I have been on several topics over the past few months and find them very interessting, helpful etc. I have got a gsd, lurcher, boxer, thingy cross, male nueted, rescue dog who is now 2 1/2 yrs (we have had him a year). We have also got a staffy, lurcher, thingy cross, male nueted, rescue dog who is now 9/10 mths (we have had him nearly 4 mths). More often than not I will take the dogs out individually, as I find it is easier to concentrate on training the new one with out my elder one (who is fully trained in the basics). I always have the dogs on a halti that is clipped onto their collars and then onto their leads. I only ever let my dogs off if there is no-one else around and it is in a safe area to do so. As soon as I see some one or some thing, I immediatly put my dogs back onto their leads etc.
Well today I had to take both out together. They were both all set up and clipped on etc, one in each hand, the little one doing quite well with his training etc, every thing going smoothly. Then as I turned the corner about to cross the road, a child came into veiw on a bicycle on the other side of the road, then a man with a bag and then an extended retractable lead and dog. I moved my dogs onto the grass, held them tight and on short leads(as always) and stayed exactly where I was. The mans dog started barking ,my two started creating(but I sat tight). The man then struggled to aid his child across the road on her bike, with the bag and trying to stay in control of this dog, still on the end of a rather long(although it had been made slightly shorter than before) retractable lead. I still stood perfectly still with my dogs chomping at the bit. What really hurt was the comment of "arn't they nasty dogs!" Still not sying anything I continued my walk but with tears in my eyes. I was incredibly hurt by this comment and then I got to question myself, was this out burst my fault? are my dogs nasty? Was I responsable in what I had done?
The other dog is a pedigree prize pooch ( I have seen it before and it is doted on) my dogs being complete heinz 57's and well known that they are rescued dogs(as I have them on the kennels collars to promote the good work of the rehoming centre), always appear to be snubbed by other owners and I often hear, "Well what do you expect, you dont know what you are getting from a kennel". My dogs when out individually are well mannered, quite and well behaved( when together they tend to kick off of each other). They are brilliant at home with my three children and all their friends. I cant fault them. They dont jump at the front door or post, they do not make a lot of noise in the house or the back garden as I dont let them get too loud, they dont come upstairs, they dont sleep on the furniture. I wanted a dog (as it is two) and I did not see the point of lining a breeders pockets with money when there are plenty of poor unwanted dogs needing homes. I would rather give the money (and it was still a considerable sum for both dogs) to a shelter/rescue kennel to support their excellent work.
I am sorry for my out burst and serman, but what happened today has really ruffled me. I love both my dogs very much, but sometimes, dogs dont like other dogs, just as people dont like all people. Dogs are all very different from one another, just as people are. I think that sometimes people can forget that our canine companions are not humans and that, although far removed now, were once wild animals, with natural intstincts and these instincts, know matter how bred out they may have appeared to have been, are still there somewhere and may sometimes come out. I hope I have not offended any one as that is the last thing I wanted to do. It has just been a real .... day and the final snoty remark that I could take.

Don't let people like that get to you. True dog lovers love all dogs regardless of their parentage, have a large G&T and forget about it :)

liberty

Liberty, Thanks for your reply. Actually I had a very big cream cake and a dam good cry. I know I shouldn't let them get to me, but this has been going on now on and off for the past year(since we got our first rescue dog). Some people can be so narrow minded.

I've had the same responses as you and I now ignore whats being said.Its because of the halti, people think that its a muzzle.Dont worry enjoy your dogs!

Thanks Wilson, I always felt that I was acting responsably in having my dogs on halti's. Even the best trained dog can go hay-wire. Thanks again.

I agree with the others. Take no notice! You were being responsible and had your dogs under control. It doesn't sound like the other dog was under proper control. I doesn't matter what breed or crossbreed you have, they're still loved all the same.:D

lol Sarah.

Mali Fan, thanks for replying. All the positive replies are a great help. I got home after the incident and really did not want to go out with either one of my dogs again and was in such a state that I would have given them both up. They say that kids can be cruel. I wish that these adult, so called dog lovers, would stop and think from time to time. For personal reasons, I have had a rough ride of late and this really was enough to tip me over the edge and into a gibbering mess. Both my dogs came to me though when I was blubbing and tried to comfort me in their unique doggy ways, you know the pawing of the arms and the big wet slobbery kisses (to my feet, as they could not get to my face).

Hi...

Your final comment says it all, snooty remark. There are arrogant, selfish, rude and blinkered people that you come across in all walks of life including dog owners. I can't say don't let it hurt you, caring people are always more susceptible to being hurt by nasty and rude people. Be proud of yourself for caring, be proud that there are many people, like myself, that admire you for taking on a rescue dog - it takes strong charachter to do that, and believe me I look up to you for it. Just know that a lot of people you don't know admire your choice.

