Irresponsible Owners

[Cinnamontoast]

Met a guy using an extendable lead (the devil’s work, see moan re xl making for my two in local park earlier this week, OH had to run away) on a very small pug x something today. It was extremely aggressive. I recalled mine and held them off to one side to allow him to go past. Bloke on his phone, telling me his dog was ‘friendly’ as it lunged to try to kill my two who were being held on the opposite side of the rather narrow path. I asked him to please walk past, no, he decided to stop opposite and let his ‘friendly’ dog carry on trying to get to mine. Like, wtf? He then picked it up as I asked my two to walk on. I felt a bit sorry for the dog, it was very unhappy looking.

 

[Asha]

We were having a lovely walk with Stirling and his best friends . When a young lab we met earlier in the walk came bounding over and jumped on Stirling . It actually started humping him with actual intent . I was horrified , so jumped in and pulled it off him. Owners didn’t do anything and said they couldnt make up their mind whether they should castrate him !!!
I’ve never seen a male dog try and do that to another male .

 

[Clodagh]

We were having a lovely walk with Stirling and his best friends . When a young lab we met earlier in the walk came bounding over and jumped on Stirling . It actually started humping him with actual intent . I was horrified , so jumped in and pulled it off him. Owners didn’t do anything and said they couldnt make up their mind whether they should castrate him !!!
I’ve never seen a male dog try and do that to another male .

It’s dominance or over stimulation rather than sex. I booted a dog that mounted Scout yesterday. Castrating the FW of an owner might help.

 

[Asha]

It’s dominance or over stimulation rather than sex. I booted a dog that mounted Scout yesterday. Castrating the FW of an owner might help.

My friend who was with me ,( very experienced dog owner) said it was definitely more than dominance . It was very close to doing the deed , we could see exactly how close it was . Never seen anything like it

 

[CorvusCorax]

My old male used to try and hump my Mum's male dog, who was neutered. He never had a mating until he was ten years old and was by no means a sex pest.

I knew a female who air humped the helper's leg when she was biting the sleeve.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Bitch in season today (we know her, owner told me she was onlead due to being in season), I grabbed my two and hauled them past, she was on lead. Came out of the woods and boom, she’s there running free in the park. Fortunately, my two were more interested in sniffs, as usual and stayed near as requested.

 

[rabatsa]

50+ years ago I made the mistake of walking my in season bitch through the village. That evening there were at least 10 dogs collecting outside the house. Some kept coming back for nearly two weeks.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

My aunt used to live a few miles outside Exeter. A friend who had an entire dog used to visit with him but always by car so her dog didn't know the route on foot. When one of my aunt's bitches came in season lo and behold he turned up on the doorstep. How he knew and was also able to find his way was a complete puzzle.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Not really irresponsible as such, just annoying. We're back in a land of annoying Spaniels and boisterous Labs which tbh I am grateful for as at least I feel safe to walk my dog here. And the walks are beautiful.

That said we've found a particularly annoying spaniel and neither he nor his owner are getting the hint that Ivy isn't all that enthusiastic about him, including a couple of me saying 'ah ah!' or that's enough now. It's just a growl from Ivy then he bogs off again but usually I would intervene beforehand to prevent that. I don't want a rep in the village as 'shouty lady with the greyhound' but equally need to be more assertive sometimes.

I did stop a lab today, he was actually very sweet and a good boy. Once he realised I had treats in my pocket he forgot about Ivy and stood patiently His owner seemed understanding when I said I'm cautious about big dogs running up to us.

 

[blackcob]

Chap coming towards us today with an enormous lurcher, road was clear so crossed to the other side on autopilot, glad I did because when we drew level the lurcher flew into the road barking at us. Turned out it wasn’t wearing a lead.

Mine formed a truly impressive neck to croup hackle, like a hairy stegosaurus, but otherwise didn’t react at all and just waited patiently for me to drop ball in gob.

Unrelated but it is incredibly warm and dry out, she was blowing out her arse after an hour and the two brooks we passed were bone dry. Wondering if I need to reschedule the annual ‘don’t walk your brachy dog at midday’ social media content at work.

