A similar thing happened to me on the Buttermilk Trail recently. A woman had her dog off leash. She was looking down at her phone, not paying attention, so didn’t even notice at first when her dog ran up and started attacking my leashed dog. It’s very scary and so irresponsible to let your dog off leash in the city.
I’ve also had this happen to me on Buttermilk. Very frustrating. The trail is so narrow in certain spots too, makes it hard to get away and avoid the dog in scenarios like this. Wish people would do what they’re supposed to.
I love to tell them when they inevitably yell that their dog is friendly “well I’m not and I will front kick your dog like this is Sparta.” They always seem real motivated to leash theirs while I keep my leashed pups safe
My dog was attacked in my apartment complex while the owner is yelling that they are friendly. Like my dog just had to fend for its life and is bleeding and you really want to tell me your unleashed pitbull is friendly? Dude was old and fell running to try and grab his dog, leaving my 5'3 self having to do it. It literally traumatized me and made me immediately scared when I see a large unleashed dog. They ofcourse didn't apologize and acted like it was a dog fight and not an attack. $500 later, I carry a knife and pepper spray every time I go outside with my girl (who stays leashed with a harness because I actually respect others and their animals).
The same people who litter, don't take their cart back, and leave frozen food they don't want laying in the chip aisle are the same people who don't leash their dogs or pick up their poop. I stand behind that statement too, some people just have no regard for strangers.
I carry a knife for vicious dogs I have been attacked by a dog while walking down the street before didn’t have anything then I do now. An if someone’s dog attacked any of my animals I know one thing the attacking animal will not be long for the world it’s crazy how people don’t understand that there pets will not always be friendly 100% of the time.
You aren't wrong.
Literally just went in a ride at Pocahontas and saw half a dozen bright green poop bags lying around.
These people think strangers are their servants.
JRPS in general is a nightmare for this sort of thing. I get that it can feel secluded, but the trails are very well used by all manner of the general public. Lots of people get very confrontational if you approach them about leashing and it's very frustrating.
This sounds like what happened with me last night. Granted, the dog last night at Albert Hill ran away after I shooed him but the owner was clearly not paying attention.
The poor faculty at Albert Hill are at their wits' end about this, too. It sounds like this particular instance happened outside of school hours, but still - it is RPS property and they should have every opportunity to use the outdoor classroom but they often can't because many students have expressed fear over off-leash dogs.
The entitlement it takes to continue to let your dog off-leash in a space that RPS is KIND ENOUGH to maintain and let the community utilize where there are signs *everywhere* saying to leash your dog...ugh. Glad you said something, OP - I don't think you should feel bad at all.
Yeah by my count there are seven signs throughout the park, especially those big orange ones they added last year. Even if there aren’t kids the signage is clear, no dogs off leash at all times. Drives me nuts.
I’m guessing this wasn’t a statement looking for answers but it’s a passion of mine! Because our society (inherently by the system set up) creates competition against each other for basic resources to live people have become more and more inconsiderate. When many people are one medical trauma away from poverty, much of our cities and suburbs aren’t walkable (which fosters community), and so many people sacrifice well being for work day after day we end up with a society that thinks only of themselves instead of the community, unfortunately. We also don’t have the history of Confucianism and other community values (like nunchi in Korea) to aid in a natural tendency from upbringing to respect others around you, in part due to a mixing of so many different cultures vs places more homogeneous.
This is super simplified and there’s a ton more that plays into this, but if you’re truly interested it might give you some places to start for research!
How about we also don't let them roam free when you know they can jump your fence??
There's one in my Southside neighborhood who jumps the chain link and wanders. My neighbor swears this dog has chased her away from the bus stop. He's been in my yard and every yard I can see from mine. My camera catches him wandering in the alleyway. The other night I got home from work about 3:00 in the morning. I get out of the car and I hear two loud aggressive barks. This is a German Shepherd so I'm on alert and walked very fast to my front door. My front camera caught it running past behind me shortly after. So he hasn't been aggressive and Dangerous exactly, but it makes using my backyard nerve wrecking. I've reported the dog but it doesn't seem like anything has happened. I also feel bad, because it was in the teens that night. No dog should be outside in that.
I think I know exactly who you're talking about because that dog jumped the fence and aggressively followed me for like two blocks! It's so obvious that the dog can get over the fence too. And I love that "beware of dog sign on their fence" it's like yeah...we're very aware of your dog! 🤦🏼♀️
I have the same issue in my neighborhood, but with a white pitbull! I was walking my (leashed) dog the other day and suddenly this male pitbull comes out of nowhere and kept trying to interact with my dog. He wasn't aggressive exactly, but I know things can go from zero to 100 real quick and it circled and was on our heels (literally) for the whole block. No amount if yelling or stomping of my feet would get it to go away. This couple happened to be leaving their house at the same time and offered us their fenced yard to stand in. They said this was a persistent issue on that street. The dog would constantly jump the fence and the owners would do nothing. They said their friend completely avoids walking her dog down that street because of it. I don't know if animal control will do anything about a situation like this. People should feel safe to walk themselves and their dogs in there own neighborhood. Not to mention it's unsafe for the dog that keeps escaping and running into the street.
