Anxiety When Jogging By Unleashed Dogs

jsecret

I know off leash dogs are illegal here in IL as well but if they aren't actually hurting anyone then the cops could care less. Meaning you could call a hundred times a day about off leash dogs at the park, but until one actually bit you they wouldn't do a thing about it. The only downside about pepper spray is that you need to be VERY careful of wind direction and in a panic you may do yourself more harm than good. An airhorn is always an option too, something that loud will not only startle the dog and stop if from coming at you but will also get the owners attention (and everyone else around's) in a hurry.

blues4miles

wonko221 wrote: »

The secret to being around dogs and owners: Always assume dogs are dangerous, and the owners don't understand their dogs that well. This is NOT the truth, in many cases, but if you assume this, you take responsibility for your own safety.

Give dogs, leashed or unleashed, a wide berth, and pay attention to them, without making eye contact. As you approach, give a confident "good morning/afternoon" aloud, so that you don't startle them, and so they see you approach and pass.

I also make it a rule never to ask to pet a leashed or unleashed dog, whether the owner thinks it will bite, or not. I'd rather appreciate it at a distance than try to force a petting on it and trigger its anxiety. If the dog approaches me, i'll relax, and drop a hand for it to smell, as long as it isn't displaying any warning signs. If it acts sociable, i'll then happily rub its head or play with it. But the last thing i want to do is make a dog nervous.

I agree with this. I am really lucky that 99% of the dogs I come into contact with on my runs are leashed. There was only one time a large-ish dog was unleashed (I run through a campground and even though dogs are supposed to be leashed there sometimes the people don't, but most people walking through the area DO leash). I could definitely tell by its behavior it was territorial and looking for trouble. Agree don't make eye contact. Most of the dogs that have tried to bite me are all small dogs, too many people think their Chihuahua or poodle is too small to do damage and therefore they don't train them not to go after people. I would not have hesitated to kick any of these dogs had the owner not gotten them back in time. Almost all the big dogs I see are either too intent on their walk or surprisingly calm and only mildly interested in me. One on a leash got upset when I said hi to his owner and then looked at him. I think he saw me as threatening his owner, and then the eye contact was a threatening gesture.

If I really ran into that many unleashed dogs though I would get pepper spray. It seems less dangerous (to the dog) than a stick/bat. If someone's dog gets sprayed I bet a lot of people will get in line real quick on leashing. Hopefully you aren't running through a dog park or something, it sounds like there's a large open area where people are having their dogs play. Could you change your route to where you are only running paths/trails? A dog going somewhere is probably more likely to be leashed and more likely to have something to focus on that isn't you. It also seems reasonable to call police or animal control on these people. You probably only have to do it once or twice, than word will spread.

questionfear

Do you pass the unleashed dog people regularly? If so, I would let them know if you see their dog unleashed again you're calling the police. If you don't see them often or you don't need to maintain decent neighborly relations, call the police without confronting them again.

It blows my mind when people think it's ok to leave their dog unleashed because "my dog is friendly". We have a huge issue with that if we take our dog out to a park or around town, because our dog gets very easily frightened by strange dogs and will react negatively if he's surprised. I can't tell you how many times a strange dog has popped up while we're out on a walk, and I'm clearly struggling to hold back my 100lb labrador who is growling and crying and clearly in distress, and the owner yells "Oh, don't worry, my dog is friendly!" It's AMAZING how fast they move when I yell back "mine isn't, and he's bigger."

People sometimes forget that a dog is still an animal. They may be the sweetest creatures on earth, but they have certain instincts, especially about territory and strangers moving quickly past them. If your dog doesn't like the leash, get a fence.

hcdo

In my neighborhood, people let their dogs run the streets as if the neighborhood is their own backyard. I have been chased by tons of dogs, and their owners are never around (I don't even know who the owners are, since they're just running everywhere and not just in their yard). I have now gone through an entire can of pepper spray and am on my second can. It definitely works, sometimes even if you just spray it in their direction and not directly in their face. My hubby keeps telling me to do what others have suggested and stop running when a dog runs up, since it sets off their chase instinct. I'm working on it, but my natural instinct when something terrifying is coming at me is to run the opposite direction. Sorry you've had to deal with this problem, too. Calling the (non-emergency) police is a good idea to hopefully help curb some of these owners' tendencies to let their dogs run free. But for an in-the-moment solution, pepper spray has helped me.

