Aggressive dog - all OK though

[Pip2002]

So what do you think of this scenario then?

Went for a run last night down a local bridlepath and spotted a couple ahead coming towards me with some dogs. The man starts shouting something and I assume he's calling the dogs back, so think not much of it and carry on. 2 of their dogs come running up to me, super friendly and I can see they are youngsters so I just stop to fuss them and carry on.

When I reach the people, the man is holding a larger dog on a lead and says "Those 2 are OK they are puppies, it's this one you need to watch for as he is aggressive". I say "Ooh dear" give them a wide berth and the man says "Well I did tell you to stop" so I reply "Oh I thought you were talking to the dogs." and then run on.

Thinking about this afterwards, it's clear then that these people had a dog they know is aggressive off the lead and unmuzzled on a public bridleway and seem to think it's OK though if they shout at other path users. Unbelievable! Funny though too. Don't some people take the biscuit?!!

[Sandyw Graduate]

They should never take an aggressive dog off the lead just plain dangerous. What if you were deaf or hard of hearing they can't rely on you, they should be in control.

I was out hacking my horse and same thing happened to me with a dog running up to us aggressively. I said don't let him near the horse she may kick him (she wouldn't to my knowledge but was trying to make a point). Man not bothered at all just said it would teach the dog a lesson.

Great I thought don't worry about me falling off on concrete I'll just bounce should I !!

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

How irresponsible (and also downright rude). As already mentioned, what if you had not been able to hear, or if the dogs had encountered children? As you say, some people are truly incredible.

[LouIselsqy Graduate]

Crumbs we have it all don't we ! Me being a runner now lol, if I can say that yet with wk 6 imminent... I can use the word we ....I'd like to feel I'm in the running club 😉. I passed a chap on his bike (who was old enough to know better) on Thursday with 2 large dogs and allowed 1 to do it's do's and didn't bother to clear it up!!! With a play park close by on the opposite field I was annoyed about that... as I ran by he tried to make eye contact (guilt possibly ) but commonsense told me to ignore him fearing the glint in my eye could attract some verbal negativity ! 🤷‍♀️

[davelinks Graduate]

That should be muzzled! He has to be responsible and take appropriate action to ensure your safety, and can't tell you what to do! only a police dog handler can..

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I agree with davelinks

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I know it is hard to convey tones and body language in a post but the positive is that he either already had or put the troublesome dog on a lead as soon as he saw you (so he clearly *did* have reasonable control of his animal on a public bridlepath)

The people however seem to have rubbed one another up the wrong way somehow... which is a pity as he was being responsible and you were clearly dog friendly.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I love dogs, but it infuriates me that so many owners cannot/will not control them.

I was told by a woman once that I should stop running when passing a dog. I was virtually silenced in amazement but should anyone try that line in future I will say that l have a legal right to run on the footpath, while they have a legal duty to keep their animals under control. If they want to argue about it then we can always consult the police for a third opinion.

Your owner was being reckless in not having an aggressive dog muzzled and on a leash.

[Charlottefc87 Graduate]

Ooo as a dog owner and fellow runner ( in the loosest sense of the word) this makes me cross on all counts!! Irresponsible people!!

[reluctantrunner76 Graduate]

It's people that are the problem not the poor dogs. I am a dog a owner myself and a runner now too (I think). We all just need to learn to share the same places, too many people think the world is juts theirs and no one else's:)!!!