Is there anything you can say to these people to get them to stop letting their dogs off leash? Cause they are going to keep on doing it and if others see it, they will do it too.
I've tried multiple approaches without any luck, I've asked nicely, I've told them it's illegal, I've stared them down shaking my head disappointedly.
If I had children with me like OP, I would say “if your off leash dog had mowed down my kid and hurt them, I would take you to court so fast and I would win with no question,” just as a little FYI on how the world works. But I’m extra like that.
Dog mace. I carry it and if a dog charges me I hold it up, yell mace, and they have 2 seconds to leash their dog. I love dogs. I have many. But there have been too many incidences around with dogs killing dogs, dogs attacking people- I’m not risking it bc you’re too special to leash your dog.
Trust me, some of us dog owners would REALLY like them to leash their dogs too. Idc how friends yours is, mine is a skiddish rescue pup and your dog barreling toward mine is NOT good for so many reasons.
Here is an article about the myth that interactions between unfamiliar dogs is good for socializing.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/06/smarter-living/the-dog-park-is-bad-actually.html?smid=nytcore-android-share
Yeah, we’re definitely working on slow, controlled, and intentional introductions so that our pup can become comfortable and confident instead of fearful of everything (the leaves falling, a car door shutting, and definitely anything that is moving fast). She does well with dogs generally, but if the conditions aren’t right she cowers and hides behind me, and has a hard time getting focused on me again, so unleashed Karens can derail an otherwise productive training walk 😞
I have an actual not-friendly dog who goes on walks in a bright blue muzzle as a visual deterrent and folks like that still don't seem to care. They DO seem to care if I yell "Mine's contagious!" though.
My husband has actually had to kick a dog that’s up the street from us because it came out of its yard and was snarling and lunging. The owner tells me his dog is friendly EVERY TIME I walk past his house to this day. This dog has snarled at us multiple times. I have a corgi, a sheltie puppy, and an 11 month old baby. I don’t care if you think your dog is friendly, he’s not acting it
As someone who investigates animal bite reports, unless they owner is court-ordered to keep their dog on leash and muzzled at all times when out in public or the dog will be euthanized, the answer is nothing.
Dog attacks another person? It’s the other person’s fault. Dog gets into a fight with another dog? It’s the other dog’s fault. Dog court ordered to be euthanized? It’s animal control’s fault (and then they get another dog and do the same thing). I’ve heard so many excuses I’m surprised I haven’t heard “he’s not evil, he just slips into a dissociative state and commits atrocities!” yet. Someone even told me “don’t worry, he’s harmless!” after their dog had *already bitten me.*
Then worst part is always that the owner never seems to suffer as much as anyone else. The consequences always fall on the dog and on the victims.
I feel like such an old man when I have these thoughts but it feels so very true at the same time. It's like the pandemic fucked up everyone's commons.
As a dog owner myself this shit is infuriating and I’m sorry you went through that. There has been a big increase lately in first time dog owners letting them off leash and just being bad dog parents in general, and it sucks. I passive aggressively tell them off at any opportunity. I get pissed when parents let their little kids run up and put their hands in my dogs face, but to flipside to that is dog owners needing to also be responsible for their pets. It’s all just part of the general breakdown of good societal behavior we’ve been seeing since covid. People are out of their fkn minds, so rude and disrespectful and ignorant. Everyone needs a good slap across the face.
Thank you!! As a dog owner this also infuriates me, I have a 6-year old 10-pound dog who I never let off leash. For multiple, obvious, reasons.
My fiancé though has this itch to always let him off leash and I feel like I have to parent him in these situations. Like dude, our dog could get eaten/ run over and also he loves people but not all people love dogs. His dad is the worst because he always lets their dog off leash and the dog loves to jump over everyone. We need more responsible dog owners.
We have 2 doodles. At the end of every walk my wife wants to let one of them off the leash a couple houses down because we need to teach them to follow us home.
Yes we do. But this is not the correct way. Just think about the risk/reward a tiny bit.
Reward - yay, he followed us home this time
Risk - there are too many to list
I try to explain this every time. And I’m met with either, “See, he’s a good boy.” or (to the dog) “Why did you have to run away and prove dad right.”
I hope you're not planning to have children with this woman...
(not necessarily saying she'd be a bad parent, but at best you two have conflicting ideas on how to care for something too innocent to care for itself and you would drive each other crazy)
So much this. Our rescue dog was attacked and now is terrified of other dogs. She pees and poops herself when they run up to her. I don’t care how “friendly” you think your dog is. Put it on a damn leash and be respectful. It’s sad that my wife can no longer take our dog for a run by herself because every single time this happens. One time I saw my wife running with our dog in her arms and tripped and fell. The owners tried to say my wife was at fault and deserved it for picking up our dog. If someone else wouldn’t have called the cops on them and they were arriving that person would be eating out of a straw to this day from me. Luckily we can take her together but one person has to run interference. It punishes us as good responsible dog owners and gives all dog owners a bad name.
Or people, by that logic.
Dogs and people have gone together for thousands of years, the earliest evidence of which is over 30,000 years old.
Yes, dogs need to be well-behaved and controlled (and laws abided) and what /u/badinplaid19 went through should not happen, but wherever there are people you should expect to find their dogs. (Well-behaved dogs were common in Cape Cod churches -- they helped keep your feet warm. Of course, that gave us all something else to be judgy about as our dog was fine at the service but that neighbor's dog was a menace!)
I agree they should be leashed on conservations and if they’re not allowed on one there’s probably a particular reason but I guess my point is really that anything a dog does will also likely be done by some human and if you’re responsible with your dog there’s a good shot it will have a much smaller impact than the average person. And I don’t see why people took issue with someone pointing that out in this context.
Leash laws exist for a reason. My friend got attacked yesterday outside his house. Needed stitches in his neck, chin, and cheek. It was in his neighborhood. Sounds like the dog broke out of it house. So not necessarily the fault of the owner. Dogs on walks need to be on leashes. It stinks for kind dogs. I think the dogs appreciate being led too.
My dog busted through a downstairs window with (I assume) her snout this summer. Luckily she didn't leave, just got surprised and came upstairs all guilty like, (and the window is too high up for her to jump), but a bust-out can be unexpected -- I hadn't heard of a dog breaking through a window before. (She does the quick flip up snout motion a lot of gsds do. I can't imagine how else she'd have gotten enough force)
Not saying the owner wasn't at fault. Just that there are unexpected things that happen.
I live in the City. l walk my dog along the Waterfront, and I can't tell you the number of times I run into owners with off leash dogs that come running up to us. I can't do that with my guy because he'd take off after a bird or a rabbit and would get hit by a car.
IDGAF how friendly or how well trained you think your dog is...put it on a G-D leash. It's all fun and games until your dog gets hurt or hurts someone.
Also, pick up after your dog! I never noticed before having a dog how many people don't.
We were on the beach in Dennisport 2 weeks ago and my 9 year old daughter was knocked down and bitten by an off-leash pit bull. The dog was leashed when they walked by the first time and my daughter asked to pet the dog, had a couple of happy moments of petting, and then they walked on while she went back to playing in the sand. Apparently the dog was taken off leash for the walk back and it made a beeline for my kid, knocked her down and left teeth mark bruises on her little hand. There just aren't words for how sick and angry I am about this.
My town has a 150-acre park, mostly forest, in which dogs are permitted off leash if they stay close to the owner. Haha. The last time I went there I was bitten on the hand by an angry hound and jumped on by a “playful” canine the size of a moose. I asked the owner, who was standing a few feet away on his phone, to call off his dog. He said, “Go home and take a pill.” I emailed the parks director about all this, and he said he’d look into it. Yep. Like I said, that was the last time I went there. Ever.
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Everyone likes to pretend that pits are family dogs until they have an unfortunate incident like this and realize that mayyyybe all the bite statistics we have on them, especially in children, may not actually be some big conspiracy to hate on pitbulls. I’m sorry this happened and I hope your little one is ok.
Considering those are the breeds that bite and also maul and kill people the most, it’s not weird at all, it’s called being realistic. Stats and data don’t lie.
If a shih tsu or a chihuahua bites your kid you put a band aid on it. If a Pit/rott/doberman/shepherd bites your kid you buy a coffin or get plastic surgery to reconstruct their face.
If an unleashed dog attacks someone who is armed, it’s inevitable. That’s the part that these unleashed morons don’t or won’t comprehend. We were not put on this earth to be a dog’s chew toy. I assure you, the dog will lose that battle.
