Upset

Teddy is 6 months old and we take him to our park (2min walk from our house) and let him off the lead as he loves chasing balls. He's obedient and always comes back when instructed to. He is a puppy and still learning so when he sees another dog he likes to go over and say hello. He's very sociable and has mixed with other dogs from 12 weeks old. Today an old man told me he should be on a lead by law because he is a dangerous breed! I told him that my dog wasn't the least bit dangerous but it really upset me and now I feel like I shouldn't let him off

The person that said this to you is ignorant. It's as simple as that.

You've taken the time and effort to train Teddy to a high level so that his recall is second to none and would put most other owners to shame. Don't be upset, feel immense pride in the fact that you have a well socialised obedient dog in Teddy and continue to show people like that what good training does

Codswallop. Next time someone says that, just reply very politely thank you for your concern but you are 100% certain that your dog isn't a banned breed and as he's under your control you are well within the terms of the Dangerous Dogs Act. If anyone tells you you're wrong, just refer them to the law.

Try not to worry too much, it happens to all of us staffie owners

We as staffy owners tend to grow a thick skin and sense of humour you know your dog just ignore this behaviour. Someone once said to their child dnt go near the dog will bite u i said theres no such thing as a bad dog its a bad parent or owner u need to be wary of .

He was probably a Daily Mail reader, ignore him.

Thanks everyone it just really shocked me because every other dog walker we see has been so friendly so far. Ignorant people are infuriating and the next time I see that man I shall tell him I am perfectly within my rights to walk him off the lead! Kept looking at my beautiful Ted all day thinking how can anyone think you're dangerous...he's daft as a brush! Thanks everyone x

Its always a shock when people are like that, sadly there are plenty more of them, just ignore them, grow a thick skin, I have. I am proud as Pixees recall is good and you want to see the looks I get when she comes running back with that staffie smile . Just be proud, hold your head up, and keep a look out for situations where its best to have Ted on lead, as such you are in control. Only the other day on a walk with hubby and Pixee, a old man when we walked past him called out 'Is that a staffie'? Hubby turned round and said 'yes our dog is a staffie', to which the old man said 'oh, think that kind bitten my dog the other day' to which hubby said, 'you sure as you didnt know if its a staffie, no such thing as a bad dog, just a bad owner' and we walked on

It really gets my goat. I've had loads of people having a go at me. Usually when I tell them it's ok, he's friendly, they say "ah yeah aren't they all!"

People panic and pick up their dogs and children like there was a lion was on the loose.

Absolute poppy cock!

Unfortunately there's quite a few of this dodgy side of our breed who believe they know what they're talking about!
And unfortunately it's probably not the last time you'll experience it.
You'll learn a few good responses as you go along. Try not to let them get to as we really know they're full of it.
Lynn