AIBU to feel too frightened to walk my dog after this?

[Felixfox]

I have a German shepherd. I specifically chose a German shepherd because I thought people wouldn’t mess with me. Long story short, this guy stalked us for an hour on a near deserted common with woodland etc. I was on the path back to the car park and just happened to notice him dip behind a large hedge, about 75 metres in front of me. I waited for 10/15 minutes. Eventually I thought to myself, no way did I see that, and started up the track. A few seconds later he came out, stood in front of me for a few seconds (at a distance) and then disappeared into the heather and trees. I could not believe it. He had been waiting for me. I called the police and was beside myself. Occasionally, I would see him peer out from behind tree. After what seemed a long time they turned up but they never found him. I don’t know what to do. I am terrified every time I take my dog for a walk. I have had therapy which didn’t really work. I feel so angry and stuck. How dare he do this to me? Advice PLEASE!!! X

That’s terrible, I’m so sorry. Did you get a photo of him at all? Do you have any dog walking friends you could pal up with? Or there might be a group near you. Not that you should have to. I feel the same way walking my dog.

YANBU to be concerned but I would try not to let this takeaway from future dog walks (I have a dog and solo walk too).

You have reported to the police which is good. I’d also maybe mention on your local social media pages that a suspicious man was noticed at X location, to gently warn others about the incident. And I’d choose a different location for dog walks for a little while.

I’m guessing if someone did approach you in an unpleasant way then your dog may be vocal/protective enough to warn them off?

Sorry this happened to you though, it is unpleasant indeed.

Hi, you said you got a GSD specifically to give you a bit of support walking? Was the incident below before or after you having the dog?

Sorry I have read again and looks like OP was walking with dog, sorry it didn’t translate well initially.

Agree with what you have down so far and it would be good to let local groups know.

I specifically chose a German shepherd because I thought people wouldn’t mess with me

That’s an unusual motivation.

Thank you both. WhatYouWearing I’m sorry you have this too. The funny thing is, is that she was a really surly friendly dog before this happened. And now I HAVE to take her to deserted places because after that she becss as me massively reactive and protective. Clever thing she is. But not terribly helpful for me!!!

Durpy, not surly!!!

What does durpy mean?

That is absolutely terrifying. I would stick to well populated areas for walks. Shouldn't have to, of course.

To me, durpy/derpy means a bit daft or silly.

Soft?

I don’t think it’s an unusual motivation at all. I love them as a breed and wanted to feel safe in the middle of nowhere.

One of our neighbours was followed during lockdown while out jogging by a car slowly following behind her. Ever since, it’s made me question going out alone.

I’ve got a reactive rescue in the last few months and I’m trying to stop her being reactive to everything while also wanting her to be protective. It’s impossible.

To try and put some perspective on where I am- I’m in the countryside.

Exactly. Nothing weird about that.

You need to walk in a different place and vary your route.

Me too. It’s not as simple as ‘get to a crowded place’.

What would be really helpful , would be if someone could give me some advice on how to move forward from this. I realise (thank god) that a lot of people have not been in this position. But is you were, or something even vaguely similar, I’d be very grateful if you could share how you coped and are coping with it x

Would wearing a body cam help do you think? I know lots of professional dog walkers do this.

Sorry OP that is super shit and really worrying. What would probably bring me comfort is knowing a GS is very protective breed and if something had happened, the stalker would not have lasted more than a few seconds before being attacked basically.

Durpy is a bit daft. Maybe I should wear a bobycam. I carry a small can of spray dep heat around me for my muscle pains…. But that’s all I can really do. Hate myself for this. My 20 year old self would be running at that man like a banshee. Mind you, that 20 something might not come out of it so well

The problem here was that she did nothing! Ever since though she will try and attack anything near here, which also does not make for a joyful walk!!

I’m getting a body cam and I’m taking up a martial art.

Good idea! And if you figure out how to stop a dog reacting to the things you don’t want them to let me know 😊

If she isnt protection trained then she is probably not going to be much help.

Set the dog on him?!

If you wanted a dog for protection you have to have them professionally trained by very experienced trainers. Otherwise you're just out there hoping your dog will be reactive which you actually don't want because your dog is at risk of biting someone and the consequences of that are not good.

Get your dog basic and intermediate training asap, especially if she's attacking anything near her.

What you describe is a big problem here. People are getting big dogs as a deterrent and the demand has led to backyard breeding which is causing health issues and the owners don't seem to get that these dogs need lots of training and that training reinforced daily.