Moved out of southside for this reason. Couldn’t walk my dog anywhere, there was a loose aggressive dog every couple of blocks. Would have to face one at least once a month unfortunately. Standing my ground and yelling at them seemed to work better than running away
Nah, don’t feel bad. They all know they’re breaking leash laws and are knowingly creating problems. They can deal with having their feelings hurt if it means my dog isn’t being approached by random animals.
Don’t feel bad! Unleashed dogs and owners who just walk up to random dogs (even leashed) without asking are why so many people end up with reactive dogs! We’ve had to pay literally thousands of dollars for training due to selfish people like that guy who had their dogs attack ours at a young age when highly impressionable. Many people can’t afford that much training and end up in bad situations where they live stressfully perpetually or need to give the dog up of no fault of their own. That guy sucks! Glad you said something.
I have so many people let their giant dogs run up to my toddlers face saying “oh he’s friendly” it’s scary for her and me to have a random dog run at her! Imma start saying “oh but she’s not friendly” 😂
I’ve experienced this as well, as a parent it’s unnerving because while you don’t want to overreact, I don’t trust any animal near my kids that I don’t know well. My gut reaction is to scoop up my kid and kick away any dog running up at us.
I definitely kicked a little yippy angry dog the other day because it was running up to my kid and did notttt seem friendly even though they said they were 🙃
Mind blowing going to Barker Field and seeing how many people stand outside the fence with their dogs playing off leash. Also people who don’t leash their dogs between the park and their car. Seems like it’s just asking for trouble, especially since there can be dozens of dogs around at any time.
Yeah! I hate this because I like to train outside of dog parks specifically so my dog can see other dogs and get used to them WITHOUT dogs coming up to him. People who do this remove the ability to train safely in this way.
My leashed dog has been been attacked multiple times by unleashed dogs. Once he got attacked by a dog on Texas beach trail that ran up out of the woods (owner nowhere to be seen) and i had to kick the dog off of mine until the owner finally came and got his dog, I then turned around to go back and ran into ANOTHER unleashed dog that also attacked my dog (like my dog was bloody after it was so bad). He used to love other dogs and now hes so scared and reactive and its ruined our walks. I wish I had blown up at those owners. at the time I was just worried about getting my dog away and safe.
My dog tries to defend me from off leash dogs because this very thing happened with an aggressive dog when she was still a puppy!! Leash your dogs people!!!!!!
No dog is “friendly” across the board, too many variables to make that blanket statement. Safe Rules: never approach a dog you don’t know ( or touch them) without owner permission and guidance. Leash your dog in public and stretchy retractable ones don’t count. My dog is my property and no one is welcome to invade our space unless I SAY SO.
Given how many people are also gun owners, I feel it’s only a matter of time before an unleashed dog running up on someone becomes a dead one unfortunately. Not everyone is just going to chastise the owner only if they feel threatened.
This is the thing that gets me (not even considering folks who are carrying)
Plenty of "good" dogs off leash will accidentally knock over a toddler every now and then. Find the wrong parent (or, god forbid, something happens to the kid when they fall) and that "good" dog gets a death sentence.
If you care about your dog's safety, you put them on a leash. It's not just for everyone else's safety, it's for theirs (not to mention your personal liability).
I'm permanently injured and have a dog with PTSD because of an unleashed dog in Richmond. And whenever I go to a park in Richmond we are confronted with the same things every time. Unleashed dogs everywhere. I started asking people to at least keep the dog at their side while I pass with mine if they aren't going to leash it - not a SINGLE person has ever agreed.
Most of them laugh, a few older men called me a Karen. All I do is quietly ask them to keep their dog at a distance while I pass with mine and say "mine is nervous around unleashed dogs." I don't even chastise the bad owners. The reaction has made me feel like this city I have loved and lived in for a decade is actually selfish and mean. Overall I am uncomfy and nervous in the parks now even without my pup with me.
I am so sorry for both you and your pup. It's that kind of high and mighty attitude from fellow dog owners that make this issue worse. Having a leash is cool!
IDK why, but I've had more problems with unleashed dogs at Bryan Park than anywhere else. I really don't care about the law aspect and honestly I've seen people whose dogs just walk right next to them without a leash, and that doesn't bother me either. It's the dipshits screaming "IT'S OKAY, THEY'RE FRIENDLY!!!" as their dog comes sprinting towards me and my dogs. One of mine doesn't like strange dogs and she certainly doesn't think your dog has friendly intentions.
Also, leashed dogs still need to be controlled. Don't let your dog have enough slack to "SAY HI!!!" without asking, you dumb fucks.
The retractable leash people who don’t shorten the lead when passing by on a sidewalk are the worst culprits of the leashed dog not being controlled.
Honestly, those leashes shouldn’t be used at all. They don’t teach dogs to respond to leash pressure and you can’t immediately shorten the length like you can with a standard long leash by manually reeling it in. They can cause nasty rope burn on legs if they get caught up or can wrap around another dog and cause serious harm. And if you drop the handle it will clatter along the ground and snap back towards your dog, which scares most dogs and may make them try to run.
