Total Strangers Try To Impose Dog Walking Rules On Guy’s Private Land, He Plans To Block Access

Okay, so imagine you’re kicking back at home without a worry in the world when suddenly a perfect stranger barges in and starts telling you what to do like they own the place. Not exactly ideal, right?

That’s pretty much what happened to one guy after a grinchy group of dog walkers showed up on his private land demanding he and other visitors keep their dogs leashed at all times. He shared his “Are you kidding me right now?” moment with an online community.    

More info: Reddit

Your home is your castle, as the saying goes, but sometimes even castles get stormed

A cabin on private land surrounded by trees and grass where a man plans to block access from dog walking rules.

Image credits: wirestock / Freepik (not the actual photo)

One guy, who lives on his family’s private estate just outside the city in the UK, was more than happy to let people wander the grounds, go fishing in the lake, or walk their dogs

Large estate owner plans to block access after strangers impose dog walking rules on his private land near a city.

A man stands on his private land discussing dog walking rules as strangers try to impose access restrictions.

Text stating the land is marked as private property but welcomes city visitors, related to dog walking rules on private land.

Guy on private land dealing with strangers imposing dog walking rules and planning to block access to property.

Dog sitting on private land surrounded by autumn foliage as strangers try to impose dog walking rules.

Image credits: anotherxlife / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

One day, a group showed up with their dogs and started telling people they had to keep their dogs leashed at all times, including the guy himself, which kinda spoiled the vibe

Group visiting private land with dogs arguing about dog walking rules and leash requirements.

Text showing frustration over strangers imposing dog walking rules on private land, discussing leash signs and access control.

Text excerpt about frustration and plans to fence off private land to block access after strangers impose dog walking rules.

Three people outdoors having a lively conversation about dog walking rules on private land access.

Image credits: Jimmy Jiménez / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

The entitled bunch even went so far as to put up signs to try and enforce their rule, which the guy took down not long after they went up

Man reflecting sadly on people imposing dog walking rules on his private land and planning to block access.

Text update about differences in UK and US laws on liability insurance and duty of care related to dog walking rules on private land.

Sign explaining private land and bylaw limits as owner plans to block access due to dog walking rules disputes.

Image credits: UnderstandingSmall66

At his wits’ end, the guy considered cutting off all access to the estate, but turned to an online community to get some opinions on the matter before doing anything drastic

The original poster’s (OP) family owns a sprawling UK estate just outside a bustling city. Once farmland and hunting grounds, the land has become a peaceful retreat filled with woods, meadows, and a sparkling lake. These days, it’s home to OP and his partner, their energetic dog, and a charming house nestled away from the property’s paths.

Even though the land is private, OP’s always welcomed respectful visitors. People come from the city to hike the trails, fish at the lake, or let their dogs run wild. For years, everyone coexisted happily under a simple rule: don’t enter the backyard or approach the house, and enjoy the beauty without disturbing anyone else.

Then a particular group began showing up, insisting that every dog be leashed, even OP’s. They’ve argued with other visitors and even put up signs demanding compliance. OP removed the signs, but the confrontations soured the vibe that once made the estate such a treasured escape.

It’s a heartbreaking turn, since OP grew up believing land should be shared, not walled off. After sharing his story online, he received overwhelming support and legal advice. For now, he’s added clearer signs, kept access open, and hopes everyone lets his beloved dog enjoy the woods off leash, the same way other dogs enjoy their backyards.

Man holding glasses and covering his face, frustrated about dog walking rules on his private land access.

Image credits: Towfiqu barbhuiya / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

From what OP tells us in his post, his vision of an idyllic escape for city slickers is being ruined by a few bad apples. We’ve all met people like them, right? But what are the rules for using someone else’s private property? And is there any way OP can keep the cranky canine owners off his land and out of his hair? We went looking for answers. 

The Gov.uk website says you can access some land across England – it’s known as ‘open access land’ or ‘access land’. Access land includes mountains, moors, heaths, and downs that are privately owned. Your right to wander this land is called the ‘right to roam’. Sounds romantic, doesn’t it? 

But what about dogs on open-access land? Well, it’s not exactly a free-for-all dog party. You must keep your canine on a lead, max 2 meters long, between 1 March and 31 July (to protect ground-nesting birds) and when there’s livestock around. Period. 

As for giving unwanted visitors the boot, the Sign Shed says that trespassing is actually messing with your property rights. Luckily, there are practical and legal roads you can go down to tackle it. That’s good news for OP and his pup. 

You can start with a clear and confident verbal warning. If that doesn’t work out, dropping the threat of ‘reasonable force’ could be a banger follow-up tactic. If the trespasser still won’t take the hint, call in the big guns and get the law involved. Because nothing says, “Get off my land” quite like a couple of cops on the case.

What do you think? Do the complaining canine owners have a right to throw their weight around, or should OP straight up ban them from his piece of paradise? Let us know in the comments!

In the comments, readers weighed in on the risks of letting people roam the grounds, while others offered potential solutions to the problem of the demanding dog walkers

Discussion about dog walking rules and legal issues on private land, with plans to block access by total strangers.

Reddit user discusses dog walking rules imposed by strangers on private land and plans to block access to property.

Forum post discussing dog walking rules on private land and plans to block access due to trespassing complaints.

Comment about getting estimates for fencing and cameras related to dog walking rules on private land dispute.

Reddit comment suggesting private land signs to address dog walking rules imposed by strangers on private property.

Screenshot of an online comment suggesting trespassing enforcement to address dog walking issues on private land.

Comment about fencing private land and posting signs to block dog walking access on a guy’s property.

Comment on Reddit post discussing strangers imposing dog walking rules on private land, with the owner planning to block access.

Comment discussing dog walking rules imposed on private land and concerns about property values and housing costs.

Comment about private land and dog walking rules, emphasizing no trespassing signs and police involvement if ignored.

Comment about property access and dog walking rules on private land, discussing camping, trespassing, and visitor restrictions.

Screenshot of an online comment expressing frustration about strangers imposing dog walking rules on private land.

Comment suggesting to call cops and report trespassing on private land during dog walking dispute.

Comment warning about potential easement creation if people are allowed to walk dogs on private land.

Comment explaining prescriptive easement law related to public use of private land and legal advice on blocking access.

Comment discussing trespassing on private land and the owner's potential plan to block access due to dog walking rule disputes.

Comment warning about trespassing on private land amid dog walking rules dispute with total strangers trying to impose access limits.

Private land owner plans to block access after strangers try to impose dog walking rules on his property.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!