Biker Crashes In Off-Leash Dog Area And Blames Poor Labrador, Despite Dog Being Safely Held By Owner

It's an off leash area after all!

Maryjane

• Published in Animal Stories
• August 30, 2023

Many dog owners want to be able to trust their dog while it's not on a leash. However, many people have concerns about releasing the leash and allowing their dogs to roam free.

What if your dog flees and never returns, or what if they disappear? What happens if they are hurt, and what training is required before being off-leash is an option?

Letting your dog go loose has hazards, and those risks can vary depending on the situation. And the decision to let a dog go free actually depends on how much risk you are willing to take on yourself.

However, local leash restrictions and making sure your dog doesn't annoy other people or animals are also crucial factors to take into account. Your dog has to have a strong come-when-called cue before they may accompany you on off-leash outings.

This is true, without a doubt! And by "strong," we mean having the ability to respond to calls even while engaged in a squirrel chase.

Off-leash time is considerably simpler for everyone when your dog has a tendency to stick close by and periodically check in with you. The OP of today's AITA story was on a hike in the public woods by his house, as he goes there often with his dog, and they hike the trails.

On a certain day, a biker comes flying down fast and crashes his bike but ends up blaming the OP for not leashing his dog.

So now the OP is asking...

The other day, they were out hiking and a biker comes flying down the hill

A little edit to further clarify things

Comments rolled in, in their hundreds and we've gathered a bunch of them for to read through below

This redditor wants to know if bikes are allowed on trails

This redditor doesn't know what to say as their dog is always leashed for safety reasons

The biker was likely to encounter other wildlife in the wilderness

This redditor finds American attitudes to leashing dogs so extraordinary

A comment from a biker:

NTA. I am a biker and have a dog, so I feel like this is 100% in my wheelhouse, lol. The biker is responsible for being under control on shared trails as there will always be people and pets walking. If they wanted to fly through the trail unobstructed, they should have found a mountain bike specific trail.

You are only allowed to have a well trained dog off leash

This redditor wants to know the rules surrounding leashes in the OP's area

This redditor doesn't let the dogs off leash where it is not allowed

The dog was allowed off leash and was under the OP's control

A dog that is unrestrained has the potential to meander and stray from its owner. They naturally move more quickly than we do and go off the strategic path. Keep them in your line of sight for safety's sake, so you can call them back if necessary.

The OP did this so it was clear the biker was at fault and the OP was declared not the AH.

Maryjane