 Barked: Sat Aug 27, '11 2:56pm PST |
 | |  | | I'm on both sides with this one. She probably shouldn't be at a pet store yet as she sounds like she isn't ready for that socially. She obviously does need socialization, though. And where it concerns strangers petting your dog and getting in your dogs face, it is often (not always, but often) preventable.
I had Sweeney in PetSmart the other day and he behaved so well. The first person that wanted to pet him was a little girl, couldn't have been older than 8 or 9. But she was a smart little girl and had obviously been taught well. She asked first and when I gave her the okay, let him sniff her hand and then gently stroked him. However, another little girl on the food aisle saw him, shouted "Puppy!!" and ran for us. So, I scooped Sweeney up, turned around, and went down a different aisle. I heard her parents say something about it being "rude" (frankly, I find their child charging my dog and myself to be much ruder, but to each their own) but the situation was avoided. I realize not all situations can be as easily avoided, but many of them can. With small dogs it's easier because we can scoop the dog up and walk away. It might come off as rude, but better to get out of the situation than let it turn ugly. I don't care if it comes off as rude, I'm just trying to avoid my dog/s getting scared. If you cannot turn and walk away, simply give as firm a "No" as you can and if they want a reason, think of something. (You don't have to say the dog bites, a simple he's not completely socialized yet will often suffice)
This isn't just a small dog problem. I'd gotten it with Cinnamon quite often! I have, however, noticed that in my area it does seem to be more prevalent with small dogs. I get it way more often with my small ones than I ever did with Cinnamon. I hardly ever get it with Lilo since most people around here won't approach strange pit bulls. It was always harder to escape with Cinnamon because she was bigger.Edited by author Sat Aug 27, '11 2:58pm PST
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Nicky has huge stranger issues so people grabbing at him does not sit well at all with him. He will react. I actually had to practically jog up and down aisles one time because this kid would not get it through his thick skull that I *clearly* did not want him interacting with Nicky. Prior to his approach I could hear him screaming from across the store. Oy vei.....
but with the Poms people are all over them.
She does so well we're thinking she would be a good therapy dog.
