would you get offended?

[lolabella]

It depends on the dog. If we are at a pet supplies store and there is an older collie type dog on a leash that acts very calm, I don't pick Mia up. I actually let Mia become friends with two 10+ year old bigger dogs in the past. But, those guys were obviously docile, were spending significant energy just walking around, and Mia is on the bigger side (she's 10 lbs.). Plus, Mia is very submissive and friendly towards other dogs. If Mia was smaller and agressive towards other dogs I would not have taken the chance even with senior dogs.

On the other hand, if I see the neighbor's "intact" rottie, I cross the street or pick Mia up because even from afar it is very obvious that the rottie is looking to pick a fight. I don't think there is anything for big dog owners' to be offended about.

Sometimes baby Doxie or Chi owners that carry them around on lap, don't let their dogs on the floor to meet Mia, and I don't get offended at all even though Mia is a friendly toy dog as well. She is well-built, what can I say? Whatever makes the owner comfortable is cool with me, because in the end, the dog is the owner's responsibility. Better safe than sorry.

[JCarlson2004]

Originally Posted by blondflava

About being offended? If I do pick up Pep, I couldn't care less what the owner thinks. Isn't it embarassing for them if they can't control their dogs anyway?

I would think the same thing. I know I would be embarassed if one of my dogs misbehaved and I couldn't control them (like excessive barking and pulling on the leash).

Codie, Tia and Cali are friends with my landlord's dog April. She is a Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix and she's as gentle as ever. She loves my dogs and they always play together ... although April is always hesistant to play with Cali. I think she recognizes how tiny she is and is nervous around her. Whenever Cali approaches her, April lays down and Cali climbs up on her back -- she usually zeros in for April's ears and chews on them lol But April loves her and is always licking her (one lick covers her WHOLE body lol)

My babies are also friends with Lucky, a big Black Lab who lives 2 blocks away. Lucky is a SWEETHEART and whenever he seems Tia (his girlfrfiend lol), he throws himself on his back and sticks his tummy in the air for a belly rub! Oh yeah, they're also buddies with a big Cocker Spaniel named Bunny. She lives around the corner from us and when we do our nightly walks, Bunny always comes out for kisses!

I allow them to play with these 3 dogs because I KNOW them personally and I've seen them in action already. They're gentle, well behaved and respectful. I would be VERY CAUTIOUS around a big dog that I do not know. If the owner gets offended (if I pick my dogs up), too bad! I could care less. My babies are more important to me than a stranger's hurt feelings. Sorry to sound so harsh but that's just how it is.

PS - They made a new friend last week. Another big Black Lab who lives 1 block away from us. I forgot his name but he's a SWEETIE and he loves Tia!! They've only played with him once so I still need to be cautious until we really get to know him but already he's showed signs of being respectful and very well trained. He completely OBEYS his master. It's unbelieveable how well trained he is! He showed us tricks and knows commands like stop, come, sit, stay, paw, lay down, roll over and a whole bunch more! He's one spoiled little guy and it looks like he and my babies will become good buddies over time.

PSS - There is one NASTY HUGE Rottweiler that lives 3 blocks away and I never walk my dogs down that block. This dog is vicious and his owner LIKES him that way!! So I avoid him at all costs! Once I was walking the dogs by myself (just Codie and Tia, not Cali) and the owner, Frankie, taunted me and my dogs because I picked them up and went in my front gate when I saw him coming. Trust me, his dog is really mean and scary. He said I should let my dog eat your 2 little rats and I said TRY IT!! I told my hubby Jim and a few days later Jim went over to his house and spoke to Frankie and told me NEVER again to speak to me or even look at me. I don't know what else happened in detail but this guy doesn't even glance in my direction anymore lol I guess Jim scared him lol

[Lou]

Originally Posted by Peters

no i have a huge dog and some people will move themsleves not to mention little dogs out of they way

Ha Ha! I forgot about saying that. It is so funny to see people crossing the street when they see Ivan. If they only knew what a dufus he is they wouldn't be afraid! He protects home and family but on a walk he is focused on going straight. I totally understand picking up a small dog. He does look kind mean to non-dog lovers.

