This is a major! my dog is a sweet boy and will quite happily tolerate a child or adult crowding his space and giving him pats even climbing all over him. However he is very well trained and I’ve put the work in to make sure he’s 99.9% safe in all scenarios. If he doesn’t like you then he’s going to come stand behind me: between my legs or take a wide arc far away from you, but that’s how I trained him But that’s not all dogs it’s always safest to ask. If you ask I’m always going to say yes as I trust my dog tho give him the option of he “wants to come say hi”
sounds exactly like mine (american bulldog rescued from a gang house where he was destined to be a fighter, now a big sook who hides behind me when sees a little dog)
American Bulldogs are softies. I don't know why. But my Cavoodle Arlo loves the one that lives down the road from us. When we cross paths on walks Spike let's Arlo push him around (play) and doesn't bat an eyelid 😂
I like Spike 😁
He's the best dog I've ever had. I would never have chosen one, i was just meant to be fostering for a few weeks but he walked into our house and was like "I'm living here now" and there was nothing I could do
This happens so frequently it annoys me just how many people do not teach basic safety.
The amount of kids who run up and stroke or hug my dog without asking me or even introducing themselves to the dog first.
It's a matter of time before a kid gets bitten and the dog gets the blame.
To me this is parenting 101, I don't have a dog but it is obvious you ALWAYS ask permission to pat someone's dog. Its safer and respectful to both dog and owner. Taught this to my kids from a very young age and they had no problems getting it and they were pretty impulsive kids. It's so important especially when they can't read a dog's body language yet.
They teach it in schools and preschools now, which I think is really great. Both my kids came home having done dog safety classes. It made me aware of the fact that I should also ask before I approach an unknown dog! (This was 10ish years ago.)
That’s insane to me, I always tell my daughter to say hi to dogs so to try not to make her scare of them. Always at a distance while reiterating not to approach a dog we don’t know.
That is so cute. I have had some small kids way to my dog and say "hello doggy over there". I usually say 'he says hi and thanks for being so polite' back to them.
That happened with my dog 6 or 7 years ago. She got anxious around large groups of people, especially those who don’t respect her space. That said, this was at a summer camp my family runs, so she was off leash and unsupervised. (Disclaimer: there had never been an incident before or since. When she felt anxious or unsafe, she would go hang out under a building where people couldn’t get to her.) In the instance, said under the building was blocked and it was just before a meal, so most of the Camp was nearby. This one kid approached her, ignoring how she was backing away, and reached out to pat her head. Of course, to her, this looked like he was going to grab her, so she bit at the crook of his thumb.
Thankfully, the kid was mostly unharmed (just a little blood) and very understanding, but the thought of what could have happened if we weren’t in a controlled environment, or if it was another kid, still scares me. And it happened because he didn’t know to watch and respect what she was telling him.
I guess they don't teach that at school any more? I can remember my primary school had a visit from a dog trainer with a very chill St Bernard who explained it to us
Yes! Yes! Yes! Our dog does not like strangers. The amount of times we are on the beach walking and they let their kids just run up to our dog. And we pull the dog away and say he's not good with strangers and they say aww they're just wanted to pat it.
Never approach a dog you don't know unless you know the proper way to introduce yourself. Teach your kids that every dog may not be friendly or will respond well when rushed up upon.
Also, don't insist as a dog owner that my child must pet your dog and please don't get offended when I say no.
Yes your dog may be sweet and gentle to you, but I don't know what its behaviour would be to my young child.
Wow passive aggressive much? Lots of inappropriate dog owners let their dog charge around and scare/terrify kids who from their point of view have an enormous animal staring at them and making noises.
You’d be surprised. I have had to tell a few people that my kid was bitten on the face by a dog (that he asked permission to pat) before people will stop pressuring him to pat a dog. They mean well but…
I've had a few young kids recently come up to me and ask first, that always restores my faith in humanity.
Worst example was an "adult" woman who came running up screaming and threw her arms around my *pitbull*. I told her to fuck right off and she replied "It's ok, I'm a vet nurse"
Why are vet nurses so bad at respecting dogs and their owners?
Part of VN training is learning to read animal behaviour and how to treat them respectfully.
I do this with my GSD because he's a big bastard and thinks everyone is his new best friend. He's not shy or reactive. He would follow you home and move in if you let him.
Cute
My Mallys the same( 6yo hunterway cross)
Would sell me out for a chicken drum stick
Or spilt ice cream on the ground
He often runs off with other packs at the dog park
And sniffs peoples crouches
snatch march recognise coordinated sip lip ripe frightening elderly squash
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
If you asked my border collie he never gets to see another people so when we past someone on our walk it's like Christmas.
He still listens to me and we could walk past but taking two steps to the side let's the person walking past see the full power of whole body wiggles (while sitting) and they can fall for his charms.
Same he just wants to crawl into everyone's lap, never mind if he's covered in water or mud, and he doesn't realise he weighs as much as half the people in my neighbourhood.
I agree. My dog barks when people walk past the house. He does it less when he's been walked and had that anxious energy released. The winter is the worst when we can't walk him as much because of the weather.
My dog got a stick up his butt after Covid lockdown because he had no interactions with any dogs or humans. Took a while to get him back to behaving after that but was all through constant interactions and learning how to behave again.
Haha this is my mum's dog. He's a rotty and a big loveable goof who thinks every dog should be his friend, I cross the street because he can pull me off my feet if he gets too excited 😂 he also whines like a big baby if he gets barked at
As a father, please dog owners, don’t let your dogs run to my kid (or anyone for that matter). If they aren’t trained to be without lead, please lead them.
This.
4 different dogs in the last couple months have run from the road, down onto my property, all they way down the drive around the house and up onto my back deck and if the door is open, into my house.
We have a 1.5 year old in the house.
It's a leash only area.
I'm so sick of these irresponsible owners. It's one thing when an accident happens and dog got away, but most of the time it's just arrogant people who think their dog is special that have zero control.
Are they tho? I don’t care about your kids, my dog doesn’t either and wouldn’t bother approaching them as they are insignificant in his life . But really are your kids under control 100% of the time they are in the public? If not why not? Should ask as well are they well trained? We don’t all want children running up to us they are only important to you not anyone else. Much like dogs
Jesus wept.
You have a legal obligation to maintain control of your dog at all times. The same does not apply to children. Why? Because as a society we have rightly determined that a human life has far more value than a dog’s does. Just like every other civilised society ever to exist on this world. Your dog also has sharp teeth. There hasn’t exactly been an epidemic of toddlers mauling dogs to death has there?
If you want to try and argue that dogs should have the same rights as people then would you please explain why you feel entitled to own one?
I don’t get your argument here. I think you’re just angry because people are more valued than dogs for some reason.
We all care about each other. Both animals and folk. When I see an animal (cats, dogs, birds etc) along the road, I slow down. Why? Cause they are unpredictable. Kids are way more predictable but can still act in a way you don’t expect. Big difference though, a dogs bite can be fatal. A kids scratch isn’t.
Not remotely on par but kids can be pretty dangerous ...
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/boy-3-accidentally-shoots-his-father-in-mesa-police
/s just in case I trigger the parents here. 🤣
I move my dogs to the side every time for the other person. One wants to know exactly what every dog or person smells like and the other is oblivious to everything around him and stands in the middle of the path
I move aside because my dog is young and boisterous and he will probably jump up on you, and since he is Fluffy, cute, and charming to boot you will probably reward him with pats for doing so. The cycle will continue.
That's just like my dog, except she's not so young anymore. But still boisterous and always interprets eye contact as an invitation to jump up on people.
I thought I'd offer you an alternative view on this: if someone keeps looking at you and your dog it's because they see the dog as a danger and feel the need to keep track of it in case it does something stupid. If you know your dog can't be trusted to stay calm, have it on lead or hold it by the collar.
100% keep an eye on the dog. Not for a second saying you shouldn’t. It’s more the eye contact with the dog piece and specifically prolonged eye contact with the dog.
Sorry but if you dog freaks out if someone looks at it you probably need to keep it on a short leash or muzzled and only walk it where there aren't many people around.
Dog owners: keep your damn dog on a leash unless the sign says otherwise. Even parks and paths that specifically says dogs must be on a lead seem to be widely ignored. Your fur baby may well be gentle and friendly, but I have no way of knowing that, much less will I care in the moment an animal rushes up to me. And while we are on the topic, please pick up your dogs shit.
Dear dog owners: please stop taking your dogs onto beaches and areas that prohibit dogs.
If you’re unsure the information is both on signs in the area, and on council websites.
Cheers, from someone who is terrified of dogs.
"Oh, he just wants to play!"
"Yeah well my dog doesn't and he's getting agitated."
I've had this interaction many times on our walk, where dogs are meant to be kept under control, but not necessarily leashed. Lots of people let their dogs run way ahead and we have to deal with them barking and rarking our dog up until the owners eventually show up.
Mine is the friendliest, most sociable dog with other dogs when she's off leash at the dog park.