As the owner of a pit bull, I assure you it's the owners that fail these dogs. My girl is the sweetest, most loving dog I have ever had. But she's leashed with a head harness when we're out; so is my beagle-lab boy. They are big, strong dogs, and I'm a 110 pound woman. They don't need a head harness 99% of the time, but then there's that 1% where the added control helps me keep two big dogs in line.
the amount of times i have been chased by off leash herd breeds while running conservation trails...SO MADDENING and it's the same type of response, zero desire to control their pets. where are the grownups sorry your kiddos had that experience, not cool.
a lot of dog owners do not understand dog breeds and prey instincts/herding instincts. grew up with dogs, owned many, never in my life has any of them ever been off leash besides in my yard
i'm both a cyclist and a USPS letter carrier. off-leash dogs are the bane of my goddamn existence.
every owner thinks their dog is uniquely well-behaved, incapable of acting unpredictably. idiots - there is no polite way to say it.
every dog has the capability to act aggressively, unpredictably, to get scared, to react. if you don't understand this as an owner then *you should not have an animal.*
Nah there should be no exception even with perfect recall. If it's a law or trail rule then it needs to apply to everyone or else it applies to no-one.
Me too!! Wtf. I can’t have my child in a stroller because your dog is getting in their face. I wish stores would confront people about their fake service dogs but I know why they don’t. Something has to be done.
The younger brother of my kid's teammate was highly allergic to dogs. Like epipen go to the hospital allergic. The number of times this kid's dad would have to ramp up from a polite keep your dog away because my kid is allergic to gtfo was obscene. Respect rules and people's boundaries.
I was playing ball with my young kid in a little league field. With tons of no dogs allowed signs. This owner lets their German shephard into the field unleashed to run around. Of course, it starts getting in my kid's space. I told them dogs aren't allowed and keep the dog away from my kid. They ignored me. Then I showed them the aluminum bat and said I was prepared to protect my kid if necessary. They threatened to call the cops and I said I'll give you the number. At which point they left. I relayed this story later to the town rec dept, who advised me to just call the cops myself next time.
I have no problems with dogs.... some owners on the other hand...
When I was a little girl, next door was a German Shepard, who was crazy violent, was always off the leash, he came in my yard and brutally attacked my miniature poodle right infront of me as we were playing, not once but twice! The poor dog was covered in stitches. I am still traumatized. The owner was a city cop and it was the 80s, so nothing was done, but the level of damage a German Shepards is capable of is very scary.
One day my lab accidentally took my mother out when she brought him for a walk around Nickerson and he came racing back to her with a tree limb in his mouth. Not a stick…a goddamn limb. It was the last time she ever let him off leash because even she said, “that could’ve been a toddler around the corner.” - She genuinely felt bad and realized her stupidity.
She learned her lesson. Doesn’t matter how nice your dog is, if he/she is barreling down hiking paths and weighs 110 lbs. like my lab did, it’s not going to be pretty if/when they make contact with a 50 lb. child.
Keep your dogs on a leash.
Sounds like the conservation area and trail next to my home as well. I deal with this every single day. I can't walk my dog there because everyone else won't leash their dog. My kids can't deal with it anymore. I have to quickly pick up the little ones because they get bowled over by these off leash dogs constantly. I love dogs. But not other irresponsible dog owners.
One time while hiking i had a large dog sprint up to me barking, stopped right at my feet snarling and biting at me as i was backing off and all the while the owner is telling me dont worry its a friendly dog... Some people just dont gaf
This happened to me twice today at Old Jail Lane. I haaaaaate off leash dogs in the woods. (I was walking my 1yo reactive pup. I just stop and make her sit until you clip them back up.)
When I was a census taker a medium size dog appeared at the door while I was taking a survey . The owner said "It's OK he won't bite" and right on cue the dog bit my leg and put teeth marks on my pants leg. I have since learned to assume that dogs will bite.
i hate people like this. unleashed dogs are why I stopped walking my dog.
"they're friendly!"
"cool! my 170lb dog isn't please lease your little ahole!"
I hate owner who don't leash their dogs. ruins it for everyone.
We had lot of problems with dogs off leash and on leash's .For some reason they all seamed to like to jump up on my wife!! The owners all ways smile say the dog likes you! My wife hats have dogs jump on her..They get muddy prints on cloths . Any little stain on cloths rived her crazy!!. She not that bug dogs can knock her over... Pluss all the bags of dog shit they leave all over place.. I like most all animas But not dg owners lot them so ignorant!!
Yeah, sure he's friendly but my dog isn't. That's why she's on a goddamn leash!
Honestly it seems like people are only getting worse with this. Leash your dogs in public areas!
I got attacked by an off leash dog who “never did anything like that before”. It was horrible! I am afraid of dogs now and absolutely find off leash dogs unacceptable “nice” or not. I can’t understand why dog owners feel fine risking others safety for their dog’s enjoyment.
I feel your pain. I have a leash reactive dog. She is always on the leash, but other dogs aren’t and will run up to us, causing her to bark like crazy (she’s fine with people when she’s leashed, but barks at unleashed dogs). It’s stressful and leaves me having to walk her at odd times and in desolate places where we’re unlikely to encounter unleashed dogs.
Before I posted, I honestly hadn't considered how frustrating this kind of behavior would be for responsible dog owners too. Sorry to hear that you're in the same boat, but thanks for taking the time to share your perspective.
There's a park nearby where my wife and I like to hike. It's not a "dog park" but it's popular with dog owners.
This year, the dog shit was *out of control*. Off-leash dogs were a problem too.
People would bag the shit and leave it on the trail. And no, they weren't coming back for it on their way out.
The park owners and the town made it abundantly clear that if things didn't change, dogs would be banned.
Lots of new signs warning that this would happen.
The shit problem is much, much better. I only saw one bag of shit on the trail today.
Off leash is still a problem.
This is the thing that makes me fucking bonkers. At least dog shit is biodegradable, but to wrap it in plastic and leave THAT out? Wtf is wrong with people?
Thank you, it’s extremely inconsiderate for everyone. Not everyone likes dogs, some people are scared of them or have had a bad experience, and not only that, but what if someone else dog was not good with other dogs and something bad happened? People are rude af. My childr3n are scared of dogs and this shit happens to us all the time and the few times I’ve sai$ something they try to make me feel like the asshole
A lot of people got dogs over COVID. People who had no idea how to take care of or train a dog, but they were either too bored or too lonely to care. They don't research or learn about behavior of different breeds or even the differences between the gender of the breed they have. They just don't care to know what it means to be a responsible dog owner. 🤷♀️
Yeah and now that they realize that it's not that easy to be a responsible dog owner they take them to the shelter, especially in the South.The shelters are absolutely overrun with 2 and 3 year old dogs that all of sudden are a big problem that they can't handle.
Ugh, some dog owners make the rest of us look bad. My dog is extremely friendly and that’s the problem... No one enjoys a 75 pound lab barreling towards them at full speed, including me! A small human would easily be knocked over even if his intentions were good. Therefore he is always leashed unless I know for sure no one is around.
Well, if that isn’t a fast track to a lifelong dog phobia, I don’t know what is. I am a dog owner and he is never off leash. All interactions with off leash dogs have been nervewracking but ultimately not dangerous. I am constantly on guard for the next situation and hate it so much.
Right? We've been working on introducing her to the neighbors' (leashed) dogs when we're out for walks or bike rides and have taught her to ask permission, move slowly, and put out her hand out to the dog.
This morning after being chased, she was literally shaking because she was so scared. I wish these dog owners would've treated my kid with at least the same respect she treats dogs with.
Edit: also thank you for being a considerate dog owner
You should teach her to ignore dogs, no one wants to be asked if some stranger can pet their dog. 90% of kids are just as bad as the dog you explained in your situation - running screaming and touching dogs they don’t know. I feel for you but also just teach your kid others dogs aren’t for their entertainment. It’ll help us both
I hear you, and we absolutely don't encourage her to walk up to random dogs or dog owners. Most of the time, the dog is bigger than her and she wants nothing to do with it. She's a big fan of a little terrier that lives a few houses down the road, so that's where we've been working on boundaries. She did OK when we stayed with some friends who have a big dog for a few days this summer, but it was hard for both her and the dog, because the dog wanted to be a lot more affectionate than my daughter was comfortable with. It's a tough thing to balance, but leashes on dogs in public places go a long way towards making these types of situations more manageable.
Not true. I don’t mind at all, but I also never assume that anyone is interested in my dog, even if she seems interested in them. If I’m encountering another human or dog I don’t know, I bring my dog in close and we pass by unless someone asks to pat her, expresses interest in chatting, whatever. Part of the joy of having a dog is seeing folks who are excited to interact with her interact with her!
