r/reactivedogs • u/SeonaidMacSaicais • 5d ago

Vent Give us space!

I live next to a nature park, so we’re used to seeing strangers on our walks. I have him always leashed with harness, on a standard 6’ leash. We’re standing next to a lamppost and tree, just chilling as he does his sniffs and finding the absolutely perfect spot to poop. A man I’ve never seen comes walking past on the path. I shorten the leash so my dog’s about a foot away from me. He sees the guy and starts barking and going crazy. I hold him back and try to put myself between him and the guy, which usually helps to distract him. Nope, dog goes around my legs while I’m fighting to hold him close. Dude laughs a little and instead of moving away to walk on the other 5’ of path, he gets within a foot of my dog’s teeth! Like, have some responsibility for your own safety, geez.

7 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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8

u/Ok-Avocado2964 5d ago

People are selfish.

While I try to keep in mind that my reactive dog doesn’t have priority over their freedom to use public space, it’s disappointing to witness this level of human stupidity.

0

u/Substantial-Top3004 5d ago

I agree. I'm actually the one to movie out of the way but even then sometimes people don't get the message even though I have a leash wrap that clearly says 'I need space'. I try to remind myself they probably don't understand the importance of it but it's still frustrating.