Teased my dog then threatened me.

Vent

Apologies in advance for any spelling errors, I am litterally shaking with anger right now.

Walking my dog just now, did a little training getting her to lay down while people passed all went well untill walking home. There is a narrow ally to walk down, she is fine passing people there as long as they ignore her and I tell her to stay by me. As we reach the end some snaggle tooth crackhead looking guy comes around the corner almost walking into us. Before I can call her back to my side (she was on a six foot leash) the guy drops into a wide legged stance leaning towards her and starts making "OH!, OH!, OH!" noises at her. She goes absoultly nuts as you can imagine.

I thought he must have had some sort of learning disablility at first from the strange sounds and actions so dragged her away back up the ally (with him folowing still aggitating her) to where there was space and got her under control. I was thinking oh man we just scared the crap out of some poor autistic person or something when he starts telling me to muzzle my fucking dog if its aggresssive and asking is she supposed to be attack dog or somthing and how dogs that are aggressive shouldnt be allowed. I did call him a fu**ing c**t when he threatened to attack me so maybe made it a bit worse but couldnt help myself.

Two other people passed us fine during the encounter btw but being a Belgian Mal she was fully locked on him wanting to go and hardly even noticed them. She was a good girl the rest of the way home but I decided to go look for the guy and ask why he felt the need to tease my dog then complain when she reacted.

At first he said he didn't tease her, so I demonstrated what he did coming around the corner and asked why he did it. He said my dog "disrepected" him, I was honestly gobsmaked. A few neighbours came to look at the shouting by now (he was threatening me the whole time once I said I didnt want to fight him, one of those types who think that means your afraid to fight them). So I loudly said to make him look stupid "My dog disrepected you so you wound her up? How did she disrepect you? Shes a dog and doesnt understand things like that." A neighbour laughed.

At this point he really lost his temper "Dont you fu**ing laugh at me. You shouldnt have a dog that barks at people like that anyway" Ect. Then the one that really pissed me off "That dog comes near me and I will put it in its grave".

I have not always been such a nice patient guy, there was a time I would have punched him in the mouth as soon as he asked to fight me but health conditions mean I can't really fight anymore even if I want to, heck I was getting out of breath arguing. Thing is after hearing that I so badly want to go stand in the guys front yard and shout "Get out her so I can kick your last two teeth out." Reasonable people of reddit tell me why this would be a bad idea before I get myself in trouble please. (have calmed down a little typing that though, hands not shaking as much now).

EDIT: Just spoken to my GF on the phone and she thinks it's the same guy who has been acting wierd and coming and sitting in the middle of our training sessions forcing us to move. Now I am worried this is the same guy and provoking my dog is an escalation of the behaviour. Maybe he has a problem with me and has decided to take it out on my dog. Might start wearing a body cam to cover myself.

in reactivedogsby RevolutionaryBat9335

86%

16d

foosda

108

16d

Some advice from a trainer I know: "only one of you can be a shitshow in public."

You're the human, you have to keep it together.

We can't control what other people do, all we can do is prevent them from actually doing harm to us and ours, and move on.

It sounds like you have a known quantity with this man, and he's looking for a reason. Don't give it to him.

RevolutionaryBat9335

16d

Thats great advice and I will try to keep it in mind in future.

I actually have no idea who he is. Some guy has turned up and sat close by a few times training over the last week or two. I have been to busy with keeping my dog calm to really pay him much attention. My gilrfriend asked me to describe the guy who made chimp impressions at us this morning and she thinks its the same guy. He has walked past my house 4 times I've noticed in the last two hours too. Maybe I have a stalker?

Cheeky-Chipmunkk

16d

Listen you have a weird situation on your hands. Especially if your GF has run ins with the same crazy guy. I 100% think you need to protect yourself and your dog at this point. It sounds like crazy is trying to antagonize your dog for a pay day. Once he gets your dog to bite it’s your word against his. Wear that body cam.

Edit: typo

Rubymoon286

🍰

16d

I would report it to police and start a paper trail if you feel comfortable doing so. At the very least he's harassing you.

simon1urankar

16d

Call the police and file a restraining order against him lol, at least it will show that something was wrong with him and he was the aggressor in case anything happens in the future, that way the law enforcement will more likely be on your side..

Rough_Elk_3952

16d

You need to change your walking route and where you train with your dog and be very careful. People have no problem harming animals for revenge.

debsjustk9

16d

Not sure what state you live in, but in Washington state it is against the law to tease torment or torture animals. You might check out the laws wherever you live. He sounds like he is just stupid enough to push it and tell your poor Belgian bites him. And you end up in jail for assault. Be proactive not reactive.

