog jumped up at him and knocked him over!
Nothing to do with people flapping and everything to do with an irresponsible dog owner.
Do you realise you are victim blaming?

Changename12 · 17/03/2026 16:06

UncannyFanny · 17/03/2026 15:55

See this always interests me. Children are not born with automatic fear of dogs. Even autistic children. So I would be wondering who started flapping around in front of them when they were small and encouraged them to be scared of dogs? My niece for example used to have a melt down if she saw a fly. Nobody considered that my mother running round the house like a lunatic frantically waving her tea towel around every time a fly came in might be connected with that extreme reaction to a fly. It was learned behaviour. Years ago an old neighbours mother used to practically throw herself under the traffic if she saw a dog. Her daughter also used to run across the road with the kid in the pram if she saw a dog. And guess what happens now if the toddler sees a dog? They’ve both passed their own neuroses down to the children - who didn’t even know what a dog was until mummy and nanny started flipping out every time they saw one!

Show quote history

I have been scared of dogs ever since one came running up to me as a toddler and knocked me over. It then proceeded to lick me.
I have friends who have well behaved dogs and very good recall. I do not mind these at all. As fit people who think it is OK to let their dogs run up to you…
I have ways now of dealing with dogs. When I walk in the countryside I always take a walking pole and extend it should a dog approach. I have never had to use it but walking poles have a metal point at the end and I think as soon as the owners see this they immediately call their dog over.

HappyGreenDay · 17/03/2026 16:06

Cosyblankets · 17/03/2026 15:52

I'm stunned at the amount of altercations people on here seem to have with dogs wherever they go.

I have a dog. We go to the park every day. He doesn't bother anyone and if I think he will, I put him on a lead. Eg I'll put him on a lead if I see a pushchair because he's nosey and i don't want him nosing in the pram. Or if another dog is on a lead I put him on a lead. If other dogs are walking round off lead the majority are just having a sniff. They'll play together where there are other dogs and owners throwing a ball etc. But in 40 years or so of dog ownership I seem to have had fewer altercations than some posters who go anywhere near other dogs. If what I read on here is to be believed, some people don't seem to be able to leave the house without being accosted by a dog in a park or barked at in a cafe. Where are all these dogs when I go out every single day?
Yes people should be responsible. Of course they should. No one wants a dog in their face. But I just don't see all these out of control dogs everywhere i go

There are lots of people on here. People who have had incidents with dogs would be more likely to post on threads like this. If everybody posting has a couple of incidents, it will seem like a lot to you. Do you not believe people then? That’s usually the inference when people comment like you have.

GiantTeddyIsTired · 17/03/2026 16:08

Christ - my son would have been terrified and inconsolable - he's had a massive fear of dogs since he was small (which honestly, I understand - as a toddler/child it's a massive hairy thing with big teeth 3 times your size barrelling towards you - of course it's scary!)

I would have stood in front of him keeping the dog back but it's completely unacceptable not to have control of your dog, no matter how friendly it is.

As to 'why do people who are scared of dogs go places where there are dogs' - because he wants to go for a stroll in nature?!? Why are uncontrollable animals out where there are humans?

Changename12 · 17/03/2026 16:08

HappyGreenDay · 17/03/2026 16:06

There are lots of people on here. People who have had incidents with dogs would be more likely to post on threads like this. If everybody posting has a couple of incidents, it will seem like a lot to you. Do you not believe people then? That’s usually the inference when people comment like you have.

Show quote history

Completely agree. It is not usual to have an altercation when I go out but I have had a few memorable ones!

HappyGreenDay · 17/03/2026 16:09

UncannyFanny · 17/03/2026 15:47

Well he’s kind of got a point though hasn’t he? You live in a world where you are going to encounter dogs all the time so it’s in your own interests to address your own fears because not every encounter will go the way you want to. Sometimes dogs escape and there won’t be an owner to call
out to, then what? If you deal with your own underlying fears, things like this have far less impact on you and become less significant. Or you can spend the rest of your life consumed by fear in a world where you’re never going to be able to avoid every single contact with a dog.

