Has anyone else experienced negativity from people about their dog

Karen91

Hi everyone,

I live in Co Limerick and my partner and I got a dog over a year ago we live the countryside so we usually take her walking in Lough gur which is a lake close to us or the village I grew up in, its unbelieveable the amount of people that have issues with dogs and we keep ours on a leash always.

Parents are the main problem at the lake we go to complaining that dogs are a threat to their children. 99% of dog owners walk their dog on a leash there and its in fact the children that end up invading the dogs space and when you tell the child not to get any closer the parents get insulted.

I have also got dirty looks and comments like she better keep that thing away from me, we have a pomeranian so shes far from being a giant!

I also know other people who walk their dogs in more built up areas and have been lectured about dogs soiling the foot paths and so on.

Has anyone else experienced similar problems or is it just the area I live in?

andreac

Yep, definitely. Try owning a restricted breed dog and you will know all about it. I just tend to ignore people like that as you wont change their opinion if they are that ignorant.

Vel

Yes, try owning a lurcher and greyhound!

anniehoo

People are nuts and don't need any reason to moan no matter what breed it is.

I was with my foster dog in St. Anne's a couple of weeks ago, a small black terrier x. She proceeded to "answer the call of nature" and this oul biddy, hands clasped behind her back like a cranky headmistress wandered over and goes "I hope you're going to clean that up" in a sour voice. I whip out my poo bag and go "absolutely,would you like to stay and watch or I could maybe take a video for you?" with me bending down very dramatically. She mutters and wanders off....I got a great laugh out of it :P

Hooked

Two Sibes here... Not a lot of issues to be honest. But, I'm almost 6'2" and parents don't seem to want to confront a grumpy looking man and two large(ish) dogs. Then again, they are always on leads and we mostly keep to ourselves.

Though... I have had to correct a number of people's kids, in front of the parents. As a non-parent myself and not one to adopt the 'softly softly' approach, I do get a frosty initial reaction - as I have to stop kids in their tracks, running towards us. And there's only one way to do this. Loudly... And sternly. The flip side is a friendly 70lb dog accidentally hurting their child. No grey areas for me.

If I get the chance to, I like to explain to kids that you can't approach a strange dog (or dogs) and teach them HOW to approach one, if invited. But I rarely get the chance... As parents are quick to drag them away and explain nothing to them.

OP, if your dog is on a lead and behaving itself, I'd simply ignore the likes you speak of, above.

As for people not picking up poop, don't get me started!!! You own a dog - bags cost 2 euro for 100 - pick it up FFS!!!

And the amount of places we go in Limerick with so many others off lead... Does my head in - when a dog is not properly trained (under effective control). I don't bother others, so why should I have to restrain my two (on leads) when an unruly loose dog comes bounding over.

As I said in an earlier thread... Only strong enforcement of 'doggy' laws will lead to (I know I know, no pun intended) change...

muddypaws

Yeah, like Hooked, with huskies I either get people running towards us to hug the huskies - 'look at their eyes' or running away from us crying "it's a woluf, its a woluf"

ACD

We had our share of weird reactions to our cattledogs, the most ridiculous was last year, when me and my oh were in a local park playing fetch with the two dogs and a lady came into the park with some small dog. She stayed at least a hundred metres away from us and didn't seem to be going into our direction, so we carried on. (If she was heading towards us, we would have called the dogs back and kept them by our side, so she could walk by, as we normally do that as a common courtesy to other people).

Few minutes later a local guard arrived, watched us playing for a bit and approached us and explained that there was a complaint about our dogs running loose... We explained the situation, while the dogs were literally lying at our feet minding their own business. Luckily he was a reasonable man and just told us to wait until the lady who called him goes away and carry on.

So, yeah some people can be funny....

tk123

muddypaws wrote: »

Yeah, like Hooked, with huskies I either get people running towards us to hug the huskies - 'look at their eyes' or running away from us crying "it's a woluf, its a woluf"

I had 2 kids a bit afraid of my two calling them tigers!! . Got Bailey to do some tricks for them and loved it lol!

Karen91

Children approaching my dog drives me insane my pomeranian is a tiny dog and screaming children frighten her because shes so fluffy shes the prime target for kids because shes a walking soft toy and not a living thing. So now we usually go very early in the morning or later in the evening when children usually are'nt around! I am afraid that she will bite a child once if they frigthen her enough. I am thinking a muzzle might be the safest thing...