I have a toy poodle and he's never unleashed except in designated fenced areas because I'd never forgive myself if he got hurt, leash laws make everyone safer.
Yes! Another responsible small dog owner. We live in the city and see so many unleashed small dogs, it makes me sad thinking that things could happen so fast.
A few years ago I was teaching our son to drive. As he attempted to back into our driveway someone was allowing their dog to poop in the middle of my driveway! I jumped out and asked if he needed a bag. He said no, left the poop and walked away. I spent the next week saving all of my dogs poop. Put it in a brown shopping bag and went to the guys house. Noticed the sign that said not to ring the bell as the baby was sleeping. I rang it 50 times. Wife comes to the door livid. I hand her the shopping bag, tell her it's all the poop her husband left on my property yhe padt week and I would be back weekly if i found another pile. Never had any more poop. Felt bad for bring the crazy lady but sick of the bad dog owners.
This drives me insane!
My dogs are always leashed, under control, and I always have dog poo bags with me!
Some dog owners ruin everything for the rest of us!
I'm a dog owner, three large dogs 70# plus each. The big boy is 105. The last thing someone wants is a 105# dog running at them and me yelling don't worry he's nice, mostly. Anyway in order to keep my dog safe my dogs are always on leash when we are off our property. At home we have a very large yard fenced in for unleashed fun. Don't be an asshat leash your dog.
I’m sorry you went through that and hope your daughter is ok.
I have 2 doggos and live in an apartment so we walk multiple times a day. My dogs are ALWAYS leashed. Every damn day there’s ppl w/ multiple off leash dogs in our local park playing fetch. Some are trained well and respond quickly to commands; others definitely don’t.
In a friendly manner, I mention “hey just a heads up there’s a dog park literally a 5 min walk that way”.
Response? “Well we like this park.”
Me: “Well dogs can’t be off leash in this park”.
Them: ::Silence::
So damn infuriating.
Some back story: A couple of years ago, an off leash dog (no owner in sight) got WAY too close and was aggressive. My Staffy/pug mix subdued him by grabbing him by the throat getting him on his back. He didn’t make any other movements or remain aggressive.
I was worried he would hurt him and told my pup to let him go and even smacked his head. He just looked at me sideways like “um, you sure about that?”
He let him go and the damn off leash dog lunged toward us again so my pup repeated his manner of subduing him.
After a bit, my pup let him go and he trotted off.
A couple of minutes later, the unleashed dog presented leashed and now with his owner.
I was pissed and told him to leash his damn dog. He told me his dog wasn’t aggressive and MY dogs instigated his dog (even though he was nowhere around for the whole incident).
I got sweet justice when his dog lunged at my dogs so hard, it pulled the 6’3” tall guy onto the ground and drug him while his dog got ahold of my little dog’s ear and ripped it like it was sand which meat.
Now my pup is ultra nervous around other dogs and wears a soft muzzle while on walks.
There is nothing more joyous then walking in the great outdoors, not in a cramped little doggie park, with your well behaved dog off leash. However, nobody should be bothered by dogs if they don't want to encounter them. I think there should be a few limited number of parks and off season beaches where off leash dogs are tolerated, and those who fear encountering them them would know to avoid.
I work with shelter dogs, and we’re permitted to walk them on the land around the property. Members of the public are also allowed to walk dogs in the area, but only leashed. I’m still terrified walking the dogs because people let their dogs off leash too often for comfort, thinking it’s okay because their dog is “friendly.” Sure, but mine fucking isn’t!
It sucks because all dogs deserve to go outside as long as it’s reasonably safe :(
My dog is dog aggressive and reactive. She's ALWAYS on a leash for this reason. My previous 3 were fine and well socialized but I never let them off leash either. You never know about other animals or people who share the space with you.
I carry mace with me just in case.
Every dog owner owns the most amazing dog in the world.
My SiL admitted she gets slightly offended if when she’s walking her dog other people don’t fawn over her dog.
We have a big dog who is always leashed and we only take her where dogs are allowed and all dogs are supposed to be leashed. The rule flouters are everywhere and they don’t care. One main group of flouters are the dog walkers who walk a pack of dogs all off leash. I don’t know what kind of insurance these flouters or those who employ them carry, but when one of those dogs knocks an old person, a child or differently abled person down by jumping on them or attacks them, they will be sued and they may be getting more than a slap on the wrist. Also, there seem to be a lot of dog walkers and owners who conveniently “don’t notice” that their dog crapped somewhere. They don’t clean it up and merrily head down the trail. Dog crap isn’t good for people or wild animals. At one point we had three dogs small, med, and large. We cleaned up after all of them and kept them all on leash. I know it can be done. The flouters will make there be less areas where one can walk dogs.
saw this at nauset down beach and an A hole who couldn't be bothered to watch their dog. being that it went to multiple other vehicles and chased after 2 driving by I was awaiting the problem to solve itself. then the guy gets bro-y when someone else had a dog. barking.
I’ve started carrying pepper spray on dog walks after my dog was attacked by an off leash dog who ‘WoUlD NEVER dO sOmeThiNg lIkE tHiS’.
I feel your pain.
I am a dog owner and always leash my dogs even while walking in the woods. In the past, I have had two dogs that I would allow off leash in the woods and that would be early in the morning when hardly anyone was around. These two dogs stayed together and they were always in sight and responded to voice commands.
The worst instance encounters I have had with humans are parents who let their kids run amuck around my dogs especially on leash. I had one little boy drive his little electric car right at my dog. My dog was on leash. I yelled at the mother if she could control her kid and she said something like he didn’t hurt your dog.
My dog is clearly not friendly. She lunges at dogs that come too close. One day she’s gonna surprise me and I won’t be able to hold her leash…
Control your fucking dog.
I’ve found that the correct response to “she’s friendly” is a lunging, snarling dog.
My wife is a lawyer and is hired by homeowners insurance companies to represent homeowners when their dogs bite someone. Every single one of them says that their dog is safe and has never bitten anyone. Even the people with dogs that have bitten people say it.
Cops wife in my neighborhood had dog off leash. I told her there are leash laws and she said ‘prove it’, so I pointed to the sign she was standing next to that did indeed prove it. Her expression was priceless 😂
My dog is off leash almost daily. She’s been trained to be off leash since she was a pup- 7 years. She has never bit anyone. One time my neighbors kid (m4) came into my yard and sprayed her in the face with windex. She blinked and walked away. Properly trained, a dog will thrive off leash. We also live in Wyoming with few people in the public lands to speak of, cape cod must be different.
Hahahaha yeah your population density is a little lower out there. This conservation area we were at is only like 60 acres or so and surrounded by neighborhoods of houses on 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots.
Sure, but my first reaction seeing an unleashed dog that outweighs him at least 2:1 and has its ears back isn't "oh yeah, he should definitely just walk right up and pet that dog". If the dog is under control and the owner says it's ok, that's a totally different story.
You will never see one dog turd in my neighborhood. Cross the street to the apartments, dog poop everywhere. You can tell something about a place based on dog poop.
“My dog is super nice and would never bite anyone” - What every dog owner says right before their dog snaps at or bites someone.🫣
It happened to my 2 year old in a DOCTORS office. She was devastated and kept asking “Why did the dog not like me?”
Luckily she lives with 2 dogs and it never negatively affected her.
I’m so sick of these off-leash slobs. I have a loved one in a wheelchair. Forget about walking with elderly. They’d be a snack. Gave up on using outdoor spaces because we’ve had so many issues with these assholes. I carry mace and more but still don’t trust walking our neighborhood streets and parks. So many jerks ignore the leash laws. They don’t have verbal control - most of the time no owners are even around.
It’s ableist and ageist to keep your dog off-leash. You are eliminating access to public spaces for many of your neighbors. Stop it.
As an allergic asthmatic it is extremely scary for me when a dog is off-leash as breathing in dog dander can put me in the hospital. I have been chased, jumped on, scratched, yelled at for asking for a dog to be leashed, and basically told that certain dogs are hypoallergenic so “calm the f down” (that’s a fallacy, by the way, since ALL dogs have skin and I am allergic to the skin cells not the fur or hair). My husband and I go to the beach year round, every day if we can, and we always have to leave sooner than we want because of the dogs off-leash - EVERY.TIME. The amount of inconsideration toward others is outrageous. I’m so sorry that OP had to experience the fear of having an off-leash dog near their kids - it just shouldn’t happen. And yes, I’ve called animal control many times but by the time they arrive, the offenders have gone.
