Hey power,"Some people get petrified when they see a big dog....

Hey power,

"Some people get petrified when they see a big dog. Unfortunately that is not my problem."

With the greatest respect, it is the nub of the issue.

I feel it is my responsibility as pet owners to manage both their health and well being and their impact on the world around them. So, for cats, inside at night, wearing bells to avoid their hunting native animals etc.

For dogs, controlling the dogs to manage their impact on people - irrespective of whether I see the persons reaction as appropriate or not. Our (very little happy spaniels) are kept on short leash when we stop to talk to people until I am sure that we all have the same reactions. Very careful when kids are approaching the dogs to ensure that dogs and kids have the same expectations.

My responsibility as owner.

f111