I am frustrated by the behavior of some dog owners in Toronto who allow their dogs to roam off-leash in parks, despite it being inappropriate or unsafe. When these untrained dogs run up to my dog, and she reacts fearfully, I’m often met with anger and blame from the owners, who suggest I should "train my dog" or "put a muzzle on her."

It’s also not fair to my dog to be choked by her collar as I try to get her away from these untrained dogs. She is terrified, and her instinct is to defend herself, which sometimes leads to her reacting aggressively. However, I don’t want to allow her to bite another dog in order to protect herself. This situation is unfair to both my dog and others, and it's frustrating when I’m made to feel like the one who’s responsible.

I find it unreasonable to expect me to muzzle my dog as a preventative measure when their dog is the one approaching in an uncontrolled manner. Prior to moving to Toronto, my dog was well-adjusted and comfortable, but after being repeatedly attacked by off-leash dogs in public spaces, she has become fearful.

I firmly believe that all dogs, including mine, should be able to enjoy a walk without fear of an aggressive or uncontrolled dog running up to them. I should not be expected to muzzle my dog because another owner is not taking proper responsibility for their dog’s behavior.

With so many off-leash dogs in areas where they shouldn’t be, I’m left wondering: what are people in Toronto doing in these situations? How do responsible dog owners navigate the lack of accountability from both some dog owners and the city? This issue is negatively impacting the safety and well-being of both dogs and their owners, and I’m unsure what steps can be taken to address it.