Bloody families

[hattie43]

Ok I'm going to rant . It's a lovely day here and what should have been a glorious walk has turned into stress .

Why oh why do families think it ok to block whole width of paths so no one else can get by . 6 / 8 people , buggies , strollers , toddlers hand held , toddlers loose , toddlers screaming if they see a dog within 50ft , parents glaring at you despite your dogs being on leads , grandad on sticks , older children on bikes etc etc myself and others just couldn't walk today because so many inconsiderate families were out .

None of it matters except they're blocking the whole path to those who aren't dawdling and want to get by .

I feel we need paths like lanes in swimming pools . Fast / slow / stop

Add to that those families also bringing their barely walked, untrained dog ...

Why can’t you just say smile and pleasantly say “excuse me can I come past?” Or make some harmless joke about being a fast walker or the dog being a fast walker and thus can you squeeze past?
I personally think it’s great that families are out with their kids grand parents buggies and bikes etc enjoying a family walk on a spring day.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the “lovely day” we’ve had a long wet winter why get stressed because a few families are walking slowly enjoying themselves? Whats the hurry?

Ah, OP.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from mumsnet, it’s that dogs are the devil (even well trained ones) and children can do no wrong.

Fully agree with you though!

Completely agree but you're now going to get a pile-on for daring to take your dog on a walk where the are children.

Totally agree with you, but you're going to get slammed on here

I don't know why you were in such.a rush are people not allowed out to enjoy the day was it stressful for you or your dog ?

Surely you just tut and glare if other people are being ridiculous

Just get a bigger scarier looking dog - they part like the waves before Moses when they see my boy heading their way (in reality, he is big soft teddy bear!)

Really ? I thought mumsnet was dog friendly most people in the real world don't want a dog they don't know bounding up to them but that's hardly hating dogs is it

It's called 'life'! It's just been Easter holidays here and everywhere is busier than usual with families. I know myself and other dog owners usually retreat to quieter places, during such times.

This. It's just life on a nice day you can't be offended at people walking about when you are doing the same.

Yes we actively avoid the areas popular with families, shouldn’t have to but we do, it’s just not worth the stress. Luckily we live on the edge of the Cotswolds so can usually find a walk that kids are unlikely to do.

I think what the OP is objecting to is people dawdling along 6 abreast with no regard for who might be stuck behind them. Had it in my gym yesterday - mum and 3 small kids walking at a snails pace all in a row, queue of people behind them.

Walk your dog where there are less people.

I am a cat person but will take a dog over a child any day. I really dislike children 😁

OP said her dog was on a lead…I was sympathising with her. Nothing to do with dogs bounding up at all? You seem to have missed the point of her post

It's a public space though - they have as much right to dawdle as you do to walk briskly.
Just say 'excuse me please' and walk past. Not your problem if their kids are nervous of the dog, since he's on a lead - that's for the parents to deal with

I have the answer . I will do as you say and pass by. , then will stop in front of them and allow my extendable leads to cover the whole path , and then dawdle . Karma .

Your point was "mumsnet" hates dogs and I was pointing out that most mumsnetters don't like out of control dogs which reflects the real word but on the whole mumsnet is dog friendly.

I mean you can do that if you like it's your dog walk I mean it's petty and it doesn't sound like you like anybody getting in your way.

You could do that @hattie43 , they will say 'excuse me' and pass you, and then will likely dawdle and you'll say 'excuse me' and pass, so the cycle begins again

Go somewhere less crowded next time?

Yes, it’s mixed space. Cyclists, families joggers and dog walkers all need to weave their way around each other.

The cyclist shouldn’t hurtle silently past people, the dogs shouldn’t jump up and the scared of dogs people shouldn’t scream at the dog that’s minding its own business.

A proper feat of courtesy that seems generally under practiced these days.

I get your point but im
an impatient bugger. I tend to find a cheery ‘excuse me’ works.

I think if you go anywhere buggy / wheelchair / toddler friendly then you probably have to just accept the slower pace. It's definitely not the case on proper off road footpaths.

There is a beauty spot near us that heaves with humanity on any fine weekend or bank holiday from March to October until about 5pm.

I avoid it like the plague and select the most obscure walks I can, or wait till 5.30.

Honestly, OP, if you can that it is the best solution.