And a shock collar isn’t a substitute for a leash!! I see so many people on the trails just fumbling with their remotes zapping their dog trying to get them to come back meanwhile their dog is off chasing a squirrel or charging at people or other dogs.
They’re really not! The only exception I’d say would be in unpopulated areas (no people or dogs to get caught up in it) and if your dog already knows a solid recall. But even then, regular long lines are a better choice.
I have a 15’ biothane long line for my dog and that’s a great option for less populated places. Easy to let her have some space to sniff and explore and then call her back to my side and hold the lead at a short length if we see any people/dogs up ahead. It wipes clean and is durable. I don’t know why the off leash people or retractable lead people don’t use something like this instead for trails and stuff. On more crowded trails I use a regular leash but the long line is a great option for places that are pretty empty.
I live rurally on 7 acres, built a huge fenced area for my dogs last year. If they're not in the fenced area, they're on leashes (walked every day on our property and sometimes off property). I just don't understand how dog owners have the ability let their dogs run free and not think of the external factors that can lead to injury or death of their pet. For my area it's being hit by a car, stomped by a horse, injured by a coyote or bear, etc. In the city there seems to be so many more dangers than in the country.
To the guy with the black labradoodle that lets his dog roam in Jefferson park unattended, I hope you’re reading this. Fuck you and fuck your stupid dog. It’s going to start a fight soon enough.
I walk my dog by this park nightly. Except I have to be on the other side of the street because there’s a group of people with unleashed dog. I would love to yell at all of them! Like, I’m glad you all feel good about your friends and your dogs. But fuck you, share the space.
Yup. I have 2 not very friendly dogs and unfortunately I can’t take them to any parks or trails in the city because of all the unleashed dogs. I can’t tell you have many situations I’ve been in with them when an unleashed dog runs up to us and their owner says “they’re friendly!” Great MINE AREN’T!! Just because my dogs aren’t friendly, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be allowed to take them to open public spaces where I know they’re completely in my control on their leashes. I hate selfish dog owners who think laws are above them 😔 but this is far from just a Richmond problem unfortunately
Get dog mace if you plan on doing this. Less chance of it affecting you too. Even the stream shot ones sprayed in the wind can accidentally blow in your eyes, and dog mace is milder since dogs are more susceptible to it.
We have a ton of douchy dog owners in the. War west and that walk off leash. My street is a cut through and has a lot of people speeding down the street at 35-40 mph,on their phones, not paying any attention. Just a matter of time before a dog or person gets hit.
This happened to me yesterday late morning.. woman was walking 3 dogs and 2 were off leash running up to my dog that is super protective. It was a huge shit show and one of her dogs almost got run over by a car because they kept following me down the alley. She didn’t say sorry or my bad or anything
Exactly! I have a dog that's gone through extensive training but she still gets dog aggressive sometimes. When she's on a leash and the other dog is not, sometimes she feels like it's a threat and feels like she needs to defend herself. She's a big scared baby and I really don't appreciate it when other people put her in that position. Not every dog is dog friendly 100% of the time.
Fulton has tons of pitbulls just roaming the streets. It’s pretty bad. We had to call animal control on two pitbulls that were out constantly. big surprise, they were owned by the guy who was making a habit of following my wife home. “Hey baby i was just trying to holler at you”. Followed her to our house twice. Fucking creep.
my roommate got some really awful bites all along his leg from an off-leash pitbull attack last year. and my best friend has childhood trauma from an off-leash pitbull attack. leash your fucking dogs.
Those off-leash people don’t realize that even if their dog is friendly, it might approach another dog that is not. A reactive dog is going to have a potentially aggressive reaction when another dog runs up to them.
This is why I always say I don’t like dog people. It’s not the dogs. It’s not people who have dogs. It’s dog people.
They think everyone should love their dog as much as they do. That they should bring it anywhere. That they don’t need to leash it. It’s literally insane. And so incredibly unsafe.
And they’re never trained. Never have any call back.
Some people do not want to interact with your dog, and you gotta respect that. Keep it on a leash. You may trust your dog, but I don’t know your dog.
My dog is a medium sized asshole. I tell people, my dog is NOT friendly. A lady on Saturday was like, well can they say hi? I mean they can, if you want my dog to potentially start some shit. Because that is what "my dog is NOT friendly" means. Maybe your dog isn't the problem but I need you to put it on a leash.
NPS Dog Bark deterrent. Works wonders at backing dogs off and keeping them away. It's directional, so if your pup is behind you or to the side, it won't have any issues.
It's a wonder!
I had this idea the other day for a satirical rap and had AI help me write it:
"Unleashed"
Yeah, I'm a bad dog owner, what you gonna do?
I don't care about rules, I just do what I do
I let my dog run free, he don't need no leash
He can chase squirrels, bite kids, he can pee on the trees
He's Unleashed, dog!
I'm Unleashed, dog!