 

[Clodagh]

Nicked from FB.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Friend and I sitting at a NT place having a coffee with our 2 GSDs lying beside us when a dog comes wandering round the corner from behind a hedge full length of a flexi lead , owners had no idea what it was going to meet . Apart from our 2, who were angelic , a group of about 30 school kids had gone past just a couple of minutes earlier , had they met it would have scooped up a few with the lead

 

[Cinnamontoast]

We were having a lovely walk with Stirling and his best friends . When a young lab we met earlier in the walk came bounding over and jumped on Stirling . It actually started humping him with actual intent . I was horrified , so jumped in and pulled it off him. Owners didn’t do anything and said they couldnt make up their mind whether they should castrate him !!!
I’ve never seen a male dog try and do that to another male .

Goose occasionally make a half hearted effort with Mitch and gets told off.

 

[Asha]

Goose occasionally make a half hearted effort with Mitch and gets told off.

Stirling just hasnt got it in him to tell any dog off, he was quite oblivious. ( Maybe if i hadnt intervened he would have ?) I would however expect the owners to do something as opposed to just watch. Bizarre people.

 

[Keith_Beef]

I got to the railway station this morning at 06h35 today to be greeted by a medium sized dog hanging around on the footbridge at the top of the escalator to go down to the platform.

A teenaged boy was ahead of me; the dog looked at the boy in a friendly way, his tail wagging, but didn't try to follow him down. When I got to the escalator, the dog took a couple of steps towards me, looked friendly enough, but again wasn't confident about following me down.

I didn't have time to hand around and wait for the police station to open (that's where I would have taken the dog) so I sent an SMS to the railway's "alert" service.

"There's a dog loose in the station, no sign of an owner"

"hello, is the owner there?"

Oh, dear... I've already given you that information... "no, I'm getting in the train now, so can't give you much more info"

"is the dog violent?"

I'm not sure what that was meant to mean, so I replied "the dog is on the footbridge"

"thanks, have a nice day"

And that's it. No news since then of whether the dog was caught (it would not have been difficult) or why this dog was hanging around. Train service was not suspended, though (I would have seen an alert).

I should remember to carry a lead rope with me so that next time, especially if it happens on a day other than a Friday, I can do something a bit more useful.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Is it actually a person on the other end of the text or a bot?

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Stirling just hasnt got it in him to tell any dog off, he was quite oblivious. ( Maybe if i hadnt intervened he would have ?) I would however expect the owners to do something as opposed to just watch. Bizarre people.

I'd go nuts if the owner didn't do anything. I was absolutely fuming with the idiot owner who didn't restrain their massive lab which jumped on Goose that time. We're taking Mitch to the big woods today for the first time since his operation. My OH is coming and he will not hesitate to use his size 13s if any dog comes near! He was encouraging me to take him tomorrow but he wouldn't be there. I'm very happy he's coming today, my confidence will be boosted, although it's very rare to encounter unpleasant dogs in there.

 

[AppyLover1996]

I was out walking my Mum's old Border Collie Sidders who as he has gotten older, his tolerance level has gone down, so as a precaution, he has a lead that says he is in training so don't come close, and for most of the time, people see it, read it and leave us be - on this fateful day it wasn't the case....

Idiot with yappy dog, who he has no control over lets said yappy dog bolt across the road to where I am - here's how that turned out :

Me : Instantly, I put myself in front of Sidders and calmly ask yappy dog's owners to call it back.

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Nah he's friendly and fine with other dogs, he'll bog off in about 5 minutes"

Me : "My dog is in training and doesn't like strange dogs - please call your dog back"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Nah it's all good - my dog is totally cool with other dogs, he'll be alright with your dog, he's best mates with a nervous dog - honestly - just let them play"

At this point I can see Sidders is proper not in the mood for anything and has done a low growl to warn the other dog. I'm now watching Sidders for signs of him potentially escalating, whilst dealing with the yappy dog, who has now taken to clambering all over Sidders and I.

Me : "My dog has given your dog a few low warning growls - he will NOT tolerate being pestered and your dog is ignoring the warnings. Please for the love of God - call your bloody dog back!"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "What is your f*****g problem?"