Don't be too mad at those that have taken pedigree dogs, can be many reasons for that - a love of the known charachter, a chance for a hobby with a dog type you love, or having circumstances where it's important to have known temprement/size are just a few. I have found most of them are of the caring type too.

Please don't dwell on it, and remember there are more caring people than the nasties.... honest ;) Its just that the rude nasties always make the most noise...

Regards Dave

Hi, glad to hear the cream cake therapy worked. Rising above the snide comments was the most mature thing to do. As Dave says people with pedigree dogs can be very kind and supportive ( in our experience) and most true dog lovers just like dogs, any dogs. Youre putting heart into your dogs and they will give it back so many times over. Thats why such silly remarks hurt but hey you'll have special dogs so who cares?:)

Lorelei, are you the sme person that replied to the topic called, What is serene-um and mentioned your son's problems? As I'm the one who posted it and my 11 yr old daughter has the same problem( thats if you are the same person).

Yes its me, dear, I was interested in the canine version of ADHD. Gothboy dosent mind me talking about it. Thanks for that I was wondering where Id seen the post!

Lorelei, I have posted a message back on the serene-um topic for you with regards to my daughter and her ADHD. Its great to talk to some one who knows about it and its problems.

Hiya, I totally agree with everyone else. You'll always get people like that in whatever you choose to do with your life, be it with your pets, kids, work.. everything. Ignore them - you should be damn proud of yourself for taking time out to provide caring homes for dogs that were previously unwanted.
Most dog lovers love all dogs, regardless of whether they are champion showdogs or heinz's - at the end of the day they're all dogs.
Keep your chin up and don't let them grind you down,
Sharon
X

I really appreciate all the replies. And I'm sorry, heat of the moment and all that. I to know some very nice pedigree dogs and owners. And those of you that are those nice genuine pedigree and crossbreed owners, that love all dogs and do not asume negative thoughts when seeing other dogs that maybe act differently or critizise the owners who have taken on those dogs, walts and all. A GREAT BIG THANK YOU.

Hi Nicolinena, people can be hurtful sometimes and I doubt they even realise it !
There have been a few times I too have come home from walks and had a good cry because of comments people have made about me and my dog. I love her to bits and train so damn hard with her, I think that's why I find it hurtful. Emmy is my (nearly) 1 year old Lab, who has all the typical lab traits! Thankfully the training is starting to pay off, she is the perfect dog at home and no longer pulls me down the street on her walks! Her recall is a bit 'iffy' but we're working on that!... but I can remember so many people saying things to me like "show her who's boss" "put a choke chain on her" "do this... do that..." "you shouldn't have a dog out if you can't control it..." somedays it did make me cry. I kinda take things like that to heart. Best way I get over it is to take something from it... if I see some one who's dog is pulling or who's dog has ran off from it's owner, I tell myself not to make rash judgements and smile warmly at that person. I'd hate to think that I'd ruined some ones day by making an unwanted comment. Rise above it... some people just aren't worth it!

What a miserable, stuck-up old g*t that man is! He's stupid to have his dog on a long lead by a road for a start. Don't let him get to you. People who like dogs can see the good in all of them, whatever their shape or size. Ignore the silly old fool, he knows nothing.

All I can say is that most of us that use this site have probably met this type of person at some point - they do nothing for the reputation of dogs and dog owners (pedigree, crosses or allsorts!) . As with all bad behaviour - ignore it !!!

Unfortunately these 'SADo's' think they own the planet and that their families, children and pets can do anything they like. They will always see themselves in the right , and wouldn't conceive that their darlings could ever be a problem because they think they know it all and have done it all.

Large breed owners may know what I mean more than most - it's always our dogs being aggressive (not) - even if ours is 'staying still ' as instructed whilst the other dog tears towards them in a frenzy, teeth and all, barking and lunging. When I have confronted these owners , about getting their dog under control, they usually yell at me (!) and tell me I shouldn't walk my dog off lead and unmuzzled!!! It's the same story if dogs start playing too much - I will always call mine and walk on with them on a lead - I usually end up with the other dog joining our walk - and the owner making a half hearted attempt to get them back.
It's really upsettign when you have put so much time into training your dog and overcoming those testing times we all get.
So I can totally understand your frustration if you get treated in a similar way. WE have to avoid some areas for walking as the presence of SADos puts our dog at risk of getting distressed or learning bad behaviour.See if you can find a nice dog walking place in your area , where your dogs can play and you can relax.

