Strangers and your dogs

[Emma*]

Last week i was walking around Broadwood Loch with girls and had all three children with me. When a man and his son walked straight up to the dogs and started stroking and patting them. I turned to the man and said i would have preferred it if you had asked me to stroke the dogs first because he had no idea if they were friendly or not. (Skye actually retreated when they came up.)

I was wondering would you do the same or do you think i over-reacted? The man looked at me like i was stupid and carried on petting the dogs regardless, to the point i had to walk away making excuses.

On one hand after reading Patricia's post about a couple who reacted the opposite way, it is nice to have such a good response but if the dogs had growled or lunged who would have been at fault? For this reason i don't think my request was wrong.
_________________
Happiness is being loved by 2 Great Danes

[kendal]

i don't think i go up to people in the street and pet there dog unless it is coming towards me then i pop my had down to see what there reaction is, if they have a sniff and pull away i leave it at that if they seem friendly i will pet, i feel it also gives the owner time to say whether or not the wish there dog to be petted or if there dog is prone to nipping or growling.

i prefer people to let my dogs smell them before they pet them, so when i get children who want to pet them as ask them to do it one at a time and to 'introduse themselves' bey letting the girls sniff them as this is what i was taught but my mum.
_________________
microchiping and grooming www.chipnclip.co.uk

[Ashley]

I agree with you Kendal! I do all of the above too. If a dog is not retreating, but is coming over to me, then I place my hand down for a wee sniff, and this also allows the owner time to let me know if its ok to pet them.

With Holly being so shy, i always point out to people that she is shy, and that she might not come to them, but if she does then they are more than welcome to pet her!

I must say, I dont ask someone if i can pet their dog, but i do a sort of weird high pitched, unintentional "ooh hello, arent you lovely?!" etc etc, so the owner, if they didnt want me to pet the dog, can say so before I do.

Although I do not think you are wrong in feeling this way Emma! I would say if i didnt want someone to touch Holly.
_________________
Ashley with Holly & Murphy.
I hope to one day be as great as my dog thinks I am right now!!

[Emma*]

[Lisa/Colin]

[Arlene]

I would do that too. When me and Rusty are out people ask his name and ask to pet him they don't just come up and clap him The guy would have shouted at you if the dogs had snapped or bit him but he never asked.... some people just don't think.

[Emma*]

Thanks Lisa and Arlene that was the point i was trying to get across and not very well Not only is it about safety but manners too.
I don't want anyone to feel they can't pat my dogs but unless they know me or the dogs i just think it is appropriate to ask, especially when the dogs are backing away from you.


_________________
Happiness is being loved by 2 Great Danes

[Claire/Mark]

I think they should ask if it's ok to pet your dog, then put there hand down for your dog to have a sniff first, cause I have noticed with Mylo and Tara that sometimes they just take a strange reaction to some people and wish not to be clapped from that certain person... It's like they sense something off them and pull back or start to act weird. . I don't think that's a bad thing tho! You where quite right to say that to the stranger Emma

[kirsty]

I think it would be smart of a stranger to ask if they are friendly first and show the correct body language.

Thats what I would do if I wanted to approach a strange dog and thats what most folks who approach my dogs ask
_________________
"In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog."

[Barry]

I think you were correct Emma in being annoyed for the reasons you explained. It is nice however to get the dogs used to strangers, but i strongly believe on your terms. The guy and his son may love Great Danes, not that this is an excuse, but you all know what its like when you see the same breed as your own, you just have to have a clap, although asking first! As i plan to show Tikka i have been told to actually ask strangers to pet her if they would please! This will build up her confidence allowing as many to approach and run there hands over her etc etc. If Skye is weary with men i would try and deal with this as soon as you can before she gets any bigger. It may be best to have her round as many men as you can lay to hand, now your social skills will come in I have always been taught to face a problem straight on, if you shy away from it or allow to continue then it may get worse!?
_________________
Barry, Kylie & Jay with precious Rotti Tikka

[Lorna]

Emma, you are absolutely right!
My Danes are rescues and have issues with certain kinds of people from the first day they come to me. Yes, I do have to socialise them and get them used to things or people they fear. However, how and when that is done is and should be in my control. No-one should go forcing their attention on a dog or a child for that matter.
Manners dictate respect for people, including dog owners. Your view should be respected.
_________________
Regards,
Lorna, Basil & Poppy
Great Danes are not substitute children. They are much more important than that!

[Emma*]

Thanks for all the comments i thought i was over reacting

Barry i have been working on Skye's " man " problem since we had her and she has come on leaps and bounds but i still think it is wise to monitor her as i have said she still growls sometimes. As with everything it takes time and she is more trusting each day.

P.s it is not all men
_________________
Happiness is being loved by 2 Great Danes

[Barry]

Sounds promising that she has got better since you got her! By facing the problem head on, you would still be in complete supervision/control allowing you to monitor, i,m sure it will settle down with your work on socialization!
_________________
Barry, Kylie & Jay with precious Rotti Tikka

[Emma*]