To think this doesn’t need explanation…

[ClearConfusion]

If you came across this, would you try to pet the dog, speak to the dog or stand so close your leg was touching the dog? One person did all three things to my dog today. I was stood at the counter in a small reception area, booking my next appointment, when a woman bent to pet my dog whilst saying hello to him. I had to side step to avoid the contact. She then stepped right next to him touching his side with her leg, so I had to move again. When I told her she couldn’t stroke the dog as he was working, she asked in a challenging manner, “how exactly is he working and why can’t I say hello”. I didn’t answer straight away, as I was already in conversation with the receptionist. She then asked again why was I training him, what was I training, and who was I training him for. I told her, she can’t pet him, as then he will expect to say hello to everyone he meets and would be distracted and not concentrating.
YANBU- the jacket clearly states not to distract, you don’t need to explain anything

YABU- she was just interested in the dog

Some people are just thick as shit.

Oh FFS some people are both entitled and as thick as shit. I have no idea how you remained civil.

It’s a shame there aren’t assistance dogs for morons.

What a wanker! I’m sorry OP sounds like you handled it with far more grace than I would have.

You can’t do anything about stupid!

People are clueless. Of course it's clear. She's being an idiot

Wow when I thought I'd heard the stupidest things people can do they always surprise me with more stupid.

Your signs couldn't be clearer, how annoying.

No, those signs on the dog do not need explaining but some people just won't be told.

I have a friend whose dog is reactive to other dogs if they come too near; he doesn't bite but does growl.

Friend's dog is always on the lead, the lead is bright yellow with the word 'nervous' written all the way down it in large black letters. It's couldn't be clearer, yet people still allow their dogs to run up to my friend's dog, even when the approaching dog is on its own lead.

Invariably, they're really put out when my friend's dog reacts.

You can't argue with stupid. It's very frustrating.

She's an idiot.

Nailed it.

The world is full of imbeciles.

Shame they don't do service dogs for morons. Maybe they could bite them on the arse whenever they say or do something moronic. Might be a lucrative business venture.

YANBU at all.

My son's dog, Olive, was a Covid pup and, we think, not socialised with other dogs. As a result she's 'not good with other dogs' and can be aggressive. For that reason she's always on a lead in public.

Last weekend we were out with her in one of Liverpool's big public parks. The number of off lead dogs that were allowed to run up to her, some themselves making aggressive noises, has to be seen to be believed.

On the other hand she's absolutely super with people. But the number of parents who let small children just go up and pet her without any sort of by your leave is such that asking is almost the exception. She absolutely loves it.

OTOH my daughter had a Cocker Spaniel who ended up being put down because of biting people. He'd have had a lump out a kid who did what they do Olive....

I would assume I was dealing with someone who wasn't all there.

Can you get jackets saying 'AGGRESSIVE' or 'WILL BITE'?

This gave me a rage for some reason

Probably the same person who thinks you are being unreasonable!

I think I'd have been interested to chat to you — I have family who were puppy walkers for the Guide Dogs — but no, I wouldn't have tried to interact with him.

I'll admit and I do try and get close to dogs but wait until they show me an interest, and I would never distract a dog with the jacket on and I would never argue with an owner if they said no!

The dog's jacket couldn't be much clearer, could it? It says to leave the dog alone in no uncertain terms!

The woman was an idiot.

I’d assume she had learning difficulties or similar. The dog’s coat is very clear. You don’t owe her an explanation.

Fuck's sake, I'm one of those fannies that can't pass a dog without wanting to pat it but even I can spot an assistance dog!

I really don’t mind explaining what he’s trained for, but I do when someone is in my personal space. My dog was against my left leg and she stepped forward, facing him with her right leg touching his shoulder, so she was in my space as well. It was uncomfortable and also annoying, so I was very limited in my explanation.