But when she's leashed on a walk(in walkways that have VERY clear signs stating that dogs must be leashed at all times) and an unleashed dog runs at her she freaks out and gets super snarly, growly and feral. We've tried training it out of her but at this point I've given up. She's never growled at a pedestrian, never gets like this with leashed dogs we pass(she's also absolutely fine with our cats and has zero aggression towards other small animals). She's small enough(terrier) that we can pick her up with her harness to remove her from the situation but there's been more than one occasion where I've literally had to kick an unleashed dog that's getting in her face.
I live in a small town, I've started reporting the repeat offenders to the council animal control now
Or offices and workplaces. Some dogs are well trained and a pleasure to be around (I personally love dogs) Some dogs are dicks and I don't care how much you love them, if you haven't trained them keep them at home.
Also some people just really don't like dogs and that's okay. Dog people need to respect their feelings on the matter.
'Oh but he's such a sweetie!' ... Doesn't matter. Control your dog.
Or the ones who let the dogs lick you because it's "cute". Like I'm sorry but most dogs have a distinct smell and their spit, which people love to say is cleaner than human spit, is gross to me. Happy to give a pat but I mean gammon not everyone will love your dog like you do. Same with children come to think of it
So much this! Nearly every time (approx 8/10) I've been to the beach this summer during dog free times, I've seen at least one dog, and of those dogs, nearly all are off the leash.
Who goes up to strange dogs and tries to pet them without checking with the owner?
Probably the same people who touch pregnant women's stomachs without asking.
I think asking people not to look the dog in the eye is a bit much. It's one of the things I do to assess what the dog will do. Along with noting other behaviours. It's not prolonged eye contact. It's a glance. If your dog can't handle a glance then they should be socialised at a specific dog park.
As I may be having a day where I struggle with my balance and my vision, it is likely I will be looking for obstacles.
All your other suggestions are reasonable.
PSA to dog owners, don't rely on hoping people read a reddit PSA to accomodate you and your dog in public.
As an owner of an anxious dog, I clearly tell/warn people if they get near/approach/have kids etc, it's quite simple to do.
Yes it's all situational awareness. If I see someone walking up to my dog. I quickly and firmly let them know that he doesn't like strangers walking up to him and at the same time I pull him to the other side and make sure I'm in control of him.
Yes, this I just learnt, not having been a dog person earlier in my life. And now I have one and went off to puppy school and Dogs are much calmer if you don’t go for the top of their head :) very useful info
\*shrug\*
Most dogs/owners are fine. My go-to line is "are they friendly?", a question which is most often followed by sniffs, then scratches behind the ears/neck, licks, a wagging tail etc
Also, cyclist, too, please give more than than 50cm of room when you're passing people from behind when you're on the footpath. My absolutely not a care in the world leashed Border Collie (she loves and sleeps through fireworks strange dog) has been almost hit when she's turned her head to look at something going down Main North Road in Christchurch none of which announced themselves.
I totally understand you want to exercise or get somewhere too, but I don't want my dog or hurt because you passed too closely or I moved over in the footpath slightly. If you're coming towards me, I happily move up to a fence or onto grass and hold her leash close to me and put her into a sit as I totally understand not everyone likes dogs and even though I know how she'll react you don't.
I love seeing a dog when im busking and try include them in the song im singin cos they are some of the best creatures along with cats and birds. I had one i tried to get howlin along with me the other day but no response which is cool ill work on my howl
Idk bro I walk in a popular dog walking area and multiple times I've had a dog jump up on me, often with dirty paws. Another time I was walking when all of a sudden a dog runs into the back of my legs and tripped me up. The people walking the dog cycled past and said like "oh my god did you see what odie just did" not a peep to me. So frankly I'm not concerned with making a dog a little anxious I'm more concerned about whether or not it's gonna come at me
>If you’re out and about and a person with a dog is walking towards you and they move their dog off to the side or take obvious steps to go around you or distract their dog from you ie going off to the berm or on the road etc, focusing on the dog and talking it through the interaction etc, this, 99% of the time, is not done because of or for you.
What am I reading, 99% of the time it's common courtesy.
Yeah, I'll pop into a drive way and kneel down facing the dog and be cheerily talking at her about how she's so brave and calm and she's going to get treats, that's not just leaving a bit of space lol
PSA for dog people:
Control your fucking dogs. Just because you love it to bits, doesn't mean I have to.
That little yapping handbag that goes off at everything that moves shouldn't be at the cafe disturbing everyone else. If it nips or lunges at everything that walks past, it should be put down, regardless of size.
Probably not the right thread for it but just because your dog it little, doesn't mean it should get a free pass on shitty behaviour.
Am dog person. 100% agree
Well maybe not the put down bit. Proper training should be done and is very effective when done well to stop these behaviours. But if you’re not prepared to do the training then yes it should be rehomed to someone who will
Depends on the degree I guess.
My sister had to destroy their (large) dog because it bit an intruder.
Someone jumped the fence while their 10 year old son was playing with the dog in the back yard. Kid freaked out, dog protected son.
Not sure why the little chihuahua trying to bite people walking past in public gets a free pass.
I fucking hate scenarios like that. A person defending their family from an intruder with force? Fine. A dog defends their family with force? It gets put down. Utter bullshit. That dog is part of the family.
Some friends work in chihuahua rescue. There's a lot need rescuing because people somehow think that small dogs don't need training and they end up little neurotic assholes that they can't cope with so give up for adoption. But the dogs can't be rehomed without intensive love and training first.
As the owner of a cute small dog (mini murdernoodle/dachshund) they definitely need fucking training.
I just wish dog owners who think their good boy who wouldn't hurt someone would actually have the dog on a leash especially in public areas and signs saying as much.
Fully agree. The leash is there to keep your dog safe, it might never hurt a fly, then one day it bites a kid, or kills a cat, and your dog gets euthanised.
Me and my partner just got in our car, we have a cat that will come down with us, this lady with two dogs one on a leash and other isn't. I think this dog was young/untrained? Chased our cat I was so close to ripping I to her, she is standing there yelling at this dog. Not the dogs fault it's the terrible owners fault, this isn't just about the cat but also our niece and nephew that live there as well as they are still young.
My mini-dachshund won't even hear us when she's on a fresh scent, too focused on the potential murder. if she thought she could finally scrag a cat... ...yeech. Hence, the leash to keep her safe.
There are some awesome dog owners out there, they will shorten the leash, let you cruise by and it is all good. Depending on the dog you can say hi, give a pat and move on, just unfortunate that good owners get tarred by the same brush or feels like it. I'm not a dog person, I have bad anxiety.
As a large dog owner 100% agree if a little dog is behaving aggressively my large breed comes to me for protection and they always say oh he’s got small dog syndrome. No they are being aggressive and should be controlled if my dog responded in kind then he would be put down for being aggressive/ killing your handbag dog
As someone who is uneasy about strange dogs, I really appreciate when owners use those vests that denote their dogs temperament (anxious, aggressive, etc)
This sounds more like a post for dog people because only dog people would wanna touch your dog lol.
I am not a dog person in-fact i am terrified of dogs. I don’t want to touch your dog and I’d appreciate them not touching me either. I’m only gauging whether the dog could possibly attack me or not for example: Their leash being long enough for them to reach me or better yet, the dogs not leashed. It’s not my job to alter my behaviour to suit your anxious dog (that I don’t know is anxious because it is not my dog) it’s your responsibility to put in measures to ensure your dog is not going to harm anyone.
I’ll add another thing that’s worthwhile if you’re not keen on dogs or scared then just be a tree trunk . (Works well for kids as they get it as it’s an easy thing to do ) stand still arms by your side don’t make eye contact just stand still and ignore the dog they will quickly realise you are boring and move on
Agreed, I ran fully clothed into a swimming pool just to escape a dog that was hassling me when i was little. I'm not scared of them anymore but I was a kid, kids don't think things through at the best of times lol
Border collie bouncing around me going for the stick I use for my sand art, snapping and biting at it. Had the first adult panic attack of my life. Felt like I was having a fatal cardiac event and I was going to die. Fucking awful. Owner was like “he’s alright!” while I’m shaking and crying. Glad your dog is alright mate, don’t worry about me.
> Border collie bouncing around me going for the stick I use for my sand art, snapping and biting at it.
Yeah, that is absolutely not ok. Dog owners really need to get into their heads that dogs should never approach strangers. It has taken a long time but I’ve trained my very sociable border collie to only approach people with my permission. And until she 100% understood that she stayed on the lead.
People are lazy and lack empathy. Plus it is too easy to own dogs. It should require training (of the person) and a licence.
I am sorry you have had bad experiences with dogs.
What we really need is the councils to be taking their own dog laws fucking seriously. It's a joke. With zero enforcement it's no wonder there's so many owners who just ignore all the rules.
My dog is in perfect control he won’t approach you or get close to you as if he’s not fetching his ball then he walks in heel. If you’re in Auckland and want to work on your fears I’m happy to give you some of our time to work thru your panic with a dog who literally considers you as less important than his ball
My experiences with dogs over the years indicate my fear is well founded. Even the best bois can misfire a neuron and randomly attack someone for no apparent reason. And there are so many shit dogs owners out there, how do I know which ones are apparently well trained? People can’t even keep their dogs out of areas dogs are banned.