Hooked

Karen91 wrote: »

Children approaching my dog drives me insane my pomeranian is a tiny dog and screaming children frighten her because shes so fluffy shes the prime target for kids because shes a walking soft toy and not a living thing. So now we usually go very early in the morning or later in the evening when children usually are'nt around! I am afraid that she will bite a child once if they frigthen her enough. I am thinking a muzzle might be the safest thing...

On the child... Right? ;P



Please don't censor your dog. Spot the signs of a child approaching and duly send them on their way...

Also:

DBB

Hooked wrote: »

Please don't censor your dog. Spot the signs of a child approaching and duly send them on their way...

In fairness, I wouldn't see any huge issue with the OP gently conditioning her Pom to like wearing a muzzle, if there is a chance that her dog could bite a child. I'd rather have a muzzled dog than a dead one. If wearing a muzzle keeps children away, it makes for a happier dog as well as a more reassured owner. It's not censorship of the dog as long as it's introduced properly.
It's really not always that easy to stop children from approaching dogs: I will be stern with children when I have to, but not everyone finds it that easy.
OP, if you're going down the muzzle route, get one that contrasts clearly with the colour of your wee dog so that it can be clearly seen from a distance, thus giving the parents a clear sign that their child should not approach your dog.
Only use a basket-style muzzle, not a tubular fabric one. Here's a nice video that shows you how to quickly train your dog to happily accept the muzzle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BjPpXer8IE

You do need to be aware that your dog is vulnerable around other dogs if she's muzzled, so you may have to use it judiciously depending on what circumstances you find yourself in.

Dubl07

The Yellow Ribbon idea is great. I wish it was more widely known, perhaps even taught in schools.

Hooked

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree DBB. If there's one thing I abhor, it's changing something about my work practice, dog walking or general day-to-day behaviour... To suit someone else's shortcomings or inability.

I know the muzzle can be introduced and used properly... But I simply wouldn't entertain it in this case.

To me, it would be akin to crossing the street if a group were up ahead. I'd sooner let out a shout and tell a few kids to mind themselves or steer clear, than change my route or muzzle a dog to appease them.

But, I do take on board - others may not be as confrontational and hard nosed as I. And for them, a muzzle is a happy medium.

Karen91

The last time I shouted to a child to stay away from her I was abused by the parent! So I would rather avoid the public confrontation and enjoy a relaxing walk with my dog, personally I do not like the idea of muzzling her but I would rather do this than she bite a child and end up being put to sleep.

Just to clarify she is'nt an agressive dog in general she is very friendly when people approach her properly, its just she is very nervous around loud children and a frigthened dog could bite.

Yes I agree with Dubl07 the yellow ribbon is a great idea but the average person does'nt know what it means because people are'nt educated in these things.

I think appropriate behaviour around animals should be taught in schools, I'm sure less children would receive bites if they knew how to behave correctly.

muddypaws

I'm undecided about the yellow ribbon scheme. Not enough people know about it, so not sure it is effective, and I would also worry that if there was an incident, having the yellow ribbon on your dog, you have acknowledged in public that your dog may be aggressive. I wonder how that would play if it ended up in a court case?

boomerang

Karen91 wrote: »

Has anyone else experienced similar problems or is it just the area I live in?

Lough Gur is really popular with families with small kids, and there isn't a lot of room to spread out. That's probably it. Not saying you shouldn't bring your dog there - far from it! - but personally I steer clear of places where families congregate on a sunny day, when I want to walk the dogs somewhere nice, or else I go there in the off-season, or at an anti-social hour. There's always someone with an objection, no matter if your dogs are on leads and impeccably behaved - and you're walking around with your hand already gloved in a poop bag for fear they do their business!

There are FABULOUS walks not too far away in the Ballyhouras that are popular for walking with your dogs, and you'd hardly meet a soul. Well, I'm anti-social anyways so I prefer to enjoy our walk in peaceful solitude.

boomerang

Karen91 wrote: »

I am thinking a muzzle might be the safest thing...

For the children? Most definitely.

