To get really upset when people talk to me and my dog

[GeorgianaDevonshire]

She's my first dog so I'm new to all things canine and might be PFD about this. I put on one of her collars and matching lead (we have quite a selection already!) and off we trot to the local park - poo bags at the ready.

Every day, EVERY flipping day, someone speaks to us.

"Nice day"
"Lovely dog"

Kids will point and say "big dog", their mums will say "yes, it is a big doggy". Men try to engage me in conversation and, if the weather's a bit nippy, you can bet your life some old bag will tell me my dog needs her coat on.

AIBU in just wanting to walk my dog without men trying to pick me up, kids and their parents pointing at us and old biddies making passive aggressive comments?

Oh and for the avoidance of doubt; I put collar and lead on dog, not me. And poo bags are for dog.

Oh that had me really chortling.

Now don't get me started on people who actually want to touch my PFD ...

Well done, OP!

I talk to ALL dogs and cats. But especially dogs who are tied up and waiting for their person outside shops. I say things like "Aw...he won't be long!! and "Oh how are you today handsome?!" they seem to like it.

And I can't see why anyone would think it was a thread abotu a thread.

I do have sympathy for your OP, it does get tiring after a while. I have a very cute small dog who basically looks like a teddy bear and so is apparently irresistible to small children. My personal pet peeve is little children who run up to my small dog and try to pet him without asking first. Half the time they aren't very coordinated and end up whacking my poor dog and I have to be the mean lady who explains to the child/children that they need to ask the owner first before petting a dog because some dogs don't like being touched. My dog is very mellow and has never bitten anyone but they (and more importantly the parent who is standing there smiling while their child is whacking my poor dog) don't know that.

Are you for real?

I don't think this is working OP.

Try getting a bus with your border terrier puppy tucked in your coat. Or rather, getting off the bus.

"Um, this is my stop. Sorry... Sorry but... It's my stop..."

You're not getting off at your stop.

Get over yourself love.

What utter bastards how dare they speak to you and look at your dog..

enjoyingmycoffee - whilst I'm glad I raised a chortle, I was actually trying to preempt some wag from derailing my thread. I think it's really important that people realise it's not acceptable for people to pass the time of day with their fellow humans - and canines!

Yes, OP, it's just uncalled for!!! You and your speshul sneauxflayque doggie are too preshush to have people look at you, let alone speak to you! As with any royalty, they should cast their eyes to the floor and speak only if spoken to!

TAAT indeed.

But what if your baby dog is a prop to gain you attention?

Someone I know has recently got a very tiny (think miniature breed of dog) very cute puppy. She parades the poor thing around everywhere she can, she stands outside the school gates holding it in her arms ffs, I've seen children crowding around her three deep all trying to stroke one poor little puppy, with the puppy's owner loving every second of the attention.

I really don't know how she's going to cope when it grows up and isn't quite as cutely attention grabbing anymore.

Across - thanx hun, I knew someone would empathise.

WHAT ?

I am very proud to be an old Trout if it means I can manage a few social graces.

[Grin]

Someone touched my dog the other day.

I am very worried about the germs he could have passed on. What if dog gets a cold now? Usually I get people to wash their hands first!

Yesterday PFD was being a bit wilful and a woman of a certain age smiled in a patronising manner and said "mine was like that at that age. Don't worry, they grow out of it".

Georgianna

{{{hugs}}} to you, hun. Life is sooo hard sometimes. 'They' just don't understand, do they? I think you need to treat yourself to something so you feel better! xxxx

I'm feeling very reasonable today so I will add

1. The pleasure of dog walking for many is social interaction
2. Some people don't like this so go at 7 am ( DH does this )
3. I can't see that you can truly be 'REALLY upset' by people being friendly !!

My friend took my puppy for a walk last year - she lives in the countryside but was visiting me in the city. She said she felt like a celebrity because so many people wanted to talk to her. She loved it!

Maybe I am being a bit U. I mean, it's not like I'm the first person in the world to give birth have a dog, is it?

Are people still thinking this is real?

Wankers, the lot of them.

Especially the children, and the biddies.

How very dare they get a bit of enjoyment from your pooch

I bet it upsets your dog too.