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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be upset at peoples reaction to the muzzle?

484 replies

Doggydoggydoggy · 09/01/2019 11:56

Just that really.

Dog wears one because she has nipped a few people.

She is not people aggressive.

I had a woman today clearly frightened because she ran near her buggy.
Near as in running past it.
Not barking/lunging/acting aggressive/approaching the child etc.

The woman got really scared at the sight of my dog, recoiled pulling the buggy so my dog did what most dogs will do in response and looked at her and went to approach.

So I called her back to me immediately and put her lead on.
That didn’t stop the woman constantly looking back angrily at me as she was walking ahead.

I really don’t think my dog had done anything that would reasonably make anyone feel frightened.

I can only assume it is the muzzle making the mum think she must be some child mauling demon.

And I find it really upsetting.

I wanted to talk to her and explain that she has the muzzle for nipping dogs and that I was sorry she frightened her but she honestly poses no risk to her child and has no interest in her child.
But her constant looking back and glaring at me made me feel really uncomfortable so I didn’t.

OP posts:
Getmeoutoflondon · 10/01/2019 20:02

Although you are upset about this lady’s reaction, I think you need to accept that the vast majority will assume your dog is wearing a muzzle because it bites. You say your dog only nips other dogs but the public don’t know that.

Original poster
Doggydoggydoggy · 10/01/2019 20:02

Just to add aswell, I’m not sure it makes much difference really but as there have been a few posts referring to towns, busy public areas etc.

This was a public park full of fields and trees and widely used by dog walkers.
This woman was the only other person there.

OP posts:
SplashingAroundTown · 10/01/2019 20:03

Look, OP. I feel a bit sorry for you because as you’ve explain it all it seems the lady overreacted.

However... She didn’t have a detailed explain of your/your dog’s history. She just saw a muzzled dog near her child and responded automatically.

I like a few dogs but generally not a huge fan - in large part because so many approach me and my dc and sniff, lick, slobber over us. Never aggressive (thankfully) but still, eurgh. And each time in the back of my head I’m worried that they might be aggressive. Because I don’t know them!

And at least 50% of dog owners who have allowed their dog to lick/slobber me have acted as though it’s completely charming that their dog wants to make friends. But I’m thinking “that is completely revolting”! Although I’m almost always polite and I almost always have wipes with me. But still.

I have smell dc. Their existence will annoy some people (not because they’re particularly loud or naughty, just some people find all children a bit annoying). That’s ok. I understand.

But I wish dog owners understand that lots of people just don’t like dogs that much!!

SplashingAroundTown · 10/01/2019 20:04

Hilarious typo. I have SMALL dc, not smell Blush

Geminijes · 10/01/2019 20:05

If the dog is wearing a muzzle (I thought a muzzle was to prevent a dog biting) then it can't bite so why would people be afraid of the dog? Surely, you would be more scared of a dog without a muzzle?

Balaboosteh · 10/01/2019 20:07

Your dog, your problem. Why does it matter to you what other people think? Your dog doesn’t care.

AmoAngelus · 10/01/2019 20:10

Honestly, I'd put myself between my child and your dog too even knowing the story and I'd certainly be anxious if the dog came towards her. And I say this as a dog lover whose own dog used to wear a muzzle and whose child loves dogs. As a parent you read that muzzle to mean stay away. Either the dog is dangerous, or it cannot be trusted. Children are actually really small, especially if they're in a pram and a small dog is actually quite a big thing to them.

DDs friend is terrified of all dogs. That muzzle would instantly terrify her friend beyond all measure. He's already afraid of dogs, a dog perceived as a real danger is too much. That means the child is likely to make loud noises, run, make actions the dog could perceive as aggression etc all of which can kick even a friendly dog into unpredictable behaviour. A dog with a tendancy to bite...I would be running with him and too right I'd be looking back to make sure the dog wasn't anywhere near him for both their sakes.

You muzzle your dog, expect people to treat it as a potential threat. Especially around vulnerable people such as infants and small children. You don't like that, then that's your problem not theirs. And I say this as someone who also applauds you for taking that action. No children with me and I'm happily chatting to you. I am not likely to stick my fingers through the muzzle or freak out and so the dog, even an aggressive towards people dog, is no danger to me. I'm not afraid of it and upon learning that muzzled dogs are people friendly I will happily pet them. But children + dogs = volatile situation at the best of times. Children + Dogs proven to give cause for concern = HELL NO!