JoRocka

If you are attacked or cornered by an aggressive unleashed dog- you DEFINITELY need to call the police.

Just calling because they are unleashed is kind of meh (I know it's the law here in NJ- but eh)- it's more relevant if the dog is a problem.

I agree you should slow and walk- or stop fully around an unknown/unleashed dog that's paying you interest.

And I would do a little research on dogs and what aggressive posturing looks like- because a great big excited golden retriever could scare you- and really they are just excited doofballs. Not saying it's RIGHT for them to be unleashed- but for your own personal level of comfort it might help you.

aarar

I carry dog spray with me just in case.

Traveler120

I hate dogs. I got chased by some when I was a kid. Dog owners who don't move them out of way until I'm right there, really piss me off.

LauraHasABabyJack

I always carry pepper spray with me for dogs. I live in a semi-rural area where everyone keeps a large dog and walk/run the roads daily. At this point I know where the loose dogs area and made friends with the ones I can. I have pepper sprayed several that WOULD NOT stop coming closer and acting aggressive. They recognize me now and no longer approach except one that scares the ever living beejeepers out of me.
Ohio law is under control, confined, restrained or leashed or you can protect yourself (and livestock). I refuse to be bitten; I hate that the dogs are taking the wrap for irresponsible owners (I LOVE dogs!!) but it's me over them every time. I also thank those with properly restrained pets. The dog warden and law enforcement officers in our area leave much to be desired so with something like this, they just don't care.

AdrianChr92

When I was 10 I came home and a german shephard jumped on me right as I was about to enter my yard. He was all over me and bit me on the shoulder but my mom quickly dispatched him.

Since then I have no love for dogs and in my opinion all stray dogs should be either adopted or euthanized. I am afraid of most dogs even now, 14 years later, I am afraid a little even by my family dogs even though I am much bigger now and they lick me all the time, the feeling of dread is still there. This is why I love cats, even though they can be just as aggressive, I never had a cat bigger than me stand over my body and trying to kill me (yet). I know they are animals and that is their nature.

My country has a great stray dog problem, even if it got better in the past years. Lot's of people abandon their pets. I stop running near lose dogs, and if I notice they look at me funny I back away without showing them my back. I run in populated running areas, where I noticed that even if dogs are stray they are used to people running. If I run in a zone with no runners I can guarantee that any dog that sees me will be aggressive, since dogs in countryside here are trained to guard so they are aggressive towards anyone strange. People usually chain these dogs but some aren't chained and on rare occasion some will jump over the fence to chase. I want to run trails but I can't from this reason. Only with a partner. Never alone.

cwolfman13

I don't understand your problem with calling the authorities. Laws are being broken. I'm a dog person too, but people come before dogs...call the authorities.

I often cycle in a semi-rural area where people tend to just let their dogs roam free...they will come after me as I pass their yards with gates just sitting wide open. I carry pepper spray with me, and if they get too close they get blasted. *kitten* the owners...they're leaving their gates open for their dogs to get out and attack passer buyers on public property...they can get bent.

blues4miles

questionfear wrote: »

Do you pass the unleashed dog people regularly? If so, I would let them know if you see their dog unleashed again you're calling the police. If you don't see them often or you don't need to maintain decent neighborly relations, call the police without confronting them again.

I wouldn't tell these people you are going to call the cops before you call the cops...then you make yourself a target to them. Otherwise, good advice.

Alluminati

My friend in PA lives on a dirt road and he was taking a walk with his weimerauner (sp) who was the "sweetest dog ever" and would never "hurt a fly". The dog was also not on a lead, and I think the laws there are not as clear as NJ's laws (maybe someone can confirm, I'm not familiar). This is a walk they have taken hundreds of times but this one time the neighbors cat was out roaming and the dog basically shredded her to bits. It happened so fast, and my friend is still in shock that his dog did this.

I live in NJ and see a lot of pitbulls (on leashes) during my walks and I still feel uneasy when I see one coming. I got nipped by one a long time ago and we recently had a a pitbull attack down the block so I feel your pain, OP. I carry pepper spray on me but not all the time.

alyssa0061

I have a Rottweiler. I understand her breed alone makes people afraid of her regardless of her demeanor. We walk three to five miles every day. And every single time we approach someone I move out of the way/cross the street/whatever is safest/easiest on that particular part of the sidewalk. That's my responsibility as a dog owner. She would never hurt anyone but those strangers don't know that. They see a huge "scary" dog. I understand and respect that. I would never walk her without a leash. That's what the dog park is for.

