If your dog is big enough, maybe a dog backpack might send a similar “working dog” signal? My GSD carries growlers back from our local craft beer seller in his backpack. I get a lot of “Oh wow, a service dog!”. “No, he’s just carrying the beer for me” . And usually no one tries to pet him.
or a harness:
http://www.amazon.com/CAUTION-Non-pull-Approach-PREVENTS-Accidents/dp/B008OH1OMO
I spent the last year working with a leash reactive dog - people were not a problem but other dogs were a different story. It was a long road and took lots of warning away people w/ “friendly” dogs, but I stuck to my guns, crossed streets or went in driveways when necessary. Thankfully I no longer have 25 lb leaping barking, snapping dervish at the end of the leash.
And he proudly wears his Therapy Dog vest now!
Remember, responsibility is the handler’s, and not the public’s
I think the bandannas, regardless of what they say, convey a message of friendliness and cuteness. Half of the dog owning population don’t know about the yellow leash thing so I don’t expect the public to know.
Ditto what a couple posters have said about halters. Sometimes people are freaked out by prongs but they are getting to be almost as commonplace as flexis (and doG forbid, a flexi attached to a prong! :dead:) I’d up that to a muzzle and you’ll find a large space bubble suddenly opens.:winkgrin:
I hate to use a muzzle, just supports the anti-breed movement. But you are right, that would certainly do the trick.
Lots of good thoughts here, thanks.
No, I would not put a “service dog” vest on. Beyond the fact that it isn’t the right thing to do, it would probably have the opposite-than-desired effect. I have seen people dying to pet service dogs…(like a blind person needs you distracting their lab) it’s like when I ask people at the barn not to hand feed my horse treats–makes them want to do it more than anything. Which drives me absolutely insane.
Our vet practice is participating in the Yellow Ribbon Project. Tying one around the neck or the tail means the dog needs space. But with the uninitiated, it gets the same response as a read ribbon in the tail of a horse does (That’s pretty. Why does he have that?) If it makes them stop and ask before they touch, you are halfway home. I think vigilance will probably be your best option.
I have a nervous young Shepherd who came from a not so great situation. He wears a basket muzzle when we’re out because it takes a split second for someone to be stupid and him react rashly. We also have a training bandana he wears. That normally discourages most stupid people from just rushing up to him.