RevolutionaryBat9335

16d

In the UK. Animal abuse is illeagal but I'm not sure making monkey noises and waving your arms at them would count. The law is pretty strict about dog bites here though, he gets my dog seized and a bite will be the least of his worries. I'd be willing to do some time as long as I left him with a lasting reminder of me if you know what I mean.

I will be wearing a camera to record any future provoking of my dog before that happens hopefully though.

debsjustk9

16d

You can certainly find out from your local police department. Or look up the law on line? And actually tormenting the dog by standing wide and waving his arms and making monkey noises would be considered illegal here. You might have to push it but better than having your dog seized and euthanized. Best of luck 🐾❣️

Abaconings

15d

He did threaten your dog as well. If you opt to not involve polielve yet, keep a written record of every interaction. It's surprising how much we can forget when under stress. Having a written record will help later if you (hopefully won't) need it.

Cheeky-Chipmunkk

16d

I love this 😂😂 and it makes total sense.

BudhhaAgain

14d

You can put a cam on Doggo too. I need to remember the account name but there’s a guy on YouTube who has a Mal also and has a harness attachment for a GoPro. Many times it’s shown other dogs run at it and he muzzle punches them when they make contact and if you didn’t have the video you’d think it was aggressive. Might be a good idea to do the same. That way when he’s obviously being aggressive to you guys and he gets bit, judge or animal control can be like, “you asked for it buddy”. Hopefully that never happens but video would cover your ass.

OkRegular167

16d

It is definitely frustrating when random people do shit like this. But why on earth did you GO BACK to confront the guy? Obviously this isn’t a levelheaded logical person who’s gonna hear you out, and they’re a complete stranger. What’s the point? You put yourself in a potentially unsafe situation to what, prove a point?

Next time just get out and move on.

Fieryphoenix1982

16d

I was thinking this too! Not worth the risk, I always say, you never know who has a gun... could be a male vs female thing too!

EdenTG

15d

Sounds like OP is in the UK. Doesn’t have to fear getting shot by some crazy asshole like we do here. Just getting stabbed I guess

MeowandGordo

16d

See I have a crackhead that lives outside my place too. If he sees me or my dog he starts aggressively screaming about me being a bitch with a crazy dog. I guess I just feel sort of bad for him though. We had a situation where I came around the corner and he was sleeping on the sidewalk and he pretty much woke up to my dog in his face. Ironically my pup was being super good that day and was looking at me at the time and heeling. Homie put his fist up to hit my dog and even though I’m like a 120lb girl I saw red for a moment and told him if he hit my dog I was gonna kick him. Not cool of me though because homie was just napping and was startled. Humans can get a little crazy especially when they aren’t clearly there. But it’s my job to be strong and positive for me, my dog and the person that is clearly not mentally well and not rational. Now, I give this dude hella space, treat my dog extra well when we run into him and try to give the dude a little smile cause it stops the yelling usually. Stay strong out there for your pup. It’s always better to disengage and leave the area.

RevolutionaryBat9335

16d

He's not an actuall crackhead, just looks like one. He lives in a house behind me somewhere. Has about three teeth left in his head and looks like his clothes haven't been washed in a month. You are right though, better for my dogs sake to disengage.

Feeling-Object9383

16d

What you describe - his appearance and behaviour - can indicate a mental illness. Can be caused by drug addiction or not. I would just remember this guy, and any time you see him, just ignore him.

If he keeps threatening your dog, go to the police and make a record.

And don't look for any logical explanation because there's none. He can be loko-loko, drug addicted, or just a perfect asshole. Any of these three are not on scope for a logic appliance.

I'm very sorry that you and your dog had to experience this.

Was it you who posted that you met a super weird guy who was teasing your dog in the park? I remember that in that story, it was a GF and Belgian Mal female dog.

RevolutionaryBat9335

16d

No, I haven't posted about him before. It was a public park so I figured even though his behaviour was strange coming and sitting right where I was obviously training my dog he had every right to be there and just moved away.

hseof26paws

16d

Reading through your post, I just kept thinking "wow, that guy is unhinged" (to be clear - the guy you encountered, not you lol). But the thing is, you can't reason with unhinged people. Or take anything they say/do to heart. Because unhinged is just that - irrational and not founded in reality. Easier said than done, I know, but paying as little mind to unhinged people as possible is your best bet. Consider taking something like pepper spray or the like on walks going forward in case you have a need for self defense against him, but don't risk getting yourself in legal or other trouble by initiating anything or engaging with him. (Side note: TBH, I suspect there is some mental illness at play for that guy, which is quite unfortunate, but for your particular circumstance, not engaging or initiating really is the safest route for you and your dog.)

