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I was at the river today and this whole family was sitting at a spot with their dog near them. We were around 20meters away from them, just passing by and the pet came running plus barking towards me but none of the family mems got up. The pet almost caught my ankle, I sat down and started screaming, the funny pet owner comes, apologizes and says I freaked her out with my screams??? I was with my mom and we were scared of the sudden attack, my both knees are bruised as I sat down and my voice is gone because I screamed so that your pet piece would leave my mother and come to me. but please, to all those who think their lovely dogs are harmless, keep them contained, it is a law and an act of decency too. If it happens next I'll kick the pug away to save myself from the bite- sorry to all dog freedom campaigners.  
 
Edited by cosmo55, 2015-09-27 22:30:44

Is this a serious thing? You dropped to your knees so hard you bruised your knees and screamed so loud you lost your voice....? Over a pug?

It doesn't matter the size of the dog when in public all dogs should be on a leash. I have big dogs and even they are scared of little dogs. People think that little dogs are harmless, but read up on what they are bred for. most little dogs were bred for pest control, so they are fairly high strung. Can they damage you ankle probably not. but the owners have a responsibility to protect other people from their dog and to protect their dogs from the dangers of the world and you can only accomplish that with a leash. I am saying this because I have large dogs that wouldn't hurt a fly but people on the street don't see that. so It's up to me to make them feel safer by having my dogs under control, and it's safer for my dogs.  

Jeeper said "Is this a serious thing? You dropped to your knees so hard you bruised your knees and screamed so loud you lost your voice....? Over a pug? "

I have a little 9lb cutie that would take chunks out out of ankles & any parts of big dogs he could get at. He's a rescue: was seriously abused & is loving with myself & s.O. Leashed when I walk him & short leash & we stand still when anyone's coming. It's only common sense plus . ... not everyone likes dogs!

We had a small dog, he looked like a mini Doberman and he chased a German Shepard up the street! But our dog wasn't even a barky type!  
 
I once told people that their small dog was vicious and that he would bite and they assured me no, he was too small to bite, lol!  
 
All dogs no matter their size need to be under their owner's control at all times!

(20) "RUN AT LARGE" as applied to an animal means that the animal is not under the  
direct and continuous charge and effective control of a person competent to control it or  
is not under control by confinement within an enclosure, and "RUNNING AT  
LARGE" and "AT LARGE" have a corresponding meaning.  

Rather than posting on eBrandon, you should have phoned Animal Control at the time and reported it.

First and foremost, I am a HUGE dog lover and I am commenting on this in agreement with the OP.  
 
People should have the right to walk in public areas in Brandon within an unleashed dog running at them. I find this an issue when I am walking my two little dogs down the street. People have their dogs off leash in their front yard and they come running onto the street barking at and cornering my dogs!  
 
Just because your dog is "well behaved" doesn't give you an excuse to have your dog off leash. Some people are scared of dogs. Some children are terrified of them. There are even dogs who are scared of dogs!!!  
 
It is not about YOU it's about being respectful of others in a public area.

curlysister said "Rather than posting on eBrandon, you should have phoned Animal Control at the time and reported it. "

Bingo!

....it's a pug. Why would you drop to you're knees when the dog is only ankle high? Seems like a pretty silly reaction.  
 
Edited by Knucklehead, 2015-09-28 16:52:36

This is either absolute madness, or some sort of joke.

is if a strange dog, large or small, comes running at me, it's gonna get kicked hard. Been bit before so keep your dogs leashed! And if someone wants to rave on E-Brandon, it's their prerogative.

Some people are scared of dogs due to owners not being proactive and letting their dogs loose. Even when I'm walking my dog and I see loose dogs I warn their owners that if their dog comes near I'm not responsible for anything that happens after they get on public areas. It looks bad on everyone.

When someone is out walking in a public space, they shouldn't have to dogs running towards them for any reason. Sure the dog could be the friendliest dog in town, it still doesn't make it right. All dogs, no matter the size and demeanor can attack a person or other dog/cat.

Little dramatic no?? Yes the owners should have recalled the dog but a  
Simple "come get your dog" would work too

Yes, the dog should be leashed; however, based on your story you handled the situation like a 5 year old. This is the most ridiculous thing I have read in a long time.

Trevor B said "When someone is out walking in a public space, they shouldn't have to dogs running towards them for any reason. Sure the dog could be the friendliest dog in town, it still doesn't make it right. All dogs, no matter the size and demeanor can attack a person or other dog/cat. "

What if I was to run at those pug owners roaring and screaming like a madman until I got right up in their faces? How would they react? I'm not very big and I'm really pretty harmless and I'm a nice guy around my family.

I'm not saying the dog owner was in the right or the person didn't have a legitimate reason to be nervous. But why drop to your knees and scream....? Yes. Let's put our faces closer to the dog and scream like a lunatic so now a friendly dog is scared or sees you as a threat and actually attacks. Stand tall and tell the owners to grab there dog... Screaming like a banshee is going to get any dog worked up.

The OP did mention that she reacted like that so that the dog would react to her and not attack her mom. It was a decision she made in that split second.  
 
I don't react like the OP did but I do react to dogs....strangers and friends and families! I have a fear of them and would likely kick a dog in defence if I was attacked or thought I was going to be attacked. I'm sure most people who see me react to their dog think I'm being irrational but it's a fear!!! I can't help it.  
 
Think about your fear. How would you react if faced with it.....