Quote: Olivia Brown

What do you tell them so you don't sound mean but get your point across?

Unfortunately, you can’t take ownership of how people are going to perceive your request; it changes greatly from person to person. You just need to state your request, as simply and clearly as possible with an expectation that people will listen. If they don’t, you may need to use stronger words.

To me this is about education. They are