Seriously though, I understand where you are coming because my reactive, nervous nelly dog had toddlers run at her full-tilt on more than one occasion while the parents looked on... Like Hooked, I had to stop them in their tracks because she most definitely would have snapped at them. Very scary. There should be leash laws for toddlers. Or parents. Or both.:D

Karen91

There are FABULOUS walks not too far away in the Ballyhouras that are popular for walking with your dogs, and you'd hardly meet a soul. Well, I'm anti-social anyways so I prefer to enjoy our walk in peaceful solitude.

I must look into these walks in the Ballyhouras, it would be great to be able to walk her and relax at the same time, at the moment I have to take her either early in the morning or late in the evening and when the clocks change walking in Lough Gur late won't be an option.

Karen91

boomerang wrote: »

For the children? Most definitely.

Seriously though, I understand where you are coming because my reactive, nervous nelly dog had toddlers run at her full-tilt on more than one occasion while the parents looked on... Like Hooked, I had to stop them in their tracks because she most definitely would have snapped at them. Very scary. There should be leash laws for toddlers. Or parents. Or both.:D

Parents think they can let their children do what they want and its the dog that will end up suffering the consequences for them not controling their children.

DBB

Karen91 wrote: »

I must look into these walks in the Ballyhouras, it would be great to be able to walk her and relax at the same time, at the moment I have to take her either early in the morning or late in the evening and when the clocks change walking in Lough Gur late won't be an option.

+1 on walks around the Ballyhouras, there is no limit to the number of lovely walks you can do, and in solitude too! It's a great spot... just keep off the (fantastic) mountain biking trails, stick to the forest roads.
Lough Gur is lovely, but yeah, wayyy too many people to have any sort of peace and quiet

boomerang

Karen91 wrote: »

I must look into these walks in the Ballyhouras, it would be great to be able to walk her and relax at the same time, at the moment I have to take her either early in the morning or late in the evening and when the clocks change walking in Lough Gur late won't be an option.

I'm in Limerick and for a few years now we've taken our holidays in the Ballyhouras, for the sake of the dogs. The walks are just amazing. Have a look at the Coillte Outdoors website and also Ballyhoura Tourism.

My favourites are Glenanaar, the Keale River walk, the Darragh Hills walk and, for something more strenuous, a hike up Seefin (short but steep). Griston Bog in Ballylanders is lovely and never busy. The walks are short though. The local animal (mod edit) sanctuary (between Garryspillane and Kilfinane) have just developed beautiful walks around their 25 acre grounds - and no one is going to complain about your dog there. Oh and on a weekend you could go down to Glengarriff woods, between Mitchelstown and Cahir. It's just beautiful. That's on the Coillte site as well.

wingnut

Have to say we are always down in Lough Gur with our Bichon and never had any hassle. There are always tons of dog walkers down there. We do notice not everyone is on the same page when it comes to scooping the poop which is annoying, as you know dogs like to investigate these things

Did have one instance when he was a puppy of a little girl jumping on a bench screaming. He was about four inches tall at the time it was ridiculous even for a kid.

wandatowell

Vel wrote: »

Yes, try owning a lurcher and greyhound!

I presume people talk to you about the greyhound and lurcher negatively??

I've a whippet myself and people often come over to ask questions but not once was it in a negative sense.

Ashbx

You can get dog coats that say "please do not touch the dog" or "I am not friendly" or whatever the issue is. I know I came across loads on a website recently (most likely ebay). But that way people don't need to be educated on the yellow ribbon scheme and you don't have to muzzle the dog etc.

tk123

Ashbx wrote: »

You can get dog coats that say "please do not touch the dog" or "I am not friendly" or whatever the issue is. I know I came across loads on a website recently (most likely ebay). But that way people don't need to be educated on the yellow ribbon scheme and you don't have to muzzle the dog etc.

Save your money because people don't give a crap. My dog had 3 ribbons and an inflatable collar and I still had to tell (not ask) people to get their dog away from him.

Ashbx

tk123 wrote: »

Save your money because people don't give a crap. My dog had 3 ribbons and an inflatable collar and I still had to tell (not ask) people to get their dog away from him.

Ha, well then they deserve to get bitten!