Oooh, I know exactly what you mean. There is one particular 'lady' who walks in the same fields that Dylan and I do. She has two spaniels. The first time we met, Dylan was off lead and went to say hi to her dogs. I looked at her to check that was okay, and she said nothing. Her dogs were both off lead, and they came across the meet Dylan. As he met the male spaniel, the spaniel turned on him and Dylan ran away yelping, closely pursued by the spaniel. She managed to get him back under control and put him on the lead. "Is yours a puppy?" she asked, "because he only does that to puppies. And he's male - he's worse with males." As if that was okay :( I was stunned. I pointed out the damage that it could do to a youngster, but she said that all the others in the other park were okay. So it's not even a new thing. :rolleyes:
She obviously picked up that I was not happy (understatement), so if we see her now, I hold Dylan and she puts hers on lead. But I couldn't believe her attitude.

Sarah

Hi Nicolinena,

I can't say 'don't take it to heart' and 'don't let it bother you' because I have this kind of thing happening all the time, and it breaks my heart.
I have a really nervy bitch, and when I take her out, I muzzle her.....not because I believe she's nasty...just because if something really startled her...well, you just never know.

Anyway, she's a German shepherd. Can you imagine what it's like when I take her out into town to socialise her etc, and she's wearing a muzzle? Some of the comments I've had have been disgusting...and I'm being responsible!! I swear, it drives me mad.

You did everything right with your dogs.....and I know how difficult it is, but you have to try and let the silly comments go over your head...at least that's what my hubby keeps trying to tell me. It doesn't bother him, but I frequently come home in tears.....knowing that I have a lovely dog, and people condemn her just because she's muzzled, the same way that your dogs are great, but they barked....I'm not sure what I'm trying to say here really. Basically, I understand totally what you went through, and how upsetting it is.

You are right..you're the responsible one..and the other person probably knows this and feels inadequate.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know, you're not alone!!

Take care

Lisa

you shouldnt worry your self over little buggers like that it is worthless he obviously is a stuck up arrogant fool well i can think of other words but i aint gonna use em you should be proud of your 2 they did fine and you yourself did great some people just see fit in criticizing others because they them selves know they cant live up to your extent you have to be very brave to take on a near fully grown rescue dog as they deserve alot more attention than they get or ever did get im not saying getting a pup is cruel because it isnt loads of great people get pedigree and moggie pups and are great and arent like people like this they just look for an easy way out of an argument as they are thick and criticise other owners and dogs of rubbish dont worry yourself your dogs never cried they no what im saying is true and that what that idiot said was a load of bull by cyring it says you aggree with him and are dissapointed with your babies which i no u r not so cheer up and look on the bright side the RSPCA believed the dogs were so great you needed your home checked and questions asked before being considered to get them and many people would give their right leg to have the dogs you have

robert
ps cheer up some people are just b*****ds

Hi
I have the same problem ALL the time and not because my dog barks or anything just because he is larger than the average dog , he is a 10 mth old OES and so looks large but is no much larger than a lab etc , he is excitable as he wants to play all the time but people are always remarking to their companions in a similar vein and if they have kids with them try to steer a HUGE circle around him....doesnt matter we have 3 kids ourselves he is fine with!
I still get upset like you when I hear the comments & at school where all the dog owners wait I have to say it is the smaller dogs that cause more noise than the large ones that just sit waiting and on short leads with their owners ....the small dogs tend to be left tied to a gate and are usually jumping all over the place! so I get more frustrated when people walk by with their insiduous comments at the larger dogs!

I shall have to think of some smart comments to mutter to myself in future tro make me feel better!

chin up!

Hi Nicolinena

I know how you feel. I just a couple of months ago got my first Irish Stafford. I adore Shakey. She is obedient, ok with other dogs too. However I get people glaring at her with comtempt. Crossing thier children over to the other side of the road when they see us coming and making nasty comments when they go past us. At first it hurt. But I really don't care now ,they are the ones with the problem not me. They are also not true dog lovers as they would like us to believe.
As for the halti yes I think people do mistake them for muzzles. Even if it was a muzzle though, so what, its called being a responsible dog owner.
Carry on Walking

It really bugs me that people think that just becaise your dog is wearing a halti it is aggressive (thinking it is a muzzle), or even that if it is muzzled it must be aggressive. Some people use muzzles because their dogs scavenge. Even if it was aggressive it is not always the owners fault - they are doing their best to keep everyone safe. I actually stopped using my halti because of all the " oh dear she is wearing a muzzle" or " oh poor thing she has a thing over her head" with accusing stares. People are so ignorant - my dog can be quite a handful when we are out, but she is a lovely dog when she is at home. However I get some funny looks when she is rushing around like a wild animal as if i have no control over her. If she is not hurting anyone then what is their problem?
Its easy to say ignore these people, but it is harder to do. Ignorant people say some really hurtful things, nd it sounds to me as if this stuck up man meant you to hear so he is obviously a cruel man.