Why is it people think it's acceptable to let their dogs run around freely in parks while there are loads of other people about?

I was at a park yesterday and there were dogs running around everywhere. I had at least two run up to me and one try and jump up on me. The owner, assuming that everyone likes her rabid animal, laughed and didn't even apologise.

Why is it that dog owners assume that everyone is comfortable with dogs and doesn't mind them running up to them?

I'm very very scared of dogs (I cross the road if I see one coming) so would really appreciate being able to walk in a park without dogs running around freely. To me, it just seems really selfish - keep your dog under control.

I agree, many Dog owners are quite brainless, nobody really wants to have their balls sniffed as they are trying to have a peaceful walk. I love Dogs as much as the next man but there is no excuse to let them roam like that if they are known to approach people.

Why isnt it the dog's fault for not putting their human on a lead man?

it is not just parks in my town. There are two out in my street.

The other day some loon was cycling on the pavement with a dog without a lead chasing him at his side. An accident waiting to happen.

If we're talking about the sort of parks that kids go to with swings, slides ect then I agree.
Theres nothing wromg with someone letting their dogs have a run round a field though.

Oh dear, I sympathise with those terrified of dogs, but also with the dogs. Even people who live in towns are allowed to keep dogs, and it seems cruel if they never really get to run about. I must admit that I have never really found it an issue (but of course I am not terrified of dogs); I have never encountered a dog worse than a bit excitable.

I should also add that there were lots of kids/toddlers running about as well. As a parent I would really fear for my child's safety when there are dogs running around that, in some cases, are bigger than the children.

If the dog isn't properly trained and under control I'd agree with you.

However, any dogs that I've had have always been off the lead unless I was near a main road or in a busy pedestrian area.

Well trained dogs will not disturb other people or other dogs when they are out and about.

Because dogs need to excersise


That's out of order. They should only let them off around people if they've been trained not to jump up.


Then perhaps you need to accept that dogs are here to stay and owners aren't going to keep them tied up to suit your fear. You could maybe seek help to overcome your fear.

Aren't there fields or other big empty spaces away from the public where dog owners can do this?

I'm not scared of dogs if they're clearly on a lead and under the owners' control. It's when they're running about wildy around the public that I have a problem.

I appreciate dogs need exercise - but think that dog owners need to recognise that not everyone loves their animals and not everyone is a dog-lover.

I think most do. If you're that scared that you can't bear to be somewhere that dogs are loose though, I think you need to accept that that is a bit irrational and it's you that has the problem.

I don't mean that in a nasty way, but dog owners aren't going to change their habits to suit you, so you need to be the one who takes action to make it more bearable for yourself.

Well I maintain that it's not much to ask that dogs are kept on leads clearly under control of the owners. Then those who don't appreciate dogs, who have the right to enjoy public places as well, can walk happily.

As a dog owner I have to agree OP I avoid places where dogs are running free as mine have to stay on lead and I don't appreciate others dogs running up to mine.

I am in the same position as Mollie. I get very nervous when my dog is approached by dogs off of the lead, as he is a rescue dog and sometimes doesn't react well to other dogs approaching him, especially when there is more than one.

I take him out into the fields, where he can run and not bother or be bothered by anybody....I never would allow him to run free where there are other people around

You sound like a very responsibile dog owner, I wish more were like you!

There are a lot of us you just never notice us as we are hiding in woods and walking in fields where no one can see us

It isn't a major problem for most dogs to be trained to an acceptable off lead standard or at least have them recall and popped on a lead if people are around. Failing that, keep the dog under control with a long line or, if that is still not enough control, a short lead.

( Baring those odd moments when even the best trained dog sees fit to embarrass their owner off course - the correct response to which is off course to apologise profusely)

Unfortunately there are some owners who for reasons best known to themselves (probably willful ignorance) refuse to train or control their dogs at all. Like some cyclists think all footpaths are their own private velodrome and some parents think their children should be able to molest any dog even if on lead.

We all share these open spaces and we all have to rub along. A little tolerance goes a long way from all quarters. Some dogs are not under proper control, but it is rare that any do significant harm and if they do, there is redress for it. Some cyclists and joggers are rude and ignorant but again rarely do harm. Some children should be kept away from dogs no matter how much they love them but again, rarely is any real harm done.

If we complain too much about other people in the parks, we'll all get banned and only ramblers and pensioners will be allowed to use them!!!

I agree too, I have taught my labrador not to approach others and especially dogs that are on a lead. He does run free but he is under control and is never a problem, well, unless people are carrying treats.

I've never understood why more people don't use these in parks or wide open public spaces....it seems this would let the dogs have more freedom and allow the owners to pull them in if people are near.

Well said SM. I frequently walk on my local beach and around half the dogs I meet are poorly trained, will not come to recall and routinely jump up and/or growl and bark at other beach users. I really do NOT want to be jumped on by someone's wet muddy dog Needless to say the owners never apologise or even acknowledge anything has happened. We had dogs as a child and I have never been afraid of them, but the more of these hounds I meet the more wary I become. It's great seeing a well trained dog with its owner, just wish there were more of them!

I walk my daughters dogs down the fields and let them loose. As soon as anyone comes near enough, with or without their own dogs/children, the dogs are told to stay. Bless'em, they freeze until their leads are on. They are lovely pooches and love children, but all the same....

Because they're a pain in the ass if your dog is running around and circling you and others jump over it like you're all at a skipping competition!

I wouldn't let my even go near anyone unless they expressed interest in him and didn't look frightened. If I couldn't stop him doing this or retrieve him by voice commands then I wouldn't let him off the lead in the first place. Many dog owners can't control their dogs and therefore shouldn't let them off the lead, but don't lump us all together and say that all dogs should be on leads! There are many many responsible dog owners out there.

My small dogs are pretty good and will come back most of the time. However, Alfie on the odd occasion will cock his head and think that he recognises the person approaching him which can be a bit of a nightmare On the rare occasion this happens he doesnt jump up them just sits by their feet looking at them as if to say you know me!!

As for fear im more scared of the collection of teenagers sat on the childrens apparatus drinking like theres no tomorrow and swearing and shouting obscenities and nonbody seems to do much about it.

The most my dogs would do is lick you to death and if I wasnt sure of that then they would be kept on their lead.

It should be made law that dogs are on a lead,i have a 26ft lead that does the job just fine.People that dont put dogs on a lead are just as bad as those that dont clean up crap after them imo.