smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,714 
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 6, 2017 15:28:15 GMT
Background: I moved to a new neighborhood in the beginning of November. It's a small gated community of only 6 townhouses. Everyone keeps to themselves. I literally have not met a single neighbor except for the "how's it going wave" at the mailbox.
Background on my dog: I adopted a GSD from a rescue org here. He had been attacked by a pack of dogs and then abandoned by his owner and left for dead. The rescue org got him and fixed him up and I got him a month later. He is a bit fearful of other dogs, so I do my best to avoid other dogs out on our walks because he lunges and barks at a lot of them.
So here's the situation: Yesterday after work, I was walking my dog. I was about a block away from my house and I see this guy riding an old bike with a pitbull about a 1/2 block behind him. I started getting nervous because I don't know what this dog is going to do to my dog.
The guy on the bike rides up to me and asks me if I'm his neighbor. I have no idea because I haven't met him before. As he's talking to me, the pitbull runs up to my dog. Mine starts freaking out, and the pitbull jumps on me. I then realize that this dog belongs to the bike guy. I am now panicking because I am in the middle of a German Shepherd and a Pitbull. I keep saying "this is not ok, this is not ok!". So the guy starts yelling at me "you need to calm down!" I ask him if he's telling me to calm down or his dog. And he yells "I'm telling YOU to calm down." I tell him he needs to get his dog away from me and back on a leash and then he yells to me that we are done here. So of course I mumbled something under my breath about him being an a*&hole, but I just took my dog in the opposite direction afterward.
I am so upset about the whole situation. First, that this guy is yelling at me. Second, he's now made a neighbor situation very weird. Third, my dog was acting so timid and scared afterward.
I want to throw all my dog's poo on his door step but I am going to act like an adult but just UGGGHHHH! Jerk!
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Post by katlady on Jan 6, 2017 15:36:20 GMT
I don't know about your state/city laws, but here that is totally illegal! I hope you and your dog are OK!! How scary! I would freak too!
We have people in my neighborhood that like to walk their dog off leash. It makes me so nervous when I take my dog for a walk. One gal walks her dog off leash while looking at her cell phone the entire time. Our community newsletter has mentioned several times now to keep your dog on a leash. Do you have an HOA? Can you bring it up to them?
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Post by pierkiss on Jan 6, 2017 15:43:26 GMT
Was his pit acting aggressive or more playful? I agree his dog should have been on a leash. I wonder if perhaps you both overreacted a bit? I'm not trying to be mean or condescending in any way. But if his dog was trying to be friendly (and yes, dogs shouldn't jump on people they should be trained to stay down), and you immediately started yelling, and your dog was barking, maybe the guy got defensive and aggressive by the situation and lashed out at you for your seemingly to him odd reaction? Obviously you reacted accordingly based on your dogs past history and knowledge of its current behavior upon seeing other dogs. But this guy doesn't know any of that history. Perhaps I am reading too much into this situation? Either way, I'm sorry you had a bad confrontation with your neighbor and his dog and your dog. I hate confrontation and I would now be worried about running into him again because of weirdness.  |
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Post by annabella on Jan 6, 2017 15:43:31 GMT
I would call the police and tell them your neighbor's dog was off lease and attacked you. It could happen again. Since you have a timid dog it might be a good idea to know your neighbors. Maybe have an outdoor bbq and invite the 6 so you all get to know each other.
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Post by scrappyoutlaw on Jan 6, 2017 15:45:29 GMT
I know exactly how you feel! I am so sorry you had to endure that. I have a dog-aggressive dog, but because he is a little white fluff ball people don't expect it. I have had so many people let their dogs (unleashed) run up to mine and try to tell me it's fine. NO, it's not fine, you did not ask permission to approach and my dog WILL bite yours.
Once I had a neighbors dog jumping at me and scratching up my arms as I furiously held onto my aggressive little white fluff ball trying to keep a bite/dog fight from happening. I was pretty shaken up for awhile after that and wouldn't walk my dog without my husband.
