What's The Most Frustrating Statement Someone Has Made To You Late

[Alison03]

"you shouldn't be so cruel to you dog, he is only young"

Got this one when my boy was creating unacceptable behaviour outside the sliding door while we hosted a dinner party inside, to which I promptly put in a verbal stop, he obeyed with no issues and went back to playing happily.

No wonder some houses we go to there is no sense of control and wonder why their companions do not listen to any commands at all.

I've been told I'm very hard on my dog too, because I speak to her very firmly, "She's so cute, now she looks sad". The person who made that comment was afraid to put a harness on her dog because "She doesn't like the harness and sometimes she bites me while I'm putting it on her". ????????????

Edited September 5, 2013 by Trudy08

[Dory the Doted One]

I also love the people who think that the size of your puppy, despite it's actual age, equates to maturity and the ability to play with much older, similar sized juvenile dogs, with zero manners.

[LisaCC]

Not so much as a statement, but having afternoon tea in deep conversation with a friend, pup acting extremely good and almost falling asleep under our feet. Two ladies come up behind me and start playing with Nova. Seriously do you not think that is rude? If their wasn't a puppy there would you normally crouch down behind someone as they are eating and talking?

[Flashsmum]

As the owner of rescue greyhounds muzzled by law I get some gobsmaking statements. What I find frustrating is the comments from adults when their children ask a simple question like the most common from kids "why do those dogs have cages on their mouths?" Too many to mention but my top five would be

1) They bite

2) They kill things

3) They can't be trusted

4) They are nasty dogs quick come over here!

5) Because they eat children

It's unfortunate so many parents have the "great wall of china" mentality, I would think educating your children instead of scaring the crap out of them because of your own ignorance would be paramount

Pardon my ignorance but greyhounds seem to be the only dogs I see muzzled, I can remember them wearing muzzles when I was quite young, is there some special reason for this or is it an historical ruling that has something to do with greyhound racing?

I've never seen a report of a greyhound in a dog attack. I've never been rushed by one while walking my dog, I have a whole list of rushers who should be wearing muzzles and their owners handcuffs but greyhounds aren't on the list. A friend of mine owns two greyhounds and they are the most laid back friendly dogs.

In NSW they must wear muzzle if out of the yard, unless they have Greenhound collar, which means they have been through an assessment process to ensure they are safe without a muzzle. It is an old law that still exists, as the can have high prey drive, and racing dogs are used to chasing a lure.

I'm sure there's a whole lot more to it as well!

Our Harry has a Greenhound collar, so doesn't need to wear a muzzle in public, but he still has people avoiding him occasionally, although not as often as when he was muzzled.

He is the sweetest soul, and doesn't even chase the cat next door when she comes to explore our yard, or the chooks when they are on walkabout!

Edited September 5, 2013 by Flashsmum

[The Spotted Devil]

Not so much as a statement, but having afternoon tea in deep conversation with a friend, pup acting extremely good and almost falling asleep under our feet. Two ladies come up behind me and start playing with Nova. Seriously do you not think that is rude? If their wasn't a puppy there would you normally crouch down behind someone as they are eating and talking?

I had to start getting quite rude with people who would send their toddling child over at an outdoor cafe to play with my Dalmatian! It happened more than once - it's hard enough work having 2 very active dogs lying quietly whilst you enjoy a leisurely breakfast/lunch without people using us as a babysitting service!!!

[Alkhe]

As the owner of rescue greyhounds muzzled by law I get some gobsmaking statements. What I find frustrating is the comments from adults when their children ask a simple question like the most common from kids "why do those dogs have cages on their mouths?" Too many to mention but my top five would be

1) They bite

2) They kill things

3) They can't be trusted

4) They are nasty dogs quick come over here!

5) Because they eat children

It's unfortunate so many parents have the "great wall of china" mentality, I would think educating your children instead of scaring the crap out of them because of your own ignorance would be paramount

Pardon my ignorance but greyhounds seem to be the only dogs I see muzzled, I can remember them wearing muzzles when I was quite young, is there some special reason for this or is it an historical ruling that has something to do with greyhound racing?