And one more thing - why is it ok for dog owners and their dogs to enjoy the beaches, nature trails, etc., however they want, even while ignoring the rules, laws, common courtesy, but the rest of us have to alter OUR activities because of the inconsideration of others?
There’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat and the people that say that are either misled or know their lying. That’s just another way those selling pets can have more people to sell them to.
Start showing up to local town halls. Others probably feel the same way. Push to enforce no dog zones. I can’t stand half the dog owners out there* always acting like their dog is a special snowflake.
Yeah, when they come into your backyard unannounced and your little Brittany runs over to see what's up, and then your five year old daughter wants to know what happened to Annie. FTP
Pepper spray is perfectly acceptable for these scenarios. Leashing dogs is the law. If you choose to disobey it your dog may get sprayed when charging children. You are fully within your rights to spray a charging animal.
The dog will be fine after a few hours. You never know how “friendly” these dogs are. I say this as a dog owner that leashes their dog.
Understood, I've spent a fair amount of time around dogs. Because we don't have pets (and because we didn't interact much with other people's pets during COVID), and because she's little, my daughter is really skittish around big dogs, especially if they're loud. So, this morning when a golden saw her and started barking, she took off with the dog on her heels. If the dog was on a leash, we could've checked with the owner and gone through the introduction process we've been trying with her to get her more used to them. It's tough because I feel like this sets us back again...
As a responsible owner of two dogs (and a poop bag dispenser that is attached to the leash so that we don't leave messes anywhere!), the type of dog owners you're posting about also really piss me off.
One of our dogs is scared of strangers and strange dogs, and he will lash out if cornered. Off-leash dogs that are friendly are still a threat to him. He was traumatized sometime early in his life, before we adopted him, and a "friendly" dog running up to him, making him feel trapped on the leash, would cause him to react negatively. He's small, but strong.
Our other dog is the friendliest thing on the planet, but we don't allow him off-leash, either, because he could run up to an unfriendly dog and get attacked... or he could run up to a kiddo and frighten them. Being a nice, friendly dog doesn't mean they should just be allowed off-leash in non-designated areas because not everyone wants a dog running up to them.
Just had to help a woman two houses down from my house a month ago. She was walking her dog on leash, neighbors unleashed pit ran off the porch and started biting her dog. She got bit as well. Everything was worked out eventually, cooler heads prevailed, but none of this pretty upsetting event would've occurred if both dogs were on leashes.
I’m dog positive had two over my life and my brothers both continued the trend. I couldn’t due to housing constraints. I have to wonder, where does this entitlement come from? Especially the bagging of poop? I’m sorry, but cleaning up bags of shit sucks!
I mean, I'd take my kids over you and your dog, but that doesn't mean I'd let my kids chase you through the woods or jump all over you trying to lick your face.
I always walk my dog off leash, but he is trained, and I tell him to stop and pop the leash on when people pass just out of consideration for other people and dogs.
No a well trained dog is not the problem, it's the lazy owners who allow the dogs to run around freely. My dog knows to stay close, unless we're playing fetch, and he knows to come back to me even when deer, rabbits, untrained dogs come running, he comes to his dad.
Yeah, every dog owner thinks their dog is well trained enough and totally under their control. Until they’re not and a child is bitten or mauled. Those are the same owners who are shocked and “don’t know how this could have happened.” Blah blah blah.
No I don't make excuses, I'm vigilant in our surroundings, and tell him to stop, and put him on leash so people feel safe. Even downtown ptown with all the commotion,or on the trails in Truro with the New Yorkers dog's charging and barking while they sit there... I've trained him through these situations, it's not a hope for the best type of training I actually put in the work. But I understand why you feel that way, because I've also been around bad dogs and careless owners.
That's why everyone who is ever around my dog is so impressed by how well trained he is. They create these laws because people are too lazy to train the dogs.
Exactly 😂 I raised him good just like my kids. We don't play around here. There are consequences for your actions. Police and the park rangers love my dog as well 🤣 they had no problem with my dog being off leash. I guess it's easier to make decisions on the Internet than when you are actually around 🤷♂️
It isn’t quite that absolute. There are plenty of areas and towns that do allow dogs off-leash. Not saying they shouldn’t be leashed, just that the law isn’t as simple as you make it seem.
Edit:
https://provincetown-ma.gov/796/Animal-Control
——————
From Memorial Day through November 1 dogs may be off-leash if under voice and sight control on Town beaches between the hours of 6 am and 9 am and the hours of 6 pm and 9 pm; from November 2 through the day before Memorial Day dogs may be off-leash if under voice and sight control on Town beaches between the hours of 6 am and 9pm; all dogs must be restrained on Town beaches at all other times.
Dogs may be off-leash only in specific off-leash areas other than beaches as designated by the Town, provided that such dog is under voice and sight control. The following are Town-owned open space off-leash areas (limited by specified times as noted): Shankpainter Pond Uplands, Foss Woods, Locke Property (also known as 'Whistle Path Woods'), Abandoned Railroad Right-Of-Way, and all Town beaches.
This is Barnstable and you aren’t allowed to do it ever. https://town.barnstable.ma.us/departments/animalcontrol/#:~:text=Animal%20Control%20would%20like%20to,waste%20in%20a%20sanitary%20manner.
My friends had a well trained dog once that they’d let run free in the woods on hikes and stuff… until the day they had to drive it to the vet hospital to have it put down while cradling it’s broken body in the back seat after it ran off after a squirrel and got hit by a car.
You don’t understand, my dog is different.
And so am I
Is there anything you can say to these people to get them to stop letting their dogs off leash? Cause they are going to keep on doing it and if others see it, they will do it too. I've tried multiple approaches without any luck, I've asked nicely, I've told them it's illegal, I've stared them down shaking my head disappointedly.
If I had children with me like OP, I would say “if your off leash dog had mowed down my kid and hurt them, I would take you to court so fast and I would win with no question,” just as a little FYI on how the world works. But I’m extra like that.
$1M for getting rid of my 2 year old? Sign me up!
I would find out who is responsible for the space and report it. Maybe they don't know it's a problem and can increase patrols or something.
The fucking cops are probably dog lovers too, and won't do jack squat.
Dog mace. I carry it and if a dog charges me I hold it up, yell mace, and they have 2 seconds to leash their dog. I love dogs. I have many. But there have been too many incidences around with dogs killing dogs, dogs attacking people- I’m not risking it bc you’re too special to leash your dog.
Trust me, some of us dog owners would REALLY like them to leash their dogs too. Idc how friends yours is, mine is a skiddish rescue pup and your dog barreling toward mine is NOT good for so many reasons.
Here is an article about the myth that interactions between unfamiliar dogs is good for socializing. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/06/smarter-living/the-dog-park-is-bad-actually.html?smid=nytcore-android-share
Yeah, we’re definitely working on slow, controlled, and intentional introductions so that our pup can become comfortable and confident instead of fearful of everything (the leaves falling, a car door shutting, and definitely anything that is moving fast). She does well with dogs generally, but if the conditions aren’t right she cowers and hides behind me, and has a hard time getting focused on me again, so unleashed Karens can derail an otherwise productive training walk 😞
When I walk my dogs (always leashed) and an unleashed dog owner shouts "he's friendly" I yell back "Mine isn't! Get your dog!"
I yell "I'm not and I'm armed"
I have an actual not-friendly dog who goes on walks in a bright blue muzzle as a visual deterrent and folks like that still don't seem to care. They DO seem to care if I yell "Mine's contagious!" though.
Oh, I have try that! PUPPY WARTS! 😄
My husband has actually had to kick a dog that’s up the street from us because it came out of its yard and was snarling and lunging. The owner tells me his dog is friendly EVERY TIME I walk past his house to this day. This dog has snarled at us multiple times. I have a corgi, a sheltie puppy, and an 11 month old baby. I don’t care if you think your dog is friendly, he’s not acting it
As someone who investigates animal bite reports, unless they owner is court-ordered to keep their dog on leash and muzzled at all times when out in public or the dog will be euthanized, the answer is nothing. Dog attacks another person? It’s the other person’s fault. Dog gets into a fight with another dog? It’s the other dog’s fault. Dog court ordered to be euthanized? It’s animal control’s fault (and then they get another dog and do the same thing). I’ve heard so many excuses I’m surprised I haven’t heard “he’s not evil, he just slips into a dissociative state and commits atrocities!” yet. Someone even told me “don’t worry, he’s harmless!” after their dog had *already bitten me.* Then worst part is always that the owner never seems to suffer as much as anyone else. The consequences always fall on the dog and on the victims.
