Just wanted to point out that this thread is over a year old and the OP probably won't reply.

Totally didn't realise this was an old thread, just picked it out of 'view new posts'. Sorry

What would I have done = the exact same as you, cuz I've been there so many times in the same situation - these people are everywhere - they make me mad.

Me too.

Never mind!

Don't be sorry, it's still an interesting topic!

i would have done the same , its a real insult , i feel sorry for your dog ,to be honest i can see a big change in some dog walkers .not all of caurse ,we have meet lovely people on our walks ,since i have got my dogs ,all my friends i wouldnt have meet had i not got my dogs . it is a very sad fact that people are changeing ,towards dogs and dog walkers (the none dog owner. ) i find up setting for them to think ,you would walk a dog off the lead if he wasnt a nice dog .as for the ones that think ,they can treat you the way you have been treated to day is really not on .how do they think you felt ,when you walked off ....

me too

Never mind, pet, I find it`s always best to have a good old scream and shout rather than bottling it up. Dogs are social creatures. They need to socialise. Unfortunately some people insist on thinking they are rather dim short furry children, not animals with impressive cutlery and their own methods of communication. This is sad but hopefully their dogs will survive in spite of them.
I have had a dog aggressive dog. Not for one moment did I believe it was everyone else`s job to change their behaviour to accomodate us. Never ever did I shout or flap at approaching dogs. I worked and worked and in time (OK 5 years!) she handed in the towel and stopped challenging me. It was flippin hard work keeping her under control but it was MY problem - and one I had to solve. Everyone else has a perfect right to let their sociable dogs behave normally - which means greeting , playing with or ignoring other dogs.

The same as you probably! stupid people!

I had a woman with a young rough collie pup look at Tonks as if she was the devil, she was obviously very worried about her collie pup but the pup wanted to greet Tonks. The woman said to me...."oh my pups only very young i don't want it scared!". Not sure what she thought Tonks would do, i asked how young and she said 5 months.

I said " Mine's only 4 months!". Turned on me heel, called Tonks, who did a perfect recall and trotted off with me at my heel.

We then had to stop again because she couldn't get her dog back to her as it was yapping and running after Tonks.

I have to agree with puppy2006. Not all dog owners drag their dogs around me included. However, i always keep my dog on a lead because of recall issues and who knows that my dog is friendly. I think ppl who let their dogs off the lead who don't have good recall are irresponsible. I walked in our local park the other day and a big dog came over to me and i have a westie. I understand that they may be friendly but if something did happen what could i do? If your dog has very good recall then maybe it's ok to let them off but i dont let mine off and i dont want to be randomly approached either. My dog is socialised and went to training classes. He plays in the fields with other dogs i know and who im comfortable with. I think you need to look at both sides of this situation as you know your dog but other people don't. A what is supposed to be pleasuable walk often turns into a nightmare for me if dogs are off leads as im on red alert all the time, thats just how i am and you have to concider peoples past experiences. I have been biten by a dog when i was small although dogs dont frighten me if im on my own and also when i had another dog i got chased and had to ask someone to help me. Also my dog has had numerous operations on his legs due to luxating patellas etc... and i have needed to take him for calm walks