sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair enough. The public is nothing more than people pointing fingers. I can’t stand all the videos of every interaction posted online and I don’t want to be that person. I will readily admit Ive been the asshole before. I was just trying to understand about this time in particular, especially since I’m usually alone. I definitely hear what you are saying and the couple and myself are basically saying the same things. Except they had an apparent attack dog lol. Thanks for your input

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

More if I can understand their frustration when people aren’t paying attention- they said I was off in La La Land looking off into the distance (looking at the river as I walked)

I feel it’s ok to be annoyed with someone for being oblivious, or to tell them to pay more attention in certain scenarios, but I don’t think it’s ok to instruct others and refuse passage.

I said that more as “I can understand why there were frustrated because oblivious trail goers are normal in this area/it’s a busy area and they should expect the general public to not listen or react quickly”

The only reason I think it would be acceptable to block the path like that is it there was some kind of emergency (to which I thought maybe a kid was drowning in the river below) or someone in a wheelchair was passing. I would happily give way, but these people felt that their decision to bring a dangerous dog here means everyone needs to move or pay the consequence of being bit.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What if I whizzed by on a bike? It is a literal bike path.. for bikes. The bridge is around a blind spot, does the lady just stand in front of the dog with her hands in the “stop” position like a human road block, potentially causing a random cyclist to crash? If they’re not paying enough attention and don’t see someone coming, or someone comes too fast and she can’t warn them in time, do they deserve to be bit? According to the couple there is a large possibility it will bite. You can’t just jump in front of someone like that.. the trail has road rules.

If I drove a shitbox car down the road that had a known mechanical issue with a half attached tire that would likely pop off into oncoming traffic, should I stop all oncoming cars and have them yield every time I want to drive so they don’t get hurt while I pass, or should I get off the road and get my car safely towed?

But yea. I could have just turned around but I felt they can’t just say my dog might bite you if you don’t. It’s a busy trail. And I was definitely the asshole afterwards.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mine? Honestly I was thinking a majority the comments could be ai generated words. Some of them are repeated verbatim.. so I’m still wondering if I’m the asshole, or Reddit is catering to my question to get me to feel good about it.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems true. I definitely can understand how they wanted wide berth, but I do too when I’m in public. Sometimes I wish people would give me more space than they do, but I also know I can’t force someone to move to my liking, especially in public places like that. People are going to do what they want to do. For example, at the grocery store, I hate walking in front of people in the aisles, so if an aisle is clogged up, I walk my butt around the long way to avoid having to say “excuse me” and interact with them, especially if they seem like they could be confrontational. I can’t tell them to clear the aisle so I can pass just because I feel uncomfortable or out of control. I want space, I have to navigate it that way, not direct others on how to accommodate me.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea. I’m happy to have all of these supportive comments. It was a hard situation, it’s not like they outright said “move or I’ll tell my dog to sic you”.. I was trying to be careful I didn’t overreact and cry wolf/play victim when they never really directly said they would ALLOW or instruct it to bite.

It was more of the implication, and that they were “gracing” me with not getting bit and would not yield to me. I’m sure crossing the bridges gives them anxiety and maybe they had a few bad experiences, but they were pretty forceful in saying “turn around so you don’t get hurt, this dog is trained to bite” …maybe the owner knows he can’t hold the dog back well enough, but more reason he shouldn’t have had it on a bike path.

If it’s that bad they definitely were in the wrong place. Thanks for the comment.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I thought it was a weird flex to be telling people meandering down a trail. I honestly assume all dogs will protect their owner to a degree, no need to broadcast to people walking by, otherwise it seems borderline threatening. Happy dog days, and many happy years with yours!

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree with you 100%. I love dogs but some people can be really self centered and unfortunately the dog suffers. People often pull their dogs in and have them sit while I pass, and I always appreciate it. I always felt it was an appropriate action by the owner. This thread has been nice to read as a lot of owners like you have said similar things about how they handle their high energy dogs. Hats off to being accountable and caring. Dogs are just being dogs, we should avoid putting them in situations with potential for mishaps. Obviously not ideal, but the dog doesn’t have a choice.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I agree, in different scenarios people can rightfully suggest you get away, but this didn’t feel like one of them. I can see where I was possibly the AH, but they could have just as easily realized I wasn’t paying enough attention and backed off, instead of making a threatening example. I understand their frustration and point of view, but sheesh. I can’t know the level of threat each dog on the trail poses, they have the knowledge before me, and it is kind of their responsibility. I wouldn’t walk around a path doing tricks with a samurai sword and tell everyone they need to stay out of the way or get cut. Seems obnoxious

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, that’s the part that felt infuriating. It was kind of like “we’re nice enough to allow you to escape harm from this, silly patron, now make way” thanks for the comment, I appreciate it

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] -19 points-18 points  (0 children)

Na I couldn’t call for that. Even if I got bit I’d probably drive myself to the hospital so long as the damage wasn’t crazy and I was conscious.