I've never seen a report of a greyhound in a dog attack. I've never been rushed by one while walking my dog, I have a whole list of rushers who should be wearing muzzles and their owners handcuffs but greyhounds aren't on the list. A friend of mine owns two greyhounds and they are the most laid back friendly dogs.

It's a pretty archaic reason, and a little from column a, a little from column b. Essentially, greyhounds are considered livestock under the various pieces of legislation, rather than companion animals, and are therefore subject to different rules. They're considered livestock due to the racing industry and the various rules and regulations around it, so.. yep, the muzzling is for both those reasons. It's not because they're aggressive or dangerous - but many people will just see a muzzle and assume that the dog is aggressive and muzzled for that reason.

Many greyhounds do have strong prey drive, but that's not limited to greyhounds at all- the reason that only greys have to be muzzled is due to that legislative peculiarity. It's such a shame that it gives such negative publicity to such a gentle, loving breed.

[LisaCC]

Not so much as a statement, but having afternoon tea in deep conversation with a friend, pup acting extremely good and almost falling asleep under our feet. Two ladies come up behind me and start playing with Nova. Seriously do you not think that is rude? If their wasn't a puppy there would you normally crouch down behind someone as they are eating and talking?

I had to start getting quite rude with people who would send their toddling child over at an outdoor cafe to play with my Dalmatian! It happened more than once - it's hard enough work having 2 very active dogs lying quietly whilst you enjoy a leisurely breakfast/lunch without people using us as a babysitting service!!!

I held my tongue back a bit this time as the friend I was with is quite a gentle person.

I really don't understand people, yes yes I know you've never seen one before, I know he's cute, but you could at very least ask.

[Alison03]

As the owner of rescue greyhounds muzzled by law I get some gobsmaking statements. What I find frustrating is the comments from adults when their children ask a simple question like the most common from kids "why do those dogs have cages on their mouths?" Too many to mention but my top five would be

1) They bite

2) They kill things

3) They can't be trusted

4) They are nasty dogs quick come over here!

5) Because they eat children

It's unfortunate so many parents have the "great wall of china" mentality, I would think educating your children instead of scaring the crap out of them because of your own ignorance would be paramount

Pardon my ignorance but greyhounds seem to be the only dogs I see muzzled, I can remember them wearing muzzles when I was quite young, is there some special reason for this or is it an historical ruling that has something to do with greyhound racing?

I've never seen a report of a greyhound in a dog attack. I've never been rushed by one while walking my dog, I have a whole list of rushers who should be wearing muzzles and their owners handcuffs but greyhounds aren't on the list. A friend of mine owns two greyhounds and they are the most laid back friendly dogs.

In NSW they must wear muzzle if out of the yard, unless they have Greenhound collar, which means they have been through an assessment process to ensure they are safe without a muzzle. It is an old law that still exists, as the can have high prey drive, and racing dogs are used to chasing a lure.

I'm sure there's a whole lot more to it as well!

Our Harry has a Greenhound collar, so doesn't need to wear a muzzle in public, but he still has people avoiding him occasionally, although not as often as when he was muzzled.

He is the sweetest soul, and doesn't even chase the cat next door when she comes to explore our yard, or the chooks when they are on walkabout!

My little dog chases cats and birds, she wears a large bell on her collar because she was catching birds and bringing their bodies to the door. ????Also she has caught a few rats, and also brought me their bodies too ????????Didn't know Shihtzu were hunters but I guess it's a small dog thing. Anyway she has prey drive too. ????????

I thought it might be an old law as I've always seen greyhounds with muzzles on ever since I can remember. I didn't think it was because they were serial biters, just something to do with racing. I wouldn't dare let my dog near chickens. ????????The greyhounds I've met seem like peaceful dogs. Very regal looking.

[Alison03]

As the owner of rescue greyhounds muzzled by law I get some gobsmaking statements. What I find frustrating is the comments from adults when their children ask a simple question like the most common from kids "why do those dogs have cages on their mouths?" Too many to mention but my top five would be

1) They bite

2) They kill things

3) They can't be trusted

4) They are nasty dogs quick come over here!

