Am I over reacting my dog of 18 months went for someone

[Jan/Billy]

You do need to be on your guard though because lots of people see a Cocker and think "how cute" then don't even ask just put their hands out 

Completely agree. Some people just don't think that a dog may not be comfortable with being stroked. Today on my way home I stopped at the motorway services and there was a guy there with a gorgeous springer. Of course I had to go over and say hello   but before I stroked the dog I asked if he was friendly, the owner gave me the funniest look and burst out laughing and said " Well I sho uld hope so yes!" he thought it was a silly thing to ask and just took the mikey a bit. As a dog owner it obviously didn't occur to him that it's good manners to ask before stroking and that not all dogs are comfortable with the situation  


Glad to hear you may have found a reason for his off mood  

[DennyK]

Paddy always flinches if someone he doesn't know very well comes at him head on with hands outstretched.  If he's off-lead, he just dodges away.  If he's on lead, he flinches and looks worried.

The difference is that, on lead, a dog has fewer options to choose a reaction from - he can't run away if he's scared - so is more likely to escalate to a growl or a snarl and snap - in Zack's case, this "imprisoned" reaction would have been exacerbated by having the ear infection.

poor dog - hope he's better soon.

Denise