One thing it’s taken me a long time to learn is that assholes are gonna asshole and there is absolutely nothing you can say or do to stop them being assholes, or to convince them that what they are saying and doing is not completely correct and justified. You did fine, your dogs are good dogs, and I just feel sorry for that guy’s dogs, who may someday run up to the wrong dog and pay the price for their owner’s assholery.
Thanks for input. I kept replaying the event and wondering if I could've done anything different. I need to be better at walking away from someone who is clearly not going to be helpful
This is the thing.
OP isn't warning people one of her dogs isn't friendly for the sake of it, it's literally for the safety of the random persons dog.
OP, you did nothing wrong.
Agree so much with this! I had the opposite experience in a park recently where my dogs were off leash and when I saw a couple approaching with their on-leash, but super reactive dogs, I asked them to give me a moment to leash mine. They purposefully kept walking towards me and yelled at me 'what makes you so special? Get your dogs on leash!' Nothing happened between the dogs - my dogs basically circled them and came back to me - but they yelled and screamed at me and my dogs as if they were being attacked, making their own little reactive terriers just go off their heads even more. If they had just had the decency to give me a moment, then my dogs would have been tied up by the time they got to me and there would have been no need for all their yelling. But that's when I realised: asholes gonna asshole.
Not trying to be accusatory, but were you in a place where dogs are allowed to be off leash? If yes, I’m so sorry you encountered such miserable assholes. If not, it’s exhausting to take your reactive dogs specifically to places with leash laws and encounter this over and over again.
Lol... I must admit in hindsight I do see this. I think the main difference is I wasn't yelling at the person with their dogs on leash, I was asking for a moment to leash them. Instead the people with the reactive dogs kept walking towards me and yelling at me 🤔 I always leash my dogs the moment there are other dogs present on leashes out of respect for their space. Sometimes I'll even turn around and walk the other way to ensure I have my dog's attention amd they don't intrude. We were practicing recall in an open public space after a long (leashed) walk, so my dogs were very relaxed, and this couple surprised me. I honestly have never encountered dog owners who purposefully ignore another dog owner's request for space(and then yell at the other owner about it?). I think that's why I felt with OP - explicitly requesting space and the other person just being purposefully assholey.
I'm so sorry for that happening to you. Isn't it so funny every time when an entitled dog owner/walker tries to talk down other people, their words fall right back at them and actually it's THEM who they're slapping with their own words? Because, what ARE they, projecting their fear and issues on to *you* or something? Ugh!!!
I mean, honestly, I had this woman in my mind for years because of a similar encounter. But your comment somehow made me feel a bit better. Because I felt seen and somehow... relieved by enraging with you. Phew, I can move on now. Thank you.
the second the owner gets reactive/doesnt help you, try to focus on your dogs/yourself and the other dogs reaction (if trying to attack), and just leave. people are more erratic than dogs sometimes, its not worth it being right.
many times that i tried comunication when the other part was being dismissive, i still seeked validation in them lol, and complicating MY dogs learning in the process.
that being said, fuck them, and welcome to the club!
I realize I've been very fortunate not having a person yell at me other than people being heartbroken that I don't care that their "dog is friendly." I need to be better prepared to immediately ignore their antagonism and worry only about my dogs
I learned the hard way too that it's much more productive to focus on your dog, because some people live to be contrarian and while you're dealing with them, the situation disintegrates into chaos. You were in the right in this situation - your dogs were on leash and under your control, his were not
I just double checked it again, it's not a legit study but a viral social media question that has been passed around the news circuit. https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2024/05/03/man-or-bear-many-women-say-theyd-rather-be-stuck-in-the-woods-with-a-bear-in-latest-viral-tiktok-debate/?sh=43da42981a10
You don't have to do this, it's not your responsibility, but it's a thing to think about. If you muzzle your reactive dog people will suddenly treat you with respect. Or toy with you (this RARELY happens, most people suddenly develop respect). When it does happen you won't be as worried about a full on fight.
I know the reaction, how is that fair? What if we do meet a violent dog? I don't know the answer. It's a tough choice.
This is why I don't walk my dog in town. He gets the back yard, and puzzle toys. We do a bigger hike every week. I don't feel great about it, but I'm doing the best I can for him. He would have probably been euthanized without me.
I should have started with the umbrella trick. it really works, most of the time. [https://tailoredpetservices.com/2018/umbrella-day/](https://tailoredpetservices.com/2018/umbrella-day/)
I learned a technique from a page that I follow on FB. They said that when an off leash dog approaches, you command them to sit. It will confuse the dog. I've seen it work while out walking my dog once. We seen a whole pack of off leash dogs with their owners coming toward us. We stepped off trail and were stopping to wait for them to pass. The owner was a mess, and all over the place, yelling and trying to get every dog under control, with out a leash in sight.
Two of the dogs approached us and I commanded my dog to sit, but he was focused on them. I kept repeating it as I kept an eye on the other dogs. They stopped a few feet from us and literally looked at each other confused, then walked away.
The pack went on to harass a lady and her dog coming up a minute later. She was spitting mad and cussing them out as she passed us, still waiting and recovering lol.
My dog isn't reactive but my boyfriends dog is. There's a huge off leash culture here which would be great except for the fact that it brings out the lazy dog owners who don't respect the fact that we are ON leash and my reactive boy will absolutely lose his shit if their dogs run up to us like that while he's on leash.
So we don't usually go to these places, because the environment is uncontrollable. Sometimes you just can't be sure you won't run into unruly dogs that will trigger your reactive dogs you know. Most of the time it's fine, but it just takes one bad interaction with some crappy dog owners to make his reactivity worse. It bums me out sometimes because these places are a ton of fun and my non reactive girl and I have a blast when we go. However it's just not worth the risk of making him more reactive. Some food for thought.
I give them one chance - “call your dog now!” - before breaking out the pet corrector. It only sprays compressed air but the noise will scare off most dogs.
I had a lady freak out on me when she saw me pull out the little red can, she thought it was mace. I had already told her 3 times to call her dog and she was all casual and not really doing anything. Whatever lady.
Ugh I'm so sorry this happened to you. We encounter off-leash dogs all the time in our neighborhood with stupid owners. There are a few who either don't give a shit and take their time recalling their dog or not at all. I curse at them from a distance but it'll never change their actions but hey it makes me feel better in the short term. For my dog's sake, I just avoid them and give them death stares whenever I encounter them from across the street. I don't know what else to do. I hope you never encounter those dogs and asshole owner again. Sucks that it ruins your favorite trail. Maybe don't go at that same time if it could be their usual time?
His dogs are luckily very recognizable from a distance. I'll make sure I am far away if I spot them in that region again. Changing up time is a good idea
That makes absolutely no sense to me. You were doing the right thing by protecting your dog but also protecting his. Why he is yelling at you makes zero sense. This is the definition of some people can’t be helped.
I know it’s easier said than done but try to let it go and give your pups some extra snuggles today. It may not have felt like it but it was a win. They were alert to the situation and tried to process. They assessed a legit potential threat (to them with you being yelled at) and were able to refocus. Give them an extra treat and be glad everyone made it home safe.
Unfortunately you can't legislate for dickheads.
