Help/Advice - disagreement with other dog walker

Hi Everyone,

Out on a walk today, with George our 2 and a half year old. Generally I put him on a lead when we see other dogs as he does like to chase other dogs. However, the one occasion I didn't he makes a bee line for a springer! He starts chasing her, she clearly didn't want to be chased and his owner went ballistic, screaming and swearing at me.
Another springer owner witnessed it and began talking about reporting my dog.
No fighting or biting took place, in fact the only violence was from the other dogs owner hitting George with a lead.
I am kicking myself now for not keeping him on the lead, we had a couple of successful greetings with other dogs which let my guard down.
Feel quite shook up now -
Has anyone had any experience of this kind of scenario? Am I or George likely to get into bother?

No you won't get in to any trouble, nothing happened !!

Ok so it was a bit rude of George to charge up and insist on a game of chase but there was no fighting other than from the other owner which if I'm perfectly honest, I would had a right go at for lashing out with the lead, completely uncalled for behaviour.

Thanks for the reply Ian - it's such a frustrating situation especially as I could have prevented it. Just going to play it safe and keep on the lead 100% of the time when meeting other dogs.

My wife said I was probably worrying too much and no doubt if George was any other breed the other owners reaction would have been different.

How dare they hit your dog! I understand them not being happy as their dog was on the lead but still it's not an excuse to hit your dog as he wasn't being aggressive. Hope George is ok.

Was the other dog on a lead? And no, you won't get into bother because even under the draconian law of the dangerous dogs act there's no basis for an investigation as nobody was threatened or felt threatened by your dog.

A very minor slip-up on your behalf but totally crazy behaviour by the other dog owners. In all likelihood the reason why their dog was afraid was because its owner reacts like a hysterical loon every time it's around other dogs and their dog picks up on that. Obviously some dogs, such as aggressive or fearful rescues, don't want other dogs running up to them and people must respect that, but otherwise it's something and nothing, all part of dog ownership.

Round here it's very rural and virtually no dogs are on leads once you get onto the fells. The only time I've been 'told off' was when Bo was younger and a woman of about 75 called out, "Hey! Let him off the lead, he needs to run free at that age!" I did and Bo immediately leapt on her and boxed her dogs. When I apologised again for Bo getting mud on her pants, she said, "People who can't stand a little muck should stay off the fells." I had to laugh.

noone or dog suffered any injury i won't repeat what id have done someone hit my dog .

Thank you for your reassurances, as I am feeling pretty guilty right now as I should have had him under better control (I am usually pretty good). It all happened quickly but I don't think her reaction was justified to what felt like a chase situation albeit one the springer didn't want be in.
Her dog wasn't on a lead, I had another dog with me (a 4yr old staff we took in this weekend as an emergency foster) so it was just a perfect storm especially when there is a dog owner that has it in her to strike another dog.
It left me speechless at the time, I was just trying to explain that he doesn't attack he just loves the chase, all I got back from her was expletives and threats.

We all live and learn Hitch, try and put it behind you. Well done on the foster too

I wouldn't worry at all, these things happen. However, I would have explained to the guy who hit your dog that he had just committed an offence by being physically abusive to your dog and that you have every right to report him for it.

Who does she think she is that she's allowed to hit your dog?

thanks for the support everyone, I have never had a scuffle like this before but it's given me a good heads up for the future and I will be certainly more vigilant.
Frustrated for George as she looked the poisonous type to start spreading nasty words around what is a lovely dog route, don't want him tarnished by her.
Onwards and upwards though, plenty of nice walks in Cheshire!

You are not alone when it comes to this kind of situation, and i feel for you. But do not feel guilty or blame yourself! Unfortunately, the small minded minority who raise this beautiful breed in the wrong way almost ruin it for the rest of us who raise them with love, understanding and correct training/socialisation etc. I have 3 boys, a 2 and a half year old and 2 8 month old pups (Oscar, tank and tyke) and we encounter over reaction in other dog owners quite regularly. A case in point being just 2 days ago when we came across an older gentleman walking a Labrador, HIS dog was barking, growling and generally acting aggressive towards my boys, who were as usual calm and on the lead (i don't usually let them run free unless there are no other dogs around as although they are well socialised, staffords ALWAYS get the blame in any situation like this and i find its better to just keep mine on their leads) anyway, the old guy looked a little shook up so i slowed down to give him some space and called out politely to tell him this, at which point he had the audacity to tell me he didn't want mine attacking his dog! I pointed out it was his dog that was acting aggressive, not mine, to which he replied by repeating he didn't want mine attacking his while struggling to keep his dog under control. Some people just won't listen, nor will they let go of their misconceptions of this beautiful breed we love so much

As for the other dog owner attacking your dog, that was completely uncalled for and inexcusable and if i were you i would report them.

Sam.

I think some people should be muzzled ....... it's rarely the dog that has a problem when we are out and about but some people!!