I'd like to be able to walk...

[Derekmr]

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A dog cannot sexually assault you, it's an animal, dogs have very sensitive sense of smell, not to sound rude but perhaps he could smell something, he does not know Its a no go area,
As for carrying a stick to hit a dog, that is with intent much like youths carry knives, believe me if you hit my dog just for sniffing you then you would be in more trouble, I understand you have a fear and I do put him on the lead if others are around as all responsible owners should,
I suggest you get help as you obviously do have a phobia of dogs, but you were not sexually assaulted and that is what the police would have said I'm sure.

 

[arealhuman]

Well, as a child, I was pretty scared of dogs for many reasons so can totally understand this. My fear has pretty much disappeared, although when a large dog comes running up to me, I do still tend to go into defensive mode. My dog was attacked by another dog which resulted in me getting into the thick of it, and I would have had no hesitation in kicking/punching the other dog in order to defend my dog and myself (and may well have done, can't remember, will have to look the post up on here). I would still have no hesitation in doing that now. Some years back I was walking along a local riverbank during my lunch break, when a medium-sized dog came running over and jumped up at me. My instinctive reaction was to slap it in the face, which made a nice splodgy wet sound, and the dog ran off. It wasn't hurt but got the message I didn't want it around, and so did the owner when I told him to control his 'effin dog! The dog also made my suit muddy so I was unhappy about that!

So yes, I totally get the fear issues, and I totally get the other side of the story too, now being a dog owner. Mine is always on the lead as he has no recall so he doesn't get the opportunity to approach people. I think the only reasonable option you have is to keep your distance, and when a dog approaches with an owner, tell them you're scared and will wait out of the way - or ask them to - or if you come across a dog without an owner in sight, try and remove yourself from the situation, which may involve some backtracking. Many dogs are friendly and inquisitive to people, but there are some that most definitely not. How can you tell? You can't, until they exhibit the sort of behaviour that reveals their personality so IMHO a defensive approach should help.

I hope that assists.

 

[Rhythmpig]

I can understand where the OP is coming from,anyone should be allowed to go for a nice walk hassle free. Any dog who is wearing a muzzle will look intimidating to a none dog owner regardless of weather the dog is friendly or not. So I totally get how people have a problem with dogs running up to them.
When I come across people who are walking the footpaths,my dogs are recalled and told to stand still by my side until they have passed. 8 times out of 10 people will stop and stroke the dogs,which the dogs love. Others you can see are nervous so I squat down and fuss the dogs until they have passed. Usually I get a smile and a thank you for taking the time and showing a bit of courtesy to others.

 

[Laura J]

I was thinking today that the Yellow Dog Scheme should be extended to humans, so people who weren't keen on being approached by dogs could wear a tabard saying 'Human in need of space'.

That is a really great idea! I'd never heard of it. In fact, I don't see why I can't wear one. Apart from, it won't do much good if the dog is off the lead and has run far enough ahead that the owner can't see it. And I don't really want to put people off from talking to me, as I quite like talking to people.

I just want to check one thing - am I right that I mustn't run? My logic is that if I run then the dog is likely to chase me, and it can run faster.

The other idea I had today (as I walked home with a tube of wrapping paper) is that it may be enough to walk with, for example, a used kitchen towel inner core. When a dog sees it, it's bound to look to them like a stick. So, probably they will avoid me. But, should I be forced to use it, then at least it's not solid.

 

[JudyN]

Dogs have scent glands in their faces and often like to rub themselves against people - a dog in a muzzle will feel the need to rub/shove extra-hard to get the amount of contact he wants. And muzzles can be rather hard when shoved firmly into sensitive areas!

But of course, it's still not at all nice for people who aren't keen on dogs (and also many who are) so although it might not be the height of bad manners as far as the dog's concerned, it is the height of bad manners to let your dog do it to unsuspecting strangers. Mine does this with people he really loves, and I dare say he would soon stop if they told him off or ignored him, but they usually laugh and then give him a treat. Even the male treat fairy who was doubled over once after Jasper spotted him from the other side of the field and made like an Exocet missile homed in on its target...

When you first mentioned a stick, I envisaged a walking stick, like a hiking pole. This would have the advantage of looking innoccuous, and you could probably hold it in front of you to block the dog more effectively and not look as if you are 'brandishing' it.

 

[Laura J]

...

When you first mentioned a stick, I envisaged a walking stick, like a hiking pole. This would have the advantage of looking innoccuous, and you could probably hold it in front of you to block the dog more effectively and not look as if you are 'brandishing' it.

