Irresponsible Owners

[Errin Paddywack]

That is scary. there was a pair of Akitas getting loose and killing cats and small dogs in a nearby neighborhood decades ago. Those dogs are no joke.

We had a problem locally some years back too with a pair of Akitas. They got loose and attacked my friend's TM and I heard of other cases too. We think they were eventually put down. They were a brother and sister kept in a pen in someone's back garden.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I think maybe because labs are so popular so it’s commonly that breed that people might see as a pita, plus the whole ‘labs are born half trained, spaniels die half trained’ or whatever the saying is. There was one in the woods back in the day when we had Jake and Brig, big show type, very aggressive towards Jake. Saying that, at the same time, there was a bloke with 3 springers, one of whom always made a beeline for Jake, who was a victim, bless him and never retaliated.

I met nobody today bar an ancient jrt we see frequently and 3 (I’m assuming) film students-one in a leotard-with a huge scary light reflector. Bear was best boy, but only because I had hot dogs. ?

 

[SilverLinings]

Im so tempted, but there’s something about this bloke that makes me think he might do something horrible to the horses if provoked. I honestly don’t think he’s quite right, his responses and reactions are very odd.
Coz he had a fag in his hand yesterday I had visions of him burning the yard down. He really gives me the creeps.

Scats, If you haven't already then please contact your local PCSO (or police officer if you have one), explain that you feel unsafe and why, and ask for their advice. The guy sounds decidedly odd, and the fact he makes you feel frightened shouldn't be ignored. If the man is actually entirely innocent then asking for advice from the police won't have done any harm, but if he is a threat (or turns into one) then the advice could be the difference between you being safe or not.

I don't mean this in an alarmist way, I just think that a lot of us (particularly women) are conditioned not to make a 'fuss' when actually we should be listening to our instincts. You have posted quite a few times about this situation (as it has happened more than once) and I think most/all of us reading those posts would also think that he is displaying odd behaviour, so the police should also be able to see that it is coming across as threatening.

 

[GSD Woman]

Scats, I agree with SilverLinings. Report it to your local police or the equivalent. At least then there is a paper trail. There is a book written by Gavin Somebody, "The Gift of Fear." It gives examples of when people have listened to their gut and have been spared some pretty gruesome situations.
is it possible to manage to take a picture of this man to show to the police? Every little bit will help.

 

[skinnydipper]

Our afternoon walk today.

Narrow path, woman with JRT coming towards us. Experience led me to ask "is your little one okay with other dogs?". "No", she laughed, (laughed!) "he's very naughty". I took the big girl to the side and stood in front of her.

Round the corner on to a road, pavement each side. Woman approaching with 2 border terriers, same side of road as me. Again I call "are your dogs okay with other dogs?". "No, they're a bit yappy". I crossed the road. A bit yappy translated means they were yapping wildly, throwing themselves around on their leads, tying themselves in knots trying to get to my dog.

Give me strength.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I am delighted with Mitch today. Several people with a big doodle thing approaching on the narrow path and he took himself to the side and did not approach it! Then ignored a frenchie behind us. I’m delighted!

 

[Pearlsasinger]

We took the 4 Labs to a country park, which had very few people/dogs around today. They were all playing with a couple iof balls and/or enjoying sniffing around the bases of trees. We saw a woman with a small poodly-thing on lead so we made sure to mot cross their path. The next thing we knew, woman had let poodle thing off lead and it had joined ours. One of ours bowled it over, it yelped and ran back to its Owner. I felt sorry for the poor thing but what an idiotic woman. There was a whole almost empty park to go at, so why on earth did she decide to let it off the lead so close to ours?

 

[Clodagh]

We walked up on the moor today. Being a sunny Sunday we met more people than usual. Everyone’s dogs were off lead and perfectly behaved, just a passing sniff, sort of ‘hi’ at ours as they went past. I did put Scout on a lead as he’s big and bouncy and a bit in your face, he’s only being friendly but he needs to just get his personal space a bit more refined.

