I (28F) take my dog Milo to the dog park a few times a week, milo is generally healthy but my vet told me to limit treats because hes prone to pancreatitis, which is basically inflammation caused by too much fat in his diet. So I am careful with what he eats and usually bring my own kibble and specdific treats for him .
There is this old guy who always shows up with a pocket full of dog treats. I went over and politely asked him not to give any to my dog since it upsets his stomach, the guy literally rolled his eyes and said “Relax dogs love me” (have no clue why he said that) and tossed a treat around Milo …
Milo.. being a dog!! ran right over to him and ate it, then the guy turned around and blamed Milo for “begging” and said I should train him better?? anyways that really set me off and I raised my voice at him telling him again to stop feeding my dog. He looked smug and a couple of people nearby stared, which made me feel bad afterwards like I had overreacted.
Now I am second guessing myself , is he just a good old person who I have raised my voice at or am i in the right ? AITA ?
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I (28F) take my dog Milo to the dog park a few times a week, milo is generally healthy but my vet told me to limit treats because hes prone to pancreatitis, which is basically inflammation caused by too much fat in his diet. So I am careful with what he eats and usually bring my own kibble and specdific treats for him .
There is this old guy who always shows up with a pocket full of dog treats. I went over and politely asked him not to give any to my dog since it upsets his stomach, the guy literally rolled his eyes and said “Relax dogs love me” (have no clue why he said that) and tossed a treat around Milo …
Milo.. being a dog!! ran right over to him and ate it, then the guy turned around and blamed Milo for “begging” and said I should train him better?? anyways that really set me off and I raised my voice at him telling him again to stop feeding my dog. He looked smug and a couple of people nearby stared, which made me feel bad afterwards like I had overreacted.
Now I am second guessing myself , is he just a good old person who I have raised my voice at or am i in the right ? AITA ?
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> I yelled at an old guy at the dog park after he fed my dog when I asked him not to. I might be the asshole because I raised my voice at someone who could be my grandpa in public .
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Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.
NTA
Feeding a dog that is not yours is a HUGE AH move.
Dude was straight up ignoring you and chucking treats at your dog like it’s no big deal, but Milo could actually get sick from that stuff. You tried being polite, he rolled his eyes, ofc you got heated. I’d be mad too if someone was putting my dog’s health at risk and acting all smug about it. You didn’t overreact, you were just protecting your pup
NTA…he shouldn’t be feeding dogs that aren’t his. Would he hand candy out to random kids? After being asked not to? Not likely.
NTA – you know it.
You shouldn’t have yelled at him… but it’s not okay to give food to other peoples kids or animals against your consent. Dog could have been on an elimination diet with months of work behind it, or an allergy. Either way it would have been ‘okay’ because dogs love him.
Keep your dog on leash around this guy and give your dog cues to let them know not to go near him.
NTA
He’s a human, Milo is a dog. Only one of those can comprehend “treat bad”.
Never feed other people’s dogs without permission.
ESH – he shouldn’t be giving your dog treats without your permission, but only you are responsible for your dog’s health and safety. You should not have a dog off leash and out of your control if it isn’t trained – which means a reliable recall and some kind of “leave it” command to keep it from eating things you don’t want it to – whether its treats or poison. It’s not good enough it say “its a dog” – if that’s how you feel about training, your dog should never be off leash.
NTA – this old guy may have good intentions, trying to spoil and be nice to dogs, but he should ALWAYS ask if it’s okay to give another’s dog a treat.
Like us humans, dogs can have any number of health conditions that require a special diet.
NTA, but the old guy sure is.
Next time, don’t be nice and just yell at him ful force. Tell him you will sue him if your dog gets sick and needs a vet, because you have told him not to feed the dog because of a medical condition.
And the gall of this guy, to throw a treat and then say your dog is begging. Just crazy.
ur just protecting ur dog.. i do have 5 dogs.. and here in the house i always told them that do not feed my dogs of any food they have cause they dont know wats good and wats bad for dogs.. and yeah ur not overreacting, hes the one disregarding ur dogs medical needs.. he maybe a good person but he should know how respect boundarie for ur dogs safety..
NTA. There is nothing “good” about what he did. If he wants a dog, he can get one.
NTA. If you see him again, just be blunt. Shout: ” He’s on a medical diet, your food could kill him.” Technically correct, it could. Unlikely to, so don’t overworry it, but he needs to be told plainly. Or hand him a pack of low fat treats and tell him to give your dog those.
