Redditor Asks If He's An A**hole For Willingly Taking His Anxious Dog For Walks Where There Are Aggressive Dogs Off-Leash

They said if it was such a problem, OP shouldn't bring his dog to an area where other dogs are off-leash.

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• January 12, 2023

We always strive to do the right thing for our pets and ensure that they feel safe. But sometimes a situation can arise where the lines get blurred and we're not certain what the right thing to do is.

Recently, Reddit user u/FifthGearGTXT shared a story in the AITA (Am I The A**hole?) subreddit about a situation he is currently experiencing with his dog. He explained that he lives in a densely wooded area where the local park is 80% woods and 20% open fields.

Every day, OP takes his dog for a walk through this area. They both love it, but the problem is that OP's dog is very anxious, and can be reactive when other dogs approach her off-lead.

The Redditor says there is always at least one dog running in the fields, which is fine if they are well-behaved with good recall. However, there is one particular dog that they see at least once a week who isn't so well-mannered.

OP says the dog runs straight for them as soon as it spots them coming. The Redditor says he tries to let the owner know that his dog is not friendly with other dogs, but the owner doesn't seem to care and has no recall on his dog regardless.

The Reddit user says the last time this happened he yelled at him because he'd had enough. But then the dog owner and another man started yelling back at him and said if it was such a problem, OP shouldn't bring his dog to an area where other dogs are off-leash.

But OP says the park is a community common area, not a dog park. So, there are local leash laws in place that people are expected to follow.

So, the OP asked the Reddit community for advice on how to handle the situation. Keep scrolling to see how they reacted.

The OP shared a story about a situation he is currently experiencing with his dog.

He explained that he lives in a densely wooded area where the local park is 80% woods and 20% open fields.

There is one particular dog that runs straight for them as soon as it spots them coming, and the last time this happened he yelled at him because he'd had enough.

But then the dog owner and another man started yelling back at him and said if it was such a problem, OP shouldn't bring his dog to an area where other dogs are off-leash.

Here's how people reacted.

Rules are different everywhere.

"Their dog has no right to be off leash."

"Report them to the police."

You still need to "have reasonable control."

Laws are made for a reason.

"Call the police next time."

"They should be able to recall it."

Where's all the common sense gone?

NTA.

"Contact the local authorities."

One day he might mess with the wrong dog.

"It needs to stay on leash."

"Something to think about."

"A bad pet owner."

They need to go.

Can relate.

"I carry a walking pole in case I encounter a loose, aggressive dog."

Unpopular opinion, but valid.

What's your take on this situation? Do you think the OP is doing the wrong thing by taking his dog walking in that area, or should the other dog owners just be more respectful?

Either way, we hope OP's dog is okay and not too stressed out by the situation. Surely there is somewhere else they could go for walks.

We would love to hear your opinion on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

Stephanie