[Maizee Grace]

I wouldn't be offended. I walk my yorkies alongside my boyfriend's doberman and they have no problem with eachother. They also don't have a problem with our friend's two great danes, but I know there are other dogs that I wouldn't want my babies to be on the ground around, the same way how we have to watch Kaiser (doberman) when he's around little dogs he's not used to. He's not mean, just super playful and it scares the poor babies. I think it's just a precautionary measure to pick them up.

[Catrina]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

I would think the same thing. I know I would be embarassed if one of my dogs misbehaved and I couldn't control them (like excessive barking and pulling on the leash).

Codie, Tia and Cali are friends with my landlord's dog April. She is a Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix and she's as gentle as ever. She loves my dogs and they always play together ... although April is always hesistant to play with Cali. I think she recognizes how tiny she is and is nervous around her. Whenever Cali approaches her, April lays down and Cali climbs up on her back -- she usually zeros in for April's ears and chews on them lol But April loves her and is always licking her (one lick covers her WHOLE body lol)

My babies are also friends with Lucky, a big Black Lab who lives 2 blocks away. Lucky is a SWEETHEART and whenever he seems Tia (his girlfrfiend lol), he throws himself on his back and sticks his tummy in the air for a belly rub! Oh yeah, they're also buddies with a big Cocker Spaniel named Bunny. She lives around the corner from us and when we do our nightly walks, Bunny always comes out for kisses!

I allow them to play with these 3 dogs because I KNOW them personally and I've seen them in action already. They're gentle, well behaved and respectful. I would be VERY CAUTIOUS around a big dog that I do not know. If the owner gets offended (if I pick my dogs up), too bad! I could care less. My babies are more important to me than a stranger's hurt feelings. Sorry to sound so harsh but that's just how it is.

PS - They made a new friend last week. Another big Black Lab who lives 1 block away from us. I forgot his name but he's a SWEETIE and he loves Tia!! They've only played with him once so I still need to be cautious until we really get to know him but already he's showed signs of being respectful and very well trained. He completely OBEYS his master. It's unbelieveable how well trained he is! He showed us tricks and knows commands like stop, come, sit, stay, paw, lay down, roll over and a whole bunch more! He's one spoiled little guy and it looks like he and my babies will become good buddies over time.

PSS - There is one NASTY HUGE Rottweiler that lives 3 blocks away and I never walk my dogs down that block. This dog is vicious and his owner LIKES him that way!! So I avoid him at all costs! Once I was walking the dogs by myself (just Codie and Tia, not Cali) and the owner, Frankie, taunted me and my dogs because I picked them up and went in my front gate when I saw him coming. Trust me, his dog is really mean and scary. He said I should let my dog eat your 2 little rats and I said TRY IT!! I told my hubby Jim and a few days later Jim went over to his house and spoke to Frankie and told me NEVER again to speak to me or even look at me. I don't know what else happened in detail but this guy doesn't even glance in my direction anymore lol I guess Jim scared him lol

lol thanks for sharing your stories!

[Rae Rae]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

PSS - There is one NASTY HUGE Rottweiler that lives 3 blocks away and I never walk my dogs down that block. This dog is vicious and his owner LIKES him that way!! So I avoid him at all costs! Once I was walking the dogs by myself (just Codie and Tia, not Cali) and the owner, Frankie, taunted me and my dogs because I picked them up and went in my front gate when I saw him coming. Trust me, his dog is really mean and scary. He said I should let my dog eat your 2 little rats and I said TRY IT!! I told my hubby Jim and a few days later Jim went over to his house and spoke to Frankie and told me NEVER again to speak to me or even look at me. I don't know what else happened in detail but this guy doesn't even glance in my direction anymore lol I guess Jim scared him lol

What an ahole! I can't stand people like that, who want dogs to be attack dogs! Sounds like your hubby scared him, and I'm glad he did!