Are You A Dog Owner

@miniam (9154)
Bern, Switzerland
June 28, 2016 5:19pm CST
Today while waiting for the bus,tired and really sweaty from work,a lady came to sit next to me with this large dog that made me really uncomfortable. Before l could move away,the dog came to sniff my feet.I was terrified, l do believe on not being friendly to strange dogs,you don't know how friendly or unfriendly the dog is. If you are a dog owner, please understand it`s not nice at all,people don't want strange dogs sniffing or sometimes even licking them. Do you feel uncomfortable when confronted with a strange dog sniffing you? l do,l don't know if they bite.Or they might be friendly but for no reason decide to attack.
23 people like this
27 responses
• United States
28 Jun 16
The woman should have kept the dog in control. My dog would have looked at you with big sad eyes begging you to pet her. She is 75 pounds of pure love....like the majority of labs. I can't remember the last time I came across another large dog.
5 people like this
@msiduri (5687)
• United States
28 Jun 16
@miniam That is a good idea. The person who let his dog get so close to you when you were uncomfortable was out of bounds. At the very least, it was rude. The dog might have been a big teddy bear, but that doesn't mean it gets to invade your personal space.
4 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
@msiduri You are right,just because a dog is friendly does not give the owner any right to let their dog violate other people`s peace and space. But most people with these friendly dogs think it`s ok to let their dogs be "rude"
2 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
@AbbyGreenhill This is another rule i have, i will never pet someone`s dog before asking the person first.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (325759)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jun 16
I think people should keep tight control over their dogs and not allow to have any interaction with others unless it is invited. As you say, you don't know how dogs may react.
5 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
@JudyEv Thanks,and it`s wrong for the owners to assume that just because the dog does not bite,it`s ok to let them sniff people.
3 people like this
@Vjvals (906)
• Roseville, California
28 Jun 16
Yes and many don't use a leash and or they let the dog get too close to you. I've always liked dogs but when I take them somewhere keep them on a leash and pull the dog away from others when walking the dog. Seems like common sense to me or 'common courtesy'
5 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
@Vjvals And this is what l dont like, a dog l do not know getting too close.I don't care if they are friendly and softies.You are doing it right,you dont have to let a dog get too close to other dogs or people.
3 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
28 Jun 16
I understand what you mean, but I have no problem with that myself. I absolutely love dogs.
5 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
@jaboUK I love dogs too,had dogs in the past, cant keep any now because it`s not allowed to keep dogs in the apartment i live, but l do not want/like a strange dog sniffing me,it makes me feel uncomfortable and unsafe.
4 people like this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
28 Jun 16
I don't own a dog anymore, but love them. I would be concerned about an unknown dog large dog biting me, but not so much if he is friendly, on a leash, and with his owner.
5 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
Im concerned about all strange dogs.I`ve had large dogs in the past,always had them on a leash
3 people like this
@Macarrosel (7498)
• Philippines
28 Jun 16
I don't like the idea of a dog owner leaving his dog sniffing other people and making them uncomfortable. When outside the house, I watch my dogs so that they won't get near to other people.
5 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
Well done, @Macarrosel it`s the right way to handle pets in public.Because you love your dog, it does not mean the next person likes the dog.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Jun 16
I have learned over the years not to approach or go near a big dog until I have talked to the owner and gotten permission. And, I have taught all my kids to ask first and then cup your hand toward the dog and let him come to you. Animals are animals and are only as good as their masters. Just like a computer is only as good as the programmer.
4 people like this
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Jun 16
@miniam .....If we humans would do this in all social confrontations we would all do better I think. Not enough talking.
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
Well done,l also will not approach any dog without talking to the owner.
3 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
29 Jun 16
we've had dogs and still have dogs. but when i'm out i'm careful. i will admire them, but stay back and keep my hands to myself.
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
Right thing to do really,you can't know when they might decide to do something unexpected.
2 people like this
@msiduri (5687)
• United States
28 Jun 16
In general, I don't mind dogs coming up to me. I grew up with dogs. I don't touch them unless I've talked to their owners.
3 people like this
@msiduri (5687)
• United States
28 Jun 16
@miniam When I was in high school (... a while ago), we had a standard poodle. Most people are used to smaller poodles. She was a wonderful dog and a lot of fun. It never occurred to me that she could be intimidating to people until a neighbor brought a cousin over who was so frightened just at the sight of her she was in tears. I didn't let the dog get near her and locked her in the house.
4 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
@msiduri She just confirmed to you that even small dogs are scary to some people
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
@msiduri Same here, I`d never pet someone`s dog unless i asked for permission.
3 people like this
@Yar_Joey (3271)
• Philippines
29 Jun 16
Some dogs bark but rarely bites while other dogs bite and don';t bark. If a dog sniffs at you, maybe he is trying to 'get to know you better'.