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Post by scrappyoutlaw on Jan 6, 2017 15:49:17 GMT
Obviously you reacted accordingly based on your dogs past history and knowledge of its current behavior upon seeing other dogs. But this guy doesn't know any of that history. Perhaps I am reading too much into this situation? Someone should always ask before approaching an animal, whether just a human, or another human and their own dog. I didn't understand this myself until I took ownership of a dog-aggressive dog. I try to educate people as nicely as I can now, but when situations get stressful for owner/dog it can be really hard sometimes. :/ |
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Post by pierkiss on Jan 6, 2017 15:52:41 GMT
^^^^ I completely agree.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,714
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 6, 2017 15:53:25 GMT
Was his pit acting aggressive or more playful? I agree his dog should have been on a leash. I wonder if perhaps you both overreacted a bit? I'm not trying to be mean or condescending in any way. But if his dog was trying to be friendly (and yes, dogs shouldn't jump on people they should be trained to stay down), and you immediately started yelling, and your dog was barking, maybe the guy got defensive and aggressive by the situation and lashed out at you for your seemingly to him odd reaction? Obviously you reacted accordingly based on your dogs past history and knowledge of its current behavior upon seeing other dogs. But this guy doesn't know any of that history. Perhaps I am reading too much into this situation? Either way, I'm sorry you had a bad confrontation with your neighbor and his dog and your dog. I hate confrontation and I would now be worried about running into him again because of weirdness. Honestly, i don't really care if the dog was acting aggressive or playful. But I didn't yell. The guy with the dog did. My dog never barked at the dog. He was just jumping around while I'm in the middle of the 2 of them. |
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,714
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 6, 2017 15:55:18 GMT
I would call the police and tell them your neighbor's dog was off lease and attacked you. It could happen again. Since you have a timid dog it might be a good idea to know your neighbors. Maybe have an outdoor bbq and invite the 6 so you all get to know each other. His dog didn't attack me, he just jumped on me. But I'm not going to report him. We all came out unscathed with the exception of my hurt feelings LOL! |
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Post by myshelly on Jan 6, 2017 15:57:09 GMT
I would have called the police and animal services and made a report against the owner and dog.
I would have said my dog and I were attacked by an unleashed pit bill.
Here that is illegal and would have gotten an immediate response.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,714
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 6, 2017 15:57:46 GMT
I don't know about your state/city laws, but here that is totally illegal! I hope you and your dog are OK!! How scary! I would freak too! We have people in my neighborhood that like to walk their dog off leash. It makes me so nervous when I take my dog for a walk. One gal walks her dog off leash while looking at her cell phone the entire time. Our community newsletter has mentioned several times now to keep your dog on a leash. Do you have an HOA? Can you bring it up to them? We definitely have a leash law and I also have an HOA. I don't know anything about the HOA at this time since I'm so new to the complex. However, since there's only 6 of us, he could be the president for all I know LOL! |
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Post by freecharlie on Jan 6, 2017 16:01:27 GMT
Maybe you could go over and say you don't want to start on the wrong foot. Explain your dog's history and give him the chance to apologize.
In the moment, maybe he thought you only freaked out because his dog was a pit and that he wanted you to calm down to not agitate the dogs as they can sense how humans feel.
I don't think you did anything wrong, but if there are only six families in this community and you are the newest, then this could be a way to start again.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,714
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 6, 2017 16:04:45 GMT
Maybe you could go over and say you don't want to start on the wrong foot. Explain your dog's history and give him the chance to apologize. In the moment, maybe he thought you only freaked out because his dog was a pit and that he wanted you to calm down to not agitate the dogs as they can sense how humans feel. I don't think you did anything wrong, but if there are only six families in this community and you are the newest, then this could be a way to start again. I know you are right. I should be the bigger person. He definitely owes me an apology, and in my stubbornness, I'm happy to give him dirty looks until I get one LOL! BUT, I don't like this "thing" we have now, and I'd like to not have to avoid him when I'm outside  |
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smcast
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,333
Location: MN
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Post by smcast on Jan 6, 2017 16:04:57 GMT
Doesn't matter what the reason was. Dog shouldn't have jumped on you and the owner should've taken care of the situation. I'd be pissed if someone else's dog jumped on me. Obviously the dog needs to be on a lease and trained. Even if you weren't hurt, your clothes could've been damaged. Many people have injuries, also, that could've been exacerbated by awkward movements.