The stick is just a stick I picked up. I don't 'brandish it', nor do I go out looking for trouble. Anyone seeing me would think I was going to throw the stick for a dog, only after a while they wonder where my dog is. It seems to work like a talisman - just keeps trouble away. Only thing is, it feels a bit pre-meditated.

 

[Laura J]

..

So yes, I totally get the fear issues, and I totally get the other side of the story too, now being a dog owner. Mine is always on the lead as he has no recall so he doesn't get the opportunity to approach people. I think the only reasonable option you have is to keep your distance, and when a dog approaches with an owner, tell them you're scared and will wait out of the way - or ask them to - or if you come across a dog without an owner in sight, try and remove yourself from the situation, which may involve some backtracking. Many dogs are friendly and inquisitive to people, but there are some that most definitely not. How can you tell? You can't, until they exhibit the sort of behaviour that reveals their personality so IMHO a defensive approach should help.

I hope that assists.

Thanks for your reply. My problem with telling dog owners I'm afraid is, that they seem to invariably respond by telling me how friendly their dog it. "She's so friendly, she'll lick you to death" is an exact quote from one owner who refused to put his dog on the lead so I could go past. It really doesn't help, and I'm getting pretty fed up with it. Plus, I am actually trying to be brave, so just uttering the word 'afraid' isn't good for me. I do quite like the idea of a 'tabard' scheme, I just wonder how many owners would be aware of it, and respect it?

 

[JudyN]

If it works - if you feel more relaxed, you don't actually threaten the dog and the dog realises you're not interested or interesting, then I'd stick with it.

One thing that just occurred to me - if a dog's looking at you, don't stick your hand in your pocket. He will assume you're getting treats out!

 

[Laura J]

If it works - if you feel more relaxed, you don't actually threaten the dog and the dog realises you're not interested or interesting, then I'd stick with it.

One thing that just occurred to me - if a dog's looking at you, don't stick your hand in your pocket. He will assume you're getting treats out!

Good point!

 

[Laura J]

OK, I'm going to sign off now. Some of my posts are still awaiting moderation, I'm not sure why. Many thanks to those who have taken the trouble to reply, having taken me seriously as a person.

I find it difficult to talk about, and write about, what happened in the summer. Actually, I didn't want to write about it at all. Really, I just want t forget about it. But, I figured, my case won't make sense to all these 'dog people' unless I give them some idea. And so I did. It is painful when people reply, that that didn't happen, or that it's impossible, or that I'm being melodramatic. To all those who sought to minimize my distress, who assumed what did or didn't happen without bother to read what I wrote, and without bothering to ask me to clarify: shame on you.

 

[Mad Murphy]

No shame here. Im sorry but the facts are the facts a dog cannot sexually assult you by sniffing. I stand by my comment that you need some counselling. That you are disturbed and upset by what happened is not in doubt but the idea of it being sexual and the idea of you wandering around with a stick are disturbing for reasons I have already outlined.

 

[JudyN]

In a way, what the dog did is irrelevant. What is important is the effect it had on you - that you feel as if you have been sexually assaulted, and you can't shed that feeling. And dog owners do need to appreciate that some people, for whatever reason, have dog phobias (or strong dislikes) and that they need to respect that. Though respecting that doesn't mean that they can prevent their dog from approaching other people 100% of the time.

 

[Mad Murphy]

In a way, what the dog did is irrelevant. What is important is the effect it had on you - that you feel as if you have been sexually assaulted, and you can't shed that feeling. And dog owners do need to appreciate that some people, for whatever reason, have dog phobias (or strong dislikes) and that they need to respect that. Though respecting that doesn't mean that they can prevent their dog from approaching other people 100% of the time.

I agee with you on this but still feel that some form of professional help is needed if for no other reason than to ease this idea of a sexual assult which lets face it can cause serious long term damage to a person. However I see no reason for the OP to put any shame on any of us for being open and honest about the way we feel and for explaining facts instead of just offering tea and sympathy which dont actually help .

 

[JudyN]

However I see no reason for the OP to put any shame on any of us for being open and honest about the way we feel and for explaining facts instead of just offering tea and sympathy which dont actually help .

Yes, agreed

 

[Rhythmpig]

Happy Christmas OP
Now
WHERE'S THE PARTY

 

[arealhuman]

The problem with forums - sometimes typed words intended to help can be misconstrued. I think your posts awaiting moderation could be a forum Christmas hiccup - I couldn't post at all!

 

[Josie]

I’m not actually sure why they’re waiting for moderation and I don’t have anotice anywhere telling me to do anything.... hmmm a mystery!