Status_Lion4303

16d

Second this, you just can’t argue with unhinged crazy people. Makes things so much worse. Once I argued with this guy about his offleash dog jumping all over us and the dude cursed me out and ran away screaming bloody murder at the top of his lungs like a child having a tantrum but he was a grown man. From that moment I was like “yup I’m never doing that again!”. I just carry pepper spray and things to defend myself with if ever needed and avoid confrontation/ignore. Just not worth it.

Spookiepoopie

16d

First of all, I'm so sorry. That was surely a terrifying experience. If you can't avoid that route, you really should look into some form of self defense. Even if you never use it, simply having one on you might make those situations feel less intimidating. A baton, pepper spray, etc. I used to have to take sketchy walks at night home from work and occasionally got approached by a drunk or strung out homeless person. One time I threatened to use pepper spray on a guy who was too interesting and barking up the wrong tree. I waved it around and threatened to use it, he left. Had he looked closer he would have realized it was a can of ozium air freshener, not pepper spray. But it worked regardless.

RevolutionaryBat9335

16d

Not really, I was more trying not to hit the guy. I have done years of martial arts when I was younger (so should know better). I am middle aged now with COPD and pretty severe asthma so would probably and up struggling to breath on the floor after 30 seconds anyway.

The laws are a bit dumb on weapons for self defence here. Your not allowed to carry anything at all to use as a weapon. If I take a stick from the garden with the intention of protecting myself with it in a fight it becomes an offensive weapon in the eyes of the law. You are allowed to use "weapons to hand" so if you got attacked you could pick up a stick laying in the street to defend yourself or use somthing you had on you for another purpose, maybe a walking stick.

Spookiepoopie

16d

I wasn't thinking you'd actually use it, just more of a "make yourself look like more of a threat so they punk out" kind of approach, but I see how that's not applicable for you. That's unfortunate about the laws, because this sounds like a perfect example of when you should be allowed SOMETHING to protect yourself. Probably best to avoid him if you can, it sounds like he's got nothing to lose and will escalate. I hope you stay safe.

Curious-Unicorn

15d

What about bringing a spray bottle of water or vinegar? It’s not a weapon but can certainly try to deter a person. In a different post, somebody mentioned a whistle or an air horn or something (your dog would tolerate). Drawing attention to the situation with others so that you’d have other people to potentially intervene.

And def get a body cam.

RevolutionaryBat9335

14d

I think that would just piss him off unless I told him their was battery acid in there, then I'd get arrested. If I do have to resort to violence its going to have to be swift and decisive, hopeing to avoid that though.

Had to stop my friend beating him up yesterday after he heard my dog and I got threatened, my friend is a six foot five building site labourer. I am hoping he sees he's messing with the wrong person and leaves it there.

Started wearing my action cam on my coat when I walk her now.

Impossible_Drag2919

16d

Hmm I once had something similar happen. This man was dressed "strange" (he carried like 6 big shopping bags, a stick from a tree, very long coat, hat, sunglasses, I think you get the image by now) and out of nowhere bend forward and started barking and growling and staring at my dog. My dog was always a bit sensitive but he had never reacted to people, until this man did that. I was trying to walk away as quickly as I could but the man followed us a bit. He would stop and laugh, other people who saw it all laughed. My dog was absolutely petrified, tail tucked and he tried to bark back but he only let out very soft barks. This all had a huge impact on his confidence :( he is now timid and scared of most people and will react when he is too unsure.

We've also had a big group of kids once do something similar (barking and growling and yelling at us). It sucks big time because he was such a fantastic goofy happy dog before all that.

The only thing you can do now is avoid that man, I know if can feel unfair when you're training somewhere and this person will invade your space that you will have to leave but it's for the better.

Activedesign

16d

I call those “reactive men”

RevolutionaryBat9335

16d

Me or the crazy dude? lol

Activedesign

15d

The dude lol I totally get your reaction. I love when people purposely trigger my dog, looking for a reaction, then they get upset when the dog reacts.

abbiyah

16d

Both probably lol

attitudeandsass

16d

We have a great camera called an insta go3 that is so small it can clip into a hat brim or a dog if arness/collar, or it can be worn on a magnetic chain. It only records for about 25 minutes outside of its base which is only the size of a regular go pro.

Glittering_Dark_1582

16d

Are you in 🇬🇧 the UK? If you’re in Kent you must be walking down the same alleyways I do! Lol, just kidding. Look, the guy is obviously an asshole, there’s loads of them in this world and it must be mating season for them because they are all out and about! Sending ((hugs)) you’re way (I live in Gravesend, Kent)

RevolutionaryBat9335

16d

UK yes, but in Wales. The crazies are definitely out here this summer too.

missing_you_maggie

16d

If you have a body cam, wear it. And if you see this man on your walk again you need to turn around and walk the entire opposite way. Do not go instigating like you did the second time around… it’s in everyones best interest. Don’t fuck with crazy, it’s not worth it.

littaltree

15d

Just to emparhize and validate your feelings... my first thought was, "YOU SHOULD HAVE LET YOUR DOG BITE THIS MOTHER FUCKER TO THEACH HIM A LESSON!!!"