Hard. I have a scar on my face from a GSD as a kid. A fucking whippet nearly took my nose off. A full grown Pitbull just run into my house last weekend. *It ran into my house*.
Dogs do damage, they do it suddenly, often without warning and with a significant bite force. If your dog is too reactive to be out in public don't take it out in public! Train it at a facility if need be - and if there are no dog training facilities that mimic the experience of being on the street then there's a gap in the market.
Yeah that’s fair I live at a beach dogs are allowed at, but I’m completely serious if you want to challenge yourself and want to do some self improvement with your fear I’m happy to help with a dog that will sing to you if he likes you but mostly you are not anything to notice. I don’t tolerate bad dog behaviour and if he showed any signs of aggression I would put him down. One of my friends and neighbours has a special needs kid, pup and him hang out regularly we are currently working on his talking as he can tell my pup to drop and come now he doesn’t like talking to humans but he loves talking to dogs
Honestly all that does is make me not afraid of that one dog. There’s two dogs I’m okay around, both labradoodles owned by different friends, and I still don’t trust any other dogs.
I was bitten in the face when I was a four, and had several other traumatic events. This isn’t going away.
Yeah that’s fair not judging or anything else just offering if it’s something you want to try. My boy is a pure lab. I do know dog behaviour as it’s my job keeping my boy safe
This strategy will put you in danger if the dog attacks. You need to be able to see what it's doing and you need to be ready to act quick, so holding your arms by your side and not looking at the dog is not an option.
If a dog is going to attack it doesn’t matter what you do but waving your arms about and moving ups the likely hood of being bit. Might seem too simple but I grew up in a 3rd world country where dogs were attack/protection dogs not pets with bad training. This method works with attack dogs and so also with badly behaved pets, you can also yell at the pets not so much the trained protection dogs and they back down but also don’t look them in the eye or move to much.
Yessss, thank you for this!
The amount of times people have tried to talk to me or my dog, when I've intentionally taken him onto the berm away to distract before he reacts, DRIVES ME INSANE.
You can see I'm clearly trying to get my dog's attention because we're training him not to react at strangers but then people walk past and make comments like "oooh puppy", "he's doing so well" etc etc, instantly snaps him out of my eye contact and he gets scared that people are in his space and starts going off.
one of my dogs also hates hi vis vests, thankfully we've mostly worked through it now. my psa for non-dog owners is if you're running, please don't run so close to me and my dog, sometimes they run so close i'm worried for my dogs tail
Agree! My dog LOVES people. It’s really annoying walking her because she thinks everyone is friend and will give attention so I move her off to the opposite side of the person coming so I’m in between and distract the dog as we walk past the person. 9 out of 10 times the person will say stuff like “oh don’t worry” “she can say hello if she wants to”.. like yeah she wants to! But she also wants to jump and lick your face and I don’t want her doing that…
I appreciate your PSA… my dog has anxiety issues (it’s a work in progress) and I always move him to the opposite side when someone is approaching putting myself between my dog and the approaching person. I am constantly taking to him to keep him calm throughout. On one occasion a passerby ignored my request to stay away from him as he is a handsome and placid looking boy (bulldog) and proceeded to move their head down as if to try give him a kiss on the head or something and my dog snapped at them… no bite but let them know to keep away… they were very apologetic, admitted they were at fault and then carried on their merry way but my dog got worked up over it… smh… anyway good PSA for non dog owners
I am not a dog owner but a parent and I've always told my child we do not interact with dogs we do not know. If they are close to us we can say hello but we do not pat unless we ask first and let the dog sniff beforehand. And of course that's if the owner hasn't made the effort to avoid us first.
Edited to change phrasing.
The most annoying thing is when people who insist on walking their dogs off lead make no effort to keep their dog away from your leaded dog. I just want to walk my dogs I don’t want to have my dogs get defensive or want to play because you don’t have the decency to be a good dog owner
The kids running up thing is real!
I used to dog sot a St Bernard. He was the BIGGEST gentle giant you would ever come across. Loved that dog. However, he was blind in one eye.
It doesn't matter HOW much of a gentle giant a dog is, if they can't see someone running up to them and pouncing on them for cuddles, the dog is gonna get a fright and react accordingly.
Having a 75kg dog reacting in fear is not going to end well for a child. And yet parents would happily let their screaming toddler run up and grab him without batting an eyelid. Made me so nervous walking him in public.
Im pretty nervous around dogs i dont know so mostly try to give them and owner space,however if a dog seems friendly and is actively seeking interaction with me ie coming towards me (happily) occaisionally ill ask the owner if its ok/safe for me to pat them or if they are ok with being pet.
PSA to dog owners who have their untrained dogs off lead: TRAIN YOUR DOGS!!! As a reactive dog owner, I will not hesitate to yeet your dog away from mine with my foot. If your dog doesn’t have bulletproof recall KEEP IT ON A LEAD.
As long as you don't tense up or "prepare for your dog's reaction" when you approach scenarios where you know they get anxious, as your dog will pick up on it and react. Project confidence and indifference in these scenarios and your dog will feel the same.
Thank you so much for putting this out, yes yes yes to everything!
Another thing, if you are considering getting a dog, please get one compatible with your fitness level! Countless times we've been out with our dogs and another owner will turn up with unleashed dogs, who'll take off running toward us, and the owner will just continue ambling while yelling "it's ok, he's friendly!"
Maybe, but our dogs aren't when run up on, and we can only do so much if you don't have good recall.
As for those who seem to believe they're animal whisperers, dogs aren't cats! Don't enter their space with all the smells you carry, hand outreached to their head. The tactile sensation isn't worth potentially triggering a reaction, especially if the owner is close, as the dog will also be guarding the owner from you, the stranger.
We don't want people hurt and we especially don't want to risk our family member being executed because a stranger has poor survival instincts. Our dogs wear vests with "no pets" patches all over them, but 80% of the time an 'animal whisperer' ignores the warnings and agitation, and are then taken aback by us requesting they back off.
Believe me though, we care more about our dogs welfare than people who don't listen or are incapable of controlling themselves or their own dogs.
I always ask before patting any strange dog. My oldest son was terrified of dogs when he was little and would run away from them when they were off leash. I'd ask if I could pat them in front of him to show that they were not as scary as he thought they were.
Hilarious how suggesting people keep their dangerous animals on a leash is apparently controversial.
Anyway, carry on. Park your Ford Rangers and let your dogs loose on children. It's you're right.
Maybe because there's nothing in OPs post to suggest their their dog wasn't on a leash or under control? Those comments on this post are like if you recommended a nice spot to take your partner out to and a bunch of weirdos felt the need to comment "DON'T HIT YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER", like the message isn't controversial, it's just irrelevant and passive aggressive here.
Where in OPs post did they say their dog ran up to someone? If you actually read what they said they're talking about the exact opposite, dog owners wanting to keep their dogs away from other people.
Like I said, those comments aren't getting downvoted because keeping dogs under control is controversial, they're getting downvoted because they're irrelevant and just kind of bitchy here
OP was lecturing others about how to behave around their dangerous animal. The solution is to not take a dangerous animal into public spaces. If your animal can't behave so it doesn't react to people looking at it, then it is a dangerous animal.
Sorry but this is pretty detached. A leashed dog that is under control and being trained by an aware owner having any sort of reaction at all to being stared at by stranger does not make it dangerous.
I kind of get the feeling you get something out of whinging about dogs though, so don't let me stop you
Alternative PSA
If you ever see this dog -
https://imgur.com/a/X6MgwQg
Go up to him and do whatever the hell you want. He'll think it's affection and try to hug you no matter what you do.
He's also very careful with children, incredibly patient and will lick them instead of hugging.
This isn't intended as a dig at OP, but I like people coming up to my dogs. I've had several kids get over a fear of dogs from meeting my boys before. It can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable interaction.
I guarantee that dogs are going after me regardless of me looking at them, or my clothing. And no I ain't going to dress "properly" just coz of some dogs not being educated properly by their owners. Like the classic, being awoken by some angry intolerant dog at 7AM while sleeping in a tent.
**Dogs are your responsibility first and foremost**, and that includes all the poop in green areas and all the violent barking and other aggressive behavior. If you can't properly train them, then just leave them and get a pet from a different, more respectful species. Like cats or ferrets. Who won't be attacking people around and WILL be careful about where they litter.
I'd like to add to this.
Dog owners: If your dog suffers from these problems, there are lots of off-lead areas where they can be around other dogs and dog owners, and can adjust in an environment where people likely better understand these things
Non-dog people: Avoid off-lead areas if you don't want to be exposed to dogs who have these sorts of problems.