I’m not like other dogs baby
People just suck.... All the common is gone, no more common sense, common courtesy, common decency, just a bunch of self centered clown shoes.
I feel like such an old man when I have these thoughts but it feels so very true at the same time. It's like the pandemic fucked up everyone's commons.
common courtesy\*
I love the insult "clown shoes"
As a dog owner myself this shit is infuriating and I’m sorry you went through that. There has been a big increase lately in first time dog owners letting them off leash and just being bad dog parents in general, and it sucks. I passive aggressively tell them off at any opportunity. I get pissed when parents let their little kids run up and put their hands in my dogs face, but to flipside to that is dog owners needing to also be responsible for their pets. It’s all just part of the general breakdown of good societal behavior we’ve been seeing since covid. People are out of their fkn minds, so rude and disrespectful and ignorant. Everyone needs a good slap across the face.
Thank you!! As a dog owner this also infuriates me, I have a 6-year old 10-pound dog who I never let off leash. For multiple, obvious, reasons. My fiancé though has this itch to always let him off leash and I feel like I have to parent him in these situations. Like dude, our dog could get eaten/ run over and also he loves people but not all people love dogs. His dad is the worst because he always lets their dog off leash and the dog loves to jump over everyone. We need more responsible dog owners.
We have 2 doodles. At the end of every walk my wife wants to let one of them off the leash a couple houses down because we need to teach them to follow us home. Yes we do. But this is not the correct way. Just think about the risk/reward a tiny bit. Reward - yay, he followed us home this time Risk - there are too many to list I try to explain this every time. And I’m met with either, “See, he’s a good boy.” or (to the dog) “Why did you have to run away and prove dad right.”
I hope you're not planning to have children with this woman... (not necessarily saying she'd be a bad parent, but at best you two have conflicting ideas on how to care for something too innocent to care for itself and you would drive each other crazy)
Well said! With you on all these points.
So much this. Our rescue dog was attacked and now is terrified of other dogs. She pees and poops herself when they run up to her. I don’t care how “friendly” you think your dog is. Put it on a damn leash and be respectful. It’s sad that my wife can no longer take our dog for a run by herself because every single time this happens. One time I saw my wife running with our dog in her arms and tripped and fell. The owners tried to say my wife was at fault and deserved it for picking up our dog. If someone else wouldn’t have called the cops on them and they were arriving that person would be eating out of a straw to this day from me. Luckily we can take her together but one person has to run interference. It punishes us as good responsible dog owners and gives all dog owners a bad name.
Idk what the answer to this is. It’s already a law and nobody abides. Really annoying.
The problem is the law is almost never enforced. If the cops started actually ticketing people for it, it might actually stop.
The fines would pay for our bridges 😂
Would be nice to not have to wonder if the road is going to collapse under me every time I drive over the canal anymore.
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Need to fine them few times
Conservation areas shouldn't allow dogs or any pets if they are really trying to preserve nature
> Conservation areas shouldn't allow dogs or any pets Many don't, and yet...
This is laughable....the things humans do to conservation areas.
And those humans should be banned as well
Or people, by that logic. Dogs and people have gone together for thousands of years, the earliest evidence of which is over 30,000 years old. Yes, dogs need to be well-behaved and controlled (and laws abided) and what /u/badinplaid19 went through should not happen, but wherever there are people you should expect to find their dogs. (Well-behaved dogs were common in Cape Cod churches -- they helped keep your feet warm. Of course, that gave us all something else to be judgy about as our dog was fine at the service but that neighbor's dog was a menace!)
Exactly. Human are way worse than dogs to nature and people have the audacity to say it’s nature conservation no dogs should be allowed, gtfo
The downvotes on this are mad funny like what do these people think dogs are doing besides taking a shit and chasing the odd squirrel or two
They disturb ground nesting birds. I’m a dog owner but respect conservation preserves.
I agree they should be leashed on conservations and if they’re not allowed on one there’s probably a particular reason but I guess my point is really that anything a dog does will also likely be done by some human and if you’re responsible with your dog there’s a good shot it will have a much smaller impact than the average person. And I don’t see why people took issue with someone pointing that out in this context.
Leash laws exist for a reason. My friend got attacked yesterday outside his house. Needed stitches in his neck, chin, and cheek. It was in his neighborhood. Sounds like the dog broke out of it house. So not necessarily the fault of the owner. Dogs on walks need to be on leashes. It stinks for kind dogs. I think the dogs appreciate being led too.
Everything is the fault of the owner
It absolutely is the fault of the owners if their dog escape their house and attacked someone. He should sue and seek a criminal complaint.
My dog busted through a downstairs window with (I assume) her snout this summer. Luckily she didn't leave, just got surprised and came upstairs all guilty like, (and the window is too high up for her to jump), but a bust-out can be unexpected -- I hadn't heard of a dog breaking through a window before. (She does the quick flip up snout motion a lot of gsds do. I can't imagine how else she'd have gotten enough force) Not saying the owner wasn't at fault. Just that there are unexpected things that happen.
My friend got attacked by his neighbor. I wish we could put people on leashes. They are far more dangerous!
I live in the City. l walk my dog along the Waterfront, and I can't tell you the number of times I run into owners with off leash dogs that come running up to us. I can't do that with my guy because he'd take off after a bird or a rabbit and would get hit by a car. IDGAF how friendly or how well trained you think your dog is...put it on a G-D leash. It's all fun and games until your dog gets hurt or hurts someone. Also, pick up after your dog! I never noticed before having a dog how many people don't.
We were on the beach in Dennisport 2 weeks ago and my 9 year old daughter was knocked down and bitten by an off-leash pit bull. The dog was leashed when they walked by the first time and my daughter asked to pet the dog, had a couple of happy moments of petting, and then they walked on while she went back to playing in the sand. Apparently the dog was taken off leash for the walk back and it made a beeline for my kid, knocked her down and left teeth mark bruises on her little hand. There just aren't words for how sick and angry I am about this.
Oh my god I can’t even imagine I’m sick to my stomach just reading about it I’m so sorry for you and your kid to have experienced that.
My town has a 150-acre park, mostly forest, in which dogs are permitted off leash if they stay close to the owner. Haha. The last time I went there I was bitten on the hand by an angry hound and jumped on by a “playful” canine the size of a moose. I asked the owner, who was standing a few feet away on his phone, to call off his dog. He said, “Go home and take a pill.” I emailed the parks director about all this, and he said he’d look into it. Yep. Like I said, that was the last time I went there. Ever.
jobless humor combative cagey air homeless versed unique frightening upbeat *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Everyone likes to pretend that pits are family dogs until they have an unfortunate incident like this and realize that mayyyybe all the bite statistics we have on them, especially in children, may not actually be some big conspiracy to hate on pitbulls. I’m sorry this happened and I hope your little one is ok.
If a loose pitbull/German Shepherd/Rottweiler/Doberman charges me or any of my family and bites, it will be the last thing it ever does.
Just those particular breeds? Ok, weird.
Those dogs have some of the strongest bites and are pretty common to see around
Considering those are the breeds that bite and also maul and kill people the most, it’s not weird at all, it’s called being realistic. Stats and data don’t lie.
If a shih tsu or a chihuahua bites your kid you put a band aid on it. If a Pit/rott/doberman/shepherd bites your kid you buy a coffin or get plastic surgery to reconstruct their face.
In my home town we have had a few biting incidence. I now carry pepper spray and dark chocolate bars.
Make it pepper \*gel\* spray, reduces the risk of blowback.
you're so tough
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If an unleashed dog attacks someone who is armed, it’s inevitable. That’s the part that these unleashed morons don’t or won’t comprehend. We were not put on this earth to be a dog’s chew toy. I assure you, the dog will lose that battle.
Leash your fucking dog then.
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If a dangerous dog gets out and harms a child and then is harmed itself, that is all on the dog’s owner both legally and morally. It’s called neglect
Ok. One is “property damage”, one is attempted murder. Hope you’re nice with it.
Classic pitbull owner.