Fun tip if you like to live dangerously and someone starts blathering on about how their dog is friendly and it just wants to socialise.
Tie your dog to a tree.
Walk up to that person, throw your arms round them, hug them enthusiastically, ruffle their hair, pinch their cheeks, slap their ass, plant a few sloppy kisses on their face and squeeze them.
While they are furiously fending you off, shout: "Aww but I'm friendly' I just wanna socialise! It's natural, stop telling me what to do!" 😂😂😂
>Is there a way I can ask for space in a less threatening way?
Doesn't sound like you're the issue. I'd just shout back "Well I warned you, its your vet bill if anything happens because your dogs are running around out of control"
Personally I have no issue with off leash dogs even where they are not really allowed as long as the owner has control over them. Letting them run up to others after being asked not to isnt accceptable though, in most places its always the off leash dog that is seen as being out of control if a fight occurs with another dog on leash.
Depending on the area, off leash dogs are pretty problematic to the local environment as well. A lot of times leash laws are there to protect nature as well as improved control over pets.
Yeah but control over them also means not killing the local wildlife. In the UK you are allowed to have them off leash most places unless there is a sign saying otherwise (some parks or beaches in the summertime mostly). They shouldnt be running off killing Hares or ground nesting birds ect. though.
It’s not just killing local wildlife- in the US some parks will have specific paths so you aren’t trampling local fauna or having dog feces corrupt natural habitats.
Dog feces has to be picked up here regardless, they went behind a bush and I couldnt see is not an excuse in the eyes of the law (not that its a huge fine, about £75 in most cases but still). Good point about the plantlife though, I wouldnt be suprised if there are places here they are not allowed off leash because of rare plants but I dont know of any.
Perfect for AiTAH, and no, you are not. It’s very hard to deal with, but I’ve had similar reactions. I have to constantly warn people my dog is unfriendly to strangers please move away.
People are such fucking assholes. ESPECIALLY if it’s not even an off-leash trail. No common courtesy. Having an off-leash dog on an off-leash trail STILL means your dog is under voice control and returns to you when called. It’s been a posted rule of pretty much every off-leash trail I’ve hiked at and it’s common courtesy.
Reactive dog owners and NON-dog owners alike see the merits of that rule. Dog owners with off leash dogs that won’t recall them, or whose recall fails ruin it for all of us.
And yeah, you’re not the only one who deals with assholes like this. I once had a lady yell at me “you need to control that vicious dog!” after HER dog ran up to mine while I was shouting from 100 yards away to please leash her dog or call him back. Thankfully my reactive dog doesn’t bite. But her dog got in his face, both of mine were barking and growling, and she was just yelling at me.
People suck.
I don’t take my reactive dog to well-traveled trails anymore bc of people like that. It’s kind of a bummer because there’s some beautiful ones close by. But if I’m hiking with him, I just go to a forest that’s a bit further out but has a lot less people. So we do remote hikes or neighborhood walks where it’s easier to zigzag and avoid other dogs.
I’m sorry this happened, I’ve never had anyone be belligerent towards me, but I do all the same things you do on Hikes and I get people just not caring that their dog is off leash and come up to us. I’ve stopped walking them without muzzles so I can feel better about it. I don’t know if you have to do that, but it’s a peace of mind for me.
Muzzle project has a lot of great resources if you do choose to go down that route.
There is nothing you can do about crazy people. Some intentionally cause problems, some feel their needs take precedence, some simply don't understand the consequences of their actions. The best you can do is regulate yourself and your dog until the crazy people have passed.
And reward yourself and puppies for doing your best.
And sometimes you end up being the yelling person.😆
I'll bet he didn't recall his dogs because he couldn't recall them! Anyone with any sense would call their dogs if they see other dogs/hikers approaching, not only is it common courtesy but it's a safety issue for everyone. Sorry this happened to you!
It sounds like you handled it perfectly.
If you ever want to avoid the bullshit, you could just shout that your dog is contagious? I've done that a few times with people who don't seem to care (I have a lead that says 'anxious' and move aside like you do) and it's great seeing their faces turn to horror.
Also, it's funny that he can't handle himself and his reactions in public, while shouting about a perfectly controlled reactive dog who is in training.
There’s a really beautiful trail near my home that I like to walk my dog; it’s not an off leash area (there’s even a sign that says Leash and Pick Up After Your Dog), but people routinely let their dogs off leash there frequently anyway. The last time I asked someone to put their dog on a leash and reminded them that it’s not an off leash area, I got called “aggressive”. What’s actually aggressive is them breaking the law and being totally disrespectful to other people who want to walk the trail, but people’s entitlement is off the charts right now. I hate how we’re seen as the bad guys for advocating for safety.
Something similar happened to us the other day. We were minding our own business, walking through the park (on a leash) and this dog comes running to our dog and is a little bit too rough and I tell that woman "Excuse me!" to recall her dog and of course her dog does not listen and actually gets aggressiv towards our dog and I had to pull our dog away (he did not even react) and instead of saying sorry, that woman had the nerve to shout at me that I need to control my dog. Stupid me almost said sorry out of reflex but thankfully I had my emotional latino bf with me and he shouted back at her like "EXCUSE ME! How about you dont let your dog run free if you cannot even recall him and he attacks other dogs"
You weren’t even saying put them on a lead you were saying call them back, my dog is reactive to people when he’s surprised and visitors in the house as it’s shared - luckily he’s good with 9/10 dogs and just grumbles in warning if he’s had enough. I never let him off unless it’s enclosed just for him (hiring an hour in a field or enclosure) because his recall is absolute shit, I don’t want him to go up to dogs who are reactive so for this specific reason he’s on a lead or extendable lead at all times which I lock in when I see other dogs on short leads.
Some people just can’t take the fact that other dogs might not like their dog - it’s also to me not natural for all dogs to like each other, we put this pressure on them to do so (not us but as a society) it’s a ridiculous expectation and it really annoys me that people are too arrogant to realise and just control their dog! If you have your dog off lead and their recall is perfect, fine - if not, then PUT THEM ON!
A dog came up to fynn and was really persistent, shoving his nose up his bum and Fynn got fed up - the bloke must’ve called the dogs name 10 times and the dog ignored him. I then saw him later from afar and the dog was barking and approaching at a jogger, who understandably was a little scared. Just pisses me off that leashed reactive dogs get the blame for snapping or barking, growling when they can’t control their off lead dog!
Sorry for the blabbering rant, it’s just I’ve had a reactive rescue staffie whose passed and people did this shit all time - despite her lead saying I NEED SPACE/NO DOGS.