I had a rescue who developed pancreatitis. He got very sick if he ate the wrong food. Sometimes he wouldn’t eat at all. But then in his well phases he’d eat ANYTHING because he was so hungry after not eating, that was the danger time when he needed protecting from himself. Our treats were always just his low fat kibble.
Is he following you or purposely coming over to feed your dog?
If no then YTA, its a public space and if your dog cant have treats, then don’t go near the guy thats giving them out.
There is nothing more annoying on dog walks than people who give treats without asking permission first. NTA
NTA
You told him it gets your dog sick and he still tossed the dog a treat. You should have told him he might think dogs love him, but he’s not very living towards dogs if he’s intentionally feeding a dog something that’s going to get him sick.
Just like kids, you have to ask parents before you give kids candy, you have to ask the dog’s parent if you can give a treat.
NTA
He definitely brings treats into the park to get attention from the dogs because it makes him feel special, which is weird for sure. But no one should be giving dogs treats without the permission of the owner. Dogs have allergies too, and sometimes dogs are on such a strict diet that even the most innocent ingredient can make them sick. He threw the treat for your dog because he was intentionally trying to defy you, kinda like saying “I do what I want.” He’s not a nice old man, he’s extremely rude and oblivious.
Of course you raised your voice, the guy disrespected your boundaries, then blamed you for it and basically called you a bad dog owner. Being polite didn’t work, so I think you were right to get firm. I’m certain that guy has had run ins with other dog owners in that park with the treats, so I bet you they weren’t staring at you but were more interested in watching him get reigned out.
ESH. He shouldn’t be feeding others dogs but you should also train your dog to not eat food from strangers. There are sick people out there who will throw meat over fences and give dogs dangerous foods. I’ve read actual posts in here about people feeding dogs grapes because “they love them”. Protect your dog with the right training so if something happens you can recall him to safety.
ESH
he sucks because he didn’t listen to you and mocked you when you were talking about a very real health risk for your dog
But you also could’ve prevented your dog running over to him – you can either change direction if you see this guy approaching, or put your dog back on the lead when this guy is around.
We also have an “old guy who comes to the park just to give dogs treats” at the local park. We all know him so there’s no risk that he could be ill intentioned but if I didn’t want my dog to interact with him or if I didn’t trust him then i would simply walk away.
NTA – Your dog, your vet bill.
Don’t feed my dog is clear. Anyone not respecting that is the AH
Is he only giving Milo treats or is he just throwing them on the ground for dogs? I feel like this is a ESH situation because if he’s just throwing treats on the ground, then yes he should be careful but at the same time, you should teach your dog not to take anything from people except those you trust.
NTA. Lots of dogs have allergies and/or are on medical diets and it’s rude as fuck to give food to dogs without their person’s consent. I don’t understand this stupid guy’s weirdo behavior and entitlement.
that old dude sounds annoying af. like why is he so pressed about feeding other people’s dogs??
Next time, you say to the couple “be careful, that guy will try to feed your dog. He did mine when I asked him not to and it upset his little tummy. Idk what hes trying to feed dogs, but be careful. “
Is it a lie? Sure. But it proves a point
NTA no one is supposed to bring treats to a dog park, even for their own dog. it can start fights. he should be kicked out.
NTA
You don’t give food to people’s children & animals without asking the parent/owner first. It can be health concern (allergies, restrictions), an animal may be in training, and for a child, the parents are responsible for their food habits. Seriously, that’s basic etiquette.
You don’t know what’s in those treats. They may be just fine for years, until one day he decides it’s time to switch to rat poison…
Absolutely NTA and I’d not be taking my dog back there if he’s present.
Definitely NTA. My vet told me what food is good and and how often to feed when I had my first dog.
If I wanted to give the occasional treat that’s up to me.
She lived long and prospered. No one feeded her but me. I know other people’s food wouldn’t kill her but , I tried
to train her so she only ate from me. Meaning the risk of poisoning and is a possibility if others feed your dog.
Your dog only you should feed.
Nta
NTA You just don’t feed other people’s pets (or kids) without asking for permission.
Pancreatitis is often deadly. And it’s extremely painful even if it doesn’t turn deadly. It’s extremely serious. Unfortunately, you probably need to avoid this dog park whenever this guy is around. Sorry, that sucks.
NTA
I know a dog who was on medicine for epilepsy for years, and still had seizures randomly. Then a new vet had an idea and prescribed a specific food, et voila! Zero seizures!
Poor boy is so sensitive to salt and grains that it induces seizures. His owner is extremely careful about treats.