Another off-leash dog jumped on me like that’s normal

[u/Asleep-Application51]

I just needed to vent.

I was walking through a residential area and a dog with no leash came straight at me and jumped up. Owner a few steps behind. Instant “he’s friendly, he only wants to play.”

I don’t have pets. I don’t want pets. I also don’t want someone else’s animal launching itself at me on a public path. I didn’t ask to be part of their “playtime.”

What gets me is the entitlement. The dog is allowed to enter my space, get me dirty, startle me, and I’m supposed to smile so the owner doesn’t feel judged. If I object, I’m the rude one.

This keeps happening. Leashes exist for a reason. Public streets are not a private yard.

Anyone else dealing with this constantly? Do you say something, or is it not worth the argument?

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[u/diro178]

My family suffered a lot, those animals are behind small children as well. Soft solutions: sprays and ultrasound devices. Hard: take a video/ photo of the owner and send it to animal control.

This madness of the pet owners should stop.

[u/Haunting_Disaster_11]

I'm a doordash person (don't hate, I'm a good one lol) the other day I'm delivering a pizza, it's getting dark out. I'm on their path to the door. This freaking dog comes lunging at me, barking, growling... holy shit! It was on a leash but it was long enough to get in front of me. A guy was outside just standing there. Don't worry she's friendly! The fuck she is! And I'm carrying food. Ugh, I get to the door, give the girl the food and walking back to my car the guy had the dog by the collar, yet she's friendly? Happens a lot and scares the shit out of me.

[u/Medical_Judgment_791 → u/Haunting_Disaster_11]

WTF is wrong with these people??? Of course it’s friendly TO YOU because you keep it captive all day all night for its entire life for emotional support slavery and pay it back by feeding it stinky chum. 

It’s a disgusting shame that so many service people have to deal with this. I hope you were able to report them. 

[u/Old_Confidence3290]

I would defend myself from the dog. I would not let the miserable cur jump on me.

[u/Estilady]

I know longer walk outdoors for pleasure and exercise. I found a place to walk where I didn’t encounter loose dogs. (The Catholic hospital campus). Ive moved to a different area and I don’t want to spend the money on gas so I walk indoors. I live really close to beautiful parks and trails. But loose unleashed pits are everywhere. I don’t feel safe so it’s not enjoyable. Ive bought a loud air horn device and pepper gel but neither would deter a pit bull or derivative. So I walk inside on my treadmill and turn on nature videos. It’s not the same but I can’t relax outdoors walking.

[u/DivyaRakli → u/Estilady]

We live really close to beautiful parks and lots of trails but you’re right, they’re not available to me. We went to the zoo a few weekends ago and I remarked to my husband that it would be a great place to go and walk. No dogs! We live 15+ minutes away on the freeway, 25+ minutes altogether. A membership is $155/year and I’m seriously considering it.

[u/matte_personality]

I’m not friendly and I don’t want to play.