Puppy got sworn at and kicked by a jogger today...

[notimefortv]

she is only little and looks like a teddy bear - Bichon and toy poodle cross - can't even reach your knees if she jumps up.

Walking in woods with a friends and her lab x puppy and 5 children under 5 with us (2 in a buggy and 3 running around). Going a long a path and a jogger is running up - he shakes his head as he passes us as the pups have shown some interest in him - they come back to us but go back up to him when he is further away - he then stops and screams at mine to F Off but she sniffs a bit more so he boots her in the stomach. I couldn't believe it - most people at least give me the chance to say I'm sorry and am training her etc.

He was too far away to say antyhing although some other walkers shouted at him but then off he ran.

Please tell me that I will be more traumatised than the dog? Was in a wood with loads of dog walkers so can't believe it doesn't happen to him all the time.

Had just taken her off the trainng line but quickly put it back on - now need to re-gain my faith in mankind.

Good idea Wynken. I've just finished the recall section in The Culture Clash and am starting to realise how hard this dog training malarkey is going to be.

Would it be acceptable for me to allow my pet tarantula to wander all over an arachnophobe's children? Would it be acceptable to allow my pet snake to drape himself around your neck? Would it be acceptable to allow my rat to run up your leg and sit on your lap? I suspect people who are phobic would do more than shout and flap - they would hit, kick and kill these small, harmless and(to me) cute animals.

Some people do not like dogs. And some dog owners seem peculiarly blind to this, stating "he's friendly" "he doesn't bite" "But he's only little" "he's only young".

It's like someone saying to me "Maggots are only little babies" - I don't give a S**T! They're repulsive!

Every time you allow your dog to go gallumphing vacuously to anyone who takes their fancy, you are risking your dog's safety. You can't predict people, so if you can't predict your dog you need to keep it on a lead!

I was just thinking that coldtits - how I will, in an instant, squish a spider out of terror or whack a small rodenty thing (DH has the same response to butterflies )

There's a difference between not liking an animal and hurting it.

And I'm sorry, a tiny pup like that is patently NOT a threat to a grown man.

Yes, but where do us dog owners say the bit about every bit of green space being solely for us, etc?

Shush bella, don't let the facts get in the way of a good owner-bashing

I generally live by theory that the way you treat animals is a clear indication of the way you treat people. I wouldn't want to be married to this man.

you find plenty of dog-hating idiots on Mumsnet...

poor little pup.

Yes, there is a difference between disliking an animal and hurting it.

HAnds up who has never ever killed an insect?

You're right MrsL.

Always important to remember there are people out there who feel so bad about themselves that their only enjoyment is in making others feel worse.

I hate people who's kids come up and put their sticky hands all over me, kids who constantly scream and shout in restaurants, and mums that stop dead in supermarket aisles or on pavements with their pushchairs to have a chat. Wouldn't kick one though.

And I'm still looking, coldtits.

In your own time, sweetie.

but coldtits, the other way of thinking about it is if I had a terrible phobia or allergy of butterflies, I'm hardly going to visit the butterfly house at Chester Zoo am I?

Likewise if I have such a terrible phobia of dogs that my 'knee jerk' reaction upon meeting one is to boot it in the belly (a reaction as someone pointed out on the thread could easily have killed the OP's dog)...well common sense would probably lead me to the conclusion that maybe I should avoid situations where there is a high probablity that there will be dogs off lead.

I am COMPLETELY with you on your frustrations wrt dog owners 'blindeness' to how not everyone is not a dog lover - I cannot stand dogs that leap up all over me etc (and I always give the owners my special Eye of Sauron Stare).

I think there is a reasonable middle ground somewhere though...

ghaaa this has turned into an AIBU thread

"You'd think someone who hated dogs might choose to go running somewhere else in the acres of green space available - but I presume he must in some way enjoy venting..." by exexpat.

"Puppies need training and practice and it is entirely reasonable to use a family walk on a sunday to practice recall." by overthemill

I'm sorry your poor dog got kicked, but when I ran I was driven mad by dogs which ran around my feet and nearly tripped me, jumped up - cold scrathy muddy claws on bare legs not nice - and once a dog jumped up and (playfully - it was a puppy) bit my thigh. Drawing blood. I love animals, even dogs, but I kicked out at it - and got a mouthful from the owner. But if your dog sin't trained not to chase after humans and run and jump at strangers then keep it on a lead. You have a right to excercise your dogs in public, that doesn't mean other people have to put up with them jumping up, slobbering, tripping, nipping etc, however cute they are

ooh interesing butterfly x posts with MP

I blardy hate people in supermarkets who stop dead in front of you and take up the whole aisle and say nothing when you say 'Excuse me please' to get past.

But I've yet to kick one

Bella, why have you focused on me personally?

I have answered your question whilst living my life. Not every aspect of my life involves Mumsnet, I have to stop and interact with my children too.

Still looking....

Yes, I dislike dogs but I am not an idiot. Don't think there is any need to go down that road. We have not come on here calling you all coochie coo dog twats.

Yes so a bichon frise puppy milling round your ankles is not a direct threat, however it is bloody easy to trip over small dogs and go arse over tit (voice of experience).

People who stop dead in supermarkets generally don't bite.

You know what, come to think of it, I haven't kicked a bunny rabbit recently either. I must make a to-do list.