Park Run Turns Contentious As Dog Owner Blames Runner For Missing Pet
The primary reason to keep your dog on a leash is to protect the public. Unexpected events, such as a startling noise, a child racing by, or another animal crossing its path, can cause even a well-trained dog to become unsteady.
With a leash, the owner can respond swiftly and avoid mishaps like bites, falls, or confrontations. Not everyone feels at ease in the presence of dogs.
Some people might just want to stay away, be fearful, or have allergies. Your dog's leash shows your respect for these kinds of people.
Additionally, it reduces the possibility of unplanned encounters, such as a dog jumping on someone or approaching another animal without permission. Road traffic, hazardous materials, and encounters with stray or wild animals are just a few of the risks that an uncontrolled dog faces in public areas.
A leash contributes to your companion's safety, particularly when used in conjunction with a harness. The OP of today's story is a runner, and they do so every morning.
Now, on this particular day, the OP was running through the neighborhood, which cuts through the middle of the neighborhood park. The OP encountered an unleashed dog, which started chasing them.
The owner immediately yelled at the OP to stop running and come back so she could get her dog, but the OP ignored her. You see, the OP wasn't sure the dog was friendly or mean, but the story took a turn pretty quickly.
The OP writes...
The OP has a concrete trail/path that runs through the neighborhood
The OP crossed the street bordering the park and the dog went its own way
Its not the OP's responsibility to keep their dog safe
OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the AH:
AITA for not grabbing a loose dog? I might be the AH because I led it out of the park, didn't help the owner retrieve the dog, and basically told her not my dog, not my problem in an a$$holeish way.
Here are some of the most upvoted comments from other Redditors for you to read through below
It's the owner's fault for letting their dog off leash
The dog outside the owner's control is not the OP's responsibility
The OP does not know the dog's temperament
Cutting through a dog park
Whatever this Redditor said
It's all fine dandy until the dog knocks someone over
This Redditor hopes the dog is safe and returns back to its owner
Not everyone is a dog lover, and not all dogs like other humans. The majority of people don't anticipate an off-leash dog rushing at them.
In order to prevent off-leash dogs from approaching them, the majority of individuals who walk their reactive dogs in parks choose leashed parks. Everyone is at risk with an off-leash dog.
So even though your dog may seem friendly, it could easily start a fight with another dog, knock someone over, or frighten hikers. OP was declared not the AH, and that's a wrap.
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