Dog haters

[EsmetheWitch]

I have a 6 month old cocker spaniel who is very sweet and gentle, generally well behaved, doesn't bark etc.
I am currently on holiday and have taken her with me. Yesterday I was walking her through a small town to a cafe that welcomed dogs and three times people physically recoiled as we walked past.

One woman looked so disgusted it was almost funny. One woman threw herself into the road and a couple glared at us and crossed the road.

I understand that people may not like dogs or be nervous of them but this horror was completely over the top. I should make it clear that we were just walking along normally, puppy wasn't interested in these people, she wasn't jumping up or even looking at them.

Do other people come across this behaviour often? We were in a rural town where there were other dogs around. I found it quite upsetting after a while.

[ender]

How strange. I've got 2 large dogs and never had anyone react like this, people tend to be more friendly when I've got the dogs.
Could they have been annoyed because you were blocking their way so they had to go round you?
The woman who "forced herself into the road" might have just needed a bit more space.
I always make sure to keep the dogs well away, sometimes I have to step into the road on narrow paths so people can get past and don't have to brush against the dogs. People seem to appreciate this and always say thanks.

[pigsDOfly]

Some time ago while walking my dog a group of teenager girls walked towards me and the one nearest to me said, in a sneery voice, keep your ratty dog away from me, I'm ashamed to say I childishly responded with, sure I will, just keep your ratty face away from me ; not my most witty or clever retort.

Mostly though, all the kids want to stroke my dog who is small and fluffy. She also completely ignores people unless they show an interest in her.

Excluding people who are genuinely scared of dogs and those who aren't interested, some people just want to be unpleasant.

If your dog is behaving well just hold your head up and ignore them. Some people go through life looking for ways to be nasty.

[Bubble2bubble]

Oh I get this all the time, though admittedly am usually walking with four or five large dogs and usually I am the one crossing the road doing a u-turn as I can pick up on the bad vibe from quite a distance away now :(
There seem to be a lot of people out there who assume all dogs are out to get them and are teaching their children to think the same. When you love dogs it's hard to understand the haters, but they are out there..
Sympathies though - people running away from your six month old baby pup would upset me too!

[YouCant]

Blimey, I've never had this. We've had the opposite of people crossing roads and even a car park to come ask if they can have a cuddle! Cockers are the cutest pups not at all biased :) some people are strange though.

[NatFrenchie]

What town were you walking in? One to avoid perhaps if you own a dog!

[BeautifulBatman]

Ignore them. People who don't like dogs are very suspicious imo.

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

People can be odd.

Have to say I took my dog (and DH and kids) to Yarmouth for the day a couple of weeks ago and didn't see a single negative reaction. Mind you the only reason I took DDog was because it's so dog friendly. Water bowls outside loads of shops, "Dogs Welcome" signs etc.

Just because there are other dogs around doesn't mean a place is dog friendly. Shame but there you go.

[PeanutsOnTheFloor]

What BeautifulBatman said.

[EsmetheWitch]

Thank you for your replies. It was very odd and such a ridiculous overreaction.

She is the sweetest thing but I never let her go over to anyone uninvited. I'm currently training her not to jump up at anyone so I always walk her on the side away from people.

[MrsLeighHalfpenny]

I don't like dogs. If I'm on my own I always cross the road if I see a dog up ahead.
People who like dogs never understand just how much people who don't like dogs don't like dogs.

[Pigeonpost]

How odd. We have a 4 month old sprocker spaniel and in our rural town (very touristy) I can barely get along the street for people cooing how cute she is, asking to pet her etc. A lot of the cafes/shops etc here are dog friendly too and lots of people bring their dogs on holiday with them. Are you sure you're not misinterpreting these looks?

[Pigeonpost]

I assume she was on a lead? I sometimes get a look when our pup is off the lead (on the country lanes obvs, not in town) but she has excellent recall and always comes when called.

[EsmetheWitch]

She was on a lead and the looks were definitely because of the dog. I was with someone else who also commented on it.

I can understand someone not liking dogs but to throw their owner horrified looks or to bodily hurl yourself out of the way is bizarre behaviour.

I don't like children using scooters on pavements but I don't pull ridiculous faces or make a massive show out of moving out of the way.

[Pigeonpost]

Some people are just twats. Not much to be done about that sadly. Enjoy the rest of your holiday!