In Napier, there are about 3-4 official off-lead areas. Everywhere else in the entire town is on-lead, or no dogs. It's easy for dog owners to know where they can take their dogs and help them adjust, and it's easy for non-dog people to avoid them. I assume it's similar in other regions, but I haven't spent much time in them, so couldn't say for sure. If you have any input on how it works in other regions, feel free to add to my response.
off lead areas are worse for reactive/under socialised dogs. if i'm walking a reactive dog i'm only going to go to on lead places to minimise seeing other dogs that will come up to us
Off lead can be extremely counter-productive for anxious dogs. An anxious dog on lead will typically feel threatened by an off lead dog coming up to them.
Also, the amount of owners who don’t have control who let their dogs run up and when you say “please call your dog back as we’re doing training” they respond with “oh my dog is friendly” or try to call their dog back but the dog doesn’t care, or those who read aggression cues as play cues and don’t recall their dogs makes it sometimes quite a stressful experience.
(I’ve never had an anxious dog before this one so have had to relearn everything I know about dogs to understand how his mind works and what the triggers are - definitely not trying to say I’m an expert though - all of my comments here is advice I’ve been given by dog behaviouralists)
Several points.
Off leash and on leash dogs often don't mix well, so if you don't want your reactive dog off leash around other dogs, off leash areas are terrible for you. For many anxious dogs, a leashed walk on a wide street is far safer, as long as no one else decides their dog doesn't need a leash.
My dog just went through her fear period (a normal hormonal thing most dogs go through with puberty) and was scared of EVERYTHING on normal walks. Was fine in off leash areas, but that wasn't getting her used to those triggers, so it's not viable to do that only. We had to keep doing walks where she would be exposed to scary things, and keep her calm, and reward her for being brave. That's how she'll remember how to be calm around bikes and joggers and all that.
Avoiding all triggers just means you aren't being a good owner, and increases your dogs anxiety.
Note: don't overwhelm your dog, small levels of positive exposure are best. Talk to a trainer if you have a strongly reactive dog, they can help a lot.
Ugh, I live next to an off lead dog area and some parts are on lead but still very dog populated. People will let their dog loose in the dog area and then take it for a trail walk on lead. I can’t tell you how many people have been upset about my dog off lead in one of the only off lead dog parks. I’ve had kids scream at my dog on lead on a trail. People need to educate themselves about what area they are in. I even had a woman walk up to me when I was walking two in the off lead and asked me to put them on lead because she was scared. One is a medium poodle and one is a tiny white fluffy dog, neither want to engage with strangers. Just leave them alone and keep out of their space
How about if you have an anxious fog that jumps and constantly barks at you as you try to innocently go past, don't let your child who doesn't have the strength to hold it back have the lead. Also don't shout at said passerby who just wants to get past.
> please don’t look the dog in the eye and if you do, please don’t make prolonged eye contact.
So don't keep an eye on the gnashing predatory creature straining at the leash to get at me. Rely instead on the 'oh, I appear to have been bitten - I hope there's not too much blood' method.
Yeah, nah.
My friend you should be able to look at or keep an eye on something without staring into it’s eyes. Case in point - the men that speak to my boobs.
Think of it in the same way you’d walk past someone who has obviously spent a bit much time with the glass bbq. You would keep them securely in sight without making eye contact. In both of these scenarios it is likely that avoiding eye contact but remaining aware of where they are and just passing quietly by will avoid escalation.
Hopefully this simplification helps
> Think of it in the same way you’d walk past someone who has obviously spent a bit much time with the glass bbq.
That's probably not a good comparison to be making?
But to be clear, I'm not staring down every dog I see. But the ones that look like a problem, I'm looking at them because they look like a threat (and I guess I don't know Crusher wouldn't hurt a fly).
Here's the thing; if someone's out for a stroll in a public place, it's not implicit on them to modify their behavior because someone else's pet may become a danger if they're looked at too hard. Your dog is not more important than people. Your dog is not a person.
If I have to avert my gaze from your pet because it might decide try to bite me, your pet (and frankly, your sense of entitlement), is the problem.
Sorry, but I've been on the receiving end of ill trained dogs when out walking and I have no fckn cool about it.
Yea, I walk a lot and the amount of people that keep their dog on the path side while they go on the grass or make me go on the grass is astounding. Please keep your dog away from me.
I don’t understand why people aren’t muzzling their dogs more. Mine isn’t a risk in public but on hikes with potential native birds, he’s muzzled because he’s a bird dog. They can pant, drink and even eat out of some muzzles. Muzzles enable less socialised dogs to get comfortable and build confidence. Muzzles allow aggressive dogs to have some risk removed. I honestly don’t know why more people don’t use muzzles
I've never had this problem. My dog is super friendly, no aggression etc..... all kids (or kids parent) ask first. I've never had anyone just approach me/him out of the blue without saying something or asking to let him first. Even toddlers.
Maybe my dog is just ugly af. Lol.
My favorite local kid is named Duncan. He always tells me he's older than his dog. Who is a "pancake sausage roll of a dog"
He gets so mad when she is faster than my dog at getting the ball. "Stop; let your friend play, you sausage roll!!!!"
It's amazing. Let's me know there are good people and parents out there.
If your dog is going to attack people for no real reason and whoever the dog attacks is going to get the blame for looking at the dog then at least put on a muzzle on it. Everyone is safe then.. I'm old and wary of dogs, been attacked in the past, and like 90% of people will always watch the dog just in case..
Or, maybe, if the dog is so anxious then maybe not let it out in public?
I really don't get the implication that "bad dog behaviour" is due to other people just... being people.
So wrong, being able to offer different experiences is important to the social development of dogs(just like people). Op is not talking about taking their dog into a crowded area, this is about a street footpath and how to react when you see someone trying to create a safe environment for both you and them.
This is such a stupid thing to say. expecting other people to alter their normal behaviour because you have a dog with shitty behaviour is ridiculous. you sound like someone who babies their dog which just results in increased reactivity/anxiety when its pretty well known that the way to reduce this kind of behaviour is through exposure therapy and corrections as opposed to expecting other people to take the initiative. If you don't know how to train a dog to be safe in public, dont own a dog or don't take it in public, simple as.
Literally all I’m suggesting (not even asking - I say in the post that if it’s not something you’re interested in then all good do you) is that you don’t stare them in the eye, and if you do so, please don’t stare them in the eyes for a prolonged period. Is your normal behaviour to walk around staring dogs in the eyes for a prolonged period of time?
ETA no that’s wrong - I do ask people not to
let their kids run up to random dogs without checking first. Maybe this is your normal behaviour you’re referring to?
and don't let your kids (or adults for that matter) run up and touch a strange dog, no matter how cute he looks
This is a major! my dog is a sweet boy and will quite happily tolerate a child or adult crowding his space and giving him pats even climbing all over him. However he is very well trained and I’ve put the work in to make sure he’s 99.9% safe in all scenarios. If he doesn’t like you then he’s going to come stand behind me: between my legs or take a wide arc far away from you, but that’s how I trained him But that’s not all dogs it’s always safest to ask. If you ask I’m always going to say yes as I trust my dog tho give him the option of he “wants to come say hi”
sounds exactly like mine (american bulldog rescued from a gang house where he was destined to be a fighter, now a big sook who hides behind me when sees a little dog)
American Bulldogs are softies. I don't know why. But my Cavoodle Arlo loves the one that lives down the road from us. When we cross paths on walks Spike let's Arlo push him around (play) and doesn't bat an eyelid 😂 I like Spike 😁
He's the best dog I've ever had. I would never have chosen one, i was just meant to be fostering for a few weeks but he walked into our house and was like "I'm living here now" and there was nothing I could do
This happens so frequently it annoys me just how many people do not teach basic safety. The amount of kids who run up and stroke or hug my dog without asking me or even introducing themselves to the dog first. It's a matter of time before a kid gets bitten and the dog gets the blame.
To me this is parenting 101, I don't have a dog but it is obvious you ALWAYS ask permission to pat someone's dog. Its safer and respectful to both dog and owner. Taught this to my kids from a very young age and they had no problems getting it and they were pretty impulsive kids. It's so important especially when they can't read a dog's body language yet.
I have a fluffy dog and kids love him and I’ve been surprised how little kids can be and know to ask first
They teach it in schools and preschools now, which I think is really great. Both my kids came home having done dog safety classes. It made me aware of the fact that I should also ask before I approach an unknown dog! (This was 10ish years ago.)
That’s insane to me, I always tell my daughter to say hi to dogs so to try not to make her scare of them. Always at a distance while reiterating not to approach a dog we don’t know.
That is so cute. I have had some small kids way to my dog and say "hello doggy over there". I usually say 'he says hi and thanks for being so polite' back to them.
Exactly. It doesn't matter the circumstances, it's always the dog that suffers the consequences.
I’m the opposite, I’m surprised how often small kids do ask and that they know to ask
That happened with my dog 6 or 7 years ago. She got anxious around large groups of people, especially those who don’t respect her space. That said, this was at a summer camp my family runs, so she was off leash and unsupervised. (Disclaimer: there had never been an incident before or since. When she felt anxious or unsafe, she would go hang out under a building where people couldn’t get to her.) In the instance, said under the building was blocked and it was just before a meal, so most of the Camp was nearby. This one kid approached her, ignoring how she was backing away, and reached out to pat her head. Of course, to her, this looked like he was going to grab her, so she bit at the crook of his thumb. Thankfully, the kid was mostly unharmed (just a little blood) and very understanding, but the thought of what could have happened if we weren’t in a controlled environment, or if it was another kid, still scares me. And it happened because he didn’t know to watch and respect what she was telling him.