Karen91

My favourites are Glenanaar, the Keale River walk, the Darragh Hills walk and, for something more strenuous, a hike up Seefin (short but steep). Griston Bog in Ballylanders is lovely and never busy. The walks are short though. The LAW sanctuary (between Garryspillane and Kilfinane) have just developed beautiful walks around their 25 acre grounds - and no one is going to complain about your dog there. Oh and on a weekend you could go down to Glengarriff woods, between Mitchelstown and Cahir. It's just beautiful. That's on the Coillte site as well.

This is really helpful! I will take her on some of these walks, was'nt aware the local animal welfare group (mod edit) developed walks around the sanctuary, that would be ideal.

Karen91

wingnut wrote: »

Have to say we are always down in Lough Gur with our Bichon and never had any hassle. There are always tons of dog walkers down there.

Your one of the lucky ones to not have hassle in Lough Gur, it has been one incident after the other my dog seems to be a magnet for children! I also know other people who have had similar issues there.

boomerang

Karen91 wrote: »

This is really helpful! I will take her on some of these walks, was'nt aware local animals welfare group (mod edit) developed walks around the sanctuary, that would be ideal.

They are brand new and absolutely gorgeous, lovely views too and of course you get to enjoy all the sanctuary (mod edit) animals too - horses, donkeys, ponies, pigs, goats and the dogs of course. You can also continue walking up the laneway from the sanctuary (mod edit) entrance as far as you like, no traffic, no other walkers really and the views from the top are spectacular.

Let me know if you need directions to any of the walks I mentioned. They really are fab. Limerick is beautiful.

DBB

Hi folks,
I've had to remove your references to the animal welfare group you're discussing, because it's against the forum charter.
Thanks,
DBB

Frigga_92

I used to be tormented with Henry when I still lived in Dublin. I lived quite close to the city centre so it was always really busy when we were out walking and I used to bring him to the phoenix park a lot too so we always met lots of people. I became known as the grumpy dog lady because I got to the point where I used to just ignore the local kids or tell them to go away. They used to absolutely torment Henry. If they saw us coming up the road you'd hear them screeching a mile away, they'd all start running down the street together (there wouldn't be any less than 5 or 6 of them) and they'd frighten the crap out of Henry with all their carry on.
In the beginning I used to be polite and ask them not to do x or y but they did it anyway.
I trained Henry from a young age to sit if someone approached him, particularly someone with a dog, it was just easier because people were so intimidated by his size. So one day we were walking up the street and the kids came running and screeching along and Henry sat down and one of the kids went to sit up on his back, I saw red, said "up" to Henry, he got up and the kid fell backwards and started roaring crying. I told the lot of them not to come near me again. I had had enough of them anyway and Henry was never a big fan of kids in general and certainly didn't like how loud they were. A few times after that they chanced their arms coming over to me and I just told them to go away and eventually they gave up on me.

I have had people react negatively to all of my dogs though, big and small, some people just aren't dog people.
I dread to think of the faces I pull when a child approaches me :pac:

nala2012

Get loads of negative comments about Nala. They range from that dog should be on a lead to are you not afraid she'll kill your other dog. Was really annoyed few weeks ago when this woman started freaking out when her son ran over to nala. I called her and she came straight over to me but the woman still said i shouldn't have a dog lke that out. I said she didnt go near her son and running over shouting at a dog is not a good idea. She said how would i feel if i had small kids and there was a big dog near them, at the time i had my nephews with me so i pointed them out and said nala wasgreat with kids and she should teach her child not to run up to dogs.

Other side is having a small dog and everyone assumes they love being cuddled and having kids screech in their faces. Poor Bruce (king charles) is very friendly but gets panicked when he cant see me. He's bit deaf and sight isnt great so you don't know how he'd react. I'd trust nala with kids more then him because she's been brought up around them where as he was surrendered at 10 so no idea of his background!