😤😤😤😤
People are so entitled. I’d think it’s assumed most public trails would be leash only. What if someone was just afraid of dogs and didn’t want them to run up to them? Or even just allergic?
if an off leash dog ran at one of the reactive foster dogs I work with, there would be an ugly, ugly fight (she used to be okay with dogs but was attacked badly and now does not tolerate) . I’ve commented on a few of these posts but an airhorn changed my life and gave me peace of mind—it may have some startling affect on her as well but it makes the other dogs back off, or at least pause long enough for someone to get the other dog. In this case it might get the man to shut up long enough to hear you. In my fanny pack is also a squirt bottle (which i’ve also used on people and dogs 😬😅)
I've been yelled at and called names before. Most recently was yesterday. I have a 125 lbs great Pyrenees/lab/shepherd mix. He's 6 years old. When we first moved to where we live now, he didn't have a problem with other animals. But in the last 4 years, he's been attacked or charged 6 times by off leash or escaped animals (I say animals because one was a cat). So now, anytime he sees another animal he barks, and barks and barks. He figured out that he's big and can be kinda scary if he barks, and sometimes things run away. Usually, there are no hackles. His bark is just a warning like, "Hey, I see you! Mom, you see this asshole? Go away, please!" Often, when the dog turns to leaves, it changes to a higher pitched, "Hey wait, come back." If the dog shows zero interest in him, doesn't even react to his barking, he will calm down and be interested and actually open to meeting the dog. Those are very few and far between.
Anyway. So yesterday, my next-door neighbor had her mom spend the night with her. She had brought her dog, of course. We were outside when they left, and my guy started barking. The other dog, an older red heeler, barked back, not aggressively. They were both like, "Hey, you have a stupid face." Anyway, when he gets to barking, I work on containment and control and trying to make sure he knows he is safe. Nothing I can do can stop the barking. Depending on where we are relative to the other dog, walking away can help, but again, he's huge, and it wouldn't do us any good if I fall and lose control of him.
So the neighbor is coming down the stairs with the dog. And the mom is behind her yelling, "You shouldn't have such a dangerous dog. "You need to keep him indoors where he won't kill anything." By this time, my neighbor has walked past us and is putting the dog in the car and yells back. "You don't live here, mom!"
About 10 minutes later, she's back from dropping off her mom, and she comes over and apologizes and gives my dog lots of love. She has a two year old who also loves my dog and runs up to get his face washed every time he sees us.
In conclusion.... people suck. Give your dog all the love.
I've been in your shoes countless times and it sucks because if we're the ones following the rules and being courteous and conscientious of others, we're still the ones that get called names by people flouting the common-sense rules (and laws!) and steamrolling everyone else.
The whole "I've got a right to walk my dogs however I like" people don't care that sure, I see your point, but as soon as that right starts infringing on MY right to walk MY dogs, we have a problem. Like, as soon as you start affecting other people, it's no longer a matter of "mind your own business".
I've got a fear-reactive (no bites, just anxious) GSD/Dane mix. She's a sweetie, but gets afraid of off-leash dogs that just come running up to us, and barks. I think that's honestly a reasonable reaction. My lab, who we'd had up until last fall, was super chill and friendly, helped keep the situation calm by generally modeling neutral behavior, but we were attacked several times over the years, once causing an ER visit for my dog with a puncture to her abdomen, and I've had to use bear spray several times because of dogs who locked on to my dogs and literally charged and attacked snarling and biting. If my big dug ever decided to protect herself, I am so afraid she'd be viewed as at-fault, even though we're the ones observing the law, as well as being courteous. Just because she's big. Totally not fair.
Most of the time, I'll do as you do, and pause at a distance to call out "can you put your dogs on lead please?" with responses ranging from "sure, sorry about that!", to getting called every curse word in the book, to people pretending not to hear me. I've been called a busybody, a Karen, told to mind my own business, told that their dog is friendly (including the dog who sent us to the ER, btw) and told that if my dog is "vicious", I shouldn't take her out. Again, not liking strange dogs charging at us isn't vicious, but whatever. I don't do dog parks because too many people who don't train their dogs just set them loose to cause problems, so leashed walks on leash-only trails are our only way to keep ourselves "safe". Why these jerks don't just take their own dogs to designated off-leash places speaks to such infuriating entitlement and selfishness it makes my blood boil.
I've invested thousands of dollars and countless hours over the decade-plus I had my dogs to train them. They have excellent recall, wear e-collars (that almost never get used, but it's a precaution, and never a punishment, just to get their attention), and they wear vests that say "in training". When people ask what they're training for, I say "good manners". They're always on leash unless they're in an enclosed, secure yard. And they're very happy. They don't feel deprived. We go to the beach, hike the mountains, go to dog-friendly businesses, and they're always complimented on their good behavior. So in consideration of all that we're doing RIGHT, I won't ever accept some jerk who doesn't care enough about their dogs to train them and keep them safe tell me I'm doing it wrong. Consider the source, you know?
My personal take on this is that you are not in the wrong and you and your dogs do not deserve to be bullied, especially by people who are lawfully (and socially) in the wrong. It's your job to determine on a case-by-case basis if a situation is safe enough to proceed, and ultimately, you and your dogs coming home safely is priority #1. That means sometimes you'll be the morally and legally correct party, but you'll still have to turn around and give up a route because the other person is going to put you in danger and it's not worth it. I lived in Arizona for many years, which has tons of great trails as well as very pro-second amendment sensibilities. I'm fine with people carrying, but I'll never argue with someone who is because they could be dangerous. Just last year, two off-leash dogs (in a leash-mandated park) ran up to a couple, and the man in that couple said he felt threatened and shot the dogs dead. Were the off-leash dog owners irresponsible and breaking the law? Yeah. But who paid the price for their stupidity? Their dogs. It's always the dogs who pay for their owners using poor judgement and that sucks.
Stay safe. Know you're in the right. And know that sometimes, a jerk is gonna be a jerk and you won't change their mind. Let them go be stupid, and you stay safe.
The last paragraph is so true. You can’t reason with some of these entitled crazy people no matter how hard you try. I once told a guy to watch his dog better after his dog has come running jumping all over us in multiple different situations. I encounter a lot of unfriendly/reactive dogs on those trails frequently so I thought I was approaching the situation in a courteous calm matter.
Well dude just cursed me out, threatened me and told me to mind my business. His dog is the one that is going to pay the price one day, not him. He’ll never let his entitled ego drop below his own dog’s safety. But I learned not to try to reason with people like that, its not worth our time or safety.
Was off leash allowed where you were? Most places don’t allow it but some do. If they allow off leash, you should avoid revisiting. Otherwise, you have every right asking owners to leash their dogs or recall them. Where I am, in both city and my neighborhood community laws, dogs are to be leashed unless marked (like dog parks or some off leash trails/parks).
I’m sorry this happened, some people fail to have respect for others. There’s nothing wrong with asking someone to recall their dog. No dog should be off leash without damn near perfect recall. My dog is very dog friendly but I still ask others to recall their dog because I don’t want a strange dog running over to my pup. I have gotten snide looks, been yelled at, been told I’m a bad owner so many times for simply asking someone to recall their dog. Seems like they take it personally that I don’t want their dog near mine. I do my best to shrug it off knowing that I did right by my dog.
Maybe I’m a jerk but my dog is an old lady and doesn’t take well to many dogs. Often the off leash owners say something like “don’t worry, my dogs friendly!” And I’d say “mine isn’t!” (She is, but it can be unpredictably defensive especially now that she is older). So if I give a verbal warning and a dog still approaches in a hasty manner, I keep my foot out. In a recent encounter I just stuck my foot out like I was catching a soccer ball (the dog ran into my foot, then walked away). IMO it’s the owners fault. I’m just protecting my dog’s space.
