Mean Puppy Hating Jerk!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Today while out on a walk Sophie, as per usual, stretched and pulled me toward every passing person in a desperate attempt to say hello and get some affection. Now I know I can't exactly expect everyone out there to love my puppy as much as I do, but I was shocked when today a grumpy old man yelled at me to control my *effing* dog! I was so upset that all I could stammer in response was that she is just a puppy and we are working on it. I ended up walking away with tears in my eyes because I have never been treated this way by a stranger and it was oh so upsetting that he would treat me (and Sophie this way).

 

What I want to know is if anyone else has ever encoutered this kind of treatment by strangers on the street because of your dogs behaviour, and if so, how do you handle it?

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Wow, that's just unacceptable behavior for a dog trainer. You must have had a lot of patience. I would have left within 5 minutes with no explanation.

[Jaime and Barley Barker]

I think I'm pretty patient, but what I had was a lack of confidence to speak up for myself or my dog. I learned a lot about what is acceptable and not acceptable in a trainer. If that ever happened again, I'd say "See ya!"

[Camilla and Darwin]

I'm so sorry that someone was so rude to you. :-(  He probably doesn't understand puppy behavior. The good news is that most people can't resist doodles, so hopefully you won't have to deal with this attitude often.

[BG and Gavin]

Disliker of dogs or not, there is no excuse for that kind of language.  I would have said "How about controlling that filthy mouth!"  Okay I probably would not have said anything, but that's what I would say in my post-incident fantasy.  Just ignore the cranky old man.  I am sure he is an unhappy individual!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

LOL BG!!  I am always telling stories to DH and including my post-incident fantasy comments and he is always like.. did you really say that?? I always think he just knows I wouldn't say some of  the things I think!!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

That's just sad, and I'm sorry you had to experience it. I agree with what others have said, and have just one thing to add... there will be far MORE people who love dogs and compliment Sophie on how cute she is, than the mean spirited ones.

I never had anyone say anything as rude as the man you encountered, but a couple people sidestepped as they passed Lucy, clearly afraid she'd jump on them. I've since learned to keep a tight grip on her leash near her collar when passing people on the sidewalk. Lucy has come to expect it too, and looks to me when someone nears. She doesn't even attempt to jump towards them anymore. Now, if they have a dog in tow, all bets are off!

[Lauria Orr]

Sherri, this speaks to this unhappy man's situation much more than it does to you.  It is hard to hear things like what he said, and yes, it does hurt.  You don't have that kind of feeling inside, and he is seemingly a broken person.  You can't say things like that and not be wounded inside in some way. I am so sorry this happened to you. You have new life you are sharing yourself with...a darling puppy with every hope of having a wonderful life with you. That should be your focus.  There will always be nay-sayers.

 

I would say that the majority of people I run across with my Doods are interested, curious and complementary about them.  Some people are just not geared towards liking dogs, cats, etc... I stay out of their way.  Laurie has a good point about the elderly people who are bitter and alone at the end of their lives. I think it is sad for them...and often brought on by their own behavior. I would rather be a pet loving,sensitive person any day.  We are surrounded by a common love for these puppies...get your encouragement here!  I sure appreciate the support given on this site and sometimes wish we could all be together!

 

Jaime, I think I would have left that class right away.  I don't think that trainer was appropriate at all.  These kinds of people are really upsetting.  In a way, this trainer was more rude that some of the others we have witnessed...she should know better!

[Aimee Santa Monica]

Wow, what an insensitive trainer!   I would have found another class to go to  & asked my money back.   Is there a prejudice towards doodles?    We should always be proud of our doodles!  They are so loyal, gentle and smart!

[Jaime and Barley Barker]

I should have asked for my money back, but I took it to heart instead and thought I was a horrible dog trainer because she was the expert. =(  Ah, well. I'm older and wiser now. I think maybe doodles are a "love 'em or hate 'em" dog. I don't understand why. Some folks are really interested and think the doodle mix is cool. Some other folks have looked at Barley like I'm walking a dog poop rather than an actual dog. I think there is a lot of ignorance about doodles and some folks are obsessive about maintaining the "purity" of the poodle, lab, or golden retriever lines. Hah! Pedigrees started out as muts that were bred and bred to develop the desired traits.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Wow, thanks everyone for your words of support and encouragement and for sharing your similar stories. This has been a really interesting discussion. I'm so glad I have a place to go to vent my frustrations and get some encouragement. It's unfortunate that not everyone can love doddles, or dogs, as much as we do, but I think it's true what Lauria says, it's better to be a sensitive doodle lover than a grumpy hater. I do feel sorry for people who are miserable and take that out on others, and so I will try to be sensitive to that fact the next time I encounter such behaviour and walk away with my head high, grateful for who I am and the love I share with my doodle puppy. Thanks everyone!