Karen91

26sdrawkcab wrote: »

I used to be tormented with Henry when I still lived in Dublin. I lived quite close to the city centre so it was always really busy when we were out walking and I used to bring him to the phoenix park a lot too so we always met lots of people. I became known as the grumpy dog lady because I got to the point where I used to just ignore the local kids or tell them to go away. They used to absolutely torment Henry. If they saw us coming up the road you'd hear them screeching a mile away, they'd all start running down the street together (there wouldn't be any less than 5 or 6 of them) and they'd frighten the crap out of Henry with all their carry on.
In the beginning I used to be polite and ask them not to do x or y but they did it anyway.
I trained Henry from a young age to sit if someone approached him, particularly someone with a dog, it was just easier because people were so intimidated by his size. So one day we were walking up the street and the kids came running and screeching along and Henry sat down and one of the kids went to sit up on his back, I saw red, said "up" to Henry, he got up and the kid fell backwards and started roaring crying. I told the lot of them not to come near me again. I had had enough of them anyway and Henry was never a big fan of kids in general and certainly didn't like how loud they were. A few times after that they chanced their arms coming over to me and I just told them to go away and eventually they gave up on me.

I have had people react negatively to all of my dogs though, big and small, some people just aren't dog people.
I dread to think of the faces I pull when a child approaches me :pac:

Oh my god I could feel my blood pressure rising reading your story! People need to teach their children about the dangers of approaching strange dogs.

Daisy got her tail pulled once by a child and she growled because it hurt her the mother watched it and then had the cheek to tell me my dog was too agressive to be in public eventhough she was on a lead and the child invaded her space.

Karen91

nala2012 wrote: »

Get loads of negative comments about Nala. They range from that dog should be on a lead to are you not afraid she'll kill your other dog. Was really annoyed few weeks ago when this woman started freaking out when her son ran over to nala. I called her and she came straight over to me but the woman still said i shouldn't have a dog lke that out. I said she didnt go near her son and running over shouting at a dog is not a good idea. She said how would i feel if i had small kids and there was a big dog near them, at the time i had my nephews with me so i pointed them out and said nala wasgreat with kids and she should teach her child not to run up to dogs.

Other side is having a small dog and everyone assumes they love being cuddled and having kids screech in their faces. Poor Bruce (king charles) is very friendly but gets panicked when he cant see me. He's bit deaf and sight isnt great so you don't know how he'd react. I'd trust nala with kids more then him because she's been brought up around them where as he was surrendered at 10 so no idea of his background!

The problem with small dogs is children see them as toys that they can screech at and pull them. I also hate how negative people are about big dogs, they just assume their dangerous because of their size but some of the largest breeds are the most gentle.

Raminahobbin

I had Kayla with me at the local Paddy's Day parade a few years ago. She's a bit nervous in crowds so I was trying to socialise her and kept her to a quiet enough part of the road. She was grand and dandy sitting between my legs, until a toddler a few metres away spotted her and came toddling towards her, arms outstretched. The mother, of course, was too busy yapping to notice me calling her, and the toddler was paying no attention to me telling her NO- all she saw was the dog. Kayla has only ever had negative experiences of children, so she doesn't like being too close to them, and I didn't want to ruin her progress so far that day with crowds.

So, I had a coffee in one hand and the dog lead in the other. Child coming towards me, not understanding my NO. Dog starting to shift nervously. Silly mother caught up in a conversation.

I stuck my foot out and GENTLY pushed the child backwards. The kid did fall on her bum, and might have been too surprised to cry. I walked away quickly before I was accused of, essentially, kicking a baby.

Je ne regrette rien!!!!

The Cool

The main negativity I get about my dog is from my OH's father! The odd time that the in-laws come down to visit, he will not sit on the couch as he knows the dog has been sitting there; he once kicked up a fuss about sitting in the back seat of my OH's car because the dog goes in there (it was spotlessly clean, and the joke was on him - Rocky has sat in the front seat too); and the one time when my OH and I both went to visit his parents for a few days and had Rocky in tow, he was made to stay outside all of the time except from about midnight until they got up at 7am. He's a lazy labrador and by the evening each day you could see he was dying to get in for a snooze. It's frustrating as he's really a lovely dog, so quiet and placid and spends most of his time cuddled up, minding his own business.

I have a friend as well, who when she comes to visit, will repeatedly tell Rocky to go away when he's nowhere near her, and I can tell that she hates him being inside. (She has dogs herself, though). Don't get me wrong, I know that not everyone is as dog-mad as I am and I'm happy to put doggy to bed for a while or out in the garden to keep him out of everyone's hair. But, if you come to my house you have to understand that it is a house that a dog lives in. We don't just suddenly ignore him just because you don't like him.

tk123

The Cool wrote: »

I have a friend as well, who when she comes to visit, will repeatedly tell Rocky to go away when he's nowhere near her, and I can tell that she hates him being inside. (She has dogs herself, though). Don't get me wrong, I know that not everyone is as dog-mad as I am and I'm happy to put doggy to bed for a while or out in the garden to keep him out of everyone's hair. But, if you come to my house you have to understand that it is a house that a dog lives in. We don't just suddenly ignore him just because you don't like him.

