Dogs are not public property - article

lostinrates

spacey2012 wrote: »

My Dogs love been cuddled and fussed by children.
And who would want a dog any different.

Not necessarily what we want but what one gets,...especially with older dogs. Sometimes working dogs not familiar with children are just 'off duty' or are being approached without permission on the job.


My dogs are all, thankfully, enamoured of children, however, they are not the same with adults and often turn their heads away.

They alSo refuse all food treats from strangers ( this IS reinforced by me I am afraid)

wilykit

Whilst my dog is super friendly and laps up any attention, I always prefer people to ask before they stroke him, rather than running up to him and fussing him.

My mum always taught us not to touch a dog you don't know without asking the owner first.

I love the fact people want to come and stroke my dog, as long as they ask first

Raksha

But could you tell if your dog was giving the very subtle signs that they weren't happy?

ineed

Raksha wrote: »

But could you tell if your dog was giving the very subtle signs that they weren't happy?

I'd think you'd be able to spot the signs, dog turning its head away, not responding to stroking, slight growling or wrinkling of the nose, huffing etc. I have a (nearly) year old cat like that, he only likes attention when he wants it not you and he'll let you know in non agressive ways by walking away from you, turning his back on you or looking away. He runs away from strangers as well no matter the age, friendliness or food they might be offering.

I always knew the Samoyed I mentioned wanted attention, it would go ballistic when it saw children and attempt to lick everyone to death . I still asked though because its polite and I'd want to be asked if it were my dog.

SmallL

With a cat I tend to look at how its acting, is it being vocal and coming up to me or rubbing itself on its surroundings? If yes it likely wants a stroke.

If the dog was off-lead and displayed similar traits upon passing, or approached me I would stroke it. I would never stroke a leaded dog without asking the owner.

Johnmcl7

I can't say I've ever had this type of problem, the previous labs and spaniels weren't bothered about talking to people so people never talked to them. The current spaniel adores people and is disappointed when they don't speak to him or give him a pet although unless the person appears to want to speak to him I don't allow him over as I realise that can annoy people as well.

John

wilykit

Raksha wrote: »

But could you tell if your dog was giving the very subtle signs that they weren't happy?

Definitely.

I'm currently studying animal behaviour too, which helps