Dear Neighbor...

[Lyzelle]

So sorry your neighbor is stupid! I've had issues with the same thing. Zander doesn't mind other dogs, and he's actually pretty friendly, but any random dog just running up to him out of no where doesn't sit well with him - or me. It's so annoying to have to tell other people to keep their dogs under control. Heck, some PEOPLE can't even keep themselves under control.

LOVE that poster, by the way. I've seen it before, but I love it more every time I see it shared. I like the one about approaching/greeting a dog too.

I'm sure it won't set her back too far, though. It's crappy to have all your hard work on the line, but I'm sure it'll pay off.

[xpaeanx]

I'm sorry, I hope Lucy isn't negatively impacted at all.

I have a very similar problem with Walsh. He is very protective over his personal space and this includes both people and dogs... I shout this at people and pull him away, but they corner both of us...if he goes off, then they look at me and say, "Wow, your dog is nasty. You should put him down before he hurts someone or another dog."

Um... I can pretty much fling him over my back holding his back legs and he's fine. He just takes stranger danger very seriously... and he's always leashed.... Maybe you should stop thinking the world revolves around you and go away when people tell you too.

I wish some people would get the message a bit faster too. I've read during service training you pull your dogs face into your crotch to avoid them seeing another dog. From what we've gone through on some walks that doesn't sound to drastic really. If I am hiding behind a parked car or a bush or have crossed the street and have both hands firmly on the leash...MOVE IT PEOPLE, don't just stroll on through, obviously there is a method to my madness and I shouldn't need to wave a danger sign.

I do try to not walk in such situations but if somebody freezes with their dog they want you to go way around them...ideally turn around completely, easier for all concerned

[xpaeanx]

Originally Posted by Kaydee

I do try to not walk in such situations but if somebody freezes with their dog they want you to go way around them...ideally turn around completely, easier for all concerned

Meh, I don't think it's fair to also expect someone to just totally reroute their walk because your dog has a problem.

When I see a dog, I shorten my leash and step off the path to clear the way for them to pass. If I see a dog going in the same direction as me, I will reroute myself to avoid them.

The main thing is that if someone shortens their lead, or steps off a path, or freezes, or pulls their dog close that means keep your dog out of their space. Hell, I don't even like when I'm out walking alone and people let their dogs jump all over me. There's a general lack of respect for personal space out there.

[Kayota]

Roxie's had a setback recently with her man reactivity (lmao) and I haven't noticed in years how much people seem to require my dog love EVERYONE... She let out one (1) bark at a man on our hike the other day and he said "wow, I guess she's still in training" in the rudest tone possible...

[StillandSilent]

Gambit has a neon (eyesearingly so) yellow vest with a stop sign on it and the words "Scared Dog- Do Not Pet" In inch high letters.

People still try and touch him. Even children too young to read can see the stop sign and pause. Some back up, but at the very they least ask my why it's there instead of rushing up blindly.

Too bad the adults who are old enough to read can't seem to interpret the words.

[JessLough]

Originally Posted by xpaeanx

Meh, I don't think it's fair to also expect someone to just totally reroute their walk because your dog has a problem.

When I see a dog, I shorten my leash and step off the path to clear the way for them to pass. If I see a dog going in the same direction as me, I will reroute myself to avoid them.

The main thing is that if someone shortens their lead, or steps off a path, or freezes, or pulls their dog close that means keep your dog out of their space. Hell, I don't even like when I'm out walking alone and people let their dogs jump all over me. There's a general lack of respect for personal space out there.

This. There is no way I'm turning around and rerouting (in most cases for us turning around would be ending, there's no other entrance to where we walk) my dogs walk because your dog has dog issues. I will shorten my dogs leash and pass quickly, but IMHO, if your dog can't even be passed by a dog on leash, a) you should be questioning if you should be walking a dog that would be stronger than you to get to my dog and b) rethink walking your dog in that area/that time without taking proper precautions.

[Renee750il]

That's one of the reasons I tend to walk Kharma late at night. When there aren't so many idiots abroad. That's a luxury though, that most people don't have and I will never understand what is so difficult about getting that you and your dog aren't entitled to invade anyone else's space just because YOU or YOUR DOG want to. She's been jumped by rogue Yorkies several times and now she absolutely hates them. She's not overly fond of BCs either, after a few run ins.

I'd probably turn into a snarling beast if I had to deal with it too much.

Poor Tallulah! She IS friendly and likes other dogs (as long as she doesn't get too excited) but most people give her a wide berth, which I suppose, in the general scheme of things, is good. It's really been sad, though, to see my outgoing little socialite become aloof.

*sigh* like the song says, "the world is full of stupid people."

[sillysally]

Even if I have my non reactive dog out I give dogs with iffy body language a very wide berth. I don't turn around, but I don't assume that the other dog walker recognizes their dog's discomfort/aggression and is planning on keeping the dog under control. I know that sounds cynical, but we've had several bad experiences.

[Bailey08]

Originally Posted by Kaydee

I've read during service training you pull your dogs face into your crotch to avoid them seeing another dog.

I'm not trying to pick on you, because this doesn't seem to be your approach, but this is really bugging me, lol. Do they really do this? It would make my non-reactive dog crazy to have his head stuck somewhere when he could hear/smell but not see another dog. How vulnerable must a dog feel then?!?!?! I don't understand how that's even remotely a good idea.

Originally Posted by sillysally

Even if I have my non reactive dog out I give dogs with iffy body language a very wide berth. I don't turn around, but I don't assume that the other dog walker recognizes their dog's discomfort/aggression and is planning on keeping the dog under control. I know that sounds cynical, but we've had several bad experiences.

I don't think it's cynical, I think it's smart! My dog walker officially has a "no greeting" rule because I trust no one. LOL, maybe I am a cynic.