Should I have said something
 

OK. So, I was out walking Louis and here comes this little dog from no where just running across the street :eek: , she stops and starts to growl at Louis and Louis just looks at me and I say nothing to him I just stay calmn, Then I see her owner and she's like "sit" "come" she starts throwing all these void commands to this dog, so I proceed to walk around the dog and she lundges at Louis and I put my leg infront of the two and the lady picks up her dog and continues on her walk!

I praise Louis for not attacking her right back as she scolds her little precious. UGH!!!! Then we see them again and I had planned to let her know she best get her dog a lead just because it could get ran over or bitten by a bigger dog we had just past by. But she saw me and picked her dog up and crossed the street. The dog began to growl at Louis and Louis had had it and lunged at her and growled back. I told him to "knock it off" and he did and I proceeded to walk, I don't blame him though.

I should have said something but I was scared of being rude or confrontational. Im also working on my temper and knowing me I would have made sure she knew I thought she was an idiot. So I just didnt say anything. I forgot to mention this was the second time I saw this dog off leash on a walk. The first time I wasn't with Louis but she growled at me.

I feel bad and angry. Isn't it illegal to have a dog off leash like that?

I promised myself I would tell her something if I were to see her again. But I don't know what or how. Please help :(

Where I live (and the surrounding area) it is illegal to have a dog off leash. My neighborhood is good about their pets but my last neighborhood was terrible and I had two German Shepherds! I try to hold my temper these days (and succeed once in a while) when I come across stupid people.

On another note, I love your avatar! I have a picture so similar of Lucy I had to post it so you can see :)

Louis is adorable!

Yes, in most places in America its illegal to have a dog off leash. Shame on that lady for not only having her dog off-leash, but not being able to control it. :mad: You should find out about leash laws in your area and report her next time.

There are leash laws. You should find out what they are where you live, and then calmly explain them to her, and let her know you, and your furbabie don't appreciate being attacked.

Yes, I would have said to her "you really should have your little guy on a leash it is safer for him and you"...I hate the attitude that some people have about leash laws and public situations letting their dogs run free. I now nearly always say something unless of course I am at an off leash park. We had a neighbor with a very large, very gamey, seeming unsocialized dog that he would let roam free all the time....

See my post about this some time back

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53248

It is a situation where people and their animals can get hurt. Not only that but having negative experiences with unleashed dogs can affect the temperment of other dogs.

I hate it when we see dogs walking the streets with no leash, she could have gotten run down.

Can I just ask a question though out of interest, these leash laws in certain parts of america, do they only apply to the street or even in parks?

Aw, She's adorable! We want a girl and plan to name her Lucy as well

Wow! I'm glad that most people where we live are responsible pet owners. some have the same problem though, even when their dogs outweigh them! I plan on getting up early and letting her know. or I could follw her to where she lives and contact the owners association about this problem. trust me, this is not over.

Okay I am amazed that you kept your temper.. I would have asked her why the hell her dog wasnt on a leash and if she was going to acknoowledge that her dog almost attacked yours.. I can't let things like that go.

Very strange!
 

You would think that for her own dog's safety she would have her pup on a lead. I have had similar situations occur in our neighborhood and I would say something like "Oh sweetie, you need to be on a leash!" to the dog. I'm a bit of a wimp, but try to let the owner know that a wondering dog (especially one who is not obedient) can be really dangerous. I'm trying to work on my assertiveness! ;)

Louis is a cutie! He sure did the right thing in the situation! :aimeeyork

We have some dogs roaming our neighborhood, but not many. I am new to this neighborhood, and dont want to create any proelms, Rest assured when Chelsea goes out, she is ALWAYS leashed.

I would politely stop this lady, and remind her of leash laws. Do it with kindness, and may be she will answer kindly too. Now if she is rude, and ignores your warning, then report her, let the city officials take it up with her.

No sense making enemies in the neighborhood.

Good luck...

Lol,I know, I know. Im proad and ashamed. I know one should pick their battles and this would have been a battle worth fighting, but I chickened out.

Thank you. I should have said something like that. Either way I plan on an encounter tomorrow or during the weekend. I have to see her again.Being polite until she blows it is how I plan on handling it next time. ;)

In Virginia all dogs must be confined on their property. They are not supposed to be loose in their yard unless they are in a fence or invisible fence. If they are off their property they must be leashed.

It is so common out here for dogs to be off leash. I have vented a few times about it here and it's so frustrating. I've tried calling the police after I've asked people nicely to stop and they don't.. but they just get a warning.

It makes me so upset. I fear for the dogs safety, my dogs safety, and just people in general being able to be outside without dogs charging them off leash.

I'd try to say something nicely, maybe out of concern for her dog. Like, something about the street being busy or something to nicely kind of nudge her to get her dog leashed :)