5) Because they eat children

It's unfortunate so many parents have the "great wall of china" mentality, I would think educating your children instead of scaring the crap out of them because of your own ignorance would be paramount

Pardon my ignorance but greyhounds seem to be the only dogs I see muzzled, I can remember them wearing muzzles when I was quite young, is there some special reason for this or is it an historical ruling that has something to do with greyhound racing?

I've never seen a report of a greyhound in a dog attack. I've never been rushed by one while walking my dog, I have a whole list of rushers who should be wearing muzzles and their owners handcuffs but greyhounds aren't on the list. A friend of mine owns two greyhounds and they are the most laid back friendly dogs.

It's a pretty archaic reason, and a little from column a, a little from column b. Essentially, greyhounds are considered livestock under the various pieces of legislation, rather than companion animals, and are therefore subject to different rules. They're considered livestock due to the racing industry and the various rules and regulations around it, so.. yep, the muzzling is for both those reasons. It's not because they're aggressive or dangerous - but many people will just see a muzzle and assume that the dog is aggressive and muzzled for that reason.

Many greyhounds do have strong prey drive, but that's not limited to greyhounds at all- the reason that only greys have to be muzzled is due to that legislative peculiarity. It's such a shame that it gives such negative publicity to such a gentle, loving breed.

Yes I have a friend who muzzles her two greys for walks, even though they mix with her chickens, cats and little dogs, she got them as rescues and they haven't a bad bone in their bodies. Seems a shame to make them stand out as bad dogs. ????

[brintey]

I did the greenhound collar assessment with my Amethyst and found it quite easy, although I have had Amethyst from 12 weeks so a lot of the self-assessment stuff in the workbook was already done for her as it is more aimed at retired racers coming from a kennel situation. Denise from GAP did the assessment and she was marvellous, all it cost me was a $50 donation to GAP. I would recommend anyone with a socialised rescue grey in NSW consider doing the assessment.

OT but I would really like some time of formalised program like this for all dogs regardless of breed or background... maybe dogs that have been assessed and passed may be allowed in more public spaces or get a discount on their council registration?

[BlackJaq]

I did the greenhound collar assessment with my Amethyst and found it quite easy, although I have had Amethyst from 12 weeks so a lot of the self-assessment stuff in the workbook was already done for her as it is more aimed at retired racers coming from a kennel situation. Denise from GAP did the assessment and she was marvellous, all it cost me was a $50 donation to GAP. I would recommend anyone with a socialised rescue grey in NSW consider doing the assessment.

OT but I would really like some time of formalised program like this for all dogs regardless of breed or background... maybe dogs that have been assessed and passed may be allowed in more public spaces or get a discount on their council registration?

I actually like this idea. Many dogs we meet when out and about should certainly not be unmuzzled until their owners can exercise better (or any) control over them.

[Steph M]

I would also love this. I'd be happy to sign up and have us tested, I suspect the only ones not game to do a test would be those who are unsure of the temp. of their dog, which might be telling.

[huski]

Not so much as a statement, but having afternoon tea in deep conversation with a friend, pup acting extremely good and almost falling asleep under our feet. Two ladies come up behind me and start playing with Nova. Seriously do you not think that is rude? If their wasn't a puppy there would you normally crouch down behind someone as they are eating and talking?

I had to start getting quite rude with people who would send their toddling child over at an outdoor cafe to play with my Dalmatian! It happened more than once - it's hard enough work having 2 very active dogs lying quietly whilst you enjoy a leisurely breakfast/lunch without people using us as a babysitting service!!!

I was training Wisdom in the park a while ago and was playing a good game of tug with her. These parents with a toddler (barely walking) stopped to watch and, without saying a word to me, pointed the toddler in our direction and told him to go and pat the doggy!

It was actually quite shocking because its rare anyone asks to pat her, especially when they see her playing with me which is quite rough and bitey :laugh:

[Steph M]

I wonder where you would stand if the kids had been bitten, I mean throwing a kid in the middle of a rough game of tug or a wrestle with another dog just seems crazy to me, but I wonder how that would pan out. I don't ever want to find out though!

[BlackJaq]

I leave if I see people approaching with their children because most people around here have no dog sense at all.

