What is wrong with people? On the way back from my walk with Vashti I noticed a dog running around loose in a yard. I was going to turn around and go back the other way but decided to just walk way up in the yard of some condo's that were across the street from this house and just try to go by.

Well nope! The dog saw us and charged! I mean it was hauling ass straight toward us with the lady hollering "get back here!" Which of course it did not listen. I stepped in front of Vashti, popped my baton, and hit it on the head. It changed its mind and went back home.

The lady then starting yelling at me for being mean and rude. She said since I was so mean my dog must be mean. I informed her about a little thing called a leash. It got ugly and now I'm just venting.

My son was there and I probably didn't set a very good example BUT my dog didn't get attacked.

I almost feel like a target as this happened with Bruno? Maybe I need to go somewhere else to walk?

Vent Lori, vent!

I wouldn't have done anything differently. I'd probably find somewhere else to walk though. I feel really lucky that this has never happened to me, knock on wood.

I'm certainly here to help everyone get it off their chests though!

You go girl! Well done!

Just explain to your son that some people are stupid and you prevented a dog fight or worse by your actions.

I could go on all night about stupid people and ignorant dogs they own.
Where I live we have three or four large parks within close distance. NOT dog parks no matter what some people think, but parks that allow dogs.

There's one I frequent often. Also I've almost got almost all the other frequent visitors mostly trained (they keep they animals away from me and mine) by now. They carry a leash if they have no recall (what a concept!).
Last week I pull into the parking lot, two or three cars in there already. Ahem, okay.
I get out and scope the terrain. Someone rounding the corner toward the parking area. I see the dog return to the owners side. Cool, I wait a moment to two.....looks good, okay. I take Cass out of the car, recall and put her on a leash, turn around to see the Boxer making tracks towards us! Well shit, I jam Cassie back in the car, turn back around to see this dog making a run at the car. I stop it in it's tracks.
Now me and this dog are in a stand off. It wants to get to the car (that Cassie is going stupid barking mad in) and I'm not going to let it get any closer. Meanwhile the owner continues his saunder to his car. When he reaches the parking lot he starts berating me for the challenge I'm putting on his dog.
Me and this dog are having this staring contest, and this stupid owner is screaming at me for how wrong I am. Finally he shuts up and gingerly (a stretched arms reach) takes hold of the dogs collar and leads it away.
Gets the dog into the car and starts screaming at me again about how not to challenge a dog, I told him to go f himself....next time he takes the dog out, bring a leash.

If there's a next time I have to face that dog down, it'll pay for the encounter. Too bad too, I'd rather the owner have to pay those dues.

I know. I would have much rather have hit this lady on the head.

I let a couple F bombs fly myself when I suggested she get a leash. Even though I saw and knew the dog was there; when it came, it at us so fast. I had no time to think.

I'm amazed at how people who are sooo obviously wrong can turn it all around. I'm the rude one even though her dog charged us? My dog is under control and on leash but I'm wrong?

Anyone know the laws on this? I'm in Canada so it's likely a little bit different for me. But I'm wondering since I had a similar encounter recently. Just training my older dog and out of nowhere I see this large dog barreling towards us. The owners are at least 100 yards away and the dog doesn't respond when I point and say 'GET!' so I boot it in the head. Still goes right for my dog so I kick it again harder and then it runs away. The owner comes towards me after this as if he's going to fight me so I just say 'You're in the wrong, the law says you need a leash, so just walk away.' He keeps coming towards me and asks why I kicked his dog so I tell him 'You're dog was coming at me in an aggressive manner and growled'. So he responds, 'he doesn't growl he grumbles'. Trying not to laugh at the guy I just tell him 'You're in the wrong, just be glad there's no vet bills for you to pay. Train your dog and get a leash. Now walk away' And that was the end of it.

Another time there was a small festival going on at one of the parks. And anyone there with dogs knew enough to have their dog on leash. Except for one guy. I'm walking with my girlfriend and my 6 month old puppy. And this guy and his wife ask us what the festival is all about. They seem rude from the start, and didn't even respond when we told them what the festival was. They're about a hundred feet away and their dog starts coming towards us. They keep walking and their dog decides to start circling us, so I turn back and ask them to get their dog. He just says 'Why, she's just trying to play' I say 'there are signs to leash your dogs and I never asked for the dogs to play'. Then of course he tells me I need to control my dog, which is hilarious since my guy's a puppy and on a leash. We start arguing after he calls me an idiot and finally when he comes to get his dog he whacks me on the leg with a dog toy. So I shove the guy, but was lucky my girlfriend convinced me not to fight the guy. I was really glad it didn't escalate into a full fight cause the guy was clearly an idiot. And not getting into any legal trouble allowed me to laugh about it a fair bit.

Now I'm sure to tell people to keep their distance as well if I think there's any possibility of doggie arguments. Some pet owners are really stupid.

It's a real shame when the dogs have to pay for the owners stupidity, and there are some really stupid owners out there. I'm lucky I have Amstaffs so most people just panic when mine come around and get a hold of their dogs real quick, but I try and walk mine when there's nobody around like 4 in the morning! I have alot of trouble controlling myself around idiots!

 Quote: Brad Higgs

It's a real shame when the dogs have to pay for the owners stupidity, and there are some really stupid owners out there.

I agree.

I spent an hour today at our local park trying to avoid incredibly stupid dog owners. Saw 2 skirmishes and a dumbass that let his dog play with other dogs while wearing a head halter and leash. I got jumped on by a dog and took a claw to the lip.

People have no control over their dogs, have taught them nothing, then get angry at them for not magically obeying commands. It is the definition of insanity, screaming "bad dog, get over here" and expecting a dog to listen.

I find it really depressing. And my lip hurts.

I had a neighbor threaten to kill me 3 different times after I chastised him for letting his dog off its leash (no warning or asking permission) when he was about ten feet from Roger and I.

It feels good to mention the leash laws with a scowl, but this guy got totally crazed when he realized he wasn't in control of the situation...and if he'd had a weapon I'm pretty sure he would have drawn it.

Feels good to be right, but...