to expect dog owners to help in this situation

[cansu]

I have a dc with severe autism. He is non verbal and has significant learning disabilities. He walks in a slightly odd way, hand flaps and makes odd noises so he is quite visibly different. He is also scared of certain noises and is frightened of dogs despite my own parents having two lovely little dogs who have never harmed him. Whenever we go out for a walk, he gets v upset by dogs running towards him. I try and put myself in front of them. I make it clear he is scared but dog owners invariably chuckle and tell me oh he is just giddy, no harm in him etc etc, making no effort at all to either call dog over or put hand on dogs collar whilst we pass by. Meanwhile ds is flapping, shouting, running into bushes etc. He is an older teen so not possible to scoop him up if I see a dog coming over. I don't expect dog to be on lead, but would it be unreasonable for a dog owner, once they have twigged situation to call over dog whilst we pass by??

[george1020]

I'm very keen on my dog (he is the best dog ever!)
But between him or a child (or adult) that is clearly distressed by him the child would be my priority!
Dog would be on lead and taken off path as far away from distressed person as possible. I love dogs but don't think just because I have chosen to own a dog that other people should be inflicted by him.

What really pisses me off is dog owners that let their dog come bounding up to mine telling me how friendly they are, well that's great but my dog is a rescue he was beaten and attacked by other people and dogs. He is a friendly happy dog with us (his family) but may bite another dog if he feels threatened (same goes for people)
I don't want to have to worry about other dogs not being on a lead or in anyway controlled by blissfully unaware, ignorant owners when I take mine out. He is always on a lead kept as far away from others as possible but still people think it's lovely for their dogs to come and play with mine.

I think the problem is some people are actually really thick and have no idea anyone might not love their little doggykins as much as they do!