Back when Foxy was a puppy, around 8 months old, I tied her in the shade outside Maccas while I ran in to get a cup of water for her. I purposely tied her away from the entrance in the corner of the parking lot that was closest to window where I could see her and I never dreamt that people would approach her or even notice her.

Well, I was nearly at the door when to my horror I saw some parents with a group of kids, who appeared to be walking toward her with one noisy boy around 5 running ahead at full speed with his arm raised at the dog. I just about shit a brick right then and dropped the cup and bolted for Foxy to shield her with my body or something, but the kid was quicker and of course his parents were totally oblivious to the fact that Foxy had flattened herself to the ground at the end of her leash as far away as she could get and was growling ferociously.

Anyway, long story short, I didn't make it in time but Foxy jumped up with her hackles up, thinking the kid was going to hit her and roared and air snapped a few cm away from the kid's arm, which then sent the kid running back to his parents. I am pretty certain she could have got him if she wanted to, so I was pretty glad she left it at a warning and nobody got hurt.

Lesson learnt, I only ever leave her inside the car now and only when it is not hot obviously. Surprisingly, the parents actually realized what a shithouse idea it was to mob a strange (and not exactly tiny) puppy with their kids where it could not get away and they apologized I was gobsmacked and obviously I got the hell out of there like my pants were on fire

Edited September 6, 2013 by BlackJaq

[Steph M]

This isn't a statement but I was perusing Gumtree (I just can't help it!) and saw this-

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbourne-cbd/dogs-puppies/lookin-for-staffy-pup-to-introduce-to-my-friend-whos-scared-of-dogs-/1026605786

"My friend is terrified of dogs. She thinks Staffy's are the cutest things in the world and wants one in the next year or so but she is petrified of dogs.

I am looking for someone who has a pup to introduce her to it, but after a while I want to introduce her to one about a year old and then an even older one. Must have a very calm temperament. Please and thank you!"

Um. Recipe for disaster! And why would you want a dog if they scare you so much?

[huski]

I wonder where you would stand if the kids had been bitten, I mean throwing a kid in the middle of a rough game of tug or a wrestle with another dog just seems crazy to me, but I wonder how that would pan out. I don't ever want to find out though!

She is great with kids but this toddler could barely walk, she could easily have knocked him over if I hadn't seen him coming towards us out of the corner of my eye. Maybe they saw her working and it gave them the impression she was well trained and under control which she is but even still, they have no way of knowing that for sure.

The thing that gets me is that they just can't know whether a strange dog is or isn't friendly, comfortable or familiar with how to act around children, and they are teaching their kids extremely dangerous behaviour (approaching strange dogs incorrectly and without permission).

[whitka]

I was walking my Golden boy at the local market with my friend a couple of weeks ago and out of no where a little boy comes running up to Toby to pat him. I looked around and couldn't see any parents around so I said loudly to Toby lets go its time to go to hopefully give the kid a hint. As we started walking off the kid wrapped his arms around Toby's neck Thank god Toby is a very laid back dog and wasn't bothered at all by this. Both me and my friend were so shocked by this but we did get the kid to let go. I would hate to think what would have happened if Toby was a more reactive dog

I have also had kids try to grab the lead out of my hand because some kids wanted to walk and ride my dog Again no parents in sight

Edited September 6, 2013 by whitka

[Steph M]

Surprisingly, the parents actually realized what a shithouse idea it was to mob a strange (and not exactly tiny) puppy with their kids where it could not get away and they apologized I was gobsmacked and obviously I got the hell out of there like my pants were on fire

Well they got off very lightly and hopefully learned a lesson. Shocking!

[ktig]

We get mobbed by kids when I'm out and about with my mini schnauzers...mostly because they're little, fluffy and certainly have happy waggy tails. They're delighted to be out and about and love people but neither one is especially used to kids - they see them out and about, but don't live with them. I don't think either would bite, but I'm not willing to take the chance with somebody else's child and I've had a lot of unhappy parents when I've sent their very loud and fast approaching kids back to them without a pat of the "nice doggies". Completely different with sensible people who ask and get their kids to listen to the way they can pat and say hello to them. I sometimes wondered if it was any better out and about with less "cutesy" breeds - this thread has certainly answered this question for me - seems we're all in the same boat!