I feel I have to vent my annoyance somewhere and unfortunately you guys are it.

Took my BCs out this morning up the field that we go.  It is popular with dog walkers and I generally keep an eye as to who is around.  If I dont know the dog the boys go on their leads until I check whether the dog is ok.

We had met up previously with a middle aged woman and her black and white springer.  He was a bit funny towards my dogs but once they got playing they seemed to get on well and have done since. 

Well havent seen her for a while and saw her today so I left the boys off their leads as usual.  They ran up to play and well I have heard nothing like it.  You would have believed they were about to kill her dog.  They didnt bark or anything but she started to throw her dogs leads at them and shouting.  I called them back and it turned out her dog had had puppies and she has obviously kept one and was taking it out for a walk.  Unfortunately in the long grass I cannot see a 12 weeks old Springer.

Firsly I thought she did over react somewhat and surely if you taking it out you are trying to socialise it and she knows that my dogs are fine and secondly surely she would have been better taking the mother dog and pup out separately so that the pup stops to rely on mum so much.

Maybe I am out of order but all she had to do was to quickly shout and tell me there was a puppy there - unfortunately one of my many talents is not being psychic.

Hello dvnbiker, I know for a fact that not everyone on this post will agree with me but I personally think it is part and parcel of dog walking that at some point another dog will approach yours (be it right or wrong - thats another long winded thread!!) so maybe she should have been a bit more vigilant before walking a 12 week old pup.  You sound responsible and aware that there are occasions when your boy's should go on their leads.  As dog owners/walkers we should endevour to stay one step ahead so that we could try and forsee a potential problem and that goes for her too - especially with a 12 week old pup in long grass that was obviously difficult to spot for you!  Grrrrrr at throwing the lead and shouting - some people need to chill out before they pass on their insecurities and fears to their dog's!
Sarah

Maybe I'm being dense but why not just pick the pup up Plus I can't see why she got so wound up if she knows your dogs are OK.

I would've thought the way she reacted probably scared the pup more than any dog would! I hope the pup doesn't become fearful of other dogs approaching because of her over reaction.

Crystal ball a little cloudy today is it?! What a silly woman.

thanks guys for this.  I was wondering whether I was just overeacting a little but I hate anybody intimating that boys would hurt anything intentionally - well maybe the odd fly.  I thought if I see her out again the boys will automatically go on their leads and maybe I will have a quiet word to explain that I didnt see the pup etc etc.  Not wanting to make enemies of anyone.