'I admit I was a touch rude': Dude lashes out at dog owners after a simple inquisitive sniff

Brad Dickson • Managing Editor

Jun 30, 2023 6:00 PM EDT

The proper etiquette and managing of your pooch in a public place is a tricky subject. Far too many dog owners let their dogs roam—recklessly leaving their dogs free to approach strange humans and unknown dogs without a second thought. I should state that this is coming from someone who loves and adores dogs.

Now, I know your dog is probably lovely, your prized little nugget of fluffy joy—but the chances of it lashing out at a stranger are not zero. To make matters worse, every dog owner in existence will give you the "He/she is friendly!" line—whether it's true or not.

Like so many aging millennials, I took up running last year, and I learned quickly that when you're rapidly approaching a dog and its owner on a path, there's a non-zero chance of the dog lashing out at you—suddenly deciding out of nowhere to go for a quick nip. Maybe it's something to do with an instinct to go for moving legs in herding breeds and terriers (which are by far the worst to run past) or the defensive qualities of other breeds, but it can be hard to tell when a dog is going to let you pass by, step in your path for a friendly sniff, or try to bite you. For this reason, I've taken to avoiding the radius of a dog's leash at all costs and changing course when a dog is roaming free. When unavoidable and a dog is approaching me, I'll have to stop my run and move to the side defensively.

Still, without fail, there will be owners carelessly letting their dogs out on insane leash lengths, letting the lead block the path, or refusing to reign them in so their dog is free to push into other people's space.

All this being said, a Golden Retriever is probably the last breed I would ever worry about. Especially in a relaxed setting where I wasn't quickly moving into its space while running or biking. Further, this guy's attitude is hostile from start to finish, and there's not really any place for it. Reddit has voted that 'everyone sucks here,' but I think it's clear that, despite everything I've said to this subject, this guy is the a-hole here.

Read on and pass your judgment. Next, check out this woman who wondered if she was wrong for getting a dog even though her brother was allergic.