For the general public do you guys have experience or good luck with the DOG IN TRAINING type of vest? Do you think it hinders many without you having to say anything? Or is it better to skip that and just say sorry my dog is in training? I don't want to drop the money for one if its not really advantageous.

thanks

I have no problem telling people not to pet my dogs.

If they don't get it I also have no problem in turning into a crabby old old man.

IMO a vest will only attract attention to you and the dog.

In the early stages of training that attention may be to much distraction for the dog.

Thanks I never looked at it that way. It makes sense. A bright orange "don't pet doggy" vest will invite people to come and see what the bright orange vest says. lol thanks for perspective.

Leash sleeves are less expensive if you want to try a visual warning.

The visual warnings are nice for people who have issues with being "mean".

FWIW, no vest, instructions, or crabby remarks are going to work if your puppy is trying to meet and play with people it encounters.

If you don't want a dog who is jumping up on people and approaching strangers, you would want to work on desensitizing and ignoring people before you take him out where he will encounter people. If people see that the dog wants to meet and greet, they will ignore any warning you send.

how you handle yourself and the body language you put out there will do more to deter " petters " than any vest you put on your dog will .

I have to handle my dog in public places all the time . sometimes he wears a vest ( K9 Storm ) , and sometimes not . people are generally pretty good about asking first . because I am usually in a " purposeful " mode , people kind of understand the dog is working or doesn't want to be interfered with .

the line I find myself using a lot lately is : " the dog isn't really interested in being petted " .

 Quote: ian bunbury

how you handle yourself and the body language you put out there will do more to deter " petters " than any vest you put on your dog will .

I have to handle my dog in public places all the time . sometimes he wears a vest ( K9 Storm ) , and sometimes not . people are generally pretty good about asking first . because I am usually in a " purposeful " mode , people kind of understand the dog is working or doesn't want to be interfered with.

the line I find myself using a lot lately is : " the dog isn't really interested in being petted ".

What's that famous line from the old western movie which goes something like, "I wouldn't touch that dog if I were you, son, he don't take to pettin' none"...

Just me and a dog or two out wandering around, and that includes the dogs being in the bed of the truck. Someone wants to get close to and pet the dogs. I reserve the right to approve or disapprove. Some people think the word 'no' applies to everyone else. To me, 'no' means "NO."

No vest, or outward sign of anything, for me. Just me and the mutt or mutts and a rehearsed response set emphasized by my naturally off putting personality, and fortified by practiced one liners such as the following.

In no particular order,

I prefer you don't get too close to the dog.

I don't let people pet the dog.

The dog doesn't need any new best friends.

Dogs are dogs, and some times bad things happen.

We'll be going now.

I didn't make myself clear. Don't touch the dog!

My dog, my rules.

And then, in consideration of the persistent thickheaded PITA, colorful words of emphasis are introduced.

My responsibility is to my dog. My friends understand. Strangers are just that, strangers.

And when all else fails, I just leave with the mutt or mutts.

I occasionally take a few dogs to an ice cream place nearby for a doggy treat. Always some one who wants to get too close, by my standards, and I politely but firmly, in the first instance, have the person keep a reasonable distance. Most people understand. My mutts don't intrude into their space, so I expect the same consideration.

Ah well...

 Quote: Mike Arnold

Just me and a dog or two out wandering around, and that includes the dogs being in the bed of the truck. Someone wants to get close to and pet the dogs. I reserve the right to approve or disapprove. Some people think the word 'no' applies to everyone else. To me, 'no' means "NO."

No vest, or outward sign of anything, for me. Just me and the mutt or mutts and a rehearsed response set emphasized by my naturally off putting personality, and fortified by practiced one liners such as the following.

In no particular order,

I prefer you don't get too close to the dog.

I don't let people pet the dog.

The dog doesn't need any new best friends.

Dogs are dogs, and some times bad things happen.

We'll be going now.

I didn't make myself clear. Don't touch the dog!

My dog, my rules.

And then, in consideration of the persistent thickheaded PITA, colorful words of emphasis are introduced.

My responsibility is to my dog. My friends understand. Strangers are just that, strangers.

And when all else fails, I just leave with the mutt or mutts.

I occasionally take a few dogs to an ice cream place nearby for a doggy treat. Always some one who wants to get too close, by my standards, and I politely but firmly, in the first instance, have the person keep a reasonable distance. Most people understand. My mutts don't intrude into their space, so I expect the same consideration.

Ah well...

Oh, there it is right in your sig-tag, LOL

When I'm out walking my two Dobies, clueless types are always TERRIFIED of my male, "Adonisaurus Biggie-Bonk", who is HARMLESS -- But they all want to try and HUG my female "Adobe She's-Adiva" who would just as soon BITE 'em as look at 'em (!!!)

Doesn't matter what Words of Warning and Universal Hand Signals or off-putting Body Language and Tone of Voice are being transmitted by me, ya just can't fix STUPID

Both parents of my 8 yr old GSD Trooper were as serious as a heart attack but he's a big clown with body language that begs to make friends.

I do know a dark side to him exists because I've seen it when we were on the training field and he's not as clear headed and is more reactive then the old guy.

My 11 yr old GSD Thunder is the story book case of what a correct GSD should be. Suspicious with strangers but VERY clear headed concerning aggression towards people.

He will allow anyone to approach that doesn't show any threatening behavior BUT he will still keep a very close eye on those he doesn't know well. If he doesn't like your body language you dern sure better be able to read his.

It's all about knowing your own dogs and being consistent with what you allow around strangers..or anyone for that matter.