I think this is very irresponsible on the other dog owner's end.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jan 6, 2017 16:05:40 GMT
I've had to yell at people to call their dog. Unfortunately a not insignificant percentage of dog owners are inconsiderate assholes. Don't tell me the dog is friendly as it's running toward me off leash. I don't give a damn if it's friendly or not, call your damn dog. I run in a park that requires all dogs be leashed - that doesn't stop people from assuming the rules don't apply to them. I do not need your dumb ass dog jumping on me, tripping me, trying smell me or otherwise interrupt my run. Yes, it's a pet peeve of mine. I've been bitten once too often by a "don't worry he's friendly" dog. I'm sure there's some dynamic with the dog seeing someone running and wanting to chase them - I don't care. If your illegally, off leash, dog approaches me, I immediate yell to call your dog - and if someone is offended - oh well.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 2, 2024 2:48:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2017 16:09:00 GMT
Sorry this happened. I agree with freecharlie about meeting with the neighbor and explaining why you reacted the way you did. This way, he will also know what to do the next time his dog is out and around you. Wanted to add that I'm glad you aren't reporting this as a dog attack when it wasn't. |
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Post by mikklynn on Jan 6, 2017 16:13:23 GMT
There is no reason to avoid him, unless his dog is unleashed again. I think you could explain about your dog's history.
You don't have to be BFFs, just civil is good enough.
I agree he didn't handle it well. I hate off-leash dogs, regardless of breed.
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Post by myshelly on Jan 6, 2017 16:13:56 GMT
Sorry this happened. I agree with freecharlie about meeting with the neighbor and explaining why you reacted the way you did. This way, he will also know what to do the next time his dog is out and around you. Wanted to add that I'm glad you aren't reporting this as a dog attack when it wasn't. Yes it is. If a dog makes unwanted physical contact with me because his owner was breaking the law (i.e. Committing a crime), I am reporting it to the police. |
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,152
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Jan 6, 2017 16:24:47 GMT
Maybe you could go over and say you don't want to start on the wrong foot. Explain your dog's history and give him the chance to apologize. In the moment, maybe he thought you only freaked out because his dog was a pit and that he wanted you to calm down to not agitate the dogs as they can sense how humans feel. I don't think you did anything wrong, but if there are only six families in this community and you are the newest, then this could be a way to start again. I know you are right. I should be the bigger person. He definitely owes me an apology, and in my stubbornness, I'm happy to give him dirty looks until I get one LOL! BUT, I don't like this "thing" we have now, and I'd like to not have to avoid him when I'm outside I think freecharlie is right here, he probably overreacted because his dog is a pit bull and people can be overreactive to them. With that said, he should have better control of his dog, allowing it to jump on people is pretty stupid on his part. Hopefully if you explain your dogs history he will control his better around him, which would be nice. The less awkward thing around the neighborhood would be good too. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jan 6, 2017 16:27:20 GMT
Was his pit acting aggressive or more playful? I agree his dog should have been on a leash. I wonder if perhaps you both overreacted a bit? I'm not trying to be mean or condescending in any way. But if his dog was trying to be friendly (and yes, dogs shouldn't jump on people they should be trained to stay down), and you immediately started yelling, and your dog was barking, maybe the guy got defensive and aggressive by the situation and lashed out at you for your seemingly to him odd reaction? Obviously you reacted accordingly based on your dogs past history and knowledge of its current behavior upon seeing other dogs. But this guy doesn't know any of that history. Perhaps I am reading too much into this situation? Either way, I'm sorry you had a bad confrontation with your neighbor and his dog and your dog. I hate confrontation and I would now be worried about running into him again because of weirdness. I don't think it matters if the dog was only being playful. Jumping up on people, especially someone who is unsuspecting, is NOT cool. I'm very much a dog person, but pitbulls are pretty solid dogs so if one jumped up at me I would be wary of it too. Not to mention I have back problems so anything bigger jumping up at me like that could have an adverse affect. I agree with the others who have posted that it really doesn't matter what kind of dog it is or how big, any dog can be dangerous under the right circumstances. My little Jack Russell was very protective of me and was unafraid of taking on even much bigger dogs if he felt the least bit threatened. I can't tell you how many times I had to tell people he wasn't the cute, sweet dog everyone thought he was based on his looks. It's up to each individual dog owner to be in complete control of their animal(s) at all times, especially when out and about in public and when you are off of your personal property. smartypants71 I'm glad both you and your pup are okay. |
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Post by peano on Jan 6, 2017 16:32:11 GMT
I can definitely understand how you feel after having that experience. I would have found that really stressful and upsetting.
I walk my dog off-leash on open space. She is a somewhat timid dog with both humans and other dogs she doesn't know well. She would never go up to either a person or another dog. She stays within 10 feet when we walk and is instantly recallable.
