Taking your dog for a walk can be stressful for a number of reasons, from worrying about them going missing to feeling uneasy around other pets.
One owner has shared their anxiety about dog walks on Reddit, explaining how their neighbours have started shouting at them every time they leave the house.
The post, shared by an anonymous user Extra_Inspection_457, said: "My HOA (Homeowner Association) has 'designated pet areas' which are little patches of grass behind the dumpsters.
"In their eyes, this is the only place you can take your dog to use the bathroom."
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The community are very strict with where pets can go to the toilet - despite it being almost impossible to predict when your dog is going to do their business.
Describing a recent incident, the person said: "[My dog] stopped for a pee and an old man came out from his balcony and started yelling that this is not a pet area.
"This is the third time this has happened since I moved in January, from three different people."
The owner explains they tidy up after their dog every time and says "he's so friendly it's not like we cause problems".
"I just live in a complex with a bunch of old people who hate dogs but every time they do this I come back inside and have an anxiety attack over it," they said.
It is their first time living alone and now they feel scared to leave the house.
"My anxiety has been under control until I get yelled at and then I freak out and think I'm gonna get kicked out," they said.
Unsure what to do, the Reddit user asked the forum if the yelling was a form of harassment.
The response was varied, with some agreeing it's unnecessary to shout and others telling the user they're in the wrong.
One dog owner said: "Ignore them, make a complaint. If it continues, yell back. They don't like that!"
A second person agreed: "If your dog can't make it to the designated area, so be it. Dogs pee everywhere.
"Do not let these people intimidate you. Walk your dog and ignore the grumpy people."
Meanwhile, another said: "I don't think your neighbour is trying to intimidate you but maybe reminding you of the rules. Most people that never owned a dog do not understand dogs are hard to control."
Though someone disagreed and said "of course you can be kicked out" for doing something wrong.
"It's not harassment to yell at you to stop doing something that your lease says you can't do," they continued.
"Stop breaking your lease and you'll stop being yelled at. Imagine that."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