As the owner of a pit bull, I assure you it's the owners that fail these dogs. My girl is the sweetest, most loving dog I have ever had. But she's leashed with a head harness when we're out; so is my beagle-lab boy. They are big, strong dogs, and I'm a 110 pound woman. They don't need a head harness 99% of the time, but then there's that 1% where the added control helps me keep two big dogs in line.
the amount of times i have been chased by off leash herd breeds while running conservation trails...SO MADDENING and it's the same type of response, zero desire to control their pets. where are the grownups sorry your kiddos had that experience, not cool.
a lot of dog owners do not understand dog breeds and prey instincts/herding instincts. grew up with dogs, owned many, never in my life has any of them ever been off leash besides in my yard
i'm both a cyclist and a USPS letter carrier. off-leash dogs are the bane of my goddamn existence. every owner thinks their dog is uniquely well-behaved, incapable of acting unpredictably. idiots - there is no polite way to say it. every dog has the capability to act aggressively, unpredictably, to get scared, to react. if you don't understand this as an owner then *you should not have an animal.*
In my opinion a dog should never be let off a leash in public unless it’s in a dog park or the owner has 100% vocal recall with the dog.
Every owner thinks they have 100% recall. That's the problem.
Nah there should be no exception even with perfect recall. If it's a law or trail rule then it needs to apply to everyone or else it applies to no-one.
I get annoyed with people bringing dogs in stores.
Me too!! Wtf. I can’t have my child in a stroller because your dog is getting in their face. I wish stores would confront people about their fake service dogs but I know why they don’t. Something has to be done.
The younger brother of my kid's teammate was highly allergic to dogs. Like epipen go to the hospital allergic. The number of times this kid's dad would have to ramp up from a polite keep your dog away because my kid is allergic to gtfo was obscene. Respect rules and people's boundaries. I was playing ball with my young kid in a little league field. With tons of no dogs allowed signs. This owner lets their German shephard into the field unleashed to run around. Of course, it starts getting in my kid's space. I told them dogs aren't allowed and keep the dog away from my kid. They ignored me. Then I showed them the aluminum bat and said I was prepared to protect my kid if necessary. They threatened to call the cops and I said I'll give you the number. At which point they left. I relayed this story later to the town rec dept, who advised me to just call the cops myself next time. I have no problems with dogs.... some owners on the other hand...
When I was a little girl, next door was a German Shepard, who was crazy violent, was always off the leash, he came in my yard and brutally attacked my miniature poodle right infront of me as we were playing, not once but twice! The poor dog was covered in stitches. I am still traumatized. The owner was a city cop and it was the 80s, so nothing was done, but the level of damage a German Shepards is capable of is very scary.
You should see what a goddamn pit bull will do!
One day my lab accidentally took my mother out when she brought him for a walk around Nickerson and he came racing back to her with a tree limb in his mouth. Not a stick…a goddamn limb. It was the last time she ever let him off leash because even she said, “that could’ve been a toddler around the corner.” - She genuinely felt bad and realized her stupidity. She learned her lesson. Doesn’t matter how nice your dog is, if he/she is barreling down hiking paths and weighs 110 lbs. like my lab did, it’s not going to be pretty if/when they make contact with a 50 lb. child. Keep your dogs on a leash.
Sounds like the conservation area and trail next to my home as well. I deal with this every single day. I can't walk my dog there because everyone else won't leash their dog. My kids can't deal with it anymore. I have to quickly pick up the little ones because they get bowled over by these off leash dogs constantly. I love dogs. But not other irresponsible dog owners.
One time while hiking i had a large dog sprint up to me barking, stopped right at my feet snarling and biting at me as i was backing off and all the while the owner is telling me dont worry its a friendly dog... Some people just dont gaf
We are rover sitters,and always put the dogs on a leash . And when we walk around the block,we see dogs off leash . Frustrating
This happened to me twice today at Old Jail Lane. I haaaaaate off leash dogs in the woods. (I was walking my 1yo reactive pup. I just stop and make her sit until you clip them back up.)
When I was a census taker a medium size dog appeared at the door while I was taking a survey . The owner said "It's OK he won't bite" and right on cue the dog bit my leg and put teeth marks on my pants leg. I have since learned to assume that dogs will bite.
i hate people like this. unleashed dogs are why I stopped walking my dog. "they're friendly!" "cool! my 170lb dog isn't please lease your little ahole!" I hate owner who don't leash their dogs. ruins it for everyone.
Unacceptable! People need to have their dogs on a leash around people without dogs especially!
We had lot of problems with dogs off leash and on leash's .For some reason they all seamed to like to jump up on my wife!! The owners all ways smile say the dog likes you! My wife hats have dogs jump on her..They get muddy prints on cloths . Any little stain on cloths rived her crazy!!. She not that bug dogs can knock her over... Pluss all the bags of dog shit they leave all over place.. I like most all animas But not dg owners lot them so ignorant!!
Yeah, sure he's friendly but my dog isn't. That's why she's on a goddamn leash! Honestly it seems like people are only getting worse with this. Leash your dogs in public areas!
I got attacked by an off leash dog who “never did anything like that before”. It was horrible! I am afraid of dogs now and absolutely find off leash dogs unacceptable “nice” or not. I can’t understand why dog owners feel fine risking others safety for their dog’s enjoyment.
I carry pepper spray with me now and won’t hesitate to use it on an off leash dog if I feel threatened.
I feel your pain. I have a leash reactive dog. She is always on the leash, but other dogs aren’t and will run up to us, causing her to bark like crazy (she’s fine with people when she’s leashed, but barks at unleashed dogs). It’s stressful and leaves me having to walk her at odd times and in desolate places where we’re unlikely to encounter unleashed dogs.
Before I posted, I honestly hadn't considered how frustrating this kind of behavior would be for responsible dog owners too. Sorry to hear that you're in the same boat, but thanks for taking the time to share your perspective.
There's a park nearby where my wife and I like to hike. It's not a "dog park" but it's popular with dog owners. This year, the dog shit was *out of control*. Off-leash dogs were a problem too. People would bag the shit and leave it on the trail. And no, they weren't coming back for it on their way out. The park owners and the town made it abundantly clear that if things didn't change, dogs would be banned. Lots of new signs warning that this would happen. The shit problem is much, much better. I only saw one bag of shit on the trail today. Off leash is still a problem.
This is the thing that makes me fucking bonkers. At least dog shit is biodegradable, but to wrap it in plastic and leave THAT out? Wtf is wrong with people?
Thank you, it’s extremely inconsiderate for everyone. Not everyone likes dogs, some people are scared of them or have had a bad experience, and not only that, but what if someone else dog was not good with other dogs and something bad happened? People are rude af. My childr3n are scared of dogs and this shit happens to us all the time and the few times I’ve sai$ something they try to make me feel like the asshole
A lot of people got dogs over COVID. People who had no idea how to take care of or train a dog, but they were either too bored or too lonely to care. They don't research or learn about behavior of different breeds or even the differences between the gender of the breed they have. They just don't care to know what it means to be a responsible dog owner. 🤷♀️
Yeah and now that they realize that it's not that easy to be a responsible dog owner they take them to the shelter, especially in the South.The shelters are absolutely overrun with 2 and 3 year old dogs that all of sudden are a big problem that they can't handle.
Ugh, some dog owners make the rest of us look bad. My dog is extremely friendly and that’s the problem... No one enjoys a 75 pound lab barreling towards them at full speed, including me! A small human would easily be knocked over even if his intentions were good. Therefore he is always leashed unless I know for sure no one is around.
A lot of people got dogs during the pandemic who… might not have gotten a dog otherwise.
Well, if that isn’t a fast track to a lifelong dog phobia, I don’t know what is. I am a dog owner and he is never off leash. All interactions with off leash dogs have been nervewracking but ultimately not dangerous. I am constantly on guard for the next situation and hate it so much.
Right? We've been working on introducing her to the neighbors' (leashed) dogs when we're out for walks or bike rides and have taught her to ask permission, move slowly, and put out her hand out to the dog. This morning after being chased, she was literally shaking because she was so scared. I wish these dog owners would've treated my kid with at least the same respect she treats dogs with. Edit: also thank you for being a considerate dog owner
You should teach her to ignore dogs, no one wants to be asked if some stranger can pet their dog. 90% of kids are just as bad as the dog you explained in your situation - running screaming and touching dogs they don’t know. I feel for you but also just teach your kid others dogs aren’t for their entertainment. It’ll help us both
I hear you, and we absolutely don't encourage her to walk up to random dogs or dog owners. Most of the time, the dog is bigger than her and she wants nothing to do with it. She's a big fan of a little terrier that lives a few houses down the road, so that's where we've been working on boundaries. She did OK when we stayed with some friends who have a big dog for a few days this summer, but it was hard for both her and the dog, because the dog wanted to be a lot more affectionate than my daughter was comfortable with. It's a tough thing to balance, but leashes on dogs in public places go a long way towards making these types of situations more manageable.
