Public Parks and Dogs

[BloomingMarvellous]

We were walking in the park today when a woman with two large dogs off leads approached. There was a young couple between us both. One of the dogs, bigger than a Labrador, jumped up at the young lad and put its paws on his chest before running back to the woman. He was brushing the mud off his t shirt when the dog came bounding back. He was obviously quite scared of the dog so both of them huddled together to try and avoid it.

The dog then came bounding towards us. I shouted to the woman "please get your dog away from me, I'm frightened of them". She said something about "don't be so silly", to which I replied "theres lots of people like me frightened of dogs". Her reply was "well you shouldn't come to the park, then".


What kind of mentality is that? Why do these people think that out of control dogs have priority over humans walking in the park????????????

Spoilt my day it did, it was ages before I calmed down

[2dogs2000]

I have 2dogs and I would never allow my dogs to approach people unless the people in question wanted to approach them. Whenever they are loose and I see people approaching I always put them on the lead. Years ago I used to be petrified of taking my dog (now deceased) for a walk because of other people letting their dogs loose and telling me how friendly they were. What they didn't realise was that the dog I had at the time wasn't so friendly towards other dogs and that was why I kept him on a lead.

The park is for everyone. Not just for dogs and reckless owners.

Sorry your trip to the park was spoilt. Not all dog owners are so thoughtless.

[shaun a]

I also have two dogs both Jack Russells and I wouldn't even let them off their leads in a public place,also as one of my dogs is from a rescue centre so I don't know its full history it always has a muzzle on when out.We have a large garden and if they need to run they can do it there.I know a few people who are frightened of dogs and wouldn't let mine near them

[posie]

...Oh BM, poor you. Apart from the fact that some people are nervous of dogs, there are other issues here. 1) the dog made somebody's clothes muddy..2) the dog could have caused the person to fall over. 3) the dog could cause somebody to become frightened of dogs, when they previously weren't. 4) If a person had touched or pushed somebody, plastering them in mud, the police would arrest them and they would be charged with a criminal offence..eg.Common assault or similar. 5) people will be deprived of being able to walk in the park without fear of similar incidents. I do understand that people want to let their dogs off for a run, but the park should be divided into two sections, one where dogs must stay on leads, and one where they can run.......Just my opinion BM....Hope you're feeling better now..Posie

[BloomingMarvellous]

Can I just say that we saw hundreds of very well behaved Dogs and owners whilst out on this same walk today, which I had no problem with at all.

A very large out of control dog bounding towards you is a completely different kettle of fish!!!!!

I lived to tell the tale Posie.

[neldadog]

I think the real issue hear is the woman did not apologize and remove her dog immediately. That is well out of order.

I am not scared of dogs and often have them jumping up at me, but people always apologize - never came across someone who hasn't.

Is this more an issue respect for you fellow man/women rather than the natural habit of dogs?

[ogwen]

Unfortunately there is a small minority of people who are irresponsible selfish owners, the majority are fine, theres lots of well behaved dogs by us but there were one or two who spoilt dog walks for a lot of people :/

Ive had a german shepard come close to attacking my cairn terrier, it was only the fact that i picked her up and put a knee in the dogs face that he thought it better not to attack (Foolish thing to do I know was only thinking of protecting my dog at the time). Ive Had two jack russels come barreling towards me at another time circling me and barking viciously it was only cos i faced them and said No forcefully that they left me alone, if i had been scared and screamed im certain they would have bitten me. The owners in both these cases had no control of them and to let them off the lead like that was pure stupidity . The owner of the shepard dog even said thank you to me

[Pete Collins]

I know how you feel, BloomingMarvellous. I've had several similar experiences with ignorant, inconsiderate and irresponsible dog owners. They make my blood boil too!

[earthdragon64]

Dogs are supposed to be kept under control in public places, it may have been worthwhile following the dog owner back to her car and getting the index number, or to her home and getting her address, if not too far, which would give the police or dog wardens something to go on, they do take reports seriously, but need info on the owner to be able to do anything.

Two years ago I was walking my then almost 12 year old Labrador, on his lead in local woodland. A Boxer dog came out of nowhere, barrelled into my old boy, knocking him clean off his feet, then picked him up by the scruff of his neck and started shaking him.

Before I could place a well-aimed kick where it would do most good, the owner ran up yelling "It's ok, he hasn't got teeth" and started ineffectually trying to pull her dog off mine, getting in my way.

Eventually she managed to get her dog off mine and on a lead, that wasn't what angered me most though, my dog was fine apart from being a bit shaken up. What got me screaming like a fishwife at her, was when she turned round to the bloke with her and said "that's exactly what I mean, one minute he's fine, the next minute he's attacking", so knowing her dog attacks other dogs, she lets him run loose!

To say I was incandescent with rage is probably an understatement, I don't really remember much of what I said, apart from asking if she was born that stupid or went on a course. I also demanded she tell me her name and address, she was so shocked that she did.

I then contacted the police who went round and spoke to her, it turned out it wasn't the first time her dog had been reported. After that the dog was kept on a lead, she was warned that one more complaint would mean the dog being re-homed or put down. I absolutely don't blame the dog, it's the owner who is at fault.

[wizzo]

Blooming Marvellous, as a dog owner myself, I sypathize with your bad experience. Dog owners like these really annoy me as they give responsible owners a bad name. I hope you wern't too badly traumitised. The law as I understand it, could mean these dogs potentially being destroyed. A dog doesn't have to bite to be deemed a danger. The fact that you were put in a situation like this can sometimes be enough. Maybe if you see this woman again, you could put her straight on that fact. It may just do the trick. On behalf of good owners, I apologise. Wizzo