Gutted could kick myself

Feeling really upset about tonight's walk. Please be gentle I know I should have been more responsible but I just feel so shaken up. So I was down the park with Harley and there was know body in the park so I let him off and he was walking nicely near me then a women and a man appeared from the side which I didn't expect and Harley being so friendly went to run over so i called him and he came back but then did a 360 and turned and sprinted full pelt towards them followed by me running to get him and profusely apologizing to the people. The man was trying to swing and hit Harley and the women was swearing and lifting her knees up  saying put that f*ck*n* thing on a lead its dangerous. Harley was just jumping around them excited didn't touch them I shouted I am really sorry but hes a puppy. Managed to distract him with his ring and he came but i feel so shaken up because they were so aggressive and swearing the guy said if i was a guy he would have punched my lights out. All this because Harley ran up to them  I accept he should have been under control because he likes to say hello to everyone and 99.9% I am very responsible and have him on lead if there is anyone around but I didn't see this coming and i just feel gutted that I've let everyone down. Has anyone else experienced a situation similar this ? Harley is terrible for people more than dogs and just likes to say hi to everything. Harley needs at least one run a day off lead with his ball because two long walks doesn't burn off enough energy but Im just not sure I can 100% trust him now and do not want this happening again i guess my confidence has just been knocked now.

Don't beat yourself up Beth, I'm sure nearly everyone on the forum has had one situation like this or similar. I've had it where Flo has run like the Devil at another Dog simply for looking at her it's embarrassing for sure but these things happen occasionally.

Sounds like a total over reaction from the people he ran up to and as for saying if you were a fella he'd have hit you, well, that just about sums up their intellect doesn't it.

Instead of losing confidence, reinforce the recall, it'll give great refresher training for Harley and rebuild your confidence in him. All is not lost I promise you

I should add that running after him was probably not the best course of action as that may well have made Harley more excited. Next time he ignores you, be firm and call him as though you mean it big time.

Happened to my other day in big field next to the river. Throwing a stick for her and from no where a rambler appeared and Iza just had to drop the stick and go bounding up to him to say hello with a little bounce. Couldn't get the lead on in time. She usually comes back when shouted but not this time, she just paused then ran on.
The guy was fine about it he just got a bit of a scare cause he never noticed her till she jumped up he said his son had 2 staffs so he knows what they are like, lucky for me. Was bloody mortified so you are not alone.

"but then did a 360 and turned and sprinted full pelt towards them followed by me running to get him and profusely apologizing to the people"

You just got caught off guard 'It Can Happen To Any Of Us'.
The fact you kept apologizing shows that your 'A Caring Owner'. xx

People need to get a grip. If they can't stand to see a dog play in the park they should f*** off and die under a stone. That's my view, anyhow.

Sounds like they totally overreacted. It was a puppy not a grizzly bear! Stupid vicious people trying to swing for a puppy. Don't feel bad,it was a complete accident and these things do happen.

Dont beat yourself up if it was a yappy dog there would be nothing said as ian said just practice your recall with harley more some folk honestly

Thank you all for you kind replies, now I have had chance to calm down and think about things I am going to take all your advice and instead of loosing confidence I am going to practice more recall. I also agree if it was any yappy dog they wouldn't have done anything but what I found funny was after this happened a beagle came running over to us and jumped up and ran around wanting to play with Harley but we didn't swear at the owners or try and hit the dog. So thanks again for all your lovley comments x

Have you considered using a long lead to let him have a run. It gives him freedom and you get to maintain control.

Hi Jstaff Yes I have a long line but its not the longest  could do with another one really has anyone got any they can recommend? which will let him have a good run around thanks

I'd try Amazon. I think ours is around 15 meters which gives Suki plenty of room to roam. Just be careful as they can get tangled. We will often just let Suki's drag behind her. This lets her roam even more but means we only have to stay within 15 feet of her in case she decides to run off or we need to gain control.

We had this one Beth http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Puppy-Training-Obedience-Leash/dp/B009OZY1F2

We don't use it anymore and you do get mucky hands realing it in but very good

Echo what everybody else said - complete accident and very odd people! I get 50ft long lines from eBay - they're about £7 and usually last a good 6 months and I use them daily! Lots of colours too so they're easy to see! Just type in 50ft dog long line and they should come up.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/151652508114?nav=SEARCH this looks the strongest one

Brilliant thanks guys I will invest in one of these  and Jstaff that's a good idea about letting it trail and standing on it when needs be. cheers x