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AIBU?

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Original poster

My negligence or the dog walkers?

68 replies

Livnlife · 30/12/2023 07:48

I was walking my pittie. We saw a lab. I pull my pittie close. Who I assume is the owner loosen lead, say”she’s friendly”. I say “all of them are, but I who knows, with what dogs!” She continues to let her dog close. I hold mine back. Im began calming my dog. Listen for a deep growl, watch hairs, ignore wagging tail. Next thing you know her dog is up on mine. The dog is nervous and scared. My dog tries to stand over her’s, I pull back, say no. (sign of dominance) Let walker know I just got her from the rescue, she has not been socialized. Continue to say Ive had her 3 weeks, Im learning her still. She again loosened her dog lead. My dog bit hers. Then she tells me the dog isnt hesr… She is walking her for her boss. Wft. Then proceeds to tell me she wants to be paid for the bill. Am I obligated to pay? Again my dog was never off lead. And I was at an intersection waiting to cross when I was approached

OP posts:
LunaLovegoodsLeftEyebrow · 30/12/2023 07:50

Your dog should be muzzled, if you are aware it is unsocialised and unpredictable.

The dog walker was also in the wrong.

Presumably you have insurance (most rescues insist on this)

Eekmystro · 30/12/2023 07:50

It sounds like it was her fault. You were clear saying no and kept your dog under control. I do wonder if your dog should have a muzzle if it isn’t socialised and being walked in paths near people and o th era dogs.

Marblessolveeverything · 30/12/2023 07:53

You are responsible for your dogs actions. Why wasn't your dog wearing a muzzle, it's illegal to walk a restricted breed without one.

You don't sound like an experienced dog owner which makes me very suspicious of the rescue as most only place restricted breeds with very experienced owners.

newnamethanks · 30/12/2023 07:53

You are walking a dog that you know isn't adequately socialised and should, at least, be muzzled. You are both at fault as dog owners. Idiots.

WandaWonder · 30/12/2023 07:54

Where was the muzzle?

Cosyblankets · 30/12/2023 07:54

Both at fault.
You know your dog is reactive

Caerulea · 30/12/2023 07:54

The walker was bang out of order, no question.

Fwiw, though, I would start muzzle training with yours.

RandomButtons · 30/12/2023 07:55

Six of one half a dozen of the other. If your dog is unsocialised and bites you need to walk far away from others or muzzle train.

You pulling your dog close is spreading anxiety to your dog and will make them more reactive. You need to change course and walk away, and learn to stay calm in all situations. Get yourself some good dog training- it’ll help a lot.

margotrose · 30/12/2023 07:56

As both dogs were on leads I would say you were both equally at fault.

You also need to learn to stand up for your dog - don't just let other people approach - body block if necessary, or turn around and walk away, or cross the road etc.

Original poster
Livnlife · 30/12/2023 07:56

You sound lonely

OP posts:
Original poster
Livnlife · 30/12/2023 07:57

Thank you. Im totally fine with that.

OP posts:
AndThatWasNY · 30/12/2023 07:58

OP why do you have a reactive rescue Pitbull with no muzzle? Obviously she was stupid as well but you are at fault.

Beryls · 30/12/2023 08:00

I think if your dog bit the other dog and it needed vet treatment you should pay.

Same think happened to me when I first got my jack russel from a rescue, I wasn't aware that she was no good with other dogs until she bit a dog's nose who had come over to play. Before that she seemed quite friendly. I don't think you can tell with rescues sometimes. I paid. You live and learn.

However my dog is small and easy to control, so even if some idiot keeps saying their dog is friendly and letting them come near mine despite being told, it's easy enough to just pick her up. Might be worth getting a muzzle for now if you're going to areas with other dogs.

These things happen and it wasn't necessarily your fault but you should pay for any injury to the other dog.

Papillon23 · 30/12/2023 08:00

Livnlife · 30/12/2023 07:57

Thank you. Im totally fine with that.

To quote a post, press the 3 dots in the top right corner of the post then use the quote button. The reply button underneath the posts (illogically) does nothing. Otherwise no one can tell who you're replying to.

PleaseBeADecentYear2024 · 30/12/2023 08:02

The other owner is at fault but my understanding is that the liability is still with the owner of the dog that bit.

Marblessolveeverything · 30/12/2023 08:02

https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs
I am going to assume you are in UK, but Ireland has laws also.

I would strongly recommend you return the dog, for your own sake. Because the next time it may be a child.

Controlling your dog in public

You can be fined if your dog is out of control in public - find out about Dog Control Orders, banned dogs, dog fouling and reporting a dangerous dog

https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs

Original poster
Livnlife · 30/12/2023 08:04

The difference is you invited the dog over. Had an agreement with owner. But response is very much respected and appreciated

OP posts:
Original poster
Livnlife · 30/12/2023 08:04

us

OP posts:
Ktime · 30/12/2023 08:04

Livnlife · 30/12/2023 08:04

The difference is you invited the dog over. Had an agreement with owner. But response is very much respected and appreciated

Who are you talking to?!

Original poster
Livnlife · 30/12/2023 08:04

Ty.

OP posts:
Beryls · 30/12/2023 08:05

I'm assuming the OP is not in the uk as pitbulls are banned in the UK and no rescue can rehome them.

2Old2Tango · 30/12/2023 08:08

Beryls · 30/12/2023 08:05

I'm assuming the OP is not in the uk as pitbulls are banned in the UK and no rescue can rehome them.

I think her reply "us" actually means USA. OP also used the term "intersection" which is an American word.

MyDogsPaws · 30/12/2023 08:11

Unfortunately you will be the one at fault here although really it is was the other walker causing the issue. Now this has happened you will need to keep your dog muzzled and learn to be firm. On lead greetings are really difficult/stressful for a lot of dogs, my own dog is absolutely fine with other dogs she meets off lead but if she was in a situation like you’ve described with lead pulled tight and another dog in her face she would probably snap too. You have to tell people very clearly and directly that their dogs cannot approach your dog and if they don’t listen turn and walk away. I would also seek advice from the rescue if possible.

LolaSmiles · 30/12/2023 08:12

Reactive dog, poorly socialised dog with no muzzle is unreasonable to me.

Also, with this:
Who I assume is the owner loosen lead, say”she’s friendly”. I say “all of them are, but I who knows, with what dogs!”

If you have a new rescue dog that's highly reactive and poorly controlled, why did you be ambiguous and breezy instead of 'mine isn't friendly can you call your dog back' or 'mine's a new rescue and hasn't been socialised' or 'mine isn't call your dog back'.

The dog owner was partly unreasonable but I'm much more concerned that you're walking a reactive, poorly socialised dog without a muzzle and didn't communicate that to another owner.

SD1978 · 30/12/2023 08:13

It's tough, if she says your dog lunged at hers, they are not going to necessarily believe that you were trying to keep them seperate. It sounds like you're going to have to muzzle your dog in future walks, because of other owners, not your dog. Given there is probably no proof of your version, you probably are going to be expected to pay, and she can also report your dog