 

[skinnydipper]

@Pearlsasinger
When I had a multiple dogs people would go out of their way to walk into us so their dog could play with mine - without having any idea if mine were all friendly.

 

[SilverLinings]

Our afternoon walk today.

Narrow path, woman with JRT coming towards us. Experience led me to ask "is your little one okay with other dogs?". "No", she laughed, (laughed!) "he's very naughty". I took the big girl to the side and stood in front of her.

Round the corner on to a road, pavement each side. Woman approaching with 2 border terriers, same side of road as me. Again I call "are your dogs okay with other dogs?". "No, they're a bit yappy". I crossed the road. A bit yappy translated means they were yapping wildly, throwing themselves around on their leads, tying themselves in knots trying to get to my dog.

Give me strength.

You were very thoughtful (and sensible) to move out of the way, but I REALLY don't understand why someone who has an anti-social dog(s)- like the second woman you saw- wouldn't have crossed the road herself as soon as she saw your dogs coming. She is the one with a problem (un-socialised dogs) so she should be the one putting herself out to take precautions to keep them and dogs they meet calm and safe. Some people seem to have absolutely no manners today (or common sense, or sense of responsibility etc...)

 

[skinnydipper]

We walked up on the moor today. Being a sunny Sunday we met more people than usual. Everyone’s dogs were off lead and perfectly behaved, just a passing sniff, sort of ‘hi’ at ours as they went past. I did put Scout on a lead as he’s big and bouncy and a bit in your face, he’s only being friendly but he needs to just get his personal space a bit more refined.

We don't mind friendly dogs. I am sure she and Scout would get on fine, some of her playmates are labs.

This morning we made a new friend, a Newfie. She was on lead, he wasn't. He ambled over to say hello. She was a complete tart, bouncing about, into the play bow. Unfortunately we weren't in an area safe to let them run around and play.

 

[skinnydipper]

You were very thoughtful (and sensible) to move out of the way, but I REALLY don't understand why someone who has an anti-social dog(s)- like the second woman you saw- wouldn't have crossed the road herself as soon as she saw your dogs coming. She is the one with a problem (un-socialised dogs) so she should be the one putting herself out to take precautions to keep them and dogs they meet calm and safe. Some people seem to have absolutely no manners today (or common sense, or sense of responsibility etc...)

The first one was antisocial, too. I guess 'naughty' sounds better than saying your dog is reactive or aggressive.

 

[Parrotperson]

Rocky (jrt but thinks he’s a lab!) play bowed the parrot. (Blue fronted Amazon. Name of William. Thinks he’s a human!) the other day. ?. He’s obviously got I/D issues…..

 

[misst]

Today was perfect with no incidents and Ruby got to play with her friend Leo who is the same size as her and is a terrier x of some sort. Moti just takes himself off to one side as not interested in being sociable with people/dogs he doesn't know. Leo always ignores him and just plays with Ruby in the woods.

Two days ago narrow path large GSD and a terrier coming towards us, we've not seen them before. I don't like Ruby getting playful with big dogs as she only weighs 5.5kg and also we didn't know this dog. Moti can be reactive if a big dog "investigates" him too much. He usually walks off if it does happen or he will growl if the dog doesn't take no for an answer. He tucks his tail down and puts his ears back so clearly is saying go away.

GSD and terrier off lead so put my two on as we approached and stood to once side on short leads. GSD runs up to Ruby and she wags and sniffs but then it starts nosing at Moti. I was trying to walk on past around bushes but he follows Moti. Owner of GSD shouts "he's friendly he likes small dogs" so I shout "but mine isn't". My concern is if Moti air snaps (the worst thing he does - he never makes contact) it could trigger the GSD to retaliate. This would not end well for anyone.