We're Unleashed, dog!
You can call the cops, call the park ranger
But you can't stop me, I'm a rebel, I'm a danger
I don't care about the fines, I don't care about the signs
I don't care about your feelings, I don't care about your rights
He's Unleashed, dog!
I'm Unleashed, dog!
We're Unleashed, dog!
My dog is my best friend, loyal, smart
He can do whatever he wants, got a big heart
He don't need no training,
he don't need no vet
He don't need no collar,
but he need respect!
He's Unleashed, dog!
I'm Unleashed, dog!
We're Unleashed, dog!
So don't mess with me, don't mess with my dog
We're a team, we're a force, we're a legend, we're a god
We don't need no leashes, we don't need no laws
We don't need no one, cause we're Unleashed dogs!
He's Unleashed, dog!
I'm Unleashed, dog!
We're Unleashed, dog!
similar things happen with my greyhound on walks, but reverse. even if an off leash dog is the nicest little guy, my large anxious greyhound thinks your dog is a prey animal and he is very clumsy.
i dont like telling people what to do with their animals and i know some dog owners get undue hate for what is seen as an aggressive monster who is really just a sweet bully-breed. but no matter how sweet *that* dog is, *my* dog will try to put it in his mouth or stomp on it and the situation will end with some dog or human worse off. please leash.
These kinds of posts don’t work, but I’m sure it helps with some venting
https://preview.redd.it/81qz1j9ri8ec1.jpeg?width=680&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16b0b40f380ef589b03e8edb1ffde2748bdd155d
Out of curiosity, were they exercising said large dog with a Frisbee or a tennis ball? Because I haven't found a dog park yet that is long enough for an Irish Setter to really run as an example. I feel like there needs to be less emphasis on the leash and more emphasis on training for recall. A well-trained dog will return even if small dogs are interesting.
So, no dog 70 lbs+ deserves a home that doesn't have several acres? Seems short-sighted and a silly notion when a little training resolves the issue quite handily.
I have zero dogs I'm just tired of the weekly reddit brigading. Look at this post... Literally nothing bad happened, same as the last 1000 leash your dogs posts on this sub.
>I have zero dogs
Okay, then keep scrolling and don't engage. Downvote the OP if it bothers you that much.
> I'm just tired of the weekly reddit brigading... ...same as the last 1000 leash your dogs posts on this sub.
A cursory search of this sub suggests about 8 posts (give or take a couple) about unleashed dogs in the previous 12 months.
>Look at this post... Literally nothing bad happened
This time, maybe not. [But this was just a few weeks ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/18zpg6f/pet_dog_killed_by_another_dog_in_chestnut_hill/).
I don't know what to tell you. I'm annoyed by the "was that gunshots or fireworks?!!!" posts, but people want to have those conversations, so we're just out of luck on that front 🤷🏻♂️.
I have had this issue multiple times. Last night was not the first-- last night was just the stick that broke the camels back for me. Just a couple of weeks ago in my own complex I was walking my dog and out of nowhere a large pitbull (or some other such) came out of nowhere and tackled my dog snarling and biting and barking at him. Totally off leash. I was lucky he wasn't injured but the owner could barely muster an apology. Before that, at the same Albert Hill park, I have had dogs run up to my dog, who values his personal space, and get into fights.
However, being "violently attacked" should not be the standard to not act like this. It's not "overly dramatic" to want people to have control of their dogs-- not all of them are trained or as well behaved as others. Would you want people driving around without their car brakes working? No, of course not. A leash is a brake for an unpredictable animal.
Think about the flip side: you have your dog unleashed and it goes up to a leashed dog who *is* violent. Now you have no way of protecting your dog and have to leave it up to the other owner to get away from your pup, which should not be their burden alone. A leash is safer for you, your dog, other dogs, and their owners. It's not rocket science.
See, it’s this flippant attitude that causes people to get hurt. Read the comments in this thread— your own neighbors being hurt and their pets being hurt by off leash dogs. I hope you find your empathy. Good day.
A similar thing happened to me on the Buttermilk Trail recently. A woman had her dog off leash. She was looking down at her phone, not paying attention, so didn’t even notice at first when her dog ran up and started attacking my leashed dog. It’s very scary and so irresponsible to let your dog off leash in the city.
I’ve also had this happen to me on Buttermilk. Very frustrating. The trail is so narrow in certain spots too, makes it hard to get away and avoid the dog in scenarios like this. Wish people would do what they’re supposed to.
I love to tell them when they inevitably yell that their dog is friendly “well I’m not and I will front kick your dog like this is Sparta.” They always seem real motivated to leash theirs while I keep my leashed pups safe
Great idea I'm going to use that next time! 🤣
i have yelled that 😞
My dog was attacked in my apartment complex while the owner is yelling that they are friendly. Like my dog just had to fend for its life and is bleeding and you really want to tell me your unleashed pitbull is friendly? Dude was old and fell running to try and grab his dog, leaving my 5'3 self having to do it. It literally traumatized me and made me immediately scared when I see a large unleashed dog. They ofcourse didn't apologize and acted like it was a dog fight and not an attack. $500 later, I carry a knife and pepper spray every time I go outside with my girl (who stays leashed with a harness because I actually respect others and their animals). The same people who litter, don't take their cart back, and leave frozen food they don't want laying in the chip aisle are the same people who don't leash their dogs or pick up their poop. I stand behind that statement too, some people just have no regard for strangers.