Me : "My problem is this - my dog has a lead on saying that he is in training and not to approach him. I have informed you that my dog has issued a warning growl to yours and nor you or your dog have taken notice. Your lack of responsibility as an owner is shocking - I'm trying to cool a situation that could turn sour extremely fast and you are doing nothing to help."

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Well if your dog isn't socialised it shouldn't be out. Control your mutt better and there won't be a problem"

Me : *At this point I'm getting rather pissed* "I have taken all reasonable safety precautions so that my dog can still go for walks and enjoy his life. I would like to point out that YOUR dog isn't listening to me calmly asking him to go away, and also you seem to be blissfully unaware or completely ignorant as to the results of a dog fight. I have no problems with walking my dog and other owners I come across are more than happy to give me a wide berth for everyone's safety."

At this point, I turn to walk away and said Yappy Dog of course follows and won't bugger off - in fact the damn thing follows me for about 15 minutes before buggering off back to the irresponsible owner.

Yappy Dog's Owner : "See I told you nothing bad would happen - get off your high horse and stop being such a drama queen"

Me : "Nothing happened because I had the sense to de-escalate the conflict and leave - had I stayed things may have turned out a hell of a lot worse. I'm not trying to be a knob or spoil anyone's fun but I don't want anything or anyone getting hurt. Please in future be more considerate as someone else you come across might not be as polite like me"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "You threatening me?!"

Me : "No - I'm just trying to explain that other people won't be as calm as me regarding this situation"

Yappy Dog's Owner proceeds to follow me part way home, screaming all sorts of fowl language at me and threatening to "slice me up like a shish kebab". At this point I'm now absolutely pooping my pants but putting on a front as not to show it. Luckily my next door neighbour was out walking his dog and he's about 6'4, built like Thor and doesn't take kindly to anyone being rude or horrid to others. He put Yappy Dog's Owner in his place and kindly escorted me home and now makes sure that whenever I go out on my own, he comes with me.


The blatant lack of care of some dog owners actually frightens me

 

[Keith_Beef]

Is it actually a person on the other end of the text or a bot?

It's almost certainly a real person. Maybe not a very well trained or competent person, but not a bot.

The number to which I sent the SMS is for reporting "any incident which endangers the safety of passengers".

After what happened a few years ago (a woman called the equivalent of 999, said that she thought that she was dying, the call receiver glibly responded "well, we all do that one day", prevaricated over passing the call on to the ambulance service, and in the end the caller died), I hope that even the most gung-ho chatbot boosters would think at least twice before deploying a chatbot to handle these calls.

ETA: this happened in 2017; there's an article about it on French Wikipedia and it was widely reported in Francophone press.

 

[Titchy Pony]

I was out walking my Mum's old Border Collie Sidders who as he has gotten older, his tolerance level has gone down, so as a precaution, he has a lead that says he is in training so don't come close, and for most of the time, people see it, read it and leave us be - on this fateful day it wasn't the case....

Idiot with yappy dog, who he has no control over lets said yappy dog bolt across the road to where I am - here's how that turned out :

Me : Instantly, I put myself in front of Sidders and calmly ask yappy dog's owners to call it back.

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Nah he's friendly and fine with other dogs, he'll bog off in about 5 minutes"

Me : "My dog is in training and doesn't like strange dogs - please call your dog back"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Nah it's all good - my dog is totally cool with other dogs, he'll be alright with your dog, he's best mates with a nervous dog - honestly - just let them play"

At this point I can see Sidders is proper not in the mood for anything and has done a low growl to warn the other dog. I'm now watching Sidders for signs of him potentially escalating, whilst dealing with the yappy dog, who has now taken to clambering all over Sidders and I.

Me : "My dog has given your dog a few low warning growls - he will NOT tolerate being pestered and your dog is ignoring the warnings. Please for the love of God - call your bloody dog back!"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "What is your f*****g problem?"

Me : "My problem is this - my dog has a lead on saying that he is in training and not to approach him. I have informed you that my dog has issued a warning growl to yours and nor you or your dog have taken notice. Your lack of responsibility as an owner is shocking - I'm trying to cool a situation that could turn sour extremely fast and you are doing nothing to help."