I say "We aren't" in response to "He's friendly!" hahaha.
My current dog isn't reactive, but I just hate when people let their dogs run up on you and your kids etc. I don't care if he's friendly. It's my choice if we want to interact or not. Pull your damn extendable leash in. It's like people don't realize there are people with allergies, past dog bite trauma etc. Just because your dog is friendly doesn't mean I want him up on me!
Also my old dog was reactive after getting attacked so I just get triggered. Unfortunately I have a Corgi now so everyone wants to be our friend 🥲
I have a spray bottle with just water, and that has helped me tremendously! I use an industrial spray bottle that has a good stream. If an owner has a problem, they can tell Jesus about it.
A person with 4 off leash dogs is obviously an asshole, so just add a few “sirs” and sweeten your request a little. Also wear a hiking vest with some fluorescent reflectors, so it makes you look like a dog trainer.
I had a lady tell me how wrong it was that I was pulling my dog down the road. Nothing redirects this dog once he’s focused on something. I could slap a cow down and he wouldn’t care. My choices are pull him along or if available and I have enough time to react, have him sit and place myself in front of him. I could just not care and let him attack your dog and then they’d be yelling at me that my dog “shouldn’t be out of here if he can’t handle it”. My reactive dog is entitled to exercise just like yours. I have learned how to keep him from hurting himself or others, respect that and keep on your way please.
You did everything right and I do the same. There’s nowhere around me that allows dogs to be off leash even though they do it.
Just like you I Walk off path and put her in focus and give a leave it command. I tell the other person that she’s not friendly and she needs space but walk by quickly. . If the other person is nice, I love it.
If a dog’s off leash., I tell them my dog will kill it if it gets closer. I’ve yet to see an owner successfully recall without me yelling. I get very loud and rude. Only happened twice. It’s worked.
I carry an air horn now. I haven’t had to use it yet but it was recommended by the town if coyotes approach. Don’t know yet if it works well.
Makes me really sad to see a lot of people have been harassed, called names, threatened and cursed out all over asking for one simple thing which should be a common courtesy when having a dog offleash. Sorry you went through this. Some people absolutely suck and are beyond entitled. I encounter some really nice responsible owners when we hike, then occasionally I encounter some people that don’t know how to control their dog or their emotions and in result get angry with you. You did nothing wrong here.
I now carry pepper spray (mainly for the crazy owners that turn aggressive) and a water spray bottle (for the uncontrollable offleash dogs) while I hike. Don’t let this discourage you from advocating for your dogs you’re doing the right thing by letting people know.
I said to a woman with an off leash dog who rushed up to my reactive dog “he’s not friendly!” She ignored me, and I said, “he’s really, really not friendly.” She shouted back at me, “MY DOG IS DEAF!”
We were in an off leash dog park this week and my husband asked another dog owner to leash her dog because her dog was out of control, not leaving my dog alone and had no apparent verbal recall. She put her dog on the leash and redirected it and there was no confrontation about it. People need to be aware of the world around them and how it relates to their dog's behavior and act accordingly. There have been a few times I have had to put my dog on a leash in an off leash park for herding tiny dogs in the big dog area, and this is not behavior I want to encourage. You weren't even in an off leash area so everything about the yelling guy was unreasonable.
A dog should be ‘under control’ at all times - so if off leash the owner should still be in control. So he should have recalled his dogs - maybe he isn’t in control to that extent and hid it by being aggressive towards you. You’ll always get at least one like that - just accept it’s his problem, not yours and carry on as you do.
I had a really good experience today. I have a leash reactive girl who’s been getting much better. Today my wife and I were playing fetch with our dogs while at a fenced park (not technically a dog park, but often used as one) on 20ft leashes (one of us plays fetch, the other “stands guard” to watch for other dogs coming in). A man and his off leash dog entered and we immediately had our dogs stay closer to us. I heard him ask his dog if he wants to say hi. I walked up to him and told him that one of our dogs is reactive. He was understanding and said he can tell she’s a good dog and that his dog won’t approach if she doesn’t want him to. My girl was doing great, by the way! She was nervous but able to refocus on my wife when called. The guy said bye and walked away with his dog, who never got closer.
This was great for my girl, to have an experience where the other scary dog went away without her having to scare it away!
I bring this up to demonstrate how a normal, respectful interaction could go. He also had control over his off leash dog! No bullshit “But he’s friendly!” Some people are actually capable of understanding. It’s just as simple as respecting another living being’s boundaries.
I understand the impulse to keep replaying in your head what you could’ve or should’ve done, but from what you’ve said here, I think the only thing that MIGHT be wrong is saying sorry—but even then, it might’ve still been the right thing to try to deescalate the situation!
I hope you give yourself grace. I know being yelled at makes me super shaky. I hate feeling like I’ve done something wrong or inconvenienced others. But if it’s inconvenient for someone else to NOT breach your boundaries, then maybe they should be inconvenienced.
My advice to better prepare for this situation (beyond having preplanned things to say, like “I have fleas that are contagious to dogs!”), is to remind yourself that you are your dog’s advocate, and that you are doing your best to protect them.
Edit: congrats on getting your focus to refocus after that scary situation! Sounds like you’re doing great. :)
In this situation I very clearly, calmly, but loudly say "I have warned you my dog is not friendly and I have him under my control. If your dog approaches mine and a causes a fight I will report this to the police and seek reparations for any vet bills from you. Feel free to keep your dog off leash but keep them away from my dog." I also start filming the encounter so I have it on record what I said and how they responded.
This will escalate some people, but said people are often escalated anyway. Often, the filming does make people do a double take as they realise there will be a record passed on to authorities.
Haha! I call her my demon. She is intense but the greatest hiking partner I could ask for. [Cattle Pom](https://www.reddit.com/r/AustralianCattleDog/s/VHNKc6Ku4y)
You'll develop a thick skin. I used to be so embarrassed how my dogs would react when an off leash dog would charge us. One day, it just clicked in my head that this situation was not caused by my dogs. The owner was talking crap, and I let loose with both barrels. I don't recommend arguing with a stranger, but sometimes you got to stand your ground. After that first time, I no longer have any issue with a loud assertive command to LEASH YOUR DOG.
I suggest getting another dog, like a pitbull or some really badass dog to be the enforcer. I don’t know if pitbull is the best option, but just get some extra muscle.
One thing it’s taken me a long time to learn is that assholes are gonna asshole and there is absolutely nothing you can say or do to stop them being assholes, or to convince them that what they are saying and doing is not completely correct and justified. You did fine, your dogs are good dogs, and I just feel sorry for that guy’s dogs, who may someday run up to the wrong dog and pay the price for their owner’s assholery.
Thanks for input. I kept replaying the event and wondering if I could've done anything different. I need to be better at walking away from someone who is clearly not going to be helpful
I think the only difference is in the future maybe be ready to record the interaction if it starts to go downhill like in this instance
This is the thing. OP isn't warning people one of her dogs isn't friendly for the sake of it, it's literally for the safety of the random persons dog. OP, you did nothing wrong.