I asked if she could take her dog away from mine and she told me I should socialise mine more! He's an ex stray, he is small he is nervous and he is very good with small dogs and dogs and people he knows. I truly don't feel I should inflict big bouncy dogs he doesn't know on him even if they are good with small dogs! I went home feeling very disgruntled.

 

[skinnydipper]

GSD and terrier off lead so put my two on as we approached and stood to once side on short leads. GSD runs up to Ruby and she wags and sniffs but then it starts nosing at Moti. I was trying to walk on past around bushes but he follows Moti. Owner of GSD shouts "he's friendly he likes small dogs" so I shout "but mine isn't". My concern is if Moti air snaps (the worst thing he does - he never makes contact) it could trigger the GSD to retaliate. This would not end well for anyone.

I asked if she could take her dog away from mine and she told me I should socialise mine more! He's an ex stray, he is small he is nervous and he is very good with small dogs and dogs and people he knows. I truly don't feel I should inflict big bouncy dogs he doesn't know on him even if they are good with small dogs! I went home feeling very disgruntled.

I don't blame you for being cross. Moti should be allowed to enjoy his walks without feeling stressed.

Socialisation doesn't mean a free for all. Some people are clueless.

 

[misst]

I don't blame you for being cross. Moti should be allowed to enjoy his walks without feeling stressed.

Socialisation doesn't mean a free for all. Some people are clueless.

Thank you!
He is actually a really good little family dog. Given a choice he takes himself away from strange dogs. He will wait behnd a bush or tree until they pass if off lead.

If I stop to chat with another dog owner Ruby will be happy to sniff and socialise with their dogs, but Moti will stand slightly away and turn his back. To me he is coping well with a situation he does not want to be involved with. He will air snap if body language and growling don't get rid of a nosy dog but I don't think he is badly trained. He is just nervous and small. He never ever instigates anything and I am careful to put him on lead if strange dogs look as if they could cause him problems. Picking him up is easy but makes it worse as he gets snappy if they try to nose at him if I am holding him. I can distract him with treats but if an overly "friendly" dog is annoying him bringing food out often makes the other dog even more "friendly".
I have had Ruby since she was a puppy and she is a very straightforward well socialised typical confident JRT. Moti is a foreign rescue who had a dreadful start in life on the streets. He has grown in confidence and trust with people and dogs but he has a way to go yet even after 6 years.

 

[GSD Woman]

GSD and terrier off lead so put my two on as we approached and stood to once side on short leads. GSD runs up to Ruby and she wags and sniffs but then it starts nosing at Moti. I was trying to walk on past around bushes but he follows Moti. Owner of GSD shouts "he's friendly he likes small dogs" so I shout "but mine isn't". My concern is if Moti air snaps (the worst thing he does - he never makes contact) it could trigger the GSD to retaliate. This would not end well for anyone.

I had a dog aggressive GSD years ago. It got to the point where I couldn't even walk her in one of the public parks due to ill mannered, off lead dogs. I found a better place to walk her and one day ran into some people who let their off lead dogs run up towards her. I asked them to call their dog. Of course their answer was that their dog just wanted to sniff. My response was she'll just leave holes. You may want to try that.

 

[misst]

GSD Woman I am not sure he'd leave holes. My worry is that at about 6kg if he snaps at a large dog it could end very badly for him. I just don't know why people want their dog to "play" with a dog who is clearly trying to say p1ss off.

 

[skinnydipper]

but Moti will stand slightly away and turn his back.

It is disappointing that other dogs and their owners are unable to see that he is clearly indicating that he doesn't want any interaction.

 

[misst]

It is disappointing that other dogs and their owners are unable to see that he is clearly indicating that he doesn't want any interaction.

It's odd isn't it. I know he is my dog and I know him but he tucks his tail, puts his ears back and crouches down when he is nosed at by another dog. He growls if they continue and if I don't intervene in time he has air snapped in the past. If they are ignoring him he just takes himself off quietly. I don't think he could say it more clearly unless I tie a notice to him saying "leave me alone". He does wag and greet dogs belonging to friends that he is confident with. As I say maybe I am biased but he is not a bad dog he is just a dog who is happier pootling about on his own or with other family dogs.