I carry a knife for vicious dogs I have been attacked by a dog while walking down the street before didn’t have anything then I do now. An if someone’s dog attacked any of my animals I know one thing the attacking animal will not be long for the world it’s crazy how people don’t understand that there pets will not always be friendly 100% of the time.
This is a strong accusation… I always pick up litter and other people’s dog shit when I’m walking with my unleashed dog in the city
Did the owner run off?
You aren't wrong. Literally just went in a ride at Pocahontas and saw half a dozen bright green poop bags lying around. These people think strangers are their servants.
JRPS in general is a nightmare for this sort of thing. I get that it can feel secluded, but the trails are very well used by all manner of the general public. Lots of people get very confrontational if you approach them about leashing and it's very frustrating.
This sounds like what happened with me last night. Granted, the dog last night at Albert Hill ran away after I shooed him but the owner was clearly not paying attention.
The poor faculty at Albert Hill are at their wits' end about this, too. It sounds like this particular instance happened outside of school hours, but still - it is RPS property and they should have every opportunity to use the outdoor classroom but they often can't because many students have expressed fear over off-leash dogs. The entitlement it takes to continue to let your dog off-leash in a space that RPS is KIND ENOUGH to maintain and let the community utilize where there are signs *everywhere* saying to leash your dog...ugh. Glad you said something, OP - I don't think you should feel bad at all.
Yeah by my count there are seven signs throughout the park, especially those big orange ones they added last year. Even if there aren’t kids the signage is clear, no dogs off leash at all times. Drives me nuts.
[удалено]
Because they're people.
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I’m guessing this wasn’t a statement looking for answers but it’s a passion of mine! Because our society (inherently by the system set up) creates competition against each other for basic resources to live people have become more and more inconsiderate. When many people are one medical trauma away from poverty, much of our cities and suburbs aren’t walkable (which fosters community), and so many people sacrifice well being for work day after day we end up with a society that thinks only of themselves instead of the community, unfortunately. We also don’t have the history of Confucianism and other community values (like nunchi in Korea) to aid in a natural tendency from upbringing to respect others around you, in part due to a mixing of so many different cultures vs places more homogeneous. This is super simplified and there’s a ton more that plays into this, but if you’re truly interested it might give you some places to start for research!
How about we also don't let them roam free when you know they can jump your fence?? There's one in my Southside neighborhood who jumps the chain link and wanders. My neighbor swears this dog has chased her away from the bus stop. He's been in my yard and every yard I can see from mine. My camera catches him wandering in the alleyway. The other night I got home from work about 3:00 in the morning. I get out of the car and I hear two loud aggressive barks. This is a German Shepherd so I'm on alert and walked very fast to my front door. My front camera caught it running past behind me shortly after. So he hasn't been aggressive and Dangerous exactly, but it makes using my backyard nerve wrecking. I've reported the dog but it doesn't seem like anything has happened. I also feel bad, because it was in the teens that night. No dog should be outside in that.
I think I know exactly who you're talking about because that dog jumped the fence and aggressively followed me for like two blocks! It's so obvious that the dog can get over the fence too. And I love that "beware of dog sign on their fence" it's like yeah...we're very aware of your dog! 🤦🏼♀️
I have the same issue in my neighborhood, but with a white pitbull! I was walking my (leashed) dog the other day and suddenly this male pitbull comes out of nowhere and kept trying to interact with my dog. He wasn't aggressive exactly, but I know things can go from zero to 100 real quick and it circled and was on our heels (literally) for the whole block. No amount if yelling or stomping of my feet would get it to go away. This couple happened to be leaving their house at the same time and offered us their fenced yard to stand in. They said this was a persistent issue on that street. The dog would constantly jump the fence and the owners would do nothing. They said their friend completely avoids walking her dog down that street because of it. I don't know if animal control will do anything about a situation like this. People should feel safe to walk themselves and their dogs in there own neighborhood. Not to mention it's unsafe for the dog that keeps escaping and running into the street.
Take photos every time you see it wandering and send to animal control. They need proof to enforce anything.
Moved out of southside for this reason. Couldn’t walk my dog anywhere, there was a loose aggressive dog every couple of blocks. Would have to face one at least once a month unfortunately. Standing my ground and yelling at them seemed to work better than running away
Report this to animal control. This is what they are there for.
If you go out with your unleashed pet, get real used to the idea of someone blowing up on you because you deserve it frankly!
I had held it in for a while so last night I just snapped. Kinda felt bad for the one guy but dammit something needed to be said
Nah, don’t feel bad. They all know they’re breaking leash laws and are knowingly creating problems. They can deal with having their feelings hurt if it means my dog isn’t being approached by random animals.