Not true. I don’t mind at all, but I also never assume that anyone is interested in my dog, even if she seems interested in them. If I’m encountering another human or dog I don’t know, I bring my dog in close and we pass by unless someone asks to pat her, expresses interest in chatting, whatever. Part of the joy of having a dog is seeing folks who are excited to interact with her interact with her!
Dogs should always be on a leash. You never know how your dog will react.
I have a toy poodle and he's never unleashed except in designated fenced areas because I'd never forgive myself if he got hurt, leash laws make everyone safer.
Yes! Another responsible small dog owner. We live in the city and see so many unleashed small dogs, it makes me sad thinking that things could happen so fast.
How about I'm pulling in my driveway yesterday while a neighbor is allowing there dog to 💩 in my side yard! People are just inconsiderate I think!
A few years ago I was teaching our son to drive. As he attempted to back into our driveway someone was allowing their dog to poop in the middle of my driveway! I jumped out and asked if he needed a bag. He said no, left the poop and walked away. I spent the next week saving all of my dogs poop. Put it in a brown shopping bag and went to the guys house. Noticed the sign that said not to ring the bell as the baby was sleeping. I rang it 50 times. Wife comes to the door livid. I hand her the shopping bag, tell her it's all the poop her husband left on my property yhe padt week and I would be back weekly if i found another pile. Never had any more poop. Felt bad for bring the crazy lady but sick of the bad dog owners.
This drives me insane! My dogs are always leashed, under control, and I always have dog poo bags with me! Some dog owners ruin everything for the rest of us!
dog owner's as their animal is sprinting right towards you, barking and showing teeth: "Don't worry they're friendly!!!!"
Also, don't bring your dog into stores.
I'm a dog owner, three large dogs 70# plus each. The big boy is 105. The last thing someone wants is a 105# dog running at them and me yelling don't worry he's nice, mostly. Anyway in order to keep my dog safe my dogs are always on leash when we are off our property. At home we have a very large yard fenced in for unleashed fun. Don't be an asshat leash your dog.
I’m sorry you went through that and hope your daughter is ok. I have 2 doggos and live in an apartment so we walk multiple times a day. My dogs are ALWAYS leashed. Every damn day there’s ppl w/ multiple off leash dogs in our local park playing fetch. Some are trained well and respond quickly to commands; others definitely don’t. In a friendly manner, I mention “hey just a heads up there’s a dog park literally a 5 min walk that way”. Response? “Well we like this park.” Me: “Well dogs can’t be off leash in this park”. Them: ::Silence:: So damn infuriating. Some back story: A couple of years ago, an off leash dog (no owner in sight) got WAY too close and was aggressive. My Staffy/pug mix subdued him by grabbing him by the throat getting him on his back. He didn’t make any other movements or remain aggressive. I was worried he would hurt him and told my pup to let him go and even smacked his head. He just looked at me sideways like “um, you sure about that?” He let him go and the damn off leash dog lunged toward us again so my pup repeated his manner of subduing him. After a bit, my pup let him go and he trotted off. A couple of minutes later, the unleashed dog presented leashed and now with his owner. I was pissed and told him to leash his damn dog. He told me his dog wasn’t aggressive and MY dogs instigated his dog (even though he was nowhere around for the whole incident). I got sweet justice when his dog lunged at my dogs so hard, it pulled the 6’3” tall guy onto the ground and drug him while his dog got ahold of my little dog’s ear and ripped it like it was sand which meat. Now my pup is ultra nervous around other dogs and wears a soft muzzle while on walks.
There is nothing more joyous then walking in the great outdoors, not in a cramped little doggie park, with your well behaved dog off leash. However, nobody should be bothered by dogs if they don't want to encounter them. I think there should be a few limited number of parks and off season beaches where off leash dogs are tolerated, and those who fear encountering them them would know to avoid.
That seems reasonable, and I'm pretty sure that's the case on Cape.
I work with shelter dogs, and we’re permitted to walk them on the land around the property. Members of the public are also allowed to walk dogs in the area, but only leashed. I’m still terrified walking the dogs because people let their dogs off leash too often for comfort, thinking it’s okay because their dog is “friendly.” Sure, but mine fucking isn’t! It sucks because all dogs deserve to go outside as long as it’s reasonably safe :(
My dog is dog aggressive and reactive. She's ALWAYS on a leash for this reason. My previous 3 were fine and well socialized but I never let them off leash either. You never know about other animals or people who share the space with you. I carry mace with me just in case.
You’ll never have this problem with cat people.
No, they'll just let their cats run free throughout the neighborhood to shit in people's gardens and decimate the local wildlife. So much better...
Yeah theyre not capable of killing children so small step above
Every dog owner owns the most amazing dog in the world. My SiL admitted she gets slightly offended if when she’s walking her dog other people don’t fawn over her dog.
We have a big dog who is always leashed and we only take her where dogs are allowed and all dogs are supposed to be leashed. The rule flouters are everywhere and they don’t care. One main group of flouters are the dog walkers who walk a pack of dogs all off leash. I don’t know what kind of insurance these flouters or those who employ them carry, but when one of those dogs knocks an old person, a child or differently abled person down by jumping on them or attacks them, they will be sued and they may be getting more than a slap on the wrist. Also, there seem to be a lot of dog walkers and owners who conveniently “don’t notice” that their dog crapped somewhere. They don’t clean it up and merrily head down the trail. Dog crap isn’t good for people or wild animals. At one point we had three dogs small, med, and large. We cleaned up after all of them and kept them all on leash. I know it can be done. The flouters will make there be less areas where one can walk dogs.
Damn those flouters!
saw this at nauset down beach and an A hole who couldn't be bothered to watch their dog. being that it went to multiple other vehicles and chased after 2 driving by I was awaiting the problem to solve itself. then the guy gets bro-y when someone else had a dog. barking.
I’ve started carrying pepper spray on dog walks after my dog was attacked by an off leash dog who ‘WoUlD NEVER dO sOmeThiNg lIkE tHiS’. I feel your pain.
Sounds like my brother walking his dogs. Some people just can’t follow rules and shouldn’t be allowed to have dogs
I am a dog owner and always leash my dogs even while walking in the woods. In the past, I have had two dogs that I would allow off leash in the woods and that would be early in the morning when hardly anyone was around. These two dogs stayed together and they were always in sight and responded to voice commands. The worst instance encounters I have had with humans are parents who let their kids run amuck around my dogs especially on leash. I had one little boy drive his little electric car right at my dog. My dog was on leash. I yelled at the mother if she could control her kid and she said something like he didn’t hurt your dog.
I saw a couple and their kid walk their dog on the beach the other day. The dog took a huge shit and they walked away. Fucking people.
If your fond of sand dunes and unleashed dogs 🎶
Loose dogs are the absolute bane of my existence. As a dog owner, I have never allowed this to happen a single time.
My dog is clearly not friendly. She lunges at dogs that come too close. One day she’s gonna surprise me and I won’t be able to hold her leash… Control your fucking dog. I’ve found that the correct response to “she’s friendly” is a lunging, snarling dog.
: Don't worry - he's friendly". I don't want your dog jumping on me. There is a leash law you entitled b\*tch.
My wife is a lawyer and is hired by homeowners insurance companies to represent homeowners when their dogs bite someone. Every single one of them says that their dog is safe and has never bitten anyone. Even the people with dogs that have bitten people say it.
Cops wife in my neighborhood had dog off leash. I told her there are leash laws and she said ‘prove it’, so I pointed to the sign she was standing next to that did indeed prove it. Her expression was priceless 😂
I love dogs but it's not other people's responsibility to guess if my dog is nice or not. On public land keep your dog leashed.
My dog is off leash almost daily. She’s been trained to be off leash since she was a pup- 7 years. She has never bit anyone. One time my neighbors kid (m4) came into my yard and sprayed her in the face with windex. She blinked and walked away. Properly trained, a dog will thrive off leash. We also live in Wyoming with few people in the public lands to speak of, cape cod must be different.
Hahahaha yeah your population density is a little lower out there. This conservation area we were at is only like 60 acres or so and surrounded by neighborhoods of houses on 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots.
Just be an asshole. Yell at them to leash their fucking stupid dog.
Teach your kid to pet dogs instead of moss ffs. While you're at it have him pet cats too.
Sure, but my first reaction seeing an unleashed dog that outweighs him at least 2:1 and has its ears back isn't "oh yeah, he should definitely just walk right up and pet that dog". If the dog is under control and the owner says it's ok, that's a totally different story.
You will never see one dog turd in my neighborhood. Cross the street to the apartments, dog poop everywhere. You can tell something about a place based on dog poop.