Givinguponyou · 10/01/2019 20:12

Put your dog on a lead. Problem solved!

Rose87777 · 10/01/2019 20:16

I absolutely love dogs but have never had one as a pet and am very wary of them. I get nervous when a dog approaches my toddler but I would feel a lot better if one was wearing a muzzle! Surely that’s much less threatening... I can’t bite your LO!

Rose87777 · 10/01/2019 20:18

*it Confused

Villageidiots · 10/01/2019 20:18

I get so sick of dogs running up to me when I am running and the attitudes of dog owners who seem to think this is just fine. It's really not. Keep them under control or on a lead.

Reallyevilmuffin · 10/01/2019 20:33

To be honest I would have done the same. And I would have preferred emptively gone for the dog if it continues to go towards me ignoring the calls. It is off lead, uncontrolled. If I see it as a threat to my children I will do anything to diminish that threat.

ohohoops · 10/01/2019 20:42

I don't like being approached by any dog. I think you did the right think to call it back immediately. My personal pet hate is people who call oh she's fine when it is approaching me and my kids or coming near me when I am running. It doesn't help that if dogs touch us - and quite a lot do/try - one of us may have an asthma attack. As I said I think you behaved fine but I am entitled not to like other people's dogs and I much prefer dogs on leads. I think you are unreasonable to decide how this lady should feel and be upset about it. Though to be honest I wouldn't have been rude to you.

brighteyeowl17 · 10/01/2019 20:43

Your dog bit people. People are scared of it because the muzzle shows this

I’m sorry what?! YABvvu

Lizzie48 · 10/01/2019 20:57

@brighteyeowl17

The dog has never bitten people, it's bitten other dogs that have approached it. The OP has said repeatedly that it's never been aggressive towards humans. Hmm

livs1987 · 10/01/2019 20:59

It’s hypocritical to force your dog on others (by refusing to put it on a lead when others are frightened) and also simultaneously get offended and feel oh so upset when other’s aren’t as fond of your dog as you are!

You are just ‘one of those’ dog owners, OP.

Original poster
Doggydoggydoggy · 10/01/2019 21:06

I DID put her on a lead as soon as it became apparent the woman was frightened..

It says that repeatedly in the thread that you haven’t bothered to read.

Ditto with the poster that thinks she has bitten people.
She hasn’t.
Read.
🙄

OP posts:
OutPinked · 10/01/2019 21:13

All dogs should be on leads.

lboogy · 10/01/2019 21:14

I was probably that woman. Not really but I do scowl at dog owners when I'm out with the buggy. I'm on high alert as my baby is vulnerable. Why should I make you feel better about letting a dog with a muzzle come anywhere near my child

The same way you're protecting your dog, do do mothers of their children

Deadbudgie · 10/01/2019 21:16

Village -my dog gets scared of people running up behind her and then running past (a lot of dogs do as they think why is that person running they must be running away from something) you would prob do better to walk quietly past the dogs

RoodleNoodle · 10/01/2019 21:18

I get the same reaction unfortunately OP. My retriever is muzzled because she will eat anything and everything. People assume she is aggressive when in fact she is super friendly. I too, let her off the lead as she is well trained and comes back when I call her but people will yell at me saying I'm irresponsible letting her off near children 😢.

PierreBezukov · 10/01/2019 21:18

Just put your dog on a lead.

Dita73 · 10/01/2019 21:18

You also said you refuse to put her on a lead. If it’s a public place then the dog should be on a lead. No matter how great you think your dog is they are still animals and can be unpredictable. I’m a dog lover myself,I have two but I’m never under the assumption that everyone shares my opinions. Also they’ve never ever bitten anyone or anything but can I say 100% that they never would? No,I can’t because I just don’t know. Other people also don’t know this and may be anxious of dogs in the first place but seeing it with a muzzle on could terrify them

brighteyeowl17 · 10/01/2019 21:18

Why is ‘nipped’ different to bitten. Caused harm end of.

brighteyeowl17 · 10/01/2019 21:20

In response to person saying runners shouldn’t run past your dogs.. so runners are not entitled to run when your dogs are around. Just. Wow.

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