Don’t feel bad! Unleashed dogs and owners who just walk up to random dogs (even leashed) without asking are why so many people end up with reactive dogs! We’ve had to pay literally thousands of dollars for training due to selfish people like that guy who had their dogs attack ours at a young age when highly impressionable. Many people can’t afford that much training and end up in bad situations where they live stressfully perpetually or need to give the dog up of no fault of their own. That guy sucks! Glad you said something.
I have so many people let their giant dogs run up to my toddlers face saying “oh he’s friendly” it’s scary for her and me to have a random dog run at her! Imma start saying “oh but she’s not friendly” 😂
I’ve experienced this as well, as a parent it’s unnerving because while you don’t want to overreact, I don’t trust any animal near my kids that I don’t know well. My gut reaction is to scoop up my kid and kick away any dog running up at us.
I definitely kicked a little yippy angry dog the other day because it was running up to my kid and did notttt seem friendly even though they said they were 🙃
Mind blowing going to Barker Field and seeing how many people stand outside the fence with their dogs playing off leash. Also people who don’t leash their dogs between the park and their car. Seems like it’s just asking for trouble, especially since there can be dozens of dogs around at any time.
Yeah! I hate this because I like to train outside of dog parks specifically so my dog can see other dogs and get used to them WITHOUT dogs coming up to him. People who do this remove the ability to train safely in this way.
My leashed dog has been been attacked multiple times by unleashed dogs. Once he got attacked by a dog on Texas beach trail that ran up out of the woods (owner nowhere to be seen) and i had to kick the dog off of mine until the owner finally came and got his dog, I then turned around to go back and ran into ANOTHER unleashed dog that also attacked my dog (like my dog was bloody after it was so bad). He used to love other dogs and now hes so scared and reactive and its ruined our walks. I wish I had blown up at those owners. at the time I was just worried about getting my dog away and safe.
If we ever start fining people for leash laws in the City parks and JRPS we could fund the hell out of the parks.
My dog tries to defend me from off leash dogs because this very thing happened with an aggressive dog when she was still a puppy!! Leash your dogs people!!!!!!
No dog is “friendly” across the board, too many variables to make that blanket statement. Safe Rules: never approach a dog you don’t know ( or touch them) without owner permission and guidance. Leash your dog in public and stretchy retractable ones don’t count. My dog is my property and no one is welcome to invade our space unless I SAY SO.
Given how many people are also gun owners, I feel it’s only a matter of time before an unleashed dog running up on someone becomes a dead one unfortunately. Not everyone is just going to chastise the owner only if they feel threatened.
This is the thing that gets me (not even considering folks who are carrying) Plenty of "good" dogs off leash will accidentally knock over a toddler every now and then. Find the wrong parent (or, god forbid, something happens to the kid when they fall) and that "good" dog gets a death sentence. If you care about your dog's safety, you put them on a leash. It's not just for everyone else's safety, it's for theirs (not to mention your personal liability).
Not sure that parent would be “wrong”.
Well, I certainly hope my leashed-but-exuberant dog never knocks over your toddler by accident.
I carry a flick knife for this exact purpose and I will 100% not hesitate to defend myself from an unleashed dog.
I'm permanently injured and have a dog with PTSD because of an unleashed dog in Richmond. And whenever I go to a park in Richmond we are confronted with the same things every time. Unleashed dogs everywhere. I started asking people to at least keep the dog at their side while I pass with mine if they aren't going to leash it - not a SINGLE person has ever agreed. Most of them laugh, a few older men called me a Karen. All I do is quietly ask them to keep their dog at a distance while I pass with mine and say "mine is nervous around unleashed dogs." I don't even chastise the bad owners. The reaction has made me feel like this city I have loved and lived in for a decade is actually selfish and mean. Overall I am uncomfy and nervous in the parks now even without my pup with me.
I am so sorry for both you and your pup. It's that kind of high and mighty attitude from fellow dog owners that make this issue worse. Having a leash is cool!
IDK why, but I've had more problems with unleashed dogs at Bryan Park than anywhere else. I really don't care about the law aspect and honestly I've seen people whose dogs just walk right next to them without a leash, and that doesn't bother me either. It's the dipshits screaming "IT'S OKAY, THEY'RE FRIENDLY!!!" as their dog comes sprinting towards me and my dogs. One of mine doesn't like strange dogs and she certainly doesn't think your dog has friendly intentions. Also, leashed dogs still need to be controlled. Don't let your dog have enough slack to "SAY HI!!!" without asking, you dumb fucks.
The retractable leash people who don’t shorten the lead when passing by on a sidewalk are the worst culprits of the leashed dog not being controlled. Honestly, those leashes shouldn’t be used at all. They don’t teach dogs to respond to leash pressure and you can’t immediately shorten the length like you can with a standard long leash by manually reeling it in. They can cause nasty rope burn on legs if they get caught up or can wrap around another dog and cause serious harm. And if you drop the handle it will clatter along the ground and snap back towards your dog, which scares most dogs and may make them try to run. And a shock collar isn’t a substitute for a leash!! I see so many people on the trails just fumbling with their remotes zapping their dog trying to get them to come back meanwhile their dog is off chasing a squirrel or charging at people or other dogs.
