Probably a stupid question, but I can’t take my dog for a walk without gobs of people wanting to pet him. I want to take him into social situations, because he needs the exposure, but I don’t want strangers petting him (liability, I’m training, etc.) but I get tired of being viewed as a mean “B” for saying no or stopping people (it’s amazing how many people just ignore you and try to go right up to the dog).
Any thoughts? Maybe I’m just too crabby.
Yes, a little bit crabby.
In a nation of dog lovers, it’s a losing battle.
All people, kids included, should have the sense to not go right up to a strange dog.
It’s annoying - but your dog will benefit from it…in fact, how many people do actually interrupt your training, can’t be that many.
We had an ex-RCMP by the other day with his retired p.d. and he was definitely nervous abut us, and we were definitely careful not to invade this dog’s space - he had that look and was a very sharp dog. Not a dog you could casually have out in public.
You’re not a bitch. You’re doing what’s best for your dog.
This website may be of some help to you: http://dogsinneedofspace.com/ There are many links and resources provided. Among them is the link I provided below to Dog Flags.
I’ve found the collar/leash/bandanna to be useful…I have the “I’m Shy” collar and leash for my Bogey. http://www.dog-flags.com/
He is fearful of other dogs, and doesn’t need anyone barging up into his space. Always keep in mind size (of the dog) has nothing to do with these issues. Bogey is nearly 100lbs and equally upset by an 11lb. Fluffy-Poo as he is by a dog his own size.
Mostly, I think it’s useless. However, I am trying my hardest to teach my 4yo DD to ask before petting strange dogs. This past weekend we were waking around the fair after my 5K and the number of people who were oblivious to who/what/when their dogs were greeting was alarming to me. Many times I reached to grab the collar or leash while DD repeatedly tapped the owners arm for attention to ask was a bit scary. Somebody who was less savvy about dogs child could have been bitten easily.
So while it certainly may not have stopped most people, if it even helps one parent/ person/ other dog, its worth it in my book.
My dog IS naturally sharp, and we did do a lot of socialization last year before the deep freeze set in, but he’s not to the point of aggressively barking or anything like that–he’s under control and perhaps people see that as a dog they want to come pet? IDK. That’s why I need to get him out–working on desensitizing him to being around strangers, without actually being petted. Strangers are a stress for him, but we do travel a lot. I would like to help him get more comfortable. People get really offended when you stop them. I think they realize they goofed by barging in and it puts them on the defensive.
Just wondering if anyone had tried those bandanas, collars etc. you see advertised with labels and if people actually read them?
I see a few posts as I wrote this. Thank you.
I think bandanas or harnesses are too hard to read. I find a vest in a bright color works best. You can have them custom made to say whatever you want and they are not very expensive.
https://www.therapydogvest.com/therapy-dog-8.html
Most people know that service dogs wear vests and typically you have to ask to pet them first. I got one when I was training my dog to be a therapy dog and never had anyone approach to try and pet her even though normally she is mobbed by anyone walking by.
I don’t like strangers petting my dog either. If they reach towards her, I will step between their hand and my dog and say “Please don’t pet her, she’s a little nervous here.” I have one crazy neighbor who then crouched down and tried to shove her hand between my calves :eek:
I actually find that using the Gentle Leader on my dog gives us more space. People think it’s a muzzle, and thus she must be scary (spoiler alert: she’s not).
And finally - a short leash! Your dog should be heeled when you’re walking in a crowd (drives me nuts when dog owners trip people with their leashes)
[QUOTE=Foxtrot’s;7587132]
Yes, a little bit crabby.
In a nation of dog lovers, it’s a losing battle.
All people, kids included, should have the sense to not go right up to a strange dog.
It’s annoying - but your dog will benefit from it…in fact, how many people do actually interrupt your training, can’t be that many.
We had an ex-RCMP by the other day with his retired p.d. and he was definitely nervous abut us, and we were definitely careful not to invade this dog’s space - he had that look and was a very sharp dog. Not a dog you could casually have out in public.[/QUOTE]
WOW! You have some pretty bold ways of thinking… You really think just because other people may “love” dogs, they should be allowed to just come up & pet the dog whenever they want?
Who are you to judge what may or may not benefit MY dog?
I am so sick & tired of those that think just because the dog is out in public it’s a free for all. Those are the same type of folks that have no shame in walking up to pregnant women & rubbing there bellies. Being out in public does not make you public property!! Makes me want to strangle them.
I am one of those that others may call or think B**** as I tell them to get the hell away from me & my dog. I don’t care what others think, my dogs comfort comes first & to dang bad if their feelings get hurt.
I have a very good eye for reading dogs & their body language, yet you can bet your life I don’t walk up to strange dogs without getting permission first. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are. Half the time the poor dog is clearly miserable & just being a very tolerant good dog, while the dumb a** owner is completely clueless.
[QUOTE=independentlyawesome;7587684]
I don’t like strangers petting my dog either. If they reach towards her, I will step between their hand and my dog and say “Please don’t pet her, she’s a little nervous here.” I have one crazy neighbor who then crouched down and tried to shove her hand between my calves :eek:
I actually find that using the Gentle Leader on my dog gives us more space. People think it’s a muzzle, and thus she must be scary (spoiler alert: she’s not).