 

[skinnydipper]

@misst

Have you thought about a yellow bandana asking for space, although given he is so tiny it might swamp him.

ETA. Or a little harness https://www.bellascollars.co.uk/collections/harness

 

[Clodagh]

We don't mind friendly dogs. I am sure she and Scout would get on fine, some of her playmates are labs.

This morning we made a new friend, a Newfie. She was on lead, he wasn't. He ambled over to say hello. She was a complete tart, bouncing about, into the play bow. Unfortunately we weren't in an area safe to let them run around and play.

I’m sure he’d love her. I’m going to be sizest now but if we meet a equal or bigger dog off lead and chilled I leave him off. I just do t want him squashing something small.

 

[misst]

@misst

Have you thought about a yellow bandana asking for space, although given he is so tiny it might swamp him.

ETA. Or a little harness https://www.bellascollars.co.uk/collections/harness

For heavens sake why have I never thought of that!!! He will be happy in a harness and those are small enough for him
Thank you
Will order him one tonight!
Thank you as always x

 

[Cinnamontoast]

We took the 4 Labs to a country park, which had very few people/dogs around today. They were all playing with a couple iof balls and/or enjoying sniffing around the bases of trees. We saw a woman with a small poodly-thing on lead so we made sure to mot cross their path. The next thing we knew, woman had let poodle thing off lead and it had joined ours. One of ours bowled it over, it yelped and ran back to its Owner. I felt sorry for the poor thing but what an idiotic woman. There was a whole almost empty park to go at, so why on earth did she decide to let it off the lead so close to ours?

That’s really stupid of her, it could have ended very badly for her dog, she couldn’t know your lot are nice. I remember a bloke letting his collie off to run across a mini footbridge through my 3 onlead boys: they were side by side, across the width of the bridge. I didn’t understand why he’d do that whilst telling me she was nervous and barging into Brig who reacted badly, unusually. People are weird.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Saw a 'just saying hello' today turn into a dog fight between two terriers, one accompanying a pram.
We took a shortcut through a hedge to avoid any drama.

The dog I was trying to place is now staying put, he was up at the club today and was around multiple dogs with no issue, it's not a Him problem, it's a Stupid People with Rude Dogs problem.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Just popped to local shop. Guy coming the other way on pavement with French bulldog and I think a Shih Tzu on leads. Plenty of room to pass but woman in front of me clearly wary of dogs so stopped to make more room and I stopped behind her. Both dogs came barking at us, owner made no effort to move away and the bulldog jumped up at me with its snappy little mouth. Owner got a grumble from me. Sorry but if your dogs can't tolerate just walking past people you need to be getting off the pavement out of the way not the other way around.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

GSD Woman I am not sure he'd leave holes. My worry is that at about 6kg if he snaps at a large dog it could end very badly for him. I just don't know why people want their dog to "play" with a dog who is clearly trying to say p1ss off.

I don't know why people want to let their loose dogs approach on lead dogs. Surely it is obvious that, for whatever reason, owner doesn't want their dog to interact.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Two cockers passed today going bananas barking. The owners say their names and 'no' in the most beige way possible, just normal talking voice, keep walking (while I step off the path and mitigate) and get ignored.

Like...if your dog is doing something less than desirable, do you just do nothing at all? Or do some people take 'ignore the bad' literally?

 

[Clodagh]

Perhaps you didn’t see them clicking and giving them a biscuit?

 

[CorvusCorax]

Perhaps you didn’t see them clicking and giving them a biscuit?

I wouldn't mind if they were doing anything/at least trying to be honest...I do literally put my dog in a down and feed her when we see another dog, that's what works for her, otherwise she would probably being a knob right back but...I don't want her to?! Why would you just keep letting it happen?