Pidge, I don't think you are really one of those idiots

To put into context my original point - it's when you ask the owner not to let their dog approach and they say it or your dog shows all the signs of not wanting to socialise and they take no notice.

I have the problem a lot with Eddy who was not socialised before I got him and is now losing his eyesight. He doesn't like dogs approaching him and will have a real go. To be honest, I don't think it makes a lot of difference to him anymore at 14 years of age he's done it since I've had him (was worse before I got him) and probably before, but it puts Takara on edge when he gets stressy and I don't like that either.
I'll say 'he's not keen on other dogs, can you call yours away please?' whilst getting a treat out to distract him with.
That's when I get the 'oh he needs to learn anyway'

Well... ok, but when this biscuits finished, then the distraction's finished!

I have more trouble with Takara. She's generally good and is off the lead but is very nervy and can get easily stressed if a large dog comes over in a boisterous manner.
At that point Takara will show ALL the signs of being uncomfortable and most dogs don't take any notice. Unfortunately, neither do the owners. I will call Takara away from the situation that's bothering her and the dog will follow. I must admit, I should say something but I know that if I open my mouth I'll sound stressed and upset Takara so tend to just try to keep her attention and make it as obvious as possible to the other owner, but they still make no attempt to call away their dog and when T shows her teeth or snaps, I either get them calling their dog away hurriedly and muttering about offlead aggressive dogs or saying 'oh it's ok, he needs to learn'.

I don't have a problem with dogs socialising as dogs, it's when I ask people to keep them away or make it as clear as day that I'm keeping mine away and people are clearly only thinking about the effect an encounter would have on their dog.

I don't want people to think I'm a monster or against socialisation! LOL - I just think it's about being compassionate and I never have a go at people - especially if it's a pup or rescue that's still learning!

Ahhhhhhhh nope not allowed near dogs that are onlead or when owners have asked for them not to come near!

Im like that with Mav, the very last thing he needs is a fight!!!!!

Yes thats fine, but he has manners! & shows good Doggy Body Language. Its dogs with no manners & leap straihght on your dogs head & "demmand" to get played with that cause the problem!

yes its my bug bear too.
I am actually astounded with all the media attention that staffies get that my onlead, dog aggressive ( ie: growling staffie) still gets numpties letting their dogs get right in his face saying " it will do him good to get told off - menaing their dog"
to h*** with how it affects my dog though !!

My other hate is usually when its a small fluffy white dog " oh he is trying to punch above his weight" whilst their dog is terrorising mine and I am doing all I can to hold him back from trying to eat the little mutt !!! arrrrggghhh

needless to say its why I often can be found trudging in a cold wet field to avoid other dog owners !! LOL

Exactly... very well put. it really is in the approach of other dogs to Skye, if they are calm with relaxed body language, there is no problem. Its "rude" dogs that barge up to her that cause the teeth reaction.
Pidge, i don't want to scare you, but i have this "problem" with Skye as she was attacked as a pup of the same age as your lovely woody by a dog aggressive staffy that the owner had no control of but let it off the lead anyway. It made a beeline for Skye from across the field, and before i could react, it had her by the throat its the worst sound in the world to hear your dog screaming in pain

Jann

Scared

We've just been discussing this thread and have agreed to be more conscious of it. So if nothing else, message has been sent