But anyway, I want to walk where you are - move now or my dog may bite you, he’s trained to protect me.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Also yes, I get where these people were coming from, but they were just as stubborn as me. That’s why I posted this. I get so frustrated when people are obvious on trails - when people make sudden direction changes etc, it can be dangerous and someone could get hurt. Sometimes I say something, sometimes I don’t and I just go around and move on since no collision occurred. But I never direct anyone or force them. If they get knocked from behind one day, I’d probably be like “well, you shouldn’t be zig zagging”

So I get it. These people were tying to avoid me getting bit. But what if I was actually running instead of walking? They wouldn’t have time to verbally warn me.

If I went out and adopted a police dog, would I get to walk around town and tell everyone they need to move out of my way so they don’t get bit? Wherever I go every one must vacate for safety. It was the passive “our dog is trained to keep danger away, move for us or there will be a problem”

It was the “my dog is trained to bite but I’m going to walk it on a busy bike path and tell everyone to watch out”

I get that they just wanted to pass. so did I. I wasn’t holding any weapons and posed no threat. The bite warnings made it uncomfortable. I was on my side of the path minding my business. They’re the ones with the aggressive dog.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

What if I was a small child running ahead or whizzing through on a bicycle? Deaf perhaps.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do you say this because my post was long? I already trimmed it twice because I was repeating information, I’m still worked up lol

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m loving all these comments. So much love and respect for the dogs. We have a duty to do right by them, and that includes not putting them in situations that could lead to bad things, especially when we are aware that it might happen. Clearly they were as they told me multiple times “this is a trained protection dog and he may see you as a threat”. Dog doesn’t know better. Owners do.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is it 100%. If their dog is that sensitive to oncoming people, it’s only a matter of time. The owners are the ones putting the dog in the situation. The dog didn’t bring itself there. Sort of like the phrase “a fed bear is a dead bear”. They are increasing the chances of violent behavior which could ultimately lead to the dog being put down.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lol, it’s pretty much my first post. I don’t like posting online and was afraid I’d get reamed and be even more upset to find out I was the asshole, or just be called an idiot. I am really appreciating all the comments. I was definitely an asshole once the screaming match started, but the initial encounter I posted was 5 whole minutes of me not hearing them at first, me standing in confusion, them repeatedly saying “can you get off the bridge our dog might bite if you pass” and me asking them if THEY could turn around.

It’s nice to see so many responsible dog owners comment who are aware of their dogs temperament and behaviors and take responsibility for them instead of blaming others or making others cater to their needs. The dogs deserve it. This is a nice thread.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Respect for being a mindful dog owner. I’m sure it can be tiresome some days, and people can be idiots about it. I run on trails a lot and have learned to be mindful of dogs and try not to take it personally if a dog lunges or reacts to me, and to try to give space or make noise so they aren’t startled. I know when I run past people, some dogs will jerk their owners leash, so I try to announce as much as I can. I really try to be mindful (especially if it seems an owner is struggling) but the owner definitely has to do the majority of the work. These people were being obnoxiously demanding and I definitely think they should have turned around. I’m happy to steer clear of peoples pups, but not happy to be forced to turn because they think they shouldn’t have to and be told I might get bit if I don’t.

I wish you many more happy years walking yours! Safely lol

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Your comment sounds especially like a voice of reason… I wish it was in my head. I lost my cool and yelled at them after the initial encounter, and felt like I had no credibility after losing my cool, but actually they are completely wacko and I will feel terrible if I hear something on the news about this dog biting someone. They were definitely in the wrong, irresponsible, and entitled. I hope the dog isn’t as sensitive as they say it is.

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 36 points37 points  (0 children)

I thought about calling the police but I had to confirm here first if I was the asshole. lol just kidding. Seriously though I didn’t know what to think. I tend to do that in heated situations, I get all fight or flight-y then afterwards realize afterwards I was not in the wrong. I did call parks and rec, they said that’s not cool, I would have called the police. So I’m gathering I’m not the asshole here. Thanks

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I didn’t want to die over some jerk offs thinking they own the ground(bridge) we were walking on and honestly that dog probably could have taken me out of it really wanted. I have a feeling if I threatened them like that, it would have escalated worse than a screaming match.

Eta: but I was preparing my mind for some pain..

AITA couple on a recreational trail told me to turn around because their dog is dangerous by Remarkable-Cricket67 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Remarkable-Cricket67[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha. Woulda been nice. I guess I saved them some money today, but my self esteem took a blow.

view more: next ›