OMG this!!! We have the same problem with one family member who now that I think of it doesn't act this way when his GF is with him!! :rolleyes: last week an unexpected visit, dogs were excited to greet him and then would have left him alone because they were in the middle of begging off me when I was cooking dinner... All I could hear from the other room was go away and F Off...all he had to do was pet them and they would have been on their way!! The same person will let one of them 'out of it's cage, or run out into the garden when they want even after being told 100 times not to do it - Bailey for example who loves to scrape himself off the hedge was let out against our request to scrape himself...when he had a mouth full of stitches, Lucy let out when she was in HEAT!!!! The dogs react to his negativity and are they way they are because he NEVER listens or respects our training methods! GAH!!!

minipink

I've been accused of underfeeding Lola. She's a skinny lab, as in she's not fat but a proper weight for her size, her sister Suzi (who belongs to my dad) is also a skinny lab. The main comment I get when out with them is - aren't they small for a lab maybe you should feed them a bit more. Drives me mad! Or walking them on a lead and a yappy small dog (off lead) charges at them with the owner saying I should leave mine off the lead for a run - my response, they are great off lead but have had too many scares from untrained off lead dogs thinking they are jungle gyms to jump on and pull off.

Karen91

minipink wrote: »

I've been accused of underfeeding Lola. She's a skinny lab, as in she's not fat but a proper weight for her size

Omg I hate people who know nothing about breed standards giving advice and people with dogs who behave like psychos off lead, we took Daisy to Banna Strand in June, it was her first trip to the beach and she was enjoying herself until BAM she got trampled on by a boistrous westhighland terrier the owner had no control over him she could'nt catch him to put the lead back on.

Nody

tk123 wrote: »

The dogs react to his negativity and are they way they are because he NEVER listens or respects our training methods! GAH!!!

Simply tell him he's not welcome if he's not going to abide by your rules; I did this with my wife's brother after an incident and told her clearly that he's not welcome back in to our house if he's not going to abide by our rules and I don't give a flying dog turd if that hurts his feelings.

Tranceypoo

Nody wrote: »

Simply tell him he's not welcome if he's not going to abide by your rules; I did this with my wife's brother after an incident and told her clearly that he's not welcome back in to our house if he's not going to abide by our rules and I don't give a flying dog turd if that hurts his feelings.

I would agree with this! Ain't no one coming into my house if they don't like dogs, too bad (mind you, any excuse for me with my in-laws...!!), I'm lucky that any of my friends or family that come love dogs!

mosi

A few years back when we just had the terrier boy, I was walking him through town when some randomer said "You'd better have a bag to pick up it's s#!t". The little fella wasn't even going to the toilet, he was just walking along on his lead.
My father tells me that he gets a lot of negative responses to his greyhound...the usual rubbish about them being vicious, that they have to be muzzled, that they're hyper etc. (all of which are untrue).

OldNotWIse

26sdrawkcab wrote: »

I used to be tormented with Henry when I still lived in Dublin. I lived quite close to the city centre so it was always really busy when we were out walking and I used to bring him to the phoenix park a lot too so we always met lots of people. I became known as the grumpy dog lady because I got to the point where I used to just ignore the local kids or tell them to go away. They used to absolutely torment Henry. If they saw us coming up the road you'd hear them screeching a mile away, they'd all start running down the street together (there wouldn't be any less than 5 or 6 of them) and they'd frighten the crap out of Henry with all their carry on.
In the beginning I used to be polite and ask them not to do x or y but they did it anyway.
I trained Henry from a young age to sit if someone approached him, particularly someone with a dog, it was just easier because people were so intimidated by his size. So one day we were walking up the street and the kids came running and screeching along and Henry sat down and one of the kids went to sit up on his back, I saw red, said "up" to Henry, he got up and the kid fell backwards and started roaring crying. I told the lot of them not to come near me again. I had had enough of them anyway and Henry was never a big fan of kids in general and certainly didn't like how loud they were. A few times after that they chanced their arms coming over to me and I just told them to go away and eventually they gave up on me.

