Do you think other people with/without dogs tell me my dogs are aggressive because they are not comfortable or confident in how themselves or their own dog will react?

Asked by Meego (4697) January 9th, 2011 from iPhone

So I have 2 dogs that I have had since 6 and 10 weeks of age. My black lab X is a 6 yr old soon to be seven and my chocolate lab is a 5 soon to be 6. My black lab was from a not so reputable shelter/puppy mill, that is only my thoughts if you saw the place you’d understand and also that they gave him to me, no shots not fixed and not dewormed and at 6 weeks of age raised some concern after I had him as I did not know and maybe should of done a little more on puppy research at any rate, I saved a dog at the time that’s all I cared about. So both dogs are absolutely amazing, I really couldn’t of asked for anything more. My black lab in the beginning was very testing and would growl at many things like getting nails cut, etc. I have managed to gain his trust so much now I can manipulate him to do whatever and he agrees. My chocolate lab has been this way from day one. I mean she sleeps on her back she not afraid of anything and loves people and dogs. My question is for years I have been faithfully taking these 2 on daily walks 45–60 min. Even when my husband passed away I missed maybe up to a week to mourn before we started walking again. They really have been my inspiration to keep motivated. Anyway for years almost everytime we see another dog they bark, I am quite sure they are just really excited and want to mingle but on the other hand you get some other dog owners that automatically say they are aggressive some lady didn’t even come in contact with us the other day and shouted I needed to put muzzels on them! Why though? They have never bit another dog, and if they were biters would they not bite eachother at any time? I watch them play, they make alot of noise, growling and barking but they never have drawn blood and if it looks remotely like it will I can stop them I have complete control over my dogs they do whatever I tell them to except barking which they do actually listen when I tell them to stop it just takes a minute, but I control it. So do you think other people with/without dogs tell me my dogs are aggressive because they are not comfortable or confident in how themselves or their own dog will react?