I agree with the other comments. Call the police if they're breaking the law. My city doesn't allow dogs in the public parks. I guarantee you someone would call the police if they saw a dog in one.

Or pepper spray as they said if the dog becomes aggressive with you.

ashleyminnich1

I like to say it's a bad dogs world, and good dogs just live in it. The general idea that runners get about dogs, and their level of fear makes me both sad and worried. I run with my dog. He is on a leash, he is trained to run straight and not pay attention to the people around him. He is two and still training however, and occasional he still looks in someone's direction. I'm afraid someday that someone will get scared and pepper spray him or strike at him. Even though he is on a leash. Doing something like that could damage my soft dog, and possibly make in aggressive towards strangers.

Please just think about this before carrying pepper spray and using it. Be certain that dog is being truly aggressive, because most dogs aren't.

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/what-to-do-if-youre-attacked-by-a-dog

Alluminati

ashleyminnich1 wrote: »

I like to say it's a bad dogs world, and good dogs just live in it. The general idea that runners get about dogs, and their level of fear makes me both sad and worried. I run with my dog. He is on a leash, he is trained to run straight and not pay attention to the people around him. He is two and still training however, and occasional he still looks in someone's direction. I'm afraid someday that someone will get scared and pepper spray him or strike at him. Even though he is on a leash. Doing something like that could damage my soft dog, and possibly make in aggressive towards strangers.

Please just think about this before carrying pepper spray and using it. Be certain that dog is being truly aggressive, because most dogs aren't.


http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/what-to-do-if-youre-attacked-by-a-dog

You really think if your dog is running with you on a leash and looks in someones direction they will get pepper sprayed? I like to think a reasonable human would not do that.

No need to be sad about peoples anxiety. Just accept that there will be people who might be uncomfortable (for whatever reason)when faced with a pet (whatever it is) and do your own part as a responsible pet owner to make sure the public is not in danger. Which sounds like you are doing, anyway. Just like I cannot control your pet you cannot control my urge to carry spray to feel safe or use it if I'm being attacked.
FYI : the article you linked suggests carrying mace.

RunnersLament

wonko221 wrote: »

The secret to being around dogs and owners: Always assume dogs are dangerous, and the owners don't understand their dogs that well. This is NOT the truth, in many cases, but if you assume this, you take responsibility for your own safety.

Give dogs, leashed or unleashed, a wide berth, and pay attention to them, without making eye contact. As you approach, give a confident "good morning/afternoon" aloud, so that you don't startle them, and so they see you approach and pass.

I also make it a rule never to ask to pet a leashed or unleashed dog, whether the owner thinks it will bite, or not. I'd rather appreciate it at a distance than try to force a petting on it and trigger its anxiety. If the dog approaches me, i'll relax, and drop a hand for it to smell, as long as it isn't displaying any warning signs. If it acts sociable, i'll then happily rub its head or play with it. But the last thing i want to do is make a dog nervous.

This sums up perfectly what I was going to say. Don't trust a dog you don't know and give it a very wide berth (if I know its ahead, I'll cross the street). Don't surprise or startle a dog you don't know (I run very softly and am hard to hear coming.) Remember Fido may just perceive your running towards it, or its owner as a threat to a member of their pack. Many breeds have a strong instinct to pursue as well and sometimes those instincts are stronger than the owner is aware.

I've had to kick away a few dogs in my time, and if a dog is willing to attack me at 6' 230, I cringe to think about what that same beloved pet is willing to do to someone smaller.

3dogsrunning

alyssa0061 wrote: »

I have a Rottweiler. I understand her breed alone makes people afraid of her regardless of her demeanor. We walk three to five miles every day. And every single time we approach someone I move out of the way/cross the street/whatever is safest/easiest on that particular part of the sidewalk. That's my responsibility as a dog owner. She would never hurt anyone but those strangers don't know that. They see a huge "scary" dog. I understand and respect that. I would never walk her without a leash. That's what the dog park is for.