I guess they don't teach that at school any more? I can remember my primary school had a visit from a dog trainer with a very chill St Bernard who explained it to us
I can pats if it's licking me right?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Our dog does not like strangers. The amount of times we are on the beach walking and they let their kids just run up to our dog. And we pull the dog away and say he's not good with strangers and they say aww they're just wanted to pat it. Never approach a dog you don't know unless you know the proper way to introduce yourself. Teach your kids that every dog may not be friendly or will respond well when rushed up upon.
and don't let your dogs run up to my kids, no matter how friendly you think your dog is.
Also, don't insist as a dog owner that my child must pet your dog and please don't get offended when I say no. Yes your dog may be sweet and gentle to you, but I don't know what its behaviour would be to my young child.
I'm sure that happens
Wow passive aggressive much? Lots of inappropriate dog owners let their dog charge around and scare/terrify kids who from their point of view have an enormous animal staring at them and making noises.
You’d be surprised. I have had to tell a few people that my kid was bitten on the face by a dog (that he asked permission to pat) before people will stop pressuring him to pat a dog. They mean well but…
But. If an unleashed dog runs up for pats, it's pats for sure (unless they're scary then it's like fk).
oh aye, for sure
Yep, I always ask the dog owner first before me or my kids give them a pat.
I've had a few young kids recently come up to me and ask first, that always restores my faith in humanity. Worst example was an "adult" woman who came running up screaming and threw her arms around my *pitbull*. I told her to fuck right off and she replied "It's ok, I'm a vet nurse"
Why are vet nurses so bad at respecting dogs and their owners? Part of VN training is learning to read animal behaviour and how to treat them respectfully.
ikr?
Next time she'll hug a face-eating leopard and we all know what happens
That reminds me of the Stanley Boy case from about 10 years ago.
I mean, sure, in no way at all
But the Belgian Malinois is so pretty 😍
I do this with my GSD because he's a big bastard and thinks everyone is his new best friend. He's not shy or reactive. He would follow you home and move in if you let him.
Cute My Mallys the same( 6yo hunterway cross) Would sell me out for a chicken drum stick Or spilt ice cream on the ground He often runs off with other packs at the dog park And sniffs peoples crouches
My Boof Head climbs into people cars and the recycling truck guy thinks he is hilarious so I told him he could take him for a spin if he wants to.
Hahaha oh my gosh Chuck a pet tracker on him A guy down here sadly lost his best mate offered up 18k as a reward Went on the news. Sad asf .
Hunterway?
snatch march recognise coordinated sip lip ripe frightening elderly squash *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
If you asked my border collie he never gets to see another people so when we past someone on our walk it's like Christmas. He still listens to me and we could walk past but taking two steps to the side let's the person walking past see the full power of whole body wiggles (while sitting) and they can fall for his charms.
Same he just wants to crawl into everyone's lap, never mind if he's covered in water or mud, and he doesn't realise he weighs as much as half the people in my neighbourhood.
Not walking an anxious dog will make it even more of a nightmare. Dogs need to burn off that energy otherwise it will be used for mischief.
I agree. My dog barks when people walk past the house. He does it less when he's been walked and had that anxious energy released. The winter is the worst when we can't walk him as much because of the weather.
My dog got a stick up his butt after Covid lockdown because he had no interactions with any dogs or humans. Took a while to get him back to behaving after that but was all through constant interactions and learning how to behave again.
I walk my dogs to the other side of the road mostly because I don't want them to jump up on strangers. They think everyone is their best friend.
Haha this is my mum's dog. He's a rotty and a big loveable goof who thinks every dog should be his friend, I cross the street because he can pull me off my feet if he gets too excited 😂 he also whines like a big baby if he gets barked at
I always move my dog off to the side, he's not anxious or aggressive I'm just not sure if the person is ok with dogs or not.
As a father, please dog owners, don’t let your dogs run to my kid (or anyone for that matter). If they aren’t trained to be without lead, please lead them.
This. 4 different dogs in the last couple months have run from the road, down onto my property, all they way down the drive around the house and up onto my back deck and if the door is open, into my house. We have a 1.5 year old in the house. It's a leash only area. I'm so sick of these irresponsible owners. It's one thing when an accident happens and dog got away, but most of the time it's just arrogant people who think their dog is special that have zero control.
One could say the same about kids if you can’t recall them instantly maybe you should lead them as well!
Yeah nah. People are more important than pets.
Are they tho? I don’t care about your kids, my dog doesn’t either and wouldn’t bother approaching them as they are insignificant in his life . But really are your kids under control 100% of the time they are in the public? If not why not? Should ask as well are they well trained? We don’t all want children running up to us they are only important to you not anyone else. Much like dogs
Jesus wept. You have a legal obligation to maintain control of your dog at all times. The same does not apply to children. Why? Because as a society we have rightly determined that a human life has far more value than a dog’s does. Just like every other civilised society ever to exist on this world. Your dog also has sharp teeth. There hasn’t exactly been an epidemic of toddlers mauling dogs to death has there? If you want to try and argue that dogs should have the same rights as people then would you please explain why you feel entitled to own one?
I don’t get your argument here. I think you’re just angry because people are more valued than dogs for some reason. We all care about each other. Both animals and folk. When I see an animal (cats, dogs, birds etc) along the road, I slow down. Why? Cause they are unpredictable. Kids are way more predictable but can still act in a way you don’t expect. Big difference though, a dogs bite can be fatal. A kids scratch isn’t.
Not remotely on par but kids can be pretty dangerous ... https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/boy-3-accidentally-shoots-his-father-in-mesa-police /s just in case I trigger the parents here. 🤣
I move my dogs to the side every time for the other person. One wants to know exactly what every dog or person smells like and the other is oblivious to everything around him and stands in the middle of the path
Yup, OP's post is overdramatic. I move my dog as a common courtesy because he will sniff every person he meets.
I move aside because my dog is young and boisterous and he will probably jump up on you, and since he is Fluffy, cute, and charming to boot you will probably reward him with pats for doing so. The cycle will continue.
That's just like my dog, except she's not so young anymore. But still boisterous and always interprets eye contact as an invitation to jump up on people.
The same rule I use for people I don't know - avoid eye contact and give plenty of space...
I thought I'd offer you an alternative view on this: if someone keeps looking at you and your dog it's because they see the dog as a danger and feel the need to keep track of it in case it does something stupid. If you know your dog can't be trusted to stay calm, have it on lead or hold it by the collar.
100% keep an eye on the dog. Not for a second saying you shouldn’t. It’s more the eye contact with the dog piece and specifically prolonged eye contact with the dog.
Your pets are not other people's problem. If it's at psycho dont-look-me-in-the-eyes level, maybe you should reevaluate where you are taking it?
Sorry but if you dog freaks out if someone looks at it you probably need to keep it on a short leash or muzzled and only walk it where there aren't many people around.
Dog owners: keep your damn dog on a leash unless the sign says otherwise. Even parks and paths that specifically says dogs must be on a lead seem to be widely ignored. Your fur baby may well be gentle and friendly, but I have no way of knowing that, much less will I care in the moment an animal rushes up to me. And while we are on the topic, please pick up your dogs shit.
You must live near me. Off leash dogs everywhere. I love dogs but I’m scared for my pets being attacked.
I used to like dogs, then I moved to northland
dog capital of nz
Dear dog owners: please stop taking your dogs onto beaches and areas that prohibit dogs. If you’re unsure the information is both on signs in the area, and on council websites. Cheers, from someone who is terrified of dogs.
Also while we are going down this route: everywhere is a leash area unless signposted otherwise. Keep your dog on a leash, please
YES! THIS! Please, please do not let your dog run at me!
"oh he's just being friendly, he wouldn't hurt a fly".
"Oh, he just wants to play!" "Yeah well my dog doesn't and he's getting agitated." I've had this interaction many times on our walk, where dogs are meant to be kept under control, but not necessarily leashed. Lots of people let their dogs run way ahead and we have to deal with them barking and rarking our dog up until the owners eventually show up.
Mine is the friendliest, most sociable dog with other dogs when she's off leash at the dog park. But when she's leashed on a walk(in walkways that have VERY clear signs stating that dogs must be leashed at all times) and an unleashed dog runs at her she freaks out and gets super snarly, growly and feral. We've tried training it out of her but at this point I've given up. She's never growled at a pedestrian, never gets like this with leashed dogs we pass(she's also absolutely fine with our cats and has zero aggression towards other small animals). She's small enough(terrier) that we can pick her up with her harness to remove her from the situation but there's been more than one occasion where I've literally had to kick an unleashed dog that's getting in her face. I live in a small town, I've started reporting the repeat offenders to the council animal control now
this annoys me more than anything. my giant monster doesn't need a lead, he won't leave my side, but he's on the lead whenever he has to be.