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
@Yar_Joey And this is what make me uncomfortable,you may think a dog is coming to sniff then without warning they bite.
3 people like this
@rina110383 (24495)
28 Jun 16
We do have pitbulls at my parents' place. They are kept in their respective cages. If they go out for a walk, we make sure they don't get near people.
4 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
@rina110383 Sh.. im terrified of Pitbulls,l have read what they can do.If a friend had a pitbull, l`d never visit them in their place.
2 people like this
@msiduri (5687)
• United States
29 Jun 16
@miniam My sister and her girlfriend have two pitbull mixes. They are energetic dogs, but they are friendly and I've never felt intimidated by them. However, I also know that they were raised from puppies to be social and have been treated gently all their lives. My sister and her girlfriend worked hard to make sure this was the case. They were aware of the responsibilities of owning powerful dogs.
2 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
@msiduri I really DO NOT want to be anywhere near a pitbull.
2 people like this
@AutumnSnow (4584)
28 Jun 16
I have a small little doggie when dont usually take her out much cause she's anxiety attacks and will bark nonstop but yes I do get uncomfortable whenever Im around a dog that I don't know. I've been attack by other dogs before so yeah I guess you can Im almost parnoid in some sense.
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
Im with you on this one, i feel uncomfortable around strange dogs.
3 people like this
• United States
28 Jun 16
@miniam I am more worried about small dogs. I was only bit once and it was by a little dog.
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
@AbbyGreenhill Lol,they might appear small but can attack without provocation.Sorry to hear you got attacked/bit.Hope it was not from a strange dog
2 people like this
@magallon (19280)
• Philippines
29 Jun 16
I like puppies but I don't like big dogs. I'm scared of strange dogs.
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
Puppies are really sweet.
3 people like this
@magallon (19280)
• Philippines
29 Jun 16
@miniam True, they are. But I don't like them either inside the house.
3 people like this
@meowch (2220)
• United States
28 Jun 16
I do get uncomfortable when I am around a strange dog. I fear that a dog might bite me. I think this has to do with my childhood years I almost got bitten by a dog.
4 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
@meowch When l was about 8,we got a puppy who liked to bark and play,l was terrified of him when he barked
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
29 Jun 16
Your discussion made me laugh, I tried to imagine that if a strange dog is actually sniffing your feet and you are feeling uncomfortable by his action. Yes, you are right that we cannot be sure about unknown dogs and they might be unpredictable and may do any unexpected thing, they could even jump on us or bite us. I would also feel uncomfortable in such a situation. Image courtesy - 3milliondogs.com
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
30 Jun 16
@miniam - Yes, dog owners should also behave responsibly and should care about other persons around them. PS - When I saw the title of your post - Are you a dog owner, I was going to skip your post because I do not own a pet, however, when I read its contents, I could resist myself responding to the post.
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
30 Jun 16
@dpk262006 Thanks for reading and responding.
1 person likes this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
Thanks for sharing the image,really cute. It`s not only uncomfortable but also irresponsible from the dog owner.
2 people like this
@psanasangma (5884)
• India
29 Jun 16
I understand your problem. Dog owner should control or warn their dog when other person is not familiar. I am also once a dog owner an dshe passed away 6 months ago.
2 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
@crossbones27 Sorry your dog passed away,maybe you can get a puppy in the future.
2 people like this
• India
30 Jun 16
@miniam I can get but not now anymore as my work involves so much travelling
1 person likes this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
30 Jun 16
@psanasangma Many appartments here do not allow dogs.
@amadeo (111948)
• United States
28 Jun 16
Yes,if it is a large dog I will.But lap dogs no or small ones.
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
I do not choose between small or large dogs, l just do not like some strange dog sniffing me.
2 people like this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
29 Jun 16
I ran an animal shelter @miniam so for me a dog coming up to me doesn't bother me. The last thing anyone should do is exude fear as the dog will smell that coming from the pores of the human.
2 people like this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
29 Jun 16
@miniam I think dogs come to me because they know I won't hurt them. They must smell that I'm a good person. This includes all dogs: Pit Bulls, Rottweiler's, Doberman Pincher's, etc.
2 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
@nanette64 I do not and never will willingly and knowingly hurt anything in any way dogs included but l still prefer not to have strange dogs running to me or sniffing me.
2 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
29 Jun 16
So it`s ok with you a strange dog sniffing you is ok? to me it`s a no no
2 people like this
@Lucky15 (37346)
• Philippines
28 Jun 16
More of scared ;(
3 people like this
@NJChicaa (115992)
• United States
28 Jun 16
nope, not a dog owner. I own cats and a parrot and they all stay home!
3 people like this
@miniam (9154)
• Bern, Switzerland
28 Jun 16
@NJChicaa I dont have any pets, they are not allowed where l live.
3 people like this