I agree with the other comments. Call the police if they're breaking the law. My city doesn't allow dogs in the public parks. I guarantee you someone would call the police if they saw a dog in one.

Or pepper spray as they said if the dog becomes aggressive with you.

I had a German Shepherd and often noticed how nervous of him people would be. I wouldn't cross the road but I would always move to the left so they could pass on my right. He ran on lead in a heel position on the left so allowing people to pass on my right meant I was between the dog and them. He was totally fine if they hadn't but I did it out of courtesy.
You would not believe how many people would keep moving over to pass on my left even if they had to go on the grass. It was like a comedy routine. I'd move over, they'd move over. I'd move over more. They'd move over more. Finally I'd move all the way to my right to let them pass. So strange.

DeficitDuchess

FridayApril01st2016 wrote: »

It isn't just dogs, that aren't on a leash; that're problematic but the ones that're in yards, with fences low enough; for them to jump over. I recently saw a man working on his truck, on the side of a home; in which had a dog in the yard. I asked him, if that was his dog & if the dog, could jump the small fence & he said, yeah but he knows better. Then I just said because that's scary. He must have gone to the yard, as I was passing by & called the dog, away from the fence but that just tells me, that he understands; that his dog could become a danger or possibly he was afraid, that I'd report him. Hopefully he'll put a large board there because the rest of the fencing area, is behind an apartment complex's; high fence.

I think that the best thing to do, is carry dog treats; with you. Since some of these dogs might be regulars, befriending them; might help prevent an attack but also have mace ready, just in case; befriending doesn't work & ALWAYS notify the authorities because even if you might be able to prevent the dog, from attacking you; they might attack someone else later. It's also the best avenue, to prevent a dog from having to be euthanized; by preventing the possibility from them being able to attack to begin with.

UPDATE: I walked by the yard, in my previous post & he put up a high fence. Thankfully sometimes just speaking to someone, about your concerns works!

T1DCarnivoreRunner

3dogsrunning wrote: »

alyssa0061 wrote: »

I have a Rottweiler. I understand her breed alone makes people afraid of her regardless of her demeanor. We walk three to five miles every day. And every single time we approach someone I move out of the way/cross the street/whatever is safest/easiest on that particular part of the sidewalk. That's my responsibility as a dog owner. She would never hurt anyone but those strangers don't know that. They see a huge "scary" dog. I understand and respect that. I would never walk her without a leash. That's what the dog park is for.

I agree with the other comments. Call the police if they're breaking the law. My city doesn't allow dogs in the public parks. I guarantee you someone would call the police if they saw a dog in one.

Or pepper spray as they said if the dog becomes aggressive with you.

I had a German Shepherd and often noticed how nervous of him people would be. I wouldn't cross the road but I would always move to the left so they could pass on my right. He ran on lead in a heel position on the left so allowing people to pass on my right meant I was between the dog and them. He was totally fine if they hadn't but I did it out of courtesy.
You would not believe how many people would keep moving over to pass on my left even if they had to go on the grass. It was like a comedy routine. I'd move over, they'd move over. I'd move over more. They'd move over more. Finally I'd move all the way to my right to let them pass. So strange.

I don't know where you are at, but I live in the U.S.A., and passing on the left is standard.

3dogsrunning

midwesterner85 wrote: »

3dogsrunning wrote: »

alyssa0061 wrote: »

I have a Rottweiler. I understand her breed alone makes people afraid of her regardless of her demeanor. We walk three to five miles every day. And every single time we approach someone I move out of the way/cross the street/whatever is safest/easiest on that particular part of the sidewalk. That's my responsibility as a dog owner. She would never hurt anyone but those strangers don't know that. They see a huge "scary" dog. I understand and respect that. I would never walk her without a leash. That's what the dog park is for.

I agree with the other comments. Call the police if they're breaking the law. My city doesn't allow dogs in the public parks. I guarantee you someone would call the police if they saw a dog in one.

Or pepper spray as they said if the dog becomes aggressive with you.

I had a German Shepherd and often noticed how nervous of him people would be. I wouldn't cross the road but I would always move to the left so they could pass on my right. He ran on lead in a heel position on the left so allowing people to pass on my right meant I was between the dog and them. He was totally fine if they hadn't but I did it out of courtesy.
You would not believe how many people would keep moving over to pass on my left even if they had to go on the grass. It was like a comedy routine. I'd move over, they'd move over. I'd move over more. They'd move over more. Finally I'd move all the way to my right to let them pass. So strange.