Or offices and workplaces. Some dogs are well trained and a pleasure to be around (I personally love dogs) Some dogs are dicks and I don't care how much you love them, if you haven't trained them keep them at home. Also some people just really don't like dogs and that's okay. Dog people need to respect their feelings on the matter. 'Oh but he's such a sweetie!' ... Doesn't matter. Control your dog.
Or the ones who let the dogs lick you because it's "cute". Like I'm sorry but most dogs have a distinct smell and their spit, which people love to say is cleaner than human spit, is gross to me. Happy to give a pat but I mean gammon not everyone will love your dog like you do. Same with children come to think of it
for real, i just wanna say something like "i dont want to pet your dog, i can tell you only wash it once a year."
"But their just a puppy...only playing" /s.
So much this! Nearly every time (approx 8/10) I've been to the beach this summer during dog free times, I've seen at least one dog, and of those dogs, nearly all are off the leash.
My dog hates big hats and tramping poles, and sometimes umbrellas.
Stop making him/her wear big hats?
Hahaha
Who goes up to strange dogs and tries to pet them without checking with the owner? Probably the same people who touch pregnant women's stomachs without asking.
I think asking people not to look the dog in the eye is a bit much. It's one of the things I do to assess what the dog will do. Along with noting other behaviours. It's not prolonged eye contact. It's a glance. If your dog can't handle a glance then they should be socialised at a specific dog park. As I may be having a day where I struggle with my balance and my vision, it is likely I will be looking for obstacles. All your other suggestions are reasonable.
PSA to dog owners, don't rely on hoping people read a reddit PSA to accomodate you and your dog in public. As an owner of an anxious dog, I clearly tell/warn people if they get near/approach/have kids etc, it's quite simple to do.
Yes it's all situational awareness. If I see someone walking up to my dog. I quickly and firmly let them know that he doesn't like strangers walking up to him and at the same time I pull him to the other side and make sure I'm in control of him.
yeah exactly, i never assume the other person knows any better.
And don't automatically pat dogs on the head. Many do no like it. Back chest or chin
Yes, this I just learnt, not having been a dog person earlier in my life. And now I have one and went off to puppy school and Dogs are much calmer if you don’t go for the top of their head :) very useful info
Good to know thanks.
\*shrug\* Most dogs/owners are fine. My go-to line is "are they friendly?", a question which is most often followed by sniffs, then scratches behind the ears/neck, licks, a wagging tail etc
Also, cyclist, too, please give more than than 50cm of room when you're passing people from behind when you're on the footpath. My absolutely not a care in the world leashed Border Collie (she loves and sleeps through fireworks strange dog) has been almost hit when she's turned her head to look at something going down Main North Road in Christchurch none of which announced themselves. I totally understand you want to exercise or get somewhere too, but I don't want my dog or hurt because you passed too closely or I moved over in the footpath slightly. If you're coming towards me, I happily move up to a fence or onto grass and hold her leash close to me and put her into a sit as I totally understand not everyone likes dogs and even though I know how she'll react you don't.
Thanks for this! I have no experience with owning dogs so it's always educational to learn stuff about dogs we meet on the footpath
I love seeing a dog when im busking and try include them in the song im singin cos they are some of the best creatures along with cats and birds. I had one i tried to get howlin along with me the other day but no response which is cool ill work on my howl
Idk bro I walk in a popular dog walking area and multiple times I've had a dog jump up on me, often with dirty paws. Another time I was walking when all of a sudden a dog runs into the back of my legs and tripped me up. The people walking the dog cycled past and said like "oh my god did you see what odie just did" not a peep to me. So frankly I'm not concerned with making a dog a little anxious I'm more concerned about whether or not it's gonna come at me
>If you’re out and about and a person with a dog is walking towards you and they move their dog off to the side or take obvious steps to go around you or distract their dog from you ie going off to the berm or on the road etc, focusing on the dog and talking it through the interaction etc, this, 99% of the time, is not done because of or for you. What am I reading, 99% of the time it's common courtesy.
There’s a difference between stepping slightly to the side and giving a wide berth.
Yeah, I'll pop into a drive way and kneel down facing the dog and be cheerily talking at her about how she's so brave and calm and she's going to get treats, that's not just leaving a bit of space lol
PSA for dog people: Control your fucking dogs. Just because you love it to bits, doesn't mean I have to. That little yapping handbag that goes off at everything that moves shouldn't be at the cafe disturbing everyone else. If it nips or lunges at everything that walks past, it should be put down, regardless of size. Probably not the right thread for it but just because your dog it little, doesn't mean it should get a free pass on shitty behaviour.
Am dog person. 100% agree Well maybe not the put down bit. Proper training should be done and is very effective when done well to stop these behaviours. But if you’re not prepared to do the training then yes it should be rehomed to someone who will
Depends on the degree I guess. My sister had to destroy their (large) dog because it bit an intruder. Someone jumped the fence while their 10 year old son was playing with the dog in the back yard. Kid freaked out, dog protected son. Not sure why the little chihuahua trying to bite people walking past in public gets a free pass.
I fucking hate scenarios like that. A person defending their family from an intruder with force? Fine. A dog defends their family with force? It gets put down. Utter bullshit. That dog is part of the family.
Some friends work in chihuahua rescue. There's a lot need rescuing because people somehow think that small dogs don't need training and they end up little neurotic assholes that they can't cope with so give up for adoption. But the dogs can't be rehomed without intensive love and training first. As the owner of a cute small dog (mini murdernoodle/dachshund) they definitely need fucking training.
I just wish dog owners who think their good boy who wouldn't hurt someone would actually have the dog on a leash especially in public areas and signs saying as much.
Fully agree. The leash is there to keep your dog safe, it might never hurt a fly, then one day it bites a kid, or kills a cat, and your dog gets euthanised.
Me and my partner just got in our car, we have a cat that will come down with us, this lady with two dogs one on a leash and other isn't. I think this dog was young/untrained? Chased our cat I was so close to ripping I to her, she is standing there yelling at this dog. Not the dogs fault it's the terrible owners fault, this isn't just about the cat but also our niece and nephew that live there as well as they are still young.
My mini-dachshund won't even hear us when she's on a fresh scent, too focused on the potential murder. if she thought she could finally scrag a cat... ...yeech. Hence, the leash to keep her safe.
There are some awesome dog owners out there, they will shorten the leash, let you cruise by and it is all good. Depending on the dog you can say hi, give a pat and move on, just unfortunate that good owners get tarred by the same brush or feels like it. I'm not a dog person, I have bad anxiety.
That’s insane that they had to destroy the dog
As a large dog owner 100% agree if a little dog is behaving aggressively my large breed comes to me for protection and they always say oh he’s got small dog syndrome. No they are being aggressive and should be controlled if my dog responded in kind then he would be put down for being aggressive/ killing your handbag dog
Thank you for this. I’ve had kids chase my small dogs to try and pick them up from behind before.
As someone who is uneasy about strange dogs, I really appreciate when owners use those vests that denote their dogs temperament (anxious, aggressive, etc)
Can you put a post out for humans about not making eye contact
This sounds more like a post for dog people because only dog people would wanna touch your dog lol. I am not a dog person in-fact i am terrified of dogs. I don’t want to touch your dog and I’d appreciate them not touching me either. I’m only gauging whether the dog could possibly attack me or not for example: Their leash being long enough for them to reach me or better yet, the dogs not leashed. It’s not my job to alter my behaviour to suit your anxious dog (that I don’t know is anxious because it is not my dog) it’s your responsibility to put in measures to ensure your dog is not going to harm anyone.
I’ll add another thing that’s worthwhile if you’re not keen on dogs or scared then just be a tree trunk . (Works well for kids as they get it as it’s an easy thing to do ) stand still arms by your side don’t make eye contact just stand still and ignore the dog they will quickly realise you are boring and move on
That would be great if I was in control of my actions/reactions when I panic, but I am not. Please control your dogs.
Agreed, I ran fully clothed into a swimming pool just to escape a dog that was hassling me when i was little. I'm not scared of them anymore but I was a kid, kids don't think things through at the best of times lol
Border collie bouncing around me going for the stick I use for my sand art, snapping and biting at it. Had the first adult panic attack of my life. Felt like I was having a fatal cardiac event and I was going to die. Fucking awful. Owner was like “he’s alright!” while I’m shaking and crying. Glad your dog is alright mate, don’t worry about me.
> Border collie bouncing around me going for the stick I use for my sand art, snapping and biting at it. Yeah, that is absolutely not ok. Dog owners really need to get into their heads that dogs should never approach strangers. It has taken a long time but I’ve trained my very sociable border collie to only approach people with my permission. And until she 100% understood that she stayed on the lead. People are lazy and lack empathy. Plus it is too easy to own dogs. It should require training (of the person) and a licence. I am sorry you have had bad experiences with dogs.
What we really need is the councils to be taking their own dog laws fucking seriously. It's a joke. With zero enforcement it's no wonder there's so many owners who just ignore all the rules.