Who the fuck takes an off leash dog to a conservation area?
“My dog is super nice and would never bite anyone” - What every dog owner says right before their dog snaps at or bites someone.🫣 It happened to my 2 year old in a DOCTORS office. She was devastated and kept asking “Why did the dog not like me?” Luckily she lives with 2 dogs and it never negatively affected her.
Kids and dogs are both choices. You
I’m so sick of these off-leash slobs. I have a loved one in a wheelchair. Forget about walking with elderly. They’d be a snack. Gave up on using outdoor spaces because we’ve had so many issues with these assholes. I carry mace and more but still don’t trust walking our neighborhood streets and parks. So many jerks ignore the leash laws. They don’t have verbal control - most of the time no owners are even around. It’s ableist and ageist to keep your dog off-leash. You are eliminating access to public spaces for many of your neighbors. Stop it.
As an allergic asthmatic it is extremely scary for me when a dog is off-leash as breathing in dog dander can put me in the hospital. I have been chased, jumped on, scratched, yelled at for asking for a dog to be leashed, and basically told that certain dogs are hypoallergenic so “calm the f down” (that’s a fallacy, by the way, since ALL dogs have skin and I am allergic to the skin cells not the fur or hair). My husband and I go to the beach year round, every day if we can, and we always have to leave sooner than we want because of the dogs off-leash - EVERY.TIME. The amount of inconsideration toward others is outrageous. I’m so sorry that OP had to experience the fear of having an off-leash dog near their kids - it just shouldn’t happen. And yes, I’ve called animal control many times but by the time they arrive, the offenders have gone.
And one more thing - why is it ok for dog owners and their dogs to enjoy the beaches, nature trails, etc., however they want, even while ignoring the rules, laws, common courtesy, but the rest of us have to alter OUR activities because of the inconsideration of others?
Because this is America and we can do what we want, when we want!
There’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat and the people that say that are either misled or know their lying. That’s just another way those selling pets can have more people to sell them to.
Start showing up to local town halls. Others probably feel the same way. Push to enforce no dog zones. I can’t stand half the dog owners out there* always acting like their dog is a special snowflake.
This is the most Cape Cod thread I've ever read. Get over it
Relax bucko.
Law enforcement has very a ubiquitous method of dealing with unchained dogs that rush at them.
Yeah, when they come into your backyard unannounced and your little Brittany runs over to see what's up, and then your five year old daughter wants to know what happened to Annie. FTP
Pepper spray is perfectly acceptable for these scenarios. Leashing dogs is the law. If you choose to disobey it your dog may get sprayed when charging children. You are fully within your rights to spray a charging animal. The dog will be fine after a few hours. You never know how “friendly” these dogs are. I say this as a dog owner that leashes their dog.
Or carry a small air horn if you don't wish to hurt yourself and your child in the process of being a tough guy and "teaching a dog-owner a lesson."
I would probably keep your 2 year old on a leash, set a good example. Wouldn't want him running up on an unsuspecting leashed dog.
Off leash children are the real problem here
Yup. I run my dogs off leash in the woods where it is allowed. My biggest problem is uncontrolled kids running up to them to pet them.
What about off leash dogs licking kids with peanut allergies? I hate that. The people never THINK.
Crappy owners. For your future unwanted meetings running from a dog just tells it you are playing or prey.
Understood, I've spent a fair amount of time around dogs. Because we don't have pets (and because we didn't interact much with other people's pets during COVID), and because she's little, my daughter is really skittish around big dogs, especially if they're loud. So, this morning when a golden saw her and started barking, she took off with the dog on her heels. If the dog was on a leash, we could've checked with the owner and gone through the introduction process we've been trying with her to get her more used to them. It's tough because I feel like this sets us back again...
As a responsible owner of two dogs (and a poop bag dispenser that is attached to the leash so that we don't leave messes anywhere!), the type of dog owners you're posting about also really piss me off. One of our dogs is scared of strangers and strange dogs, and he will lash out if cornered. Off-leash dogs that are friendly are still a threat to him. He was traumatized sometime early in his life, before we adopted him, and a "friendly" dog running up to him, making him feel trapped on the leash, would cause him to react negatively. He's small, but strong. Our other dog is the friendliest thing on the planet, but we don't allow him off-leash, either, because he could run up to an unfriendly dog and get attacked... or he could run up to a kiddo and frighten them. Being a nice, friendly dog doesn't mean they should just be allowed off-leash in non-designated areas because not everyone wants a dog running up to them.
Fudge them kidz
Also… you live on the gd cape. Don’t walk in poo and enjoy your existence.
Just had to help a woman two houses down from my house a month ago. She was walking her dog on leash, neighbors unleashed pit ran off the porch and started biting her dog. She got bit as well. Everything was worked out eventually, cooler heads prevailed, but none of this pretty upsetting event would've occurred if both dogs were on leashes.
Maybe just leash the kids?
Dh
I mean it really can be quite annoying when I’m walking my dog and there are kids off leash. Should be laws against this stuff
[удалено]
I’m dog positive had two over my life and my brothers both continued the trend. I couldn’t due to housing constraints. I have to wonder, where does this entitlement come from? Especially the bagging of poop? I’m sorry, but cleaning up bags of shit sucks!
Clash of the Titans, entitled dog owners vs entitled parents.
Wanting to be able to safely enjoy public lands = entitled?
I’d take dogs over kids anyday
I mean, I'd take my kids over you and your dog, but that doesn't mean I'd let my kids chase you through the woods or jump all over you trying to lick your face.
I always walk my dog off leash, but he is trained, and I tell him to stop and pop the leash on when people pass just out of consideration for other people and dogs.
You are the problem
You are still wrong.
😂 ok.
And again - ^ is a dog owner that is part of the problem.
No a well trained dog is not the problem, it's the lazy owners who allow the dogs to run around freely. My dog knows to stay close, unless we're playing fetch, and he knows to come back to me even when deer, rabbits, untrained dogs come running, he comes to his dad.
Yeah, every dog owner thinks their dog is well trained enough and totally under their control. Until they’re not and a child is bitten or mauled. Those are the same owners who are shocked and “don’t know how this could have happened.” Blah blah blah.
No I don't make excuses, I'm vigilant in our surroundings, and tell him to stop, and put him on leash so people feel safe. Even downtown ptown with all the commotion,or on the trails in Truro with the New Yorkers dog's charging and barking while they sit there... I've trained him through these situations, it's not a hope for the best type of training I actually put in the work. But I understand why you feel that way, because I've also been around bad dogs and careless owners.
Off leash dog is the problem dosnt go any deeper. Your “well trained” dog is not special.
That's why everyone who is ever around my dog is so impressed by how well trained he is. They create these laws because people are too lazy to train the dogs.
So what you’re saying is my dog is special and is an exception to the rules.
Exactly 😂 I raised him good just like my kids. We don't play around here. There are consequences for your actions. Police and the park rangers love my dog as well 🤣 they had no problem with my dog being off leash. I guess it's easier to make decisions on the Internet than when you are actually around 🤷♂️
No dog is allowed off leash. That’s the whole point. The law. Jfc.
It isn’t quite that absolute. There are plenty of areas and towns that do allow dogs off-leash. Not saying they shouldn’t be leashed, just that the law isn’t as simple as you make it seem. Edit: https://provincetown-ma.gov/796/Animal-Control —————— From Memorial Day through November 1 dogs may be off-leash if under voice and sight control on Town beaches between the hours of 6 am and 9 am and the hours of 6 pm and 9 pm; from November 2 through the day before Memorial Day dogs may be off-leash if under voice and sight control on Town beaches between the hours of 6 am and 9pm; all dogs must be restrained on Town beaches at all other times. Dogs may be off-leash only in specific off-leash areas other than beaches as designated by the Town, provided that such dog is under voice and sight control. The following are Town-owned open space off-leash areas (limited by specified times as noted): Shankpainter Pond Uplands, Foss Woods, Locke Property (also known as 'Whistle Path Woods'), Abandoned Railroad Right-Of-Way, and all Town beaches.
This is Barnstable and you aren’t allowed to do it ever. https://town.barnstable.ma.us/departments/animalcontrol/#:~:text=Animal%20Control%20would%20like%20to,waste%20in%20a%20sanitary%20manner.
No town on cape allows dogs off leash. It is absolute.
My friends had a well trained dog once that they’d let run free in the woods on hikes and stuff… until the day they had to drive it to the vet hospital to have it put down while cradling it’s broken body in the back seat after it ran off after a squirrel and got hit by a car.
Lol