I don't know where you are at, but I live in the U.S.A., and passing on the left is standard.

It is. But if I move all the way the left so that all the room to pass is on the right, you think people would take that route instead of leaving the sidewalk to pass on the left.

puffbrat

The biggest thing I want to add besides slowing down is to remove your hat and sunglasses if you are wearing them. Dogs get nervous when they can't see your eyes. I have had dogs go from about to attack me to walking away simply from removing my hat and sunglasses.

As a dog owner these situations make me really sad. I have to agree with the pepper spray (only if actually being attacked and not just a dog trying to play) and calling the cops. You can also kick the dog if it's attacking you or scruff it and throw it to the ground (I've done this with a large german shepard).

You mentioned you have had dogs before but as someone else said, be sure you understand dog posturing. I had to yell at a woman last month when her very obviously terrified dog lunged at mine. I thought I was giving plenty of distance to go around it but he was on an extendable leash and lunged while we were still a good distance away. The oblivious owner tried to convince me her dog was just trying to play which was why she made no move to stop what happened.

Alluminati

puffbrat wrote: »

The biggest thing I want to add besides slowing down is to remove your hat and sunglasses if you are wearing them. Dogs get nervous when they can't see your eyes. I have had dogs go from about to attack me to walking away simply from removing my hat and sunglasses.

I thought you're not supposed to look at dogs in the eye (or their direction) anyway?

cwolfman13

ashleyminnich1 wrote: »

I like to say it's a bad dogs world, and good dogs just live in it. The general idea that runners get about dogs, and their level of fear makes me both sad and worried. I run with my dog. He is on a leash, he is trained to run straight and not pay attention to the people around him. He is two and still training however, and occasional he still looks in someone's direction. I'm afraid someday that someone will get scared and pepper spray him or strike at him. Even though he is on a leash. Doing something like that could damage my soft dog, and possibly make in aggressive towards strangers.

Please just think about this before carrying pepper spray and using it. Be certain that dog is being truly aggressive, because most dogs aren't.

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/what-to-do-if-youre-attacked-by-a-dog

I really don't think anyone would pepper spray your dog that is on a leash for looking in their direction...that is not even remotely what this thread is about...not even close.

snowflake930

thereshegoesagain wrote: »

Get some pepper spray to take with you.

^This, and do not worry about being mean and calling the police. It is unfair to pedestrians, joggers, walkers, bikers, and the unleashed dogs. You should not have to be concerned about your safety. Irresponsible pet owners deserve to be turned in. It is not the animals fault. Here in Minnesota, they have pet parks where you can take your dog to run and play with other dogs. Otherwise leash laws are in effect.

BTW, I have had dogs all of my life and would never think of having them off the leash in a public area. It shows very poor pet ownership to be so irresponsible.

There are leash laws for a reason. If your animal is not under your control, you are liable, and being under control means that the pet owner has to have control of the animal even if it is leashed and attacks.

gobonas99

puffbrat wrote: »

As a dog owner these situations make me really sad. I have to agree with the pepper spray (only if actually being attacked and not just a dog trying to play) and calling the cops. You can also kick the dog if it's attacking you or scruff it and throw it to the ground (I've done this with a large german shepard).

As a dog owner, you may not be aware of this, but to someone who is terrified of dogs, "attacking" and "trying to play" look pretty much the same.

6502programmer

gobonas99 wrote: »

As a dog owner, you may not be aware of this, but to someone who is terrified of dogs, "attacking" and "trying to play" look pretty much the same.

Seconded. As someone who was bit by a dog as a kid, there's a reason why I try to avoid dogs at all costs. I'm not a dog behavior expert, nor should I be. I'm not going to placate dogs by throwing treats. I'm not going to attack your pet. If it comes down to my safety or an animal that is not controlled, however, I will ensure my safety. Dog owners that are truly concerned about their pets should be even more vocal about uncontrolled animals than anyone else, and do everything within their power, from confronting owners to calling cops, to try to make it so that their own freedoms aren't taken away.