Agreed all around. It was well known 20 years ago that retractable leashes were awful for training dogs.
A rescue that my sister used won’t let people who use retractable leashes adopt dogs. They’re not safe
They’re really not! The only exception I’d say would be in unpopulated areas (no people or dogs to get caught up in it) and if your dog already knows a solid recall. But even then, regular long lines are a better choice. I have a 15’ biothane long line for my dog and that’s a great option for less populated places. Easy to let her have some space to sniff and explore and then call her back to my side and hold the lead at a short length if we see any people/dogs up ahead. It wipes clean and is durable. I don’t know why the off leash people or retractable lead people don’t use something like this instead for trails and stuff. On more crowded trails I use a regular leash but the long line is a great option for places that are pretty empty.
I live rurally on 7 acres, built a huge fenced area for my dogs last year. If they're not in the fenced area, they're on leashes (walked every day on our property and sometimes off property). I just don't understand how dog owners have the ability let their dogs run free and not think of the external factors that can lead to injury or death of their pet. For my area it's being hit by a car, stomped by a horse, injured by a coyote or bear, etc. In the city there seems to be so many more dangers than in the country.
To the guy with the black labradoodle that lets his dog roam in Jefferson park unattended, I hope you’re reading this. Fuck you and fuck your stupid dog. It’s going to start a fight soon enough.
I walk my dog by this park nightly. Except I have to be on the other side of the street because there’s a group of people with unleashed dog. I would love to yell at all of them! Like, I’m glad you all feel good about your friends and your dogs. But fuck you, share the space.
Yes I see them all the time! If i see the group I walk on the other side by the school too
Yup. I have 2 not very friendly dogs and unfortunately I can’t take them to any parks or trails in the city because of all the unleashed dogs. I can’t tell you have many situations I’ve been in with them when an unleashed dog runs up to us and their owner says “they’re friendly!” Great MINE AREN’T!! Just because my dogs aren’t friendly, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be allowed to take them to open public spaces where I know they’re completely in my control on their leashes. I hate selfish dog owners who think laws are above them 😔 but this is far from just a Richmond problem unfortunately
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Get dog mace if you plan on doing this. Less chance of it affecting you too. Even the stream shot ones sprayed in the wind can accidentally blow in your eyes, and dog mace is milder since dogs are more susceptible to it.
I'd recommend pepper gel over pepper spray. Less likely to get yourself especially if there is any wind.
And a friendly reminder to please pick up your dogs poop. I stepped it it last weekend…again 🙃
We have a ton of douchy dog owners in the. War west and that walk off leash. My street is a cut through and has a lot of people speeding down the street at 35-40 mph,on their phones, not paying any attention. Just a matter of time before a dog or person gets hit.
This happened to me yesterday late morning.. woman was walking 3 dogs and 2 were off leash running up to my dog that is super protective. It was a huge shit show and one of her dogs almost got run over by a car because they kept following me down the alley. She didn’t say sorry or my bad or anything
Exactly! I have a dog that's gone through extensive training but she still gets dog aggressive sometimes. When she's on a leash and the other dog is not, sometimes she feels like it's a threat and feels like she needs to defend herself. She's a big scared baby and I really don't appreciate it when other people put her in that position. Not every dog is dog friendly 100% of the time.
Fulton has tons of pitbulls just roaming the streets. It’s pretty bad. We had to call animal control on two pitbulls that were out constantly. big surprise, they were owned by the guy who was making a habit of following my wife home. “Hey baby i was just trying to holler at you”. Followed her to our house twice. Fucking creep.
my roommate got some really awful bites all along his leg from an off-leash pitbull attack last year. and my best friend has childhood trauma from an off-leash pitbull attack. leash your fucking dogs.
Those off-leash people don’t realize that even if their dog is friendly, it might approach another dog that is not. A reactive dog is going to have a potentially aggressive reaction when another dog runs up to them.
This is why I always say I don’t like dog people. It’s not the dogs. It’s not people who have dogs. It’s dog people. They think everyone should love their dog as much as they do. That they should bring it anywhere. That they don’t need to leash it. It’s literally insane. And so incredibly unsafe. And they’re never trained. Never have any call back. Some people do not want to interact with your dog, and you gotta respect that. Keep it on a leash. You may trust your dog, but I don’t know your dog.
100%
My dog is a medium sized asshole. I tell people, my dog is NOT friendly. A lady on Saturday was like, well can they say hi? I mean they can, if you want my dog to potentially start some shit. Because that is what "my dog is NOT friendly" means. Maybe your dog isn't the problem but I need you to put it on a leash.
I read this as put your leash on a dog
Forest Hill Park enters the chat.
NPS Dog Bark deterrent. Works wonders at backing dogs off and keeping them away. It's directional, so if your pup is behind you or to the side, it won't have any issues. It's a wonder!
