Completely agree with this. I love dogs but I don't want strange dogs running up to me. This happened to. Me once when DS was about 18 months old and the "friendly" dog nearly knocked us both down. Friendly does not mean well behaved (or that they are actually friendly!)

My dog is a rescue and is a bit skittish. We've had unleashed dogs run at as several times, some of which were not friendly.

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand why people get a pet, but don't care about the responsibility of having a pet.

You are right! Op another dog owner who agrees with you. My dog is small and she is afraid of big dogs. She's always on a leash. I can't stand irresponsible dog owners who don't leash their dogs and don't pick up after them. So rude.

I don't understand why people get a pet, but don't care about the responsibility of having a pet.

Anonymous wrote:How do you play fetch while texting?

Um people do a lot of things while texting these days, in case you hadn't noticed...

How do you play fetch while texting?

I agree with you Op. With few exceptions (and there are highly trained dogs that are exceptions) dogs should not be running around off leash outside of a dog park "greeting" people and other dogs. Even super friendly dogs can scratch and trip people, get in front of bikes causing them to wreck, get hit by cars...they don't even have to be big dogs to cause a problem.

I also agree. I have a dog but always walk him with his leash. The other day I was running and ran up on a woman walking her dog off leash. I stopped and she smiled and said "it's OK, he's friendly." I just told her I no and turned around. It's so irresponsible, and arrogant.

Anonymous wrote:OP, why don't you calmly and politely say something to her?

I'd love to but it's tough to "calmly and politely" say or do anything over the sound of the barking, especially while they're raking their nails down my arms.

OP, I have two dogs and agree 100%. Keeping my dogs on leash (unless we're in a dog park) is as much about protecting them as it is about protecting others. If they are next to me on leash, I have a better chance of keeping them safe AND making sure they don't jump on anyone else or do any harm.

OP, why don't you calmly and politely say something to her?

OP, as a dog owner I agree with you 100%. Dogs need to be leashed on public property.
I have an older small breed that weighs 15 lbs. It's not only annoying for me, but it's upsetting for my old dog, who's losing her vision, to have to deal with these dogs.

OP here, wanting to add that I definitely like dogs! I don't have one but I always end up sitting on the floor and playing with them at people's houses. They're great. That's part of why this woman disturbs me so much. Her irresponsible behavior is a threat to everyone, including her dogs. I had another run-in with them this morning and felt the need to post something where other owners could see it. Maybe she reads it! I don't know. Either way, glad to see people on board.

I am a HUGE dog lover, and I agree 100%. Dogs should always be leashed for their safety, and the safety of others.


I have a giant breed, and to me it's important to keep her on leash at all times, mostly to protect her. She can easily knock someone over, or hurt them without meaning to, in which case we're liable. I never understand why other owners can't get that.

Unfortunately, because she's always been on leash and has been approached by leash free dogs in a threatening way (you may or may not be surprised that people think it's funny to let their toy breed actually BITE a giant dog ), she's now leash aggressive around other dogs. Their stupidity has created a huge problem for us.


A well trained, happy dog can and will walk politely on leash. If you want off leash time, do it in a safe place away from any people or in an approved leash free area.

I like dogs more than I like most people, and I 100% agree with you. People like you describe ruin it for everyone.

I'm sure every dog owner has heard this a million times but people still don't seem to listen. Everyone thinks their dogs are special and don't need leashes. But if your dog can walk, IT NEEDS A LEASH.

There's a woman who takes her two gigantic dogs to the park behind my building almost every morning. She takes off their leashes right away, then proceeds to play fetch with a tennis ball while texting.

These dogs constantly run up to people walking by on the sidewalk, including me. They're fast, loud and huge, leaving drool and scratch marks on clothes and skin. It's terrifying. Her automatic reaction is to shout at the person attempting to protect themselves: "they don't bite!" "they're just playing!" or "they're just saying hi!"

Post all the nasty stuff you want in response. I'm not going to read it. But if you have a dog and you don't keep it on a leash, please just consider what you're doing. They're animals. They're unpredictable. These laws are in place because of people like you. No one should have to fear (at least) slobber, scratches and barking in their face or (at worst) deadly bites while walking in public spaces.

If you want to make it about the dog, fine! Their safety is at risk, too! They could get hit by a car or if they attack someone, they will likely be put down.

And yes, I reported that woman this morning and I've been instructed to call the police the next time I see her. The city takes this seriously. You should, too.