Do you think that dogs owners need to stop thinking it's acceptable for their dogs off the leash hyper and bounding around people they don't know?

[SmasherJosh5000]

Don't get me wrong I love dogs, but I also have anxiety and absolutely hate it when dogs I don't know approach me with all this excitement, bouncing around and what annoys me the most is the majority of these owners are like "Don't worry they're just friendly, they won't hurt you" which I should say to these owners "Excuse me, not everyone likes it when dogs they don't know approaching them in this manner, so be respectful of this, this makes it harder for cynophobic people to overcome their fear of dogs. I'm not saying "YOU MUST KEEP YOUR DOGS ON THE LEASH ALL THE TIME" what I am saying is your dog needs to understand that not everyone likes to be approached like that, so play it safe but letting them approach people but in a calm manner. Let me know your thoughts

Yes, it's really annoying

No, they're fine what are you on about

[Smoke-n-Growls]

I kinda agree, but at the same time if you're walking in an off leash area, that's the risk you're accepting by choosing to be there.

There are many more spaces where dogs must be on a leash (at least that's true where I live) than off. Off leash spaces are meant for the dogs, not the humans, who use them.

If you want dogs to be under control, only visit areas where on leash walking is allowed.

It's a good idea to also brush up on how to handle dog confrontations. Even if you're only walking in on leash areas, if you run into a wild or badly trained dog (and owner), it's better safe than sorry.

However, I think your idea of speaking up to the owner is a good one. Just don't do so in an off leash space, since, again, they're not for the humans.

It may be helpful to approach the owner is a less hostile tone, as well. Let them know clearly you're anxious about overly friendly dogs and would appreciate their help in having their dog on a leash or heeled as you pass by.

People are generally happy to do a favour if asked in a pleasant manner, and posing it like they're helping you makes them feel good about doing it (most times - there's always an ass or two).

But again, off leash areas aren't for your enjoyment. They're for the dogs.

[dustybiker]

Yup. Different perspective. Dog trainer here. Had many pups training to be various professional working dogs be attacked while out training through the years, some badly. It’s at the top of my peeves list. (Usually the obnoxious owners with equally obnoxious dogs.) I so understand the frustration.

[Guy13]

People are stupid, thinks their pets are children, and many Owners are more depraved than their pets. For instance, any
—-LGBTQ are not as bright as their pets. Even the creatures and crawling things know same sex is a crime against Nature both in Form and Function.

[call_me_scar]

Yeah my ex neighbors dogs attacked mine and the dog I watched after 3 times in total because the neighbor left the dogs on the deck without a leash the cops were their the 3rd time and they couldn't do shit because the dog never touched me

[mandyfire98]

Everyone should leash their dogs

[TheUniqueOne96]

I completely agree.

[TheUniqueOne96]

This especially applies to the ones that can do a lot of damage.

[SmasherJosh5000]

There's a fine line between a dog protecting its master and it attacking everyone it meets even ones who do no harm. It's down to stupidity that a dog owner think it's okay to let it attack anyone it meets

[WhitneySnow]

I like most animals