Was I rude/wrong in this situation?

[clankist]

Was out walking my two seven month chihuahuas today. I have treated them like dogs from day one and they are very well trained. They walk off lead absolutely fine and don't bother other dogs at all, however if a dog comes running over to them they will bolt.

Today I was walking them off lead and there were two big golden retriever with two women who were chatting. We were quite a distance away but one of the retrievers started barking and running towards me/my dogs. I put my hand out in a 'stop' motion as it got closer. I said, 'stop' and when that didn't work I said 'no'. That didn't work either and my dogs started to run away.

I moved away from the dogs and began to call for my dogs but the retriever kept following me so my dogs were standing watching at a distance but wouldn't come over due to the dog being next to me. I shouted across to the woman, 'can you please get your dog?' No reply and she continued talking.

I moved away again, calling my dogs and the dog followed me again. I looked at the lady and shouted, 'can you get your dog?' She didn't move.

I moved away again and the dog followed once again, at this point I was exasperated and said a little sternly, 'will You move your dog!?'

She came over and said, 'my dog isn't anywhere near your dogs' rudely.

I said, 'yeah because they ran away terrified due to your dog coming up to them. If your dog is off lead it shouldn't be running up to my dogs'

She went to say something but I just held up my hand and said, 'thank you'.

I then continued my walk with my dogs and the lady met another dog walker who then started pointing to me and shaking their head.

Did I do the right thing to deal with this situation or was I too sensitive? I just think you shouldn't have your dog off the lead unless you know they will not approach any other dogs without permission.

I don't think OP put her hand in front of her face but just held it up to stop more talking so she could go. However the dogs should be on lead. By running off they could cause an accident to other people or child or the dogs themselves.

This… 👆

It is frustrating when dogs off lead run up to people who don’t want their attention, but if my dogs are known to run when there will be other dogs then it would be safer to have them on a lead, admittedly then they feel threatened.
You were annoyed and concerned and I agree with you, but from the lady’s point of view her dog was not near yours, so she would be confused as to why you were suddenly cross when all dogs were off lead.

Personally I think we need to look at dogs off lead in open / public areas as there are increasing issues, I don’t know the answer though.

I think both of you were in the wrong. If your dogs are too scared to deal with other dogs, they should be on a lead also. If you want off-lead areas, find something more secluded.

Someone who walks dog off lead annoyed when someone else walks their dog off the lead and the dog does what dogs do.

I tend to walk mine off a lead, but know my lab can be a bit boisterous, so tend to put her back on a lead if others are around. Another of my dogs is young and still a bit nervous, but I think it's healthy to let them do what dogs do withing reason.

If you're worried about your dogs running off when approached by other dogs then keep them on a lead. The retriever was just showing and interest, as dogs do. If you and your dogs can't cope, that's your issue, not everyone else's.

Plus, you're lucky that the woman didn't take your silly hand gesture as an act of aggression.

Keep you dog on their lead unless in a dog park. So yabu.
can’t stand you entitled dog owners. “My dog doesn’t hurt children blah blah blah” 🙄

You have no way of knowing whether there will be other random dog off their lead causing your dogs to run away so it sounds to me like your dogs shouldn’t be allowed of their leads either… particularly if they don’t return to you when called, irrespective of why that is.

This !

People don't need to be in a dog park to let their dogs off lead.

Yes, you were rude from the beginning when you told her dog to stop and shouted at her to get it, and then you got even worse by holding up your hand and not letting her finish. Surely you know that's rude?

Agree with PPs that your dogs should be on leads if they run off in situations like this and cannot be recalled. How can you blame that woman for the fact that your dogs have this issue?

I do feel for you here but I think it’s 50/50. I have a one year old golden retriever and an older black lab, the retriever can be an idiot!! He will go up to other dogs but I always keep an eye on him and if he chased your dogs I’d be getting him, although he may not come back right away! The other lady was rude not to try and help and get her dog back so you could get on with your walk but she may well have been engrossed in conversation and not seen your struggle maybe?
As others have said, it’s documented that dogs from the same litter is not a good idea, can make them nervous of other dogs as they’re so used to eachother, maybe once a week it may be a good idea to walk them separately? Just an idea.

Because she shouldn't let her dog wander over to anyone, ever. And need to be told 3 times to call it back?

Your child is far more likely to hurt my dog than my dog is to hurt your child.

This

If a dog is in their lead I put mine on a lead. If it is off the lead I let them go up to the dog.

Why?

Why not

Because it's being really irritating and irresponsible unless you know the owner.

I think you were very rude. I also think you need to either socialise your dogs better or keep them on a lead or in your handbag or whatever if they cannot cope with meeting another dog.

If you are going to let two dogs off the lead then you need to be prepared for them to run into other dogs and be able to interact with them. I have two small dogs too (not chihuahuas but small) but I have socialised my dogs and they delight in meeting other dogs and human beings. If they didn’t, I would keep them on a lead. My small dogs eagerly meet Labradors, all kinds of spaniels, I don’t think they would be phased by a rottweiler because I have socialised them.

You need to step up and do better for your dogs.

@AllThingsServeTheBeam happens all the time in our park, I've made lots of friends this way (or my dog has!).

Love an early morning chat, whilst the dogs play with new friends.

Fine if you know them or ask permission. Not otherwise. Totally irresponsible.

In your opinion. Glad I live in a nice dog friendly community where everyone knows and follows the same unwritten rules. It’s just common sense isn’t it. Why shouldn’t dogs meet and play with other off lead dogs. I certainly don’t find it irritating or annoying.

I live in a nice dog friendly community. One day you're going to let your dog approach the wrong off lead dog. And it will be all your fault

I never ever said they shouldn't meet and play with off lead dogs. Where have I said that? I said you shouldn't just let them approach without the ok from the owner.

Fair enough