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Well if your dog isn't socialised it shouldn't be out. Control your mutt better and there won't be a problem"

Me : *At this point I'm getting rather pissed* "I have taken all reasonable safety precautions so that my dog can still go for walks and enjoy his life. I would like to point out that YOUR dog isn't listening to me calmly asking him to go away, and also you seem to be blissfully unaware or completely ignorant as to the results of a dog fight. I have no problems with walking my dog and other owners I come across are more than happy to give me a wide berth for everyone's safety."

At this point, I turn to walk away and said Yappy Dog of course follows and won't bugger off - in fact the damn thing follows me for about 15 minutes before buggering off back to the irresponsible owner.

Yappy Dog's Owner : "See I told you nothing bad would happen - get off your high horse and stop being such a drama queen"

Me : "Nothing happened because I had the sense to de-escalate the conflict and leave - had I stayed things may have turned out a hell of a lot worse. I'm not trying to be a knob or spoil anyone's fun but I don't want anything or anyone getting hurt. Please in future be more considerate as someone else you come across might not be as polite like me"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "You threatening me?!"

Me : "No - I'm just trying to explain that other people won't be as calm as me regarding this situation"

Yappy Dog's Owner proceeds to follow me part way home, screaming all sorts of fowl language at me and threatening to "slice me up like a shish kebab". At this point I'm now absolutely pooping my pants but putting on a front as not to show it. Luckily my next door neighbour was out walking his dog and he's about 6'4, built like Thor and doesn't take kindly to anyone being rude or horrid to others. He put Yappy Dog's Owner in his place and kindly escorted me home and now makes sure that whenever I go out on my own, he comes with me.


The blatant lack of care of some dog owners actually frightens me

That is horrendous behaviour on the part of the yappy dog's owner. No wonder the dog's badly behaved if the owner is that antisocial. That is very kind of your neighbour, but if you feel threatened by someone and have your phone with you, call the police and start filming. That should hopefully get them to back away.

 

[AppyLover1996]

That is horrendous behaviour on the part of the yappy dog's owner. No wonder the dog's badly behaved if the owner is that antisocial. That is very kind of your neighbour, but if you feel threatened by someone and have your phone with you, call the police and start filming. That should hopefully get them to back away.

Thank you Titchy Pony - to be honest I was so frightened and concerned (more for Sidders safety than mine admittedly!) that I just wanted to get out of the situation ASAP - was MEGA lucky that my next door neighbour was out and about as I dread to think what could have happened

 

[CorvusCorax]

I was out walking my Mum's old Border Collie Sidders who as he has gotten older, his tolerance level has gone down, so as a precaution, he has a lead that says he is in training so don't come close, and for most of the time, people see it, read it and leave us be - on this fateful day it wasn't the case....

Idiot with yappy dog, who he has no control over lets said yappy dog bolt across the road to where I am - here's how that turned out :

Me : Instantly, I put myself in front of Sidders and calmly ask yappy dog's owners to call it back.

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Nah he's friendly and fine with other dogs, he'll bog off in about 5 minutes"

Me : "My dog is in training and doesn't like strange dogs - please call your dog back"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Nah it's all good - my dog is totally cool with other dogs, he'll be alright with your dog, he's best mates with a nervous dog - honestly - just let them play"

At this point I can see Sidders is proper not in the mood for anything and has done a low growl to warn the other dog. I'm now watching Sidders for signs of him potentially escalating, whilst dealing with the yappy dog, who has now taken to clambering all over Sidders and I.

Me : "My dog has given your dog a few low warning growls - he will NOT tolerate being pestered and your dog is ignoring the warnings. Please for the love of God - call your bloody dog back!"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "What is your f*****g problem?"

Me : "My problem is this - my dog has a lead on saying that he is in training and not to approach him. I have informed you that my dog has issued a warning growl to yours and nor you or your dog have taken notice. Your lack of responsibility as an owner is shocking - I'm trying to cool a situation that could turn sour extremely fast and you are doing nothing to help."

