This morning , I took the dogs on a walk I haven't been on for some time , its nice and flat for Nell who is still on lead walks only but Sam can go off lead safely . There is a small car park , and a van was parked there when we rocked up , the man inside had his van doors open and was messing about on his phone, looked up briefly as we walked by to the gated entrance to the path, then resumed his phone stuff . Just let Sam off when a very large Dalmatian came bounding out of the undergrowth , romping around us . I was rigid with fear that it would bowl into Nell , so called back to van man to ask if this was his dog . He replied " Yes , she loves playing with other dogs, she wont be any bother if she joins you " . I told him, politely , that Nell is only six days post spay and that I didn't want an excitable bouncy dog joining us , it could do her some serious damage as it was romping around very close to her . He said that it would calm down if I just let it tag along and made no effort whatsoever to get his dog back to the van . I asked him again to call the dog away because by now it was bothering Nell to the point that I had to pick her up , Sam was fine, just sniffing around in the hedgerows , but again he didn't comply . In the end , we had to drive off , and go somewhere else , which was a pain but I couldn't risk the dog causing harm . I don't suppose he was breaking any law but it really annoyed the hell out of me xx
I think he WAS breaking the law - his dog was basically unattended. Sounds like he wanted YOU to walk HIS dog! Bloomin' cheek. I hope you found a peaceful walk eventually, but you shouldn't have had to. Stupid man.
What woud HE do if the dog went off with someone and didn't come back dogs are getting stolen round here what a moron. Hope your doggies were ok. I usually say my dogs have just recovered from a explosive tummy bug and I'm just keeping them away from other dogs to be safe,
Oh I'm a mouth cow at the best of times and living were I do you learn fast really fast. That dog would have been nicked ages ago round here. They like obvious pedigrees like labs and dallies
The cheek! I think dogs off lead need legally to be "under control" (in our case that can be debatable!) I think he was totally in the wrong
Tricky one ! It was a nice enough dog, friendly and playful , just a bit too playful for Nell at the moment and wouldn't leave her alone .She isn't confrontational and was trying to hide behind my legs which is why I ended up picking her up , and yes , I truly think that the owner saw a free dog walker !
Oh how awful @kateincornwall and what a stustupid, stupid man! I don't suppose you took a note of his licence number? He does need reporting as he is not in control of his dog in a public place and you did fear for your dog. Is Nell OK? Nothing worse than being worried by a big dog when you're only little. Hope you finally got to enjoy a walk.xx
So sorry this happened, it's incredible the cheek some people have! Also bizarre that he was fine with his dog walking off with you, boggles the mind.
@Jojo83 Nell is absolutely fine thanks ! She isn't intimidated as a rule but I guess she feels more vulnerable because she is on her lead , but both are alright x
Being on lead when another dog is off lead does inhibit a dog's ability to react/escape. If in doubt always pick up the small dog and if necessary stream treats to keep them happy and relaxed - you don't want them taking advantage of the height Pleased to hear all is well xx
I think a lot of people have different interpretations of "under control". Debatable in Charlie's case too xx
Thing is , it was a lovely dog , and under other circumstances , I would have minded it tagging along , but I cant risk Nell being knocked off her feet !
Absolutely Kate, Nell must come first and it was rather uncaring of the owner not to understand her circumstances. Hope Nell is OK. xx