I usually encounter the same group of dog walkers (some off-leash, some not) and we've gotten to know them, but from time to time, we'll have a strange dog run up to us with the owner somewhere in the distance (often on the phone, grrr, invariably calling out "s(he's) friendly"). Well guess what people. I'm sure your dog is a perfect delight within your household, but everything changes with strange dogs on territory waiting to be claimed. It is this type of person who gives responsible off-leash walkers a bad name. (Let the pelting with fruit begin--I know no one agrees with my position that dogs can be walked off-leash responsibly) I consider walking a dog on par with driving a car. Both situations require my full attention.
If I had had your experience, and because I have to live in such proximity to him, I would try to locate the guy and explain your dog's history. Because, and I'm going out on a limb here, I'm guessing he thought you were reacting to the fact that his dog is a pit bull, and maybe this added piece of information would open up dialog about this situation, perhaps getting him to agree to leash his dog when near yours, if the dog won't come when called. Only after I tried this, and he remained intractable would I unleash the forces of the HOA.
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Post by peano on Jan 6, 2017 16:33:23 GMT
I can definitely understand how you feel after having that experience. I would have found that really stressful and upsetting.
I walk my dog off-leash on open space. She is a somewhat timid dog with both humans and other dogs she doesn't know well. She would never go up to either a person or another dog. She stays within 10 feet when we walk and is instantly recallable.
I usually encounter the same group of dog walkers (some off-leash, some not) and we've gotten to know them, but from time to time, we'll have a strange dog run up to us with the owner somewhere in the distance (often on the phone, grrr, invariably calling out "s(he's) friendly"). Well guess what people. I'm sure your dog is a perfect delight within your household, but everything changes with strange dogs on territory waiting to be claimed. It is this type of person who gives responsible off-leash walkers a bad name. (Let the pelting with fruit begin--I know no one agrees with my position that dogs can be walked off-leash responsibly) I consider walking a dog on par with driving a car. Both situations require my full attention.
If I had had your experience, and because I have to live in such proximity to him, I would try to locate the guy and explain your dog's history. Because, and I'm going out on a limb here, I'm guessing he thought you were reacting to the fact that his dog is a pit bull, and maybe this added piece of information would open up dialog about this situation, perhaps getting him to agree to leash his dog when near yours, if the dog won't come when called. Only after I tried this, and he remained intractable would I unleash the forces of the HOA.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jan 6, 2017 16:36:32 GMT
I can definitely understand how you feel after having that experience. I would have found that really stressful and upsetting. I walk my dog off-leash on open space. She is a somewhat timid dog with both humans and other dogs she doesn't know well. She would never go up to either a person or another dog. She stays within 10 feet when we walk and is instantly recallable. I usually encounter the same group of dog walkers (some off-leash, some not) and we've gotten to know them, but from time to time, we'll have a strange dog run up to us with the owner somewhere in the distance (often on the phone, grrr, invariably calling out "s(he's) friendly"). Well guess what people. I'm sure your dog is a perfect delight within your household, but everything changes with strange dogs on territory waiting to be claimed. It is this type of person who gives responsible off-leash walkers a bad name. (Let the pelting with fruit begin--I know no one agrees with my position that dogs can be walked off-leash responsibly) I consider walking a dog on par with driving a car. Both situations require my full attention. If I had had your experience, and because I have to live in such proximity to him, I would try to locate the guy and explain your dog's history. Because, and I'm going out on a limb here, I'm guessing he thought you were reacting to the fact that his dog is a pit bull, and maybe this added piece of information would open up dialog about this situation, perhaps getting him to agree to leash his dog when near yours, if the dog won't come when called. Only after I tried this, and he remained intractable would I unleash the forces of the HOA. I have no problems with off leash dogs where they're allowed. We have tons of trails where dogs are allowed as long as they're in sight and voice control. I don't mind them when I'm out hiking. I get annoyed on my runs as I purposefully choose a route that doesn't allow them as even the most obedient dog can get in the way of a runner - I swear I'm a magnate. |
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Post by hop2 on Jan 6, 2017 16:36:51 GMT
Why should she have to awkwardly explain why he should already be following by their towns leash laws???
Sorry - this is on him for
1 having his dog off leash in the first place
2 not controlling his dog when it is visibly upsetting someone. There are PLENTY of people in the world with fears rational and irrational of dogs and it was HIS responsibility to make his dog back off. That's why there are leash laws in the first place. Pit bull or 2lb toy dog it doesn't matter it the owners responsibility to control.
I'm with you OP he was an asshole.