I have had people react negatively to all of my dogs though, big and small, some people just aren't dog people.
I dread to think of the faces I pull when a child approaches me :pac:

Would have done the same. I get sick of people allowing their kids to run up to my dog and start pawing at her without even asking if its ok.

FlowerGarden

I was on the beach yesterday when my dog was trotting past some people sitting on the rocks. He's quite a nervous dog but friendly, he loves people so was kind of looking at them as he went past. Next thing this large man kicks out at him with his two feet really viciously. It shocked me really, he's a small bichon and even though he was wet from swimming and sandy he has never provoked such a response. Luckily the man missed but I couldn't let it go and I told him he had no right to kick my dog. He came over then and was pointing in my face saying it was the law of the land that the dog should be on a lead. I told him there was no such law and the dog was under control. Then he accused me of letting the dog soil the beach so I showed him my full pooper scooper! Even though I felt like telling him he was the vicious one and should be on a lead I kept my cool and asked that he be kinder to animals in the future. All three of them were screaming at me at this stage so I picked up my dog and left. I've a feeling he'll be even meaner to a dog next time and I should have handled the situation better.

cocker5

I have to be honest I say I couldn’t give sh*te if someone doesn’t like my dog and that’s the truth of it.
He is always walked on lead, his poo picked up (which should be the case), there are only two places he is ever off lead and these places he is either swimming or there is no other people around etc.

And if im honest while I adore many dogs (and all animals) there are some dogs I can’t stand. My friend has two very unruly dogs same age as my guy (9) whom I can’t stand HOWEVER I wouldn’t ever tell him this OR make comments or ask for them to be put out. His house, his dogs, his rules….

When someone enters my house they also enter his house, I will never put him outside the back or lock him in another room, if they don’t like him, then tough on them really either we meet somewhere else or don’t call over etc.

If someone was ever agressive or made a swipe at my dog... honestly god help them thats all ill say

We come as a package really, although I’ll be biased and say he’s very cute, usually well-mannered and is a gentleman…. but then again I am biased

SingItOut

I was at a rescue centres event on Sunday and had my CollieXSpringer Alli with me. She's only just gone 1 years old and a little nervous of other dogs but is always friendly with them and she loves people and kids. The two of us were sitting on a small bale of hay minding our own business, people were lovely to her and stopped to pet her walking past and she played with some of the dogs. A man and woman couple sat on the bale beside us so Alli walked over to them slowly wagging her tail, the woman actually recoiled in disgust from Alli! She held up her hands, turned her head and body really dramatically away from alli, she was at an event FOR dogs, some people are just idiots!

With my terrier, moone, she is a magnet for small children, she's fine with kids as long as their gentle with her otherwise she will hide behind me or try to jump into my arms if they are too loud or rough, this is why I don't take her to dog shows etc I've had so many instances of parents allowing their kids to hug her and put their faces down in hers, the parents are always p*ssed if I correct the kids. I'm sure the kids are happier that I've corrected them rather than moone ever having to do it herself!

I do with my Husky now. Never did before. Oddly enough, my staffy gets love were ever she goes. People go out of their way to say hello to her.

columf

Big or Small there will always some fool who will moan about the dog. I kept a terriers at one stage. I had Scottie my west highland terrier out for a walk one day. Scottie was a grand little fellow but he was not interested in strangers or children. When we were in public I kept him on the lead not that it mattered if the lead was off he would still walk to heal but sometimes it easier just to put on the lead. There was a bench on our route that I like to sit on and read for a while and Scottie would chill out beside my legs and of course at some stage someone with their kids would come up "ohhh look at the little doggy" and cue the sticky little ankle biter reaching for Scottie and then getting the huff when I tell them to leave my dog alone he is not a fan of children cue the argument about not having a dangerous dog in public and of course me been a smart ass usually quip back about me having my animals on a lead in public and they should follow suit and asking permission is good manners. I have never kept big dogs myself but I have been out with my mates Newfie and the amount of people who think its ok to have their children approach a large dog like this is unreal and toddlers pulling out of them luckily Kuma is a sweetheart and you could swing out of him and the only fear is he would slobber all over you.