Obviously not really, but I feel your frustration and anger and sense of justice.

But my favorite game of things quote here... "lions don't concern themselves with the opinions of sheep". Semi applicable here. Crack head is a naive dumb ass, you're a fucking reactive dog warrior. You know better than the crack head. Your dog deserved to react that way.

04rallysti

16d

If it happens again I would call the cops, he is technically threatening you and harassing you. and even tho this is a reactive dog subreddit personally if this happened to me with my massive Doberman I wouldn’t even correct him, that’s literally what he was bred to do, scare off crazy assholes.

RevolutionaryBat9335

16d

Yup, I wasnt even sure what to do either. I have to have her under control but correcting her for being aggressive with someone who really was a threat seemed unfair.

Defiant_Tour

15d

Something similar happened to me years ago with my border collie (side note: my border collie wasn’t reactive at all…my current younger dog is occasionally hence joining this group). I warned the man to stop threatening me and my dog and warned him again when he got closer. He didn’t listen, continued with his bullshit, and got even closer to us. My border collie bit him, I did nothing to correct him….I’m glad he bit the guy. I called the police, waited for them to show up, and told them exactly what happened. Had 0 issues with the police or with the fact that my dog technically bit someone.

Your situation may have been a little bit different but if your girl was behaving the way you’d want her to under normal circumstances and someone continues to escalate in this kind of aggression despite your firm warnings I’d let them deal with the consequences of their own behavior. Then call the police first so you’re the first one to go in record.

[deleted]

16d

I had a neighbor kind of like this. He couldn't really keep up the crazy energy without a response so if i just stood there calmly not really saying anything he'd just kinda deflate after a moment. I remember thinking "this dude is gonna meet the wrong guy and get his ass kicked". Idk what happened but he got arrested for battery the next day. The sad reality is when someone is that far gone they aren't acting like a reasoning human they're just playing out their fear/anger. Sorry you and your wife are dealing with this.

dolparii

16d

I have had this happen to and it isnt uncommon for people to 'tease' dogs. My dog is definitely not fond of it and best for me is to get out of the situation and walk away before something bad happens!!

Swinkz90

15d

My reactive chihuahua does not like junkie looking people either. He barks at them. We walk away safely without anyone getting hurt.

Theres no reason to confront them.

So not sure why you needed to confront the guy.

LowParticular8153

16d

Tell the crackhead to shut up.

jennbenn5555

15d

Now see, this is when I would've immediately jumped in front of my dog and started acting like an even bigger ignorant ass than he was. If he wanted to jump around, ohh-ing and ahh-ing, I'd ohh and ahh even louder, jump towards him even closer and beat my chest like a gorilla, all while maintaining very hard eye contact and refusing to let him break it. As a general rule, holding a mirror up to crackhead asshats tends to confuse them into submission. Lmao

BamaTony64

15d

would have loved to see that when I had my malamute

iniminimum

16d

"Walk away before I call the cops" and whwn he wouldn't walk away, I'd let her leash out a little. Shit, I have a pyrenean mastiff and I'm only 5'5, I had a guy threaten me once and he started taking aggressive steps towards me so I let the leash out to all 6 feet and she jumped and lunged at him and he backed up and left

Rough_Elk_3952

16d

That’s a very good way to get your dog in legal trouble.

And a very bad way to protect your dog.

iniminimum

16d

I'm not saying let the leash out enough to bite the person, just enough so they will back off. Being 5'5 and what's been happening to women on the streets has made it so men don't get to approach me if I don't know them.

Rough_Elk_3952

16d

I’m 5’3 and a woman and I still don’t use my dogs to intimidate people. That’s not their job, it’s my job to protect them.

I don’t want them in a position to be accused of being aggressive or to be attacked by someone.

I’ve physically put myself between my dog and men in a knife fight because I’d much rather be attacked than her.

iniminimum

16d

I agree, I would never actually use my dog. But my dog is more intimidating than I am, and she does make people think twice. If someone had serious intentions it would be a different story - but the one time someone was advancing on me she was the only deterrent

RevolutionaryBat9335

16d

He was making monkey noises still coming towards her while she had a full on meltdown. Have you seen a Malinois in bite drive? Its a sight to behold, if he wasnt scared already and extra foot of leash wouldnt have made him back off. Part of me wonders if he was trying to get bitten so he could report me and try for compensation.