Standing still, I have found, has its health risks. Whilst examining the weed growth along the walk way by the country park, looking for insect life, a young dog came bounding up to me at great speed and with much angry barking. It stopped an inch short of my shins - being called back by its owner. I was an inch short of a heart attack.
The owner apologised and said that the dog tends to go for people who are standing still. There must be a few dogs around with the same inclination as this has happened to me several times before.
I once put a very careful post on our residents facebook page, asking dog owners to pay attention to calling their dog away when they are stood angrily barking at me from a foot away - rather than putting all their energies into telling me that the dog is harmless. I was trying to explain the fear that comes over me and that whilst I am trying hard to overcome this, it is a very real fear that continues as long as the dog is barking. The first comment back said "sounds like you've got bad mojo dude." There then unfurled a whole series of comments offering me counselling, an opportunity to spend time with other people's friendly dogs to overcome the fear, hypnotherapy and a certain amount of abuse in amongst the understanding comments. I opened a can of worms.
Well this particular incident made me feel better - it isn't my bad mojo, but more a case of the fact that I was standing still and crouched with a camera. We were both polite and understanding to each other and went our separate ways. My heart calmed down after about 10 minutes.
Well needless to say, after the experience with the dog, the photo got abandoned. But there is always something else along the way to be interested in again.
lovely ladybird , interesting narrative.
It's not the dogs it is the owners who are at fault, They should control their dog at all times, if it goes off roading barking at people it should not be off the leash / lead
A fabulous photo and the detail is incredible. I can not imagine how you feel when a dog races up to you barking. I imagine I would be fearful too. I am quite shocked however, that in a public place the dogs are not required to be kept on a leash by their owners - Just my thoughts.
How scary for you. Dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead if they know the dog will bark at people or run up to them.
I know dogs need to run free and have plenty of exercise but it is the owner who is at fault if they can't control their animal. If the dog can't be trusted then it has to stay on a lead.
A stunning capture, I m sure this made your day. I have been bitten by dogs on numerous occasions as a child and have great respect when I see one. Good that the owner was there!
I am so sorry to hear of your experience. The dog owners you describe make an innocent walk an anxiety filled experience. This is why I put so much effort into training my dogs. If the incident escalates and the dog cannot be controlled, the walker can be injured and the dog can pay the ultimate price.
Wonderful detail and focus.
Lovely capture of the ladybird.
Sorry to hear about your experience with the dog, people should keep them on a lead. It's a frequent problem now we've got a dog, I walk away now and let the owner deal with it, usually involves quite a lot of chasing and running which can be quite amusing :)
Wonderful shot, great detail! I would have had a heart attack if that had happened to me, I am fearful of dogs no matter if they are barking or not, I feel your fear
I'm lucky as I'm not afraid of dogs but I've had similar experiences and usually I'm told " it's because you have a big camera" Well I'd struggle to take photos without one mate.
If you know your dog reacts to certain criteria, Pay attention to what's around you and control the dog. It's that simple.
Oh and lovely ladybird by the way
Great detail. I understand where you are coming from regarding dogs. I used to be petrified after a dog bit everyone in my family except my Dad. I have fortunately got over that fear and often photograph and even stroke some dogs after offering my hand for them to smell. Fav for this great photo
I often find a well placed boot can work wonders. I don't dislike dogs, I have several through my life. But one that comes up to you barking ferociously, is as far as I am concerned, potentially dangerous, and I am entitled to protect myself !
Brilliant close-up! It could be an oriental poppy leaf on which the lady is walking.
Your experience with that dog is disturbing. I was bitten on the calf by a dog when I was a boy riding a bike. As others have said, it's up to the dog owner, not the dog.
I hope you can still enjoy your future walks.
That dog owner should know better and if they think that everyone is going to be as understanding as you were (in spite of your fear) they are going to be surprised when they're slapped with a law suit over their dog's behavior. If you want to give your dog an opportunity to run, take it to a dog park. That's what they're designed for. I'm glad you were able to work through the incident without long-lasting anxiety throughout the day and with a great shot like this. I love the detail on it. I actually like dogs but I really think it should be mandatory that they are on a leash in places like the one you were in. Great shot!
Dog owners are the limit sometimes! At such times they really should be tied to their dogs an put on a leash! I'll issue a decree to that effect when I'm king! Well done for getting this lovely shot of a creature that needs no such restraint !
May 18th, 2020
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It's not the dogs it is the owners who are at fault, They should control their dog at all times, if it goes off roading barking at people it should not be off the leash / lead
How scary for you. Dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead if they know the dog will bark at people or run up to them.
I know dogs need to run free and have plenty of exercise but it is the owner who is at fault if they can't control their animal. If the dog can't be trusted then it has to stay on a lead.
Wonderful detail and focus.
Sorry to hear about your experience with the dog, people should keep them on a lead. It's a frequent problem now we've got a dog, I walk away now and let the owner deal with it, usually involves quite a lot of chasing and running which can be quite amusing :)
If you know your dog reacts to certain criteria, Pay attention to what's around you and control the dog. It's that simple.
Oh and lovely ladybird by the way
Your experience with that dog is disturbing. I was bitten on the calf by a dog when I was a boy riding a bike. As others have said, it's up to the dog owner, not the dog.
I hope you can still enjoy your future walks.