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Post by freecharlie on Jan 6, 2017 16:40:27 GMT
Why should she have to awkwardly explain why he should already be following by their towns leash laws??? Sorry - this is on him for 1 having his dog off leash in the first place 2 not controlling his dog when it is visibly upsetting someone. There are PLENTY of people in the world with fears rational and irrational of dogs and it was HIS responsibility to make his dog back off. That's why there are leash laws in the first place. Pit bull or 2lb toy dog it doesn't matter it the owners responsibility to control. I'm with you OP he was an asshole. she doesn't HAVE to, but since she wants to try to avoid a potentially awkward situation with one of her 6 neghbors, it might be a good way to restart. Or she can sit home and know she was right and have strained contact with him and maybe others in the area. |
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Post by peano on Jan 6, 2017 16:48:17 GMT
I can definitely understand how you feel after having that experience. I would have found that really stressful and upsetting. I walk my dog off-leash on open space. She is a somewhat timid dog with both humans and other dogs she doesn't know well. She would never go up to either a person or another dog. She stays within 10 feet when we walk and is instantly recallable. I usually encounter the same group of dog walkers (some off-leash, some not) and we've gotten to know them, but from time to time, we'll have a strange dog run up to us with the owner somewhere in the distance (often on the phone, grrr, invariably calling out "s(he's) friendly"). Well guess what people. I'm sure your dog is a perfect delight within your household, but everything changes with strange dogs on territory waiting to be claimed. It is this type of person who gives responsible off-leash walkers a bad name. (Let the pelting with fruit begin--I know no one agrees with my position that dogs can be walked off-leash responsibly) I consider walking a dog on par with driving a car. Both situations require my full attention. If I had had your experience, and because I have to live in such proximity to him, I would try to locate the guy and explain your dog's history. Because, and I'm going out on a limb here, I'm guessing he thought you were reacting to the fact that his dog is a pit bull, and maybe this added piece of information would open up dialog about this situation, perhaps getting him to agree to leash his dog when near yours, if the dog won't come when called. Only after I tried this, and he remained intractable would I unleash the forces of the HOA. I have no problems with off leash dogs where they're allowed. We have tons of trails where dogs are allowed as long as they're in sight and voice control. I don't mind them when I'm out hiking. I get annoyed on my runs as I purposefully choose a route that doesn't allow them as even the most obedient dog can get in they way if a runner - I swear I'm a magnate. Having been a runner, I feel your pain. Whenever a runner approaches, I call her because otherwise she's just going to stand dumbstruck in the middle of the trail, as if she's just witnessed an alien landing. |
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jan 6, 2017 16:52:52 GMT
Why should she have to awkwardly explain why he should already be following by their towns leash laws??? Sorry - this is on him for 1 having his dog off leash in the first place 2 not controlling his dog when it is visibly upsetting someone. There are PLENTY of people in the world with fears rational and irrational of dogs and it was HIS responsibility to make his dog back off. That's why there are leash laws in the first place. Pit bull or 2lb toy dog it doesn't matter it the owners responsibility to control. I'm with you OP he was an asshole. she doesn't HAVE to, but since she wants to try to avoid a potentially awkward situation with one of her 6 neghbors, it might be a good way to restart. Or she can sit home and know she was right and have strained contact with him and maybe others in the area. My vote is for the strained contact. She did nothing wrong; it isn't on her to make peace with this dick. |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jan 6, 2017 17:03:47 GMT
she doesn't HAVE to, but since she wants to try to avoid a potentially awkward situation with one of her 6 neghbors, it might be a good way to restart. Or she can sit home and know she was right and have strained contact with him and maybe others in the area. My vote is for the strained contact. She did nothing wrong; it isn't on her to make peace with this dick. I don't know - you never know when you need some neighborly goodwill. I'd make the attempt to see if I could smooth things over. |
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Post by annie on Jan 6, 2017 17:05:30 GMT
How scary! I'm sorry that happened. I don't blame you for reacting like you did.
Since you called him an asshole, and you'll be living there awhile, I'd say it'd be wise to go over and have a talk without the dogs around. Explain what happened and say you don't want to start off on the wrong foot in the neighborhood. I would do this sooner rather than later before the neighborhood gossip machine gets going. Good luck!
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jan 6, 2017 17:11:33 GMT
My vote is for the strained contact. She did nothing wrong; it isn't on her to make peace with this dick. I don't know - you never know when you need some neighborly goodwill. I'd make the attempt to see if I could smooth things over. That goes both ways, and he's not her only neighbour. I wouldn't make a bigger deal out of it than it was but I wouldn't feel the need to explain myself to this guy.
His dog jumped on her. She doesn't need to explain why she didn't want him to.
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