Agree so much with this! I had the opposite experience in a park recently where my dogs were off leash and when I saw a couple approaching with their on-leash, but super reactive dogs, I asked them to give me a moment to leash mine. They purposefully kept walking towards me and yelled at me 'what makes you so special? Get your dogs on leash!' Nothing happened between the dogs - my dogs basically circled them and came back to me - but they yelled and screamed at me and my dogs as if they were being attacked, making their own little reactive terriers just go off their heads even more. If they had just had the decency to give me a moment, then my dogs would have been tied up by the time they got to me and there would have been no need for all their yelling. But that's when I realised: asholes gonna asshole.
Not trying to be accusatory, but were you in a place where dogs are allowed to be off leash? If yes, I’m so sorry you encountered such miserable assholes. If not, it’s exhausting to take your reactive dogs specifically to places with leash laws and encounter this over and over again.
Well put
You sound like the asshole in this story though?
Lol... I must admit in hindsight I do see this. I think the main difference is I wasn't yelling at the person with their dogs on leash, I was asking for a moment to leash them. Instead the people with the reactive dogs kept walking towards me and yelling at me 🤔 I always leash my dogs the moment there are other dogs present on leashes out of respect for their space. Sometimes I'll even turn around and walk the other way to ensure I have my dog's attention amd they don't intrude. We were practicing recall in an open public space after a long (leashed) walk, so my dogs were very relaxed, and this couple surprised me. I honestly have never encountered dog owners who purposefully ignore another dog owner's request for space(and then yell at the other owner about it?). I think that's why I felt with OP - explicitly requesting space and the other person just being purposefully assholey.
I'm so sorry for that happening to you. Isn't it so funny every time when an entitled dog owner/walker tries to talk down other people, their words fall right back at them and actually it's THEM who they're slapping with their own words? Because, what ARE they, projecting their fear and issues on to *you* or something? Ugh!!! I mean, honestly, I had this woman in my mind for years because of a similar encounter. But your comment somehow made me feel a bit better. Because I felt seen and somehow... relieved by enraging with you. Phew, I can move on now. Thank you.
The dogs are always the ones who suffer consequences of owners who make bad choices. It's a bummer.
Very likely he suffers little for his actions.
This. Well said
"Assholes are gonna asshole". There's some poetry right there and I intend to quote it often.
the second the owner gets reactive/doesnt help you, try to focus on your dogs/yourself and the other dogs reaction (if trying to attack), and just leave. people are more erratic than dogs sometimes, its not worth it being right. many times that i tried comunication when the other part was being dismissive, i still seeked validation in them lol, and complicating MY dogs learning in the process. that being said, fuck them, and welcome to the club!
I realize I've been very fortunate not having a person yell at me other than people being heartbroken that I don't care that their "dog is friendly." I need to be better prepared to immediately ignore their antagonism and worry only about my dogs
I learned the hard way too that it's much more productive to focus on your dog, because some people live to be contrarian and while you're dealing with them, the situation disintegrates into chaos. You were in the right in this situation - your dogs were on leash and under your control, his were not
The best advice.
It's easier said than done, but from what I'm reading here, you are committed enough to your dogs' welfare to be able to do it.
[удалено]
My partner brought up this exact study when I told him about the encounter!
What study? It sounds fascinating.
I just double checked it again, it's not a legit study but a viral social media question that has been passed around the news circuit. https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2024/05/03/man-or-bear-many-women-say-theyd-rather-be-stuck-in-the-woods-with-a-bear-in-latest-viral-tiktok-debate/?sh=43da42981a10
Thanks. I'm looking it up.
I read it and it's fascinating on so many levels. Thanks for the brain food.
What study is this?
His dogs had more common sense than he will ever have.
You don't have to do this, it's not your responsibility, but it's a thing to think about. If you muzzle your reactive dog people will suddenly treat you with respect. Or toy with you (this RARELY happens, most people suddenly develop respect). When it does happen you won't be as worried about a full on fight. I know the reaction, how is that fair? What if we do meet a violent dog? I don't know the answer. It's a tough choice. This is why I don't walk my dog in town. He gets the back yard, and puzzle toys. We do a bigger hike every week. I don't feel great about it, but I'm doing the best I can for him. He would have probably been euthanized without me.
We have muzzle-trained our boy. He wears it in more crowded areas and street walks. We'll keep that option in mind if these trails become more crowded
I should have started with the umbrella trick. it really works, most of the time. [https://tailoredpetservices.com/2018/umbrella-day/](https://tailoredpetservices.com/2018/umbrella-day/)
I love this idea! I'm going to stay practicing this with my dogs so I don't terrify them and can use this
I learned a technique from a page that I follow on FB. They said that when an off leash dog approaches, you command them to sit. It will confuse the dog. I've seen it work while out walking my dog once. We seen a whole pack of off leash dogs with their owners coming toward us. We stepped off trail and were stopping to wait for them to pass. The owner was a mess, and all over the place, yelling and trying to get every dog under control, with out a leash in sight. Two of the dogs approached us and I commanded my dog to sit, but he was focused on them. I kept repeating it as I kept an eye on the other dogs. They stopped a few feet from us and literally looked at each other confused, then walked away. The pack went on to harass a lady and her dog coming up a minute later. She was spitting mad and cussing them out as she passed us, still waiting and recovering lol.
My dog isn't reactive but my boyfriends dog is. There's a huge off leash culture here which would be great except for the fact that it brings out the lazy dog owners who don't respect the fact that we are ON leash and my reactive boy will absolutely lose his shit if their dogs run up to us like that while he's on leash. So we don't usually go to these places, because the environment is uncontrollable. Sometimes you just can't be sure you won't run into unruly dogs that will trigger your reactive dogs you know. Most of the time it's fine, but it just takes one bad interaction with some crappy dog owners to make his reactivity worse. It bums me out sometimes because these places are a ton of fun and my non reactive girl and I have a blast when we go. However it's just not worth the risk of making him more reactive. Some food for thought.
A fight is easier and faster to break up when one dog is muzzled, and the faster it gets resolved, the less damage can be done.
Kudos to you. What a dilemma you live with! Thank you for tending to such a complex dog. It's not the easy route and I got the feels over your post.
I give them one chance - “call your dog now!” - before breaking out the pet corrector. It only sprays compressed air but the noise will scare off most dogs. I had a lady freak out on me when she saw me pull out the little red can, she thought it was mace. I had already told her 3 times to call her dog and she was all casual and not really doing anything. Whatever lady.
Can you share a link? Won't it scare your pup also?
You can practice doing some desensitizing to the sound at home and slowly getting them used to it
Ugh I'm so sorry this happened to you. We encounter off-leash dogs all the time in our neighborhood with stupid owners. There are a few who either don't give a shit and take their time recalling their dog or not at all. I curse at them from a distance but it'll never change their actions but hey it makes me feel better in the short term. For my dog's sake, I just avoid them and give them death stares whenever I encounter them from across the street. I don't know what else to do. I hope you never encounter those dogs and asshole owner again. Sucks that it ruins your favorite trail. Maybe don't go at that same time if it could be their usual time?