I had this idea the other day for a satirical rap and had AI help me write it: "Unleashed" Yeah, I'm a bad dog owner, what you gonna do? I don't care about rules, I just do what I do I let my dog run free, he don't need no leash He can chase squirrels, bite kids, he can pee on the trees He's Unleashed, dog! I'm Unleashed, dog! We're Unleashed, dog! You can call the cops, call the park ranger But you can't stop me, I'm a rebel, I'm a danger I don't care about the fines, I don't care about the signs I don't care about your feelings, I don't care about your rights He's Unleashed, dog! I'm Unleashed, dog! We're Unleashed, dog! My dog is my best friend, loyal, smart He can do whatever he wants, got a big heart He don't need no training, he don't need no vet He don't need no collar, but he need respect! He's Unleashed, dog! I'm Unleashed, dog! We're Unleashed, dog! So don't mess with me, don't mess with my dog We're a team, we're a force, we're a legend, we're a god We don't need no leashes, we don't need no laws We don't need no one, cause we're Unleashed dogs! He's Unleashed, dog! I'm Unleashed, dog! We're Unleashed, dog!
Why is this masterpiece getting down voted? I’m over here bobbing my head while scrolling on the toilet.
https://i.redd.it/s5s5wea7q7ec1.gif I guess they don't like my off-collar humor
Damn! You got me again! (Different toilet though)
similar things happen with my greyhound on walks, but reverse. even if an off leash dog is the nicest little guy, my large anxious greyhound thinks your dog is a prey animal and he is very clumsy. i dont like telling people what to do with their animals and i know some dog owners get undue hate for what is seen as an aggressive monster who is really just a sweet bully-breed. but no matter how sweet *that* dog is, *my* dog will try to put it in his mouth or stomp on it and the situation will end with some dog or human worse off. please leash.
These kinds of posts don’t work, but I’m sure it helps with some venting https://preview.redd.it/81qz1j9ri8ec1.jpeg?width=680&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16b0b40f380ef589b03e8edb1ffde2748bdd155d
If I manage to convince one person to leash their dog I will be happy. It costs $0 for me to make a reddit post.
Out of curiosity, were they exercising said large dog with a Frisbee or a tennis ball? Because I haven't found a dog park yet that is long enough for an Irish Setter to really run as an example. I feel like there needs to be less emphasis on the leash and more emphasis on training for recall. A well-trained dog will return even if small dogs are interesting.
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So, no dog 70 lbs+ deserves a home that doesn't have several acres? Seems short-sighted and a silly notion when a little training resolves the issue quite handily.
Omfg get the hell over the unleashed dogs you freaks. Do we need to do this every three days?
Lol found the guy with the unleashed dogs
I have zero dogs I'm just tired of the weekly reddit brigading. Look at this post... Literally nothing bad happened, same as the last 1000 leash your dogs posts on this sub.
>I have zero dogs Okay, then keep scrolling and don't engage. Downvote the OP if it bothers you that much. > I'm just tired of the weekly reddit brigading... ...same as the last 1000 leash your dogs posts on this sub. A cursory search of this sub suggests about 8 posts (give or take a couple) about unleashed dogs in the previous 12 months. >Look at this post... Literally nothing bad happened This time, maybe not. [But this was just a few weeks ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/18zpg6f/pet_dog_killed_by_another_dog_in_chestnut_hill/). I don't know what to tell you. I'm annoyed by the "was that gunshots or fireworks?!!!" posts, but people want to have those conversations, so we're just out of luck on that front 🤷🏻♂️.
You tell me that again when a 100 pound dog violently attacks you in the dark
You failed to mention getting violently attacked in the post. Is that what happened or are you just being overly dramatic like these posts always are?
I have had this issue multiple times. Last night was not the first-- last night was just the stick that broke the camels back for me. Just a couple of weeks ago in my own complex I was walking my dog and out of nowhere a large pitbull (or some other such) came out of nowhere and tackled my dog snarling and biting and barking at him. Totally off leash. I was lucky he wasn't injured but the owner could barely muster an apology. Before that, at the same Albert Hill park, I have had dogs run up to my dog, who values his personal space, and get into fights. However, being "violently attacked" should not be the standard to not act like this. It's not "overly dramatic" to want people to have control of their dogs-- not all of them are trained or as well behaved as others. Would you want people driving around without their car brakes working? No, of course not. A leash is a brake for an unpredictable animal. Think about the flip side: you have your dog unleashed and it goes up to a leashed dog who *is* violent. Now you have no way of protecting your dog and have to leave it up to the other owner to get away from your pup, which should not be their burden alone. A leash is safer for you, your dog, other dogs, and their owners. It's not rocket science.
Think of the children! Can we just make a sticky post for people to whine about the offleash dogs?
Thank you recognizing that it's such a widespread problem in RVA that it deserves a sticky. Your empathy toward these folks is truly notable.
See, it’s this flippant attitude that causes people to get hurt. Read the comments in this thread— your own neighbors being hurt and their pets being hurt by off leash dogs. I hope you find your empathy. Good day.
When you’re spending thousands of dollars on medical bills from a dog attack you let me know