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  1. #1
    Senior Dog beth101509's Avatar
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    Am I the Only One That Doesn't Want Their Dog Touched?

    When I take Oliver on a walk, we are on a 2-part mission.

    Mission 1: Get my lazy ass into shape

    Mission 2: Wear out Oliver

    The last week we have been doing morning neighborhood walks before I go to work. This week (now that hubby is on 2nd shift) when I get home from work, I feed Oliver, and then take him to the Greenway which is a paved natural trail which used to be railroad tracks. Well...my legs hurt and Oliver has been sleeping a lot better so doing 2 walks a day is apparently working.

    ANYWAY....yesterday we were headed back to the truck and I see this little girl on a bike with no parental supervision anywhere around. She stops on her bike in the middle of the trail and Oliver isn't too sure about the situation since he hasn't dealt with a kid on a stopped bike before. She asks "can I pet your dog?" and I respond "no" and just keep walking. Does that make me mean? I really don't want anyone near or touching my dog in public because 1) I don't know you and 2) get your own damn dog.

    Am I the only one that just refuses to let people touch their dog when they are out?
    “Don't allow your happiness to be interrupted by overly judgmental people. The problem is not you, because even if you do good all the time, they would still find a way to judge you wrongly.”
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  2. #2
    Real Retriever Archie's Avatar
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    I do let people pet Archie & Quinn, but I agree it can get annoying, especially with kids.

    Now that I have a new puppy in the house, I find myself looking out the windows before we go for a walk. She attracts a lot of attention, and I just want to go on my walk in peace! If I want socialization, I take her to more crowded places and ask people to pet my dogs, on my terms.

    Now, I probably wouldn't be able to say flat out "no" to a kid like you did, but that's just me. I would probably give a reason.
    Laura, Archie & Quinn
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  3. #3
    Real Retriever Laura's Avatar
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    I actually encourage people to touch my dog, with the warning that he is still a puppy and we are still working on jumping and mouthing. They usually are fine with that, and are happy to be loving up a big, goofy puppy. At Theo's stage (7 months), I am eager to have any bit of positive socialization that I can get. I know quite a few people with fearful and/or standoffish dogs and don't want that to happen with Theo.
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  4. #4
    Senior Dog beth101509's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Archie View Post
    I do let people pet Archie & Quinn, but I agree it can get annoying, especially with kids.

    Now that I have a new puppy in the house, I find myself looking out the windows before we go for a walk. She attracts a lot of attention, and I just want to go on my walk in peace! If I want socialization, I take her to more crowded places and ask people to pet my dogs, on my terms.

    Now, I probably wouldn't be able to say flat out "no" to a kid like you did, but that's just me. I would probably give a reason.
    I have a really bad issue with not having a filter so whatever thought I have just directly comes out my mouth without the ability of me thinking about what I am going to say first. Hence the "no" and just continued walking. I realized I should have given an explanation as to why she couldn't pet the dog but it didn't go from my brain to my mouth...just straight out my mouth....
    “Don't allow your happiness to be interrupted by overly judgmental people. The problem is not you, because even if you do good all the time, they would still find a way to judge you wrongly.”
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  5. #5
    Senior Dog
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    If you don't want Oliver to be petted- especially when you're on the move- I understand. But "Get your own damn dog"? Really? That seems a bit harsh. I have my own damn dog and yet I often ask people if I can pet their dogs. Some say no, which I of course respect, but plenty are happy to have their dogs get some socialization/attention/practice sitting nice for petting.
    Stormageddon, Princess of Darkness, aka "Stormy"
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  7. #6
    Best Friend Retriever xracer4844's Avatar
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    I don't allow people to touch my dog for a few reasons.

    When my dog is working, he is marked and wearing his identification - he is off limits to the public. I can't count how many times people or children try touch him or. I immediately put him behind me and say please don't touch him...he is working. If that makes me rude, so be it. I also don't allow him to socialize with dogs in public. He is allowed to socialize with a handful of dogs on the show team, as well as our search and rescue team. These are dogs I know, and trust, with handlers I know and trust. He has responsibilities just as I do...and I don't take chances with anyone or any dog. The same as only a few people are allowed to feed him. He will not accept food from strangers or things on the ground unless given to him with an open hand or with my permission + "take it" command.
    Last edited by xracer4844; 03-18-2015 at 11:28 AM. Reason: grammar

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    beth101509 (03-18-2015)

  9. #7
    Senior Dog BaconsMom's Avatar
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    If any children want to pet Bacon, I always have them ask their parents first. For adults, Bacon has to "sit pretty" first before he can be petted. I dont mind Bacon being petted. He loves meeting new people and the exposure is great!
    Julie & Jake, Bacon's Humans

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  10. #8
    Senior Dog Sue-Ram's Avatar
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    I don't mind if people or kids want to pet Ram. I don't think he minds either because I will usually give him a treat after. I want him to be exposed to as many people, places and things that he can be exposed to. The more exposure he has to different things means the more places that I can take him with me.
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  11. #9
    Best Friend Retriever annkie's Avatar
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    I don't mind if people pet Jules so long as they ask first. I want him to be comfortable in any situation. Perhaps that's why he's such a friendly dog. The only time I don't let people pet him is when kids run up to him without asking. I immediately tell them to stop. It's not just for Jules's training, but also for the kids to learn that they can't just run up to any dog like that. Oh, and if people want to pet Jules I always say my disclaimer, "Go ahead but he might give you kisses and jump."

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  13. #10
    Senior Dog
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    Mine love the attention and I encourage people to pet. Most of the kids we come across ask first...others, I just tell to approach slowly (so Danny doesn't spook).

    Lots of times I'll notice that someone who's passing is looking down at the dogs and smiling...I'll say, "they're friendly if you'd like to pet them". I guess that makes me a pimp.

    Even better if there's a stroller that the parent wants a pooch to visit...yum....maybe there's a lost Cheerio in there with the kid.

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    SnappinSami (03-18-2015)

 



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