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October 25, 2013

How do I deal with people who want to touch/pat my Shepherds? Despite telling people to leave my dogs alone they still try to touch them, suggestions please!

Full Question:

Good Morning Cindy,

My question is this: How do I deal with people who put there hands on/ want to pat my Shepherds? When I walk them (separately), and stop to talk to someone, many times a person will reach out to put their hands on the dog. Despite my telling them to leave the dog alone and putting the dog in a down position, this still happens. Example: I stop to talk to my neighbor, put the dog in a down position, and her husband comes over and puts his hands in the Shepherds face. He heard me say "Please leave the Shepherd alone." Suggestions please!! That time we just walked away from them both.

Thank you.

Cindy's Answer:

Hi,

If people are touching your dogs, then it may be that you are not assertive enough. I simply say, PLEASE ignore my dog, he's in training. Something about saying the dog is "in training" seems to be more effective than just telling them to leave the dog alone.

If they still make a move toward my dog I have no problem raising my voice as loud as I need to. I don't care much about people's feelings in this situation, my dog is my focus. If my neighbors consider it rude, oh well. :)

You could also purchase a vest that has a big DO NOT PET patch on it, those seem to work well. I use this one on my own dogs.

I hope this helps.

Cindy

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