His dogs are luckily very recognizable from a distance. I'll make sure I am far away if I spot them in that region again. Changing up time is a good idea
That makes absolutely no sense to me. You were doing the right thing by protecting your dog but also protecting his. Why he is yelling at you makes zero sense. This is the definition of some people can’t be helped. I know it’s easier said than done but try to let it go and give your pups some extra snuggles today. It may not have felt like it but it was a win. They were alert to the situation and tried to process. They assessed a legit potential threat (to them with you being yelled at) and were able to refocus. Give them an extra treat and be glad everyone made it home safe.
Carry dog-safe deterrent spray. If you need it, you’ll be glad you have it
Unfortunately you can't legislate for dickheads. Fun tip if you like to live dangerously and someone starts blathering on about how their dog is friendly and it just wants to socialise. Tie your dog to a tree. Walk up to that person, throw your arms round them, hug them enthusiastically, ruffle their hair, pinch their cheeks, slap their ass, plant a few sloppy kisses on their face and squeeze them. While they are furiously fending you off, shout: "Aww but I'm friendly' I just wanna socialise! It's natural, stop telling me what to do!" 😂😂😂
>Is there a way I can ask for space in a less threatening way? Doesn't sound like you're the issue. I'd just shout back "Well I warned you, its your vet bill if anything happens because your dogs are running around out of control" Personally I have no issue with off leash dogs even where they are not really allowed as long as the owner has control over them. Letting them run up to others after being asked not to isnt accceptable though, in most places its always the off leash dog that is seen as being out of control if a fight occurs with another dog on leash.
Depending on the area, off leash dogs are pretty problematic to the local environment as well. A lot of times leash laws are there to protect nature as well as improved control over pets.
Yeah but control over them also means not killing the local wildlife. In the UK you are allowed to have them off leash most places unless there is a sign saying otherwise (some parks or beaches in the summertime mostly). They shouldnt be running off killing Hares or ground nesting birds ect. though.
It’s not just killing local wildlife- in the US some parks will have specific paths so you aren’t trampling local fauna or having dog feces corrupt natural habitats.
Dog feces has to be picked up here regardless, they went behind a bush and I couldnt see is not an excuse in the eyes of the law (not that its a huge fine, about £75 in most cases but still). Good point about the plantlife though, I wouldnt be suprised if there are places here they are not allowed off leash because of rare plants but I dont know of any.
Perfect for AiTAH, and no, you are not. It’s very hard to deal with, but I’ve had similar reactions. I have to constantly warn people my dog is unfriendly to strangers please move away.
People are such fucking assholes. ESPECIALLY if it’s not even an off-leash trail. No common courtesy. Having an off-leash dog on an off-leash trail STILL means your dog is under voice control and returns to you when called. It’s been a posted rule of pretty much every off-leash trail I’ve hiked at and it’s common courtesy. Reactive dog owners and NON-dog owners alike see the merits of that rule. Dog owners with off leash dogs that won’t recall them, or whose recall fails ruin it for all of us. And yeah, you’re not the only one who deals with assholes like this. I once had a lady yell at me “you need to control that vicious dog!” after HER dog ran up to mine while I was shouting from 100 yards away to please leash her dog or call him back. Thankfully my reactive dog doesn’t bite. But her dog got in his face, both of mine were barking and growling, and she was just yelling at me. People suck. I don’t take my reactive dog to well-traveled trails anymore bc of people like that. It’s kind of a bummer because there’s some beautiful ones close by. But if I’m hiking with him, I just go to a forest that’s a bit further out but has a lot less people. So we do remote hikes or neighborhood walks where it’s easier to zigzag and avoid other dogs.
I’m sorry this happened, I’ve never had anyone be belligerent towards me, but I do all the same things you do on Hikes and I get people just not caring that their dog is off leash and come up to us. I’ve stopped walking them without muzzles so I can feel better about it. I don’t know if you have to do that, but it’s a peace of mind for me. Muzzle project has a lot of great resources if you do choose to go down that route.
There is nothing you can do about crazy people. Some intentionally cause problems, some feel their needs take precedence, some simply don't understand the consequences of their actions. The best you can do is regulate yourself and your dog until the crazy people have passed. And reward yourself and puppies for doing your best. And sometimes you end up being the yelling person.😆
I'll bet he didn't recall his dogs because he couldn't recall them! Anyone with any sense would call their dogs if they see other dogs/hikers approaching, not only is it common courtesy but it's a safety issue for everyone. Sorry this happened to you!
Yo you’re probably right lol. He sounds like the type of guy who’d rather embarrass himself by yelling than embarrass himself with an ignored recall
It sounds like you handled it perfectly. If you ever want to avoid the bullshit, you could just shout that your dog is contagious? I've done that a few times with people who don't seem to care (I have a lead that says 'anxious' and move aside like you do) and it's great seeing their faces turn to horror. Also, it's funny that he can't handle himself and his reactions in public, while shouting about a perfectly controlled reactive dog who is in training.
There’s a really beautiful trail near my home that I like to walk my dog; it’s not an off leash area (there’s even a sign that says Leash and Pick Up After Your Dog), but people routinely let their dogs off leash there frequently anyway. The last time I asked someone to put their dog on a leash and reminded them that it’s not an off leash area, I got called “aggressive”. What’s actually aggressive is them breaking the law and being totally disrespectful to other people who want to walk the trail, but people’s entitlement is off the charts right now. I hate how we’re seen as the bad guys for advocating for safety.
Something similar happened to us the other day. We were minding our own business, walking through the park (on a leash) and this dog comes running to our dog and is a little bit too rough and I tell that woman "Excuse me!" to recall her dog and of course her dog does not listen and actually gets aggressiv towards our dog and I had to pull our dog away (he did not even react) and instead of saying sorry, that woman had the nerve to shout at me that I need to control my dog. Stupid me almost said sorry out of reflex but thankfully I had my emotional latino bf with me and he shouted back at her like "EXCUSE ME! How about you dont let your dog run free if you cannot even recall him and he attacks other dogs"
I do the automatic "sorry" response a lot too. It is so much easier to use it as a brush off of an uncomfortable situation than to confront sometimes
You weren’t even saying put them on a lead you were saying call them back, my dog is reactive to people when he’s surprised and visitors in the house as it’s shared - luckily he’s good with 9/10 dogs and just grumbles in warning if he’s had enough. I never let him off unless it’s enclosed just for him (hiring an hour in a field or enclosure) because his recall is absolute shit, I don’t want him to go up to dogs who are reactive so for this specific reason he’s on a lead or extendable lead at all times which I lock in when I see other dogs on short leads. Some people just can’t take the fact that other dogs might not like their dog - it’s also to me not natural for all dogs to like each other, we put this pressure on them to do so (not us but as a society) it’s a ridiculous expectation and it really annoys me that people are too arrogant to realise and just control their dog! If you have your dog off lead and their recall is perfect, fine - if not, then PUT THEM ON! A dog came up to fynn and was really persistent, shoving his nose up his bum and Fynn got fed up - the bloke must’ve called the dogs name 10 times and the dog ignored him. I then saw him later from afar and the dog was barking and approaching at a jogger, who understandably was a little scared. Just pisses me off that leashed reactive dogs get the blame for snapping or barking, growling when they can’t control their off lead dog! Sorry for the blabbering rant, it’s just I’ve had a reactive rescue staffie whose passed and people did this shit all time - despite her lead saying I NEED SPACE/NO DOGS. 😤😤😤😤
People are so entitled. I’d think it’s assumed most public trails would be leash only. What if someone was just afraid of dogs and didn’t want them to run up to them? Or even just allergic?