And finally - a short leash! Your dog should be heeled when you’re walking in a crowd (drives me nuts when dog owners trip people with their leashes)[/QUOTE]
Some people avoided my dog too because she wore a Gentle Leader. And, she looked like a black GSD. Even though I asked people not to approach as I was training her (clicker and treats clearly visible), people would say “Oh, I know dogs” and hover over her, which made her fearful and she would lunge. Then they’d say “Well, your dog is just viscious/shouldn’t be out in public”. Most of those times, we’d be standing several feet off the sidewalk away from people.
Why not wear a t-shirt saying Dog In Training. Please Respect Our Space. or something like that. Didn’t think of that til now.
I agree with the vest. I have had my therapy dog out a lot and very rarely did anyone even ask–they just knew she was working and not to touch. Most people still have respect for a “working” dog, even if you’re just pretending.
I was trying to say what Natalie said - but someone has to leap right in like an aggressive, non-leash trained yo yo.
Personally, not many people come up and pet my dogs while out without asking and I never, ever had anybody rub my tummy while I was pregnant!
This is horrible! The other day I was walking down the road and passed by a new neighbor walking his dog on a leash. When we got close enough, we stopped to talk. Dog walked up and sniffed my hand. I didn’t pet him until the owner said it was ok.
I told one of my pregnant horse-friends that she should walk around with a short crop to keep the “belly rub” freaks away. If my time ever comes, I think I will have a taser or short electric cattle prod. OH! Maybe a mini version of those electic fly swatters! YEAH! 
Is a dog wearing a bandana in general supposed to be wearing a “keep away” sign?
It is NOT okay to use a fake therapy dog vest to try to “protect” aggressive or “sharp” dogs from the public. It’s not quite as bad, perhaps, as using one to gain illegal access to places that ban dogs, but it is still hurting the hard-won liberties of the actual disabled who depend on their legitimate, trained dogs. When you mislead people that your dog is a working therapy animal and then they see it behaving wildly or aggressively, that’s hurting every therapy dog’s reputation with those people and anyone they tell.
[QUOTE=grayarabpony;7590678]
Is a dog wearing a bandana in general supposed to be wearing a “keep away” sign?[/QUOTE]
Probably not generally, but it’s possible (if slightly cynical) to observe that virtually every dog that’s ever worn a bandana or been called something along the lines of “Mister Cuddles” is a biter.
I don’t think ANYONE has proposed passing the dog off in a vest marked “therapy dog.” But putting a vest on the dog with a “don’t touch” patch is an easy way to communicate that people will see and respect.
This writer offers links to a couple of options - locally I’ve seen versions of the vest that just let people know dog is working & please don’t interrupt/approach, it seems to work reasonably well.
A muzzle also has a certain effect 
Using your own body language can also be quite effective.
I think your best bet is something like an orange or yellow dog vest. You can put a patch with “working dog” or “dog in training” on it to really get the point across. Obviously you wouldn’t want to try to pass the dog off as a trained therapy dog or something but there is no reason you can’t use a vest. I swear I’ve seen vests with “dog in training” type language on them.
That plus the use of something like a gentle leader should hopefully be enough to deter “most” people, although not all unfortunately.
Eta: I would get something like THIS
I’ve not tried it, but I’ve also heard that people instinctively avoid dogs wearing muzzles (which is ironic, if you think about it).
I have a nervous 5 month old that I’ve been working with. I’ve had great experiences taking her shopping with me at Tractor Supply, where the clientele is very sensible.
The last time I took her to PetSmart, some lady in the checkout line grabbed her, picked her up and hugged her tightly to her chest/neck as if she were a human baby. :eek: Nice lady but clearly one who sees dogs as “furry babies”, not animals. Luckily my pup handled it well enough although she was obviously over-excited.
Controlling the dog is the easy part… but controlling people? Good luck with that!
[QUOTE=Simkie;7591323]
I don’t think ANYONE has proposed passing the dog off in a vest marked “therapy dog.” But putting a vest on the dog with a “don’t touch” patch is an easy way to communicate that people will see and respect.[/QUOTE]
Yes, I understand nobody’s specifically saying “Pretend to be a guide dog!” but the intent to mislead is very clear. Why is the solution to people ignoring very clear verbal cues like “Please don’t pet Zippy!” to translate them into a much less clear visual one like a vest? Not because the vest is easier to understand, but because it currently is strongly associated with service dogs undergoing serious training. But go ahead. You probably only have a couple more years left on this ploy, given the rate at which strikingly selfish people are claiming their pet is a service animal, and the astounding rate at which amateur trainers are choosing to combine rehab rescue with service dog training. A service dog vest is going to be the new bandana in a few years - a sure sign that good old Banjo will bite your face off if you don’t take the Banjo Berlitz course before approaching him.
If my basset who bit was approached, I would say in a sharp, stern voice, “Not Friendly. Don’t touch.” If it was a child I would step in front of the dog and repeat.
Not perfect but it worked. It helps to have a menacing tone of voice.
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