Show quote history

The only response he should have given was an apology and removed his dog. Secondly, it is not up to him to suggest therapy to someone scared of his dog. And he didn’t say it out of concern of course, he said it as a defensive insult.

GiantTeddyIsTired · 17/03/2026 16:13

I'd suggest training to the bloke who could't control his dog.

TBH, my friend has a dog. Lovely dog, wouldn't harm a fly - but a lurcher, so large and fast (and all elbows). She doesn't have control of it. She isn't putting in the effort to keep control of it. Another friend has a mongrel the same.

Growing up, my aunt had a progression of dogs who were all beautifully behaved - even when (as rescues) they sometimes came to her quite nervous (the nervous once she would warn us were nervous, and keep away from extra people - especially children - until (if ever) they were calm and had control). Because she put in the time and effort to train them.

All of these dogs are loved and cared for. But a lot of owners in my experience aren't prepared to put in the work to have well trained dogs.

Hellohelga · 17/03/2026 16:15

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

I’m sure your dog is lovely and I bet the majority of people are happy to say hello back. But you are going to get slaughtered because a significant proportion of MN loathe dogs.

pippy1958 · 17/03/2026 16:17

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

I am always amazed that dog owners think everyone loves dogs! People may not like dogs running up to them, do you not understand that? They don't know that they are not friendly, or that they aren't dirty. And why should other people keep away from areas where dogs are likely to be? Away from parks, forests, etc?

Verv · 17/03/2026 16:21

No, you're right.
Dog owners have to take responsibility for their dogs, both for the safety of the dog, and for the comfort of those around them.

The number of shit owners these days is quite staggering.
And "he's friendly" isnt an excuse when your dog is jumping up at somebody else.

I say this as a dog owner.
It fucks me off that we all (and dogs) get given a bad name because of bone idle cant be bothered to train owners.

gabsdot45 · 17/03/2026 16:25

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

This is a very unreasonable attitude IMO.
You're part of the problem. Dogs should be kept on a lead

PeonyPatch · 17/03/2026 16:27

Another dog bashing thread 🙄

BeBrickPlayer · 17/03/2026 16:27

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

But not everyone wants to say hello to your dog and we have as much right to be there as you. Often there are few places to go without dogs

Tryagain26 · 17/03/2026 16:34

PeonyPatch · 17/03/2026 16:27

Another dog bashing thread 🙄

Edited

It's not.
It's an irresponsible and entitled dog owners bashing thread and sadly there are many more around now

FalseSpring · 17/03/2026 16:38

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

This is precisely the problem with dog owners. They all assume that everyone else is ok with dogs. Dogs should be on leads or under CLOSE control at all times in public.

Passaggressfedup · 17/03/2026 16:38

People who are scared of dogs seem very unlucky in how they attract dogs and bad behaviour. This never happens to me despite being out with my dog every day!

Devilsmommy · 17/03/2026 16:42

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

People should be able to go about their day without being jumped on by a smelly dog. Just because dogs are allowed to be in places doesn't mean the owner shouldn't keep it in line. I bet you'd be different if your dog got a kick for jumping up, which it would deserve because you should have control over it and people don't have to put up with it

NewZebra · 17/03/2026 16:45

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 17/03/2026 14:25

My dog is very friendly and so does run up to people just to say hello. I am always amazed that people who would get upset by a friendly dog insist on going to places where there are lots of dogs.

Wow you are the absolute epitome of entitled dog owners. So fucking selfish.

DanaScullysLegoHair · 17/03/2026 16:48

Passaggressfedup · 17/03/2026 16:38

People who are scared of dogs seem very unlucky in how they attract dogs and bad behaviour. This never happens to me despite being out with my dog every day!

I can assure you that all the incidents I personally described happened and I was just minding my own business.

As for the other poster who said we all must be flapping about and carrying on, nope - I was minding my own business. In fact, the dog who jumped up at my back when I was jogging in the park obviously did so from behind. I stopped dead as soon as it happened. The owner didn't call it back or even apologise to me. Same as the dogs who ran at us on the beach and drew blood on my DP's hand - owner present, didn't call them back or apologise. We were literally walking about 10 metres away chatting to each other.

Some dog owners are selfish arseholes, some aren't.