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Well if your dog isn't socialised it shouldn't be out. Control your mutt better and there won't be a problem"

Me : *At this point I'm getting rather pissed* "I have taken all reasonable safety precautions so that my dog can still go for walks and enjoy his life. I would like to point out that YOUR dog isn't listening to me calmly asking him to go away, and also you seem to be blissfully unaware or completely ignorant as to the results of a dog fight. I have no problems with walking my dog and other owners I come across are more than happy to give me a wide berth for everyone's safety."

At this point, I turn to walk away and said Yappy Dog of course follows and won't bugger off - in fact the damn thing follows me for about 15 minutes before buggering off back to the irresponsible owner.

Yappy Dog's Owner : "See I told you nothing bad would happen - get off your high horse and stop being such a drama queen"

Me : "Nothing happened because I had the sense to de-escalate the conflict and leave - had I stayed things may have turned out a hell of a lot worse. I'm not trying to be a knob or spoil anyone's fun but I don't want anything or anyone getting hurt. Please in future be more considerate as someone else you come across might not be as polite like me"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "You threatening me?!"

Me : "No - I'm just trying to explain that other people won't be as calm as me regarding this situation"

Yappy Dog's Owner proceeds to follow me part way home, screaming all sorts of fowl language at me and threatening to "slice me up like a shish kebab". At this point I'm now absolutely pooping my pants but putting on a front as not to show it. Luckily my next door neighbour was out walking his dog and he's about 6'4, built like Thor and doesn't take kindly to anyone being rude or horrid to others. He put Yappy Dog's Owner in his place and kindly escorted me home and now makes sure that whenever I go out on my own, he comes with me.


The blatant lack of care of some dog owners actually frightens me

Whilst I kinda admire you for managing to sustain a conversation at that length, I have had this situation repeated so many times, I just stick to 'come and get your dog' branching out into 'It's not a debate, come and get your ****ing dog'.
Also, Yappy's face would probably have been gone by Act 2.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Whilst I kinda admire you for managing to sustain a conversation at that length, I have had this situation repeated so many times, I just stick to 'come and get your dog' branching out into 'It's not a debate, come and get your ****ing dog'.
Also, Yappy's face would probably have been gone by Act 2.

I'd struggle to be as articulate as @AppyLover1996. Most times I can manage a 'no thank you!' and that's about it!

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I was out walking my Mum's old Border Collie Sidders who as he has gotten older, his tolerance level has gone down, so as a precaution, he has a lead that says he is in training so don't come close, and for most of the time, people see it, read it and leave us be - on this fateful day it wasn't the case....

Idiot with yappy dog, who he has no control over lets said yappy dog bolt across the road to where I am - here's how that turned out :

Me : Instantly, I put myself in front of Sidders and calmly ask yappy dog's owners to call it back.

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Nah he's friendly and fine with other dogs, he'll bog off in about 5 minutes"

Me : "My dog is in training and doesn't like strange dogs - please call your dog back"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Nah it's all good - my dog is totally cool with other dogs, he'll be alright with your dog, he's best mates with a nervous dog - honestly - just let them play"

At this point I can see Sidders is proper not in the mood for anything and has done a low growl to warn the other dog. I'm now watching Sidders for signs of him potentially escalating, whilst dealing with the yappy dog, who has now taken to clambering all over Sidders and I.

Me : "My dog has given your dog a few low warning growls - he will NOT tolerate being pestered and your dog is ignoring the warnings. Please for the love of God - call your bloody dog back!"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "What is your f*****g problem?"

Me : "My problem is this - my dog has a lead on saying that he is in training and not to approach him. I have informed you that my dog has issued a warning growl to yours and nor you or your dog have taken notice. Your lack of responsibility as an owner is shocking - I'm trying to cool a situation that could turn sour extremely fast and you are doing nothing to help."

Yappy Dog's Owner : "Well if your dog isn't socialised it shouldn't be out. Control your mutt better and there won't be a problem"

Me : *At this point I'm getting rather pissed* "I have taken all reasonable safety precautions so that my dog can still go for walks and enjoy his life. I would like to point out that YOUR dog isn't listening to me calmly asking him to go away, and also you seem to be blissfully unaware or completely ignorant as to the results of a dog fight. I have no problems with walking my dog and other owners I come across are more than happy to give me a wide berth for everyone's safety."

