So why I am I being called a harsh dog owner?

you did the right thing ... you dealt with the situation and did not let it escalate ... that is smart ... people can be ignorant ... and/or clueless about dog behaviour ... it is hurtful to hear crappy stuff like that but you have to remind yourself you did nothing wrong ... even though i know that does not help much ...

I wish you walked in the park I do as I would be fighting your corner with these idiots. You haven't done anything wrong. You have a dog that doesn't like other dogs so you keep it on a lead you do the right thing. What really gets on my nerves are the people who let there dogs off the lead and don't have any control over them or think that just because their dog loves all other dogs they cannot cause any problems. My old departed girl didn't cause any problems but should another dog get to close or annoy her she used to let them know who was boss. With regard to getting another dog, after my old girl went we had arranged to get another with 12 hours and picked it up a few days later. That doesn't mean you don't miss the dog but you have filled a massive void left that the previous dog left.

In short take no notice they are only probably jealous.

You did what was absolutely necessary to prevent a dog fight. Treats and positive reinforcement are great for training behaviors, but there are also times you need to let the dog know in no uncertain terms that this behavior is unacceptable and they'd better quit NOW. Sometimes that means a pop on the collar with your leash and a loud crisp NO! You handled the situation just fine. The people who called you cruel and a **** are nutcases. Get your mom to confront them about the unacceptability of what they are saying and that they are not to make ugly comments about her daughter. You go, girl!

You did the right thing, I watch a lot of dog training shows on Animal Planet, and you are supposed to pull them back, say no in a firm voice, and distract them. It would be best if you start distracting them before they notice the other dogs though.

Those people are just being ridiculous. You were firm with your dog and sometimes they need a solid No! to cut out what theyre doing. Afterall you dont want your dog walking all over you thinking she is head of the household. Makes me wonder just how well trained those other dog owners have their dogs...

Your where firm and if u let the dog get bit it would of been worse anyways i dont think the other owner is a good dog owner

Because most people are over sensitive. They worry more about hurting a dog's feelings than having a well trained, disciplined dog. They'd rather get dragged down the street by a dog on a walk, nearly injuring their arm than doing anything about it.

You are not cruel. Those people are fools.

Add: HAHA for TD. Probably from someone who allows their dog to drag them around or bite other dogs rather than use *discipline*. Guess what? Discipline doesn't mean abuse.

What you did was the right thing and that other person should be grateful that you did what you did, leaving both dogs and owners unharmed. So F*CK all those bastards that are saying your a cruel dog walker/owner!

The people who know you , know different. So it doesn't matter what others say. Let them think what ever they want to think. You know the old, "Sticks & stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"

You did right & know it. Others may just be jealous of your control of the situation. You know how defensive some people get when they know they are wrong.

Just ignore them.

Don't worry, You handled the situation very well.

You gave a prompt firm correction in just the right way.

Obviously the other person with the other dog, is the one who can't control their dog.

Do you (or your mum) know who the person spreading rumours to your mum is?