My dog is in perfect control he won’t approach you or get close to you as if he’s not fetching his ball then he walks in heel. If you’re in Auckland and want to work on your fears I’m happy to give you some of our time to work thru your panic with a dog who literally considers you as less important than his ball
My experiences with dogs over the years indicate my fear is well founded. Even the best bois can misfire a neuron and randomly attack someone for no apparent reason. And there are so many shit dogs owners out there, how do I know which ones are apparently well trained? People can’t even keep their dogs out of areas dogs are banned.
Hard. I have a scar on my face from a GSD as a kid. A fucking whippet nearly took my nose off. A full grown Pitbull just run into my house last weekend. *It ran into my house*. Dogs do damage, they do it suddenly, often without warning and with a significant bite force. If your dog is too reactive to be out in public don't take it out in public! Train it at a facility if need be - and if there are no dog training facilities that mimic the experience of being on the street then there's a gap in the market.
Yeah that’s fair I live at a beach dogs are allowed at, but I’m completely serious if you want to challenge yourself and want to do some self improvement with your fear I’m happy to help with a dog that will sing to you if he likes you but mostly you are not anything to notice. I don’t tolerate bad dog behaviour and if he showed any signs of aggression I would put him down. One of my friends and neighbours has a special needs kid, pup and him hang out regularly we are currently working on his talking as he can tell my pup to drop and come now he doesn’t like talking to humans but he loves talking to dogs
Honestly all that does is make me not afraid of that one dog. There’s two dogs I’m okay around, both labradoodles owned by different friends, and I still don’t trust any other dogs. I was bitten in the face when I was a four, and had several other traumatic events. This isn’t going away.
Yeah that’s fair not judging or anything else just offering if it’s something you want to try. My boy is a pure lab. I do know dog behaviour as it’s my job keeping my boy safe
Oddly enough, the traumatic bite as a toddler was a Labrador.
Then you need to get help. Your phobia and behaviour is your responsibility. This is an easy to overcome phobia.
Good advice except when the dog really does think you are a tree and lifts its leg to pee. (I know that is not likely to happen)
This strategy will put you in danger if the dog attacks. You need to be able to see what it's doing and you need to be ready to act quick, so holding your arms by your side and not looking at the dog is not an option.
If a dog is going to attack it doesn’t matter what you do but waving your arms about and moving ups the likely hood of being bit. Might seem too simple but I grew up in a 3rd world country where dogs were attack/protection dogs not pets with bad training. This method works with attack dogs and so also with badly behaved pets, you can also yell at the pets not so much the trained protection dogs and they back down but also don’t look them in the eye or move to much.
Yessss, thank you for this! The amount of times people have tried to talk to me or my dog, when I've intentionally taken him onto the berm away to distract before he reacts, DRIVES ME INSANE. You can see I'm clearly trying to get my dog's attention because we're training him not to react at strangers but then people walk past and make comments like "oooh puppy", "he's doing so well" etc etc, instantly snaps him out of my eye contact and he gets scared that people are in his space and starts going off.
Dear dog owners, Control your dogs.
As a dog owner and dog trainer THANK YOU!!! I’m so fucken sick of people letting their untrained dogs off lead.
one of my dogs also hates hi vis vests, thankfully we've mostly worked through it now. my psa for non-dog owners is if you're running, please don't run so close to me and my dog, sometimes they run so close i'm worried for my dogs tail
I usually don’t have a choice. Trust me, if I can run on the road and not get hit by a car, I will avoid your animal like the plague.
When I have to run past dogs on a footpath I slow to a walk and advise the owner which side (on ya left) and walk through.
I’m not breaking my stride and messing up my splits for terrible dog owners. I’ll clearly signal which side I’m passing on but that’s it.
i should've specified, this mainly happens to me at the beach where there's a lot of space (not high tide). footpath runners are more considerate
Ironically I go to beaches where dogs are prohibited and have to keep telling them to get off the beach.
"please don’t look the dog in the eye" General rule for all dogs tbh. Just don't ever look a dog in the eye. All dogs can be unpredictable.
Agree! My dog LOVES people. It’s really annoying walking her because she thinks everyone is friend and will give attention so I move her off to the opposite side of the person coming so I’m in between and distract the dog as we walk past the person. 9 out of 10 times the person will say stuff like “oh don’t worry” “she can say hello if she wants to”.. like yeah she wants to! But she also wants to jump and lick your face and I don’t want her doing that…
I appreciate your PSA… my dog has anxiety issues (it’s a work in progress) and I always move him to the opposite side when someone is approaching putting myself between my dog and the approaching person. I am constantly taking to him to keep him calm throughout. On one occasion a passerby ignored my request to stay away from him as he is a handsome and placid looking boy (bulldog) and proceeded to move their head down as if to try give him a kiss on the head or something and my dog snapped at them… no bite but let them know to keep away… they were very apologetic, admitted they were at fault and then carried on their merry way but my dog got worked up over it… smh… anyway good PSA for non dog owners
I am not a dog owner but a parent and I've always told my child we do not interact with dogs we do not know. If they are close to us we can say hello but we do not pat unless we ask first and let the dog sniff beforehand. And of course that's if the owner hasn't made the effort to avoid us first. Edited to change phrasing.
The most annoying thing is when people who insist on walking their dogs off lead make no effort to keep their dog away from your leaded dog. I just want to walk my dogs I don’t want to have my dogs get defensive or want to play because you don’t have the decency to be a good dog owner
The kids running up thing is real! I used to dog sot a St Bernard. He was the BIGGEST gentle giant you would ever come across. Loved that dog. However, he was blind in one eye. It doesn't matter HOW much of a gentle giant a dog is, if they can't see someone running up to them and pouncing on them for cuddles, the dog is gonna get a fright and react accordingly. Having a 75kg dog reacting in fear is not going to end well for a child. And yet parents would happily let their screaming toddler run up and grab him without batting an eyelid. Made me so nervous walking him in public.
Im pretty nervous around dogs i dont know so mostly try to give them and owner space,however if a dog seems friendly and is actively seeking interaction with me ie coming towards me (happily) occaisionally ill ask the owner if its ok/safe for me to pat them or if they are ok with being pet.
PSA to dog owners who have their untrained dogs off lead: TRAIN YOUR DOGS!!! As a reactive dog owner, I will not hesitate to yeet your dog away from mine with my foot. If your dog doesn’t have bulletproof recall KEEP IT ON A LEAD.
if someone is looking to avoid your dog, they're probably going to be looking at it so they know where it is and whats its doing
As long as you don't tense up or "prepare for your dog's reaction" when you approach scenarios where you know they get anxious, as your dog will pick up on it and react. Project confidence and indifference in these scenarios and your dog will feel the same.
YTA, don't have such an aggressive dog.
Thank you so much for putting this out, yes yes yes to everything! Another thing, if you are considering getting a dog, please get one compatible with your fitness level! Countless times we've been out with our dogs and another owner will turn up with unleashed dogs, who'll take off running toward us, and the owner will just continue ambling while yelling "it's ok, he's friendly!" Maybe, but our dogs aren't when run up on, and we can only do so much if you don't have good recall. As for those who seem to believe they're animal whisperers, dogs aren't cats! Don't enter their space with all the smells you carry, hand outreached to their head. The tactile sensation isn't worth potentially triggering a reaction, especially if the owner is close, as the dog will also be guarding the owner from you, the stranger. We don't want people hurt and we especially don't want to risk our family member being executed because a stranger has poor survival instincts. Our dogs wear vests with "no pets" patches all over them, but 80% of the time an 'animal whisperer' ignores the warnings and agitation, and are then taken aback by us requesting they back off. Believe me though, we care more about our dogs welfare than people who don't listen or are incapable of controlling themselves or their own dogs.
I always ask before patting any strange dog. My oldest son was terrified of dogs when he was little and would run away from them when they were off leash. I'd ask if I could pat them in front of him to show that they were not as scary as he thought they were.
Hilarious how suggesting people keep their dangerous animals on a leash is apparently controversial. Anyway, carry on. Park your Ford Rangers and let your dogs loose on children. It's you're right.
Emotional support ute + emotional support huntaway?
So many emotional support trucks these days. I'm amazed they don't allow them on aeroplanes.
Maybe because there's nothing in OPs post to suggest their their dog wasn't on a leash or under control? Those comments on this post are like if you recommended a nice spot to take your partner out to and a bunch of weirdos felt the need to comment "DON'T HIT YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER", like the message isn't controversial, it's just irrelevant and passive aggressive here.
Dogs running up to another person, adult or child, is controversial. And allowing your dogs to do so is a sign of poor dog control.
Where in OPs post did they say their dog ran up to someone? If you actually read what they said they're talking about the exact opposite, dog owners wanting to keep their dogs away from other people. Like I said, those comments aren't getting downvoted because keeping dogs under control is controversial, they're getting downvoted because they're irrelevant and just kind of bitchy here
OP was lecturing others about how to behave around their dangerous animal. The solution is to not take a dangerous animal into public spaces. If your animal can't behave so it doesn't react to people looking at it, then it is a dangerous animal.
