Just got back inside from our evening walk. We were having a great time and all of a sudden around the corner comes a boxer with his owner taking a walk, too. The boxer's name is Buster, and he's a nice dog, obeys for the most part. But he is never on a leash, ever. Buster walks up to us, and I'm quickly losing control of Henry (I do use a prong collar on walks) because Henry hates to be approached by other, big dogs when he's on a leash, especially if the other dog isn't. So, Henry's growling, barking, lunging and exhibiting extremely aggressive behavior towards Buster because Buster is simply too close for comfort. Buster's owner gets Buster to move away from us and apologizes. I apologize, too, for Henry's outburst. Then the guy says, "That dog is really mean." Man that hurt. I imagine it's like someone telling you something really negative about your kid.

My beloved Henry, the love of my life, a great little dog in too many ways to count.

Henry's come so far, though. It used to be bikes, cars, joggers, people with strollers, and basically anything that moved toward him would freak him out--I think because he lost sight in one eye. Now, it's only off-leash dogs, mainly big ones. Oh, and my brother-in-law, but that's another tale altogether. I just can't get him past other dogs approaching us. He's OK if the other dog is not too close and is on a leash and under control, and he's OK if he's not on a leash (in the dog park, for example). Man, we work at this everyday, too, walking past a dog in a yard with only an electric fence. Everyday the dog lunges at us. He never gets too close. Henry has good days and bad days with it, but some days Henry barks, growls, and lunges back.

I have a mean dog.

You make a great point. He was deflecting, that's for sure. The comment just hit me the wrong way and just left me feeling like, well, crap.

Wow, this guy's dog must be PERFECT, I have never met a dog who has not one flaw. Gimmie a break, I would tell this guy if your dog is so mean then he should probably walk his unleashed dog a different route. I love their flaws, it's what makes each rattie as unique as a snowflake. 

OK, nothing about where you live (I"ve got no idea where...), but STUPID leash law! 

Anyway, wanted to say, yes, that happens to me fairly often.  I choose to walk Rowdy, and he does great with other dogs.  I'm just lucky with him.  But our lab mix, Sam, and our shehpard, Schatzi, are both not.  I've had people tell me not to worry, they're dog is friendly.  I've always said, "Well, mine's not."  I don't think that Sam or Schatzi are mean.  They are leashed and feel restrained and have the disadvantage  and they know it.  Plus, they have doggie-personalities.  Schatzi is a bit of a fighter- she's an alpha-female and she won't take crap from another dog.  It's a little embarrassing, but she's a dog and dogs are just like that.  I do my part and keep her restrained and under control.  It's the other owner's job to do his part and restrain and control his dog.  It's not his job to criticize my dog.  Just ignore people like that.  They're being stupid and trying to make themselves feel better for their lack of appropriate action.

And good job with Henry!  He's made imporvements and you've done a great job with him!  You should be proud of him!!!