Gamliela

This whole thread is confusing, inluding the OP. A dog attack is a serious matter. A dog attack is defined as where the dog bites down hard enough and does not let go until blood is drawn. A dog who barks, or snaps without making contact on the victim or where a dog who makes contact but is only putting the teeth on the victim but does not go through skin, is not considered to be attacking the victim, the dog is giving a warning.

All you have to do if you are ever bitten and blood was drawn by the dogs teeth, not his claws, is go to the nearest City Office and make a formal complaint. You need the adress or where the dog is from, your own id and show them the bite. This can be covered in small claims court and the dog may be put down. I lived in Montana and Colorado and know this to be true.

You don't need a lawyer. Th dog owners might though.

A dog barking through a fence is not considered to be 'attacking' anyone. Most dogs who jump the fence calm down, there is something about being behind a fence and guarding territory that makes dogs bark a lot.

Personally I would run down a different street if I thought a dog I saw a few times on a certain street would actually bite me.

Best of luck. Always try to do things that are logical and where the city police have set things up for such events as dog attacks, just use the system.

one1fast68

OP - I didn't read all of the responses but when I bike ride I carry an extra bottle and fill it with 80% ammonia 20% water and have a small hole in the top so I can squirt it on a dog that tries to bite. Not sure how you could carry while jogging but perhaps a small bottle with a flip up lid that only holds about 4 or 5 ounces would be light and work the same way. This way you don't have to worry about pepper spray mist.

Gamliela

gonzanab wrote: »

I'm an avid dog fan I love dogs and I was a dog owner for 17 years. I don't have a phobia of dogs, but I do get anxiety when I jog by unleashed dogs in public parks I go too.

In NJ, it's a law to have a dog leashed in public parks.

I've been attacked by 2 pitbulls while on my jogs. When I confronted the owners, before hand, they assured me that I'd be fine and tell me that their pets are well behaved. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

I'm not sure how to approach this situation. I don't want to be mean and call the cops. At the same time, I want to be able to enjoy my job without stressing.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Does this happen to anyone else?

You were attacked by a couple of pit bulls? That is very serious, was it an attack? Were you bitten through the skin? This should be reported to the city police.

blues4miles

ashleyminnich1 wrote: »

I like to say it's a bad dogs world, and good dogs just live in it. The general idea that runners get about dogs, and their level of fear makes me both sad and worried. I run with my dog. He is on a leash, he is trained to run straight and not pay attention to the people around him. He is two and still training however, and occasional he still looks in someone's direction. I'm afraid someday that someone will get scared and pepper spray him or strike at him. Even though he is on a leash. Doing something like that could damage my soft dog, and possibly make in aggressive towards strangers.

Please just think about this before carrying pepper spray and using it. Be certain that dog is being truly aggressive, because most dogs aren't.

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/what-to-do-if-youre-attacked-by-a-dog

I don't think I'd ever spray a dog on a leash where the owner still had their hand on the leash. It's pretty obvious when a dog is aggressive/not aggressive. Non-aggressive dogs are looking down / looking where they are going. They might start to meander towards you to sniff you but generally keep their heads down and keep moving on a walk. An aggressive dog will attempt to jump at you (meaning if the owner has a good grip it will be up on its back legs) and is barking at you or growling at you. If your dog is barking at people while on a walk, you need to train your dog better.

Like I said before, most large dogs I run into are super chill. They are trying to get their walk on, they want to GO. They might try to smell me as we pass, but aren't super interested in me. I get a lot more angry little dogs (though for the most part they are leashed), I suspect because the owner thinks their poodle isn't a killer and so train it poorly. Yeah it probably can't kill me, but I still don't want to get bit. Maybe the most common thing I run into is inconsiderate owners often walking 2+ little dogs who do nothing to pick a side of the road/path. Sometimes I have to slow down to a walk to make sure I get past without kicking their dog or tripping over the leash. Like please pull in your leash and you and your dogs need to pick a side of the road I don't care which. Sometimes I sense some sort of anti-runner sentiment in these people like I'm out there doing something unnatural, why should they have to adapt. I think it is because it's a park and they have this idea about "runners" that we shouldn't be in their park. Sometimes I have to deal with bikers on the walking path (because they have decided not to use the road next to it) or the occasional large family that won't reign in their toddlers either so I will jump out into the road when passing them so I don't knock over their sweet little kids who are entitled to the entire path. Not sure why this turned into a rant on everything, guess I am grumpy today.