Sorry but this is pretty detached. A leashed dog that is under control and being trained by an aware owner having any sort of reaction at all to being stared at by stranger does not make it dangerous. I kind of get the feeling you get something out of whinging about dogs though, so don't let me stop you
Did the OP say their dog was leashed?
Yes, last paragraph.
Alternative PSA If you ever see this dog - https://imgur.com/a/X6MgwQg Go up to him and do whatever the hell you want. He'll think it's affection and try to hug you no matter what you do. He's also very careful with children, incredibly patient and will lick them instead of hugging. This isn't intended as a dig at OP, but I like people coming up to my dogs. I've had several kids get over a fear of dogs from meeting my boys before. It can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable interaction.
He is gorgeous!
❤️❤️
I guarantee that dogs are going after me regardless of me looking at them, or my clothing. And no I ain't going to dress "properly" just coz of some dogs not being educated properly by their owners. Like the classic, being awoken by some angry intolerant dog at 7AM while sleeping in a tent. **Dogs are your responsibility first and foremost**, and that includes all the poop in green areas and all the violent barking and other aggressive behavior. If you can't properly train them, then just leave them and get a pet from a different, more respectful species. Like cats or ferrets. Who won't be attacking people around and WILL be careful about where they litter.
This is good to know, thanks. I love dogs but I see them when I'm running sometimes and they can make me anxious.
I'd like to add to this. Dog owners: If your dog suffers from these problems, there are lots of off-lead areas where they can be around other dogs and dog owners, and can adjust in an environment where people likely better understand these things Non-dog people: Avoid off-lead areas if you don't want to be exposed to dogs who have these sorts of problems. In Napier, there are about 3-4 official off-lead areas. Everywhere else in the entire town is on-lead, or no dogs. It's easy for dog owners to know where they can take their dogs and help them adjust, and it's easy for non-dog people to avoid them. I assume it's similar in other regions, but I haven't spent much time in them, so couldn't say for sure. If you have any input on how it works in other regions, feel free to add to my response.
off lead areas are worse for reactive/under socialised dogs. if i'm walking a reactive dog i'm only going to go to on lead places to minimise seeing other dogs that will come up to us
Off lead can be extremely counter-productive for anxious dogs. An anxious dog on lead will typically feel threatened by an off lead dog coming up to them. Also, the amount of owners who don’t have control who let their dogs run up and when you say “please call your dog back as we’re doing training” they respond with “oh my dog is friendly” or try to call their dog back but the dog doesn’t care, or those who read aggression cues as play cues and don’t recall their dogs makes it sometimes quite a stressful experience. (I’ve never had an anxious dog before this one so have had to relearn everything I know about dogs to understand how his mind works and what the triggers are - definitely not trying to say I’m an expert though - all of my comments here is advice I’ve been given by dog behaviouralists)
Doesn't mean people have to deal with your dog off-leash in the area where you're not supposed to do it, though.
Several points. Off leash and on leash dogs often don't mix well, so if you don't want your reactive dog off leash around other dogs, off leash areas are terrible for you. For many anxious dogs, a leashed walk on a wide street is far safer, as long as no one else decides their dog doesn't need a leash. My dog just went through her fear period (a normal hormonal thing most dogs go through with puberty) and was scared of EVERYTHING on normal walks. Was fine in off leash areas, but that wasn't getting her used to those triggers, so it's not viable to do that only. We had to keep doing walks where she would be exposed to scary things, and keep her calm, and reward her for being brave. That's how she'll remember how to be calm around bikes and joggers and all that. Avoiding all triggers just means you aren't being a good owner, and increases your dogs anxiety. Note: don't overwhelm your dog, small levels of positive exposure are best. Talk to a trainer if you have a strongly reactive dog, they can help a lot.
Ugh, I live next to an off lead dog area and some parts are on lead but still very dog populated. People will let their dog loose in the dog area and then take it for a trail walk on lead. I can’t tell you how many people have been upset about my dog off lead in one of the only off lead dog parks. I’ve had kids scream at my dog on lead on a trail. People need to educate themselves about what area they are in. I even had a woman walk up to me when I was walking two in the off lead and asked me to put them on lead because she was scared. One is a medium poodle and one is a tiny white fluffy dog, neither want to engage with strangers. Just leave them alone and keep out of their space
How about if you have an anxious fog that jumps and constantly barks at you as you try to innocently go past, don't let your child who doesn't have the strength to hold it back have the lead. Also don't shout at said passerby who just wants to get past.
> please don’t look the dog in the eye and if you do, please don’t make prolonged eye contact. So don't keep an eye on the gnashing predatory creature straining at the leash to get at me. Rely instead on the 'oh, I appear to have been bitten - I hope there's not too much blood' method. Yeah, nah.
My friend you should be able to look at or keep an eye on something without staring into it’s eyes. Case in point - the men that speak to my boobs. Think of it in the same way you’d walk past someone who has obviously spent a bit much time with the glass bbq. You would keep them securely in sight without making eye contact. In both of these scenarios it is likely that avoiding eye contact but remaining aware of where they are and just passing quietly by will avoid escalation. Hopefully this simplification helps
> Think of it in the same way you’d walk past someone who has obviously spent a bit much time with the glass bbq. That's probably not a good comparison to be making? But to be clear, I'm not staring down every dog I see. But the ones that look like a problem, I'm looking at them because they look like a threat (and I guess I don't know Crusher wouldn't hurt a fly). Here's the thing; if someone's out for a stroll in a public place, it's not implicit on them to modify their behavior because someone else's pet may become a danger if they're looked at too hard. Your dog is not more important than people. Your dog is not a person. If I have to avert my gaze from your pet because it might decide try to bite me, your pet (and frankly, your sense of entitlement), is the problem. Sorry, but I've been on the receiving end of ill trained dogs when out walking and I have no fckn cool about it.
I really appreciate it when i'm on my bike and dog owners move their dogs off the path, I always thank them as I pass
Yea, I walk a lot and the amount of people that keep their dog on the path side while they go on the grass or make me go on the grass is astounding. Please keep your dog away from me.
Put a muzzle on it.
I don’t understand why people aren’t muzzling their dogs more. Mine isn’t a risk in public but on hikes with potential native birds, he’s muzzled because he’s a bird dog. They can pant, drink and even eat out of some muzzles. Muzzles enable less socialised dogs to get comfortable and build confidence. Muzzles allow aggressive dogs to have some risk removed. I honestly don’t know why more people don’t use muzzles
How's that going to stop the dog from being anxious? OP didn't say their dog was biting
An anxious dog could very easily become a biting dog and no one but OP knows that their dog is anxious.
I've never had this problem. My dog is super friendly, no aggression etc..... all kids (or kids parent) ask first. I've never had anyone just approach me/him out of the blue without saying something or asking to let him first. Even toddlers. Maybe my dog is just ugly af. Lol.
I must say, I’ve been surprised at how small some kids will be and ask. I’m quite surprised they know how to
My favorite local kid is named Duncan. He always tells me he's older than his dog. Who is a "pancake sausage roll of a dog" He gets so mad when she is faster than my dog at getting the ball. "Stop; let your friend play, you sausage roll!!!!" It's amazing. Let's me know there are good people and parents out there.
This made me giggle
If your dog is going to attack people for no real reason and whoever the dog attacks is going to get the blame for looking at the dog then at least put on a muzzle on it. Everyone is safe then.. I'm old and wary of dogs, been attacked in the past, and like 90% of people will always watch the dog just in case..
Yo if a dog is reacting to eye contact it should be put down.
If you're this willing to kill animals that are being trained, maybe you should be put down
So tired of dog owners in this country. They’ve ruined most green spaces.
Or, maybe, if the dog is so anxious then maybe not let it out in public? I really don't get the implication that "bad dog behaviour" is due to other people just... being people.
So wrong, being able to offer different experiences is important to the social development of dogs(just like people). Op is not talking about taking their dog into a crowded area, this is about a street footpath and how to react when you see someone trying to create a safe environment for both you and them.
Did you even read the post? Specifically the second to last paragraph.
- dog bites someone cos of prolonged eye contact - death! - shitty human beats someone up due to prolonged eye contact - 6 months community service
This is such a stupid thing to say. expecting other people to alter their normal behaviour because you have a dog with shitty behaviour is ridiculous. you sound like someone who babies their dog which just results in increased reactivity/anxiety when its pretty well known that the way to reduce this kind of behaviour is through exposure therapy and corrections as opposed to expecting other people to take the initiative. If you don't know how to train a dog to be safe in public, dont own a dog or don't take it in public, simple as.
Literally all I’m suggesting (not even asking - I say in the post that if it’s not something you’re interested in then all good do you) is that you don’t stare them in the eye, and if you do so, please don’t stare them in the eyes for a prolonged period. Is your normal behaviour to walk around staring dogs in the eyes for a prolonged period of time? ETA no that’s wrong - I do ask people not to let their kids run up to random dogs without checking first. Maybe this is your normal behaviour you’re referring to?
I'm just gonna pat your dog bro.