At this point, I turn to walk away and said Yappy Dog of course follows and won't bugger off - in fact the damn thing follows me for about 15 minutes before buggering off back to the irresponsible owner.

Yappy Dog's Owner : "See I told you nothing bad would happen - get off your high horse and stop being such a drama queen"

Me : "Nothing happened because I had the sense to de-escalate the conflict and leave - had I stayed things may have turned out a hell of a lot worse. I'm not trying to be a knob or spoil anyone's fun but I don't want anything or anyone getting hurt. Please in future be more considerate as someone else you come across might not be as polite like me"

Yappy Dog's Owner : "You threatening me?!"

Me : "No - I'm just trying to explain that other people won't be as calm as me regarding this situation"

Yappy Dog's Owner proceeds to follow me part way home, screaming all sorts of fowl language at me and threatening to "slice me up like a shish kebab". At this point I'm now absolutely pooping my pants but putting on a front as not to show it. Luckily my next door neighbour was out walking his dog and he's about 6'4, built like Thor and doesn't take kindly to anyone being rude or horrid to others. He put Yappy Dog's Owner in his place and kindly escorted me home and now makes sure that whenever I go out on my own, he comes with me.


The blatant lack of care of some dog owners actually frightens me

What an absolute idiot. I’d be MORTIFIED if either of mine were harassing another dog. Had it been Zak, there’d have been a major issue. I had the whole ‘Don’t take your mutt out (why do they always resort to calling a dog a ‘mutt’?) if it’s vicious’. I asked one idiot if he thought I should walk him on the moon after he saw me crossing a narrow footbridge with 3 on leads and decided to let his dog off to squeeze past us. Surprisingly, it was Mr dog neutral, Brig, who had a pop at her.

 

[AppyLover1996]

I'd struggle to be as articulate as @AppyLover1996. Most times I can manage a 'no thank you!' and that's about it!

I think the only reason why I managed to be that articulate was more down to the fact that I was absolutely crapping an entire housing estate with my mind racing x As a default I thought talking through the situation would help solve the problem - now I realise that only works when the other person actually possesses enough brain cells to think....luckily we haven't come across the dog or owner since that day but I now know to get straight to the point and get my phone out if things escalate again x

 

[AppyLover1996]

Whilst I kinda admire you for managing to sustain a conversation at that length, I have had this situation repeated so many times, I just stick to 'come and get your dog' branching out into 'It's not a debate, come and get your ****ing dog'.
Also, Yappy's face would probably have been gone by Act 2.

Thank you - I was thoroughly tempted to go for the "come and get your f*****g dog before sh*t goes down" route at one point, but I figured that if anything did happen, by me talking the hind end off a donkey and constantly repeating myself and highlighting the risks etc, it would show that I at all times tried to prevent the situation from escalating and Yappy was the one being pig ignorant, and therefore Yappy wouldn't have a leg to stand on if he tried going down the police route etc x

 

[blackcob]

Yeah, that sort of encounter for me is now a max of about 20 seconds. Either the owner gets their dog, possibly having to run after me to do so as I’ve turned and gone the other way, the dog wisely decides to retreat, or the dog is unwise enough to get eaten. There is nothing to be gained by trying to reason with aggressive idiots.

The ‘your dog shouldn’t be out then’ type argument absolutely boils my piss though and would have me tempted to engage. I try to squash it down.

 

[CorvusCorax]

My favourite, to this day, I am not sure whether I learned it on this thread or the forum or Facebook or elsewhere, is:

'IT'S OK, HE'S FRIENDLY'
'I DIDN'T ASK FOR A CHARACTER REFERENCE'

But this is quite difficult when the dog is already en route and I have to manage the angry bird.

 

[druid]

Just start shouting that yours is infectious, contagious, has mange, has fleas etc etc....seems to get a much quicker reaction.....

 

[Titchy Pony]

I've been known, when a smaller dog is allowed to approach mine, to say loudly to my dog "Oh, look, an apericube! I thought you were looking a bit hungry after skipping breakfast."

Seems to work, though whether its because they're scared my dog will actually eat theirs or of the crazy lady holding the lead is debatable.