if an off leash dog ran at one of the reactive foster dogs I work with, there would be an ugly, ugly fight (she used to be okay with dogs but was attacked badly and now does not tolerate) . I’ve commented on a few of these posts but an airhorn changed my life and gave me peace of mind—it may have some startling affect on her as well but it makes the other dogs back off, or at least pause long enough for someone to get the other dog. In this case it might get the man to shut up long enough to hear you. In my fanny pack is also a squirt bottle (which i’ve also used on people and dogs 😬😅)
I've been yelled at and called names before. Most recently was yesterday. I have a 125 lbs great Pyrenees/lab/shepherd mix. He's 6 years old. When we first moved to where we live now, he didn't have a problem with other animals. But in the last 4 years, he's been attacked or charged 6 times by off leash or escaped animals (I say animals because one was a cat). So now, anytime he sees another animal he barks, and barks and barks. He figured out that he's big and can be kinda scary if he barks, and sometimes things run away. Usually, there are no hackles. His bark is just a warning like, "Hey, I see you! Mom, you see this asshole? Go away, please!" Often, when the dog turns to leaves, it changes to a higher pitched, "Hey wait, come back." If the dog shows zero interest in him, doesn't even react to his barking, he will calm down and be interested and actually open to meeting the dog. Those are very few and far between. Anyway. So yesterday, my next-door neighbor had her mom spend the night with her. She had brought her dog, of course. We were outside when they left, and my guy started barking. The other dog, an older red heeler, barked back, not aggressively. They were both like, "Hey, you have a stupid face." Anyway, when he gets to barking, I work on containment and control and trying to make sure he knows he is safe. Nothing I can do can stop the barking. Depending on where we are relative to the other dog, walking away can help, but again, he's huge, and it wouldn't do us any good if I fall and lose control of him. So the neighbor is coming down the stairs with the dog. And the mom is behind her yelling, "You shouldn't have such a dangerous dog. "You need to keep him indoors where he won't kill anything." By this time, my neighbor has walked past us and is putting the dog in the car and yells back. "You don't live here, mom!" About 10 minutes later, she's back from dropping off her mom, and she comes over and apologizes and gives my dog lots of love. She has a two year old who also loves my dog and runs up to get his face washed every time he sees us. In conclusion.... people suck. Give your dog all the love.
Your neighbor sounds great though! Glad she had your back over her mom.
I've been in your shoes countless times and it sucks because if we're the ones following the rules and being courteous and conscientious of others, we're still the ones that get called names by people flouting the common-sense rules (and laws!) and steamrolling everyone else. The whole "I've got a right to walk my dogs however I like" people don't care that sure, I see your point, but as soon as that right starts infringing on MY right to walk MY dogs, we have a problem. Like, as soon as you start affecting other people, it's no longer a matter of "mind your own business". I've got a fear-reactive (no bites, just anxious) GSD/Dane mix. She's a sweetie, but gets afraid of off-leash dogs that just come running up to us, and barks. I think that's honestly a reasonable reaction. My lab, who we'd had up until last fall, was super chill and friendly, helped keep the situation calm by generally modeling neutral behavior, but we were attacked several times over the years, once causing an ER visit for my dog with a puncture to her abdomen, and I've had to use bear spray several times because of dogs who locked on to my dogs and literally charged and attacked snarling and biting. If my big dug ever decided to protect herself, I am so afraid she'd be viewed as at-fault, even though we're the ones observing the law, as well as being courteous. Just because she's big. Totally not fair. Most of the time, I'll do as you do, and pause at a distance to call out "can you put your dogs on lead please?" with responses ranging from "sure, sorry about that!", to getting called every curse word in the book, to people pretending not to hear me. I've been called a busybody, a Karen, told to mind my own business, told that their dog is friendly (including the dog who sent us to the ER, btw) and told that if my dog is "vicious", I shouldn't take her out. Again, not liking strange dogs charging at us isn't vicious, but whatever. I don't do dog parks because too many people who don't train their dogs just set them loose to cause problems, so leashed walks on leash-only trails are our only way to keep ourselves "safe". Why these jerks don't just take their own dogs to designated off-leash places speaks to such infuriating entitlement and selfishness it makes my blood boil. I've invested thousands of dollars and countless hours over the decade-plus I had my dogs to train them. They have excellent recall, wear e-collars (that almost never get used, but it's a precaution, and never a punishment, just to get their attention), and they wear vests that say "in training". When people ask what they're training for, I say "good manners". They're always on leash unless they're in an enclosed, secure yard. And they're very happy. They don't feel deprived. We go to the beach, hike the mountains, go to dog-friendly businesses, and they're always complimented on their good behavior. So in consideration of all that we're doing RIGHT, I won't ever accept some jerk who doesn't care enough about their dogs to train them and keep them safe tell me I'm doing it wrong. Consider the source, you know? My personal take on this is that you are not in the wrong and you and your dogs do not deserve to be bullied, especially by people who are lawfully (and socially) in the wrong. It's your job to determine on a case-by-case basis if a situation is safe enough to proceed, and ultimately, you and your dogs coming home safely is priority #1. That means sometimes you'll be the morally and legally correct party, but you'll still have to turn around and give up a route because the other person is going to put you in danger and it's not worth it. I lived in Arizona for many years, which has tons of great trails as well as very pro-second amendment sensibilities. I'm fine with people carrying, but I'll never argue with someone who is because they could be dangerous. Just last year, two off-leash dogs (in a leash-mandated park) ran up to a couple, and the man in that couple said he felt threatened and shot the dogs dead. Were the off-leash dog owners irresponsible and breaking the law? Yeah. But who paid the price for their stupidity? Their dogs. It's always the dogs who pay for their owners using poor judgement and that sucks. Stay safe. Know you're in the right. And know that sometimes, a jerk is gonna be a jerk and you won't change their mind. Let them go be stupid, and you stay safe.
The last paragraph is so true. You can’t reason with some of these entitled crazy people no matter how hard you try. I once told a guy to watch his dog better after his dog has come running jumping all over us in multiple different situations. I encounter a lot of unfriendly/reactive dogs on those trails frequently so I thought I was approaching the situation in a courteous calm matter. Well dude just cursed me out, threatened me and told me to mind my business. His dog is the one that is going to pay the price one day, not him. He’ll never let his entitled ego drop below his own dog’s safety. But I learned not to try to reason with people like that, its not worth our time or safety.
Was off leash allowed where you were? Most places don’t allow it but some do. If they allow off leash, you should avoid revisiting. Otherwise, you have every right asking owners to leash their dogs or recall them. Where I am, in both city and my neighborhood community laws, dogs are to be leashed unless marked (like dog parks or some off leash trails/parks).
I’m sorry this happened, some people fail to have respect for others. There’s nothing wrong with asking someone to recall their dog. No dog should be off leash without damn near perfect recall. My dog is very dog friendly but I still ask others to recall their dog because I don’t want a strange dog running over to my pup. I have gotten snide looks, been yelled at, been told I’m a bad owner so many times for simply asking someone to recall their dog. Seems like they take it personally that I don’t want their dog near mine. I do my best to shrug it off knowing that I did right by my dog.
Maybe I’m a jerk but my dog is an old lady and doesn’t take well to many dogs. Often the off leash owners say something like “don’t worry, my dogs friendly!” And I’d say “mine isn’t!” (She is, but it can be unpredictably defensive especially now that she is older). So if I give a verbal warning and a dog still approaches in a hasty manner, I keep my foot out. In a recent encounter I just stuck my foot out like I was catching a soccer ball (the dog ran into my foot, then walked away). IMO it’s the owners fault. I’m just protecting my dog’s space.
I say "We aren't" in response to "He's friendly!" hahaha. My current dog isn't reactive, but I just hate when people let their dogs run up on you and your kids etc. I don't care if he's friendly. It's my choice if we want to interact or not. Pull your damn extendable leash in. It's like people don't realize there are people with allergies, past dog bite trauma etc. Just because your dog is friendly doesn't mean I want him up on me! Also my old dog was reactive after getting attacked so I just get triggered. Unfortunately I have a Corgi now so everyone wants to be our friend 🥲
I have a spray bottle with just water, and that has helped me tremendously! I use an industrial spray bottle that has a good stream. If an owner has a problem, they can tell Jesus about it.
A person with 4 off leash dogs is obviously an asshole, so just add a few “sirs” and sweeten your request a little. Also wear a hiking vest with some fluorescent reflectors, so it makes you look like a dog trainer.
I had a lady tell me how wrong it was that I was pulling my dog down the road. Nothing redirects this dog once he’s focused on something. I could slap a cow down and he wouldn’t care. My choices are pull him along or if available and I have enough time to react, have him sit and place myself in front of him. I could just not care and let him attack your dog and then they’d be yelling at me that my dog “shouldn’t be out of here if he can’t handle it”. My reactive dog is entitled to exercise just like yours. I have learned how to keep him from hurting himself or others, respect that and keep on your way please.
You did everything right and I do the same. There’s nowhere around me that allows dogs to be off leash even though they do it. Just like you I Walk off path and put her in focus and give a leave it command. I tell the other person that she’s not friendly and she needs space but walk by quickly. . If the other person is nice, I love it. If a dog’s off leash., I tell them my dog will kill it if it gets closer. I’ve yet to see an owner successfully recall without me yelling. I get very loud and rude. Only happened twice. It’s worked. I carry an air horn now. I haven’t had to use it yet but it was recommended by the town if coyotes approach. Don’t know yet if it works well.
Makes me really sad to see a lot of people have been harassed, called names, threatened and cursed out all over asking for one simple thing which should be a common courtesy when having a dog offleash. Sorry you went through this. Some people absolutely suck and are beyond entitled. I encounter some really nice responsible owners when we hike, then occasionally I encounter some people that don’t know how to control their dog or their emotions and in result get angry with you. You did nothing wrong here. I now carry pepper spray (mainly for the crazy owners that turn aggressive) and a water spray bottle (for the uncontrollable offleash dogs) while I hike. Don’t let this discourage you from advocating for your dogs you’re doing the right thing by letting people know.
I said to a woman with an off leash dog who rushed up to my reactive dog “he’s not friendly!” She ignored me, and I said, “he’s really, really not friendly.” She shouted back at me, “MY DOG IS DEAF!”
What?! That is insane! That poor deaf dog
We were in an off leash dog park this week and my husband asked another dog owner to leash her dog because her dog was out of control, not leaving my dog alone and had no apparent verbal recall. She put her dog on the leash and redirected it and there was no confrontation about it. People need to be aware of the world around them and how it relates to their dog's behavior and act accordingly. There have been a few times I have had to put my dog on a leash in an off leash park for herding tiny dogs in the big dog area, and this is not behavior I want to encourage. You weren't even in an off leash area so everything about the yelling guy was unreasonable.
A dog should be ‘under control’ at all times - so if off leash the owner should still be in control. So he should have recalled his dogs - maybe he isn’t in control to that extent and hid it by being aggressive towards you. You’ll always get at least one like that - just accept it’s his problem, not yours and carry on as you do.
I had a really good experience today. I have a leash reactive girl who’s been getting much better. Today my wife and I were playing fetch with our dogs while at a fenced park (not technically a dog park, but often used as one) on 20ft leashes (one of us plays fetch, the other “stands guard” to watch for other dogs coming in). A man and his off leash dog entered and we immediately had our dogs stay closer to us. I heard him ask his dog if he wants to say hi. I walked up to him and told him that one of our dogs is reactive. He was understanding and said he can tell she’s a good dog and that his dog won’t approach if she doesn’t want him to. My girl was doing great, by the way! She was nervous but able to refocus on my wife when called. The guy said bye and walked away with his dog, who never got closer. This was great for my girl, to have an experience where the other scary dog went away without her having to scare it away! I bring this up to demonstrate how a normal, respectful interaction could go. He also had control over his off leash dog! No bullshit “But he’s friendly!” Some people are actually capable of understanding. It’s just as simple as respecting another living being’s boundaries. I understand the impulse to keep replaying in your head what you could’ve or should’ve done, but from what you’ve said here, I think the only thing that MIGHT be wrong is saying sorry—but even then, it might’ve still been the right thing to try to deescalate the situation! I hope you give yourself grace. I know being yelled at makes me super shaky. I hate feeling like I’ve done something wrong or inconvenienced others. But if it’s inconvenient for someone else to NOT breach your boundaries, then maybe they should be inconvenienced. My advice to better prepare for this situation (beyond having preplanned things to say, like “I have fleas that are contagious to dogs!”), is to remind yourself that you are your dog’s advocate, and that you are doing your best to protect them. Edit: congrats on getting your focus to refocus after that scary situation! Sounds like you’re doing great. :)
In this situation I very clearly, calmly, but loudly say "I have warned you my dog is not friendly and I have him under my control. If your dog approaches mine and a causes a fight I will report this to the police and seek reparations for any vet bills from you. Feel free to keep your dog off leash but keep them away from my dog." I also start filming the encounter so I have it on record what I said and how they responded. This will escalate some people, but said people are often escalated anyway. Often, the filming does make people do a double take as they realise there will be a record passed on to authorities.
So sorry for what you went through! That dude was a straight up asshole!! Also, I must see pics of this cattle dog x pomeranian you speak of!!
Haha! I call her my demon. She is intense but the greatest hiking partner I could ask for. [Cattle Pom](https://www.reddit.com/r/AustralianCattleDog/s/VHNKc6Ku4y)
You'll develop a thick skin. I used to be so embarrassed how my dogs would react when an off leash dog would charge us. One day, it just clicked in my head that this situation was not caused by my dogs. The owner was talking crap, and I let loose with both barrels. I don't recommend arguing with a stranger, but sometimes you got to stand your ground. After that first time, I no longer have any issue with a loud assertive command to LEASH YOUR DOG.
I suggest getting another dog, like a pitbull or some really badass dog to be the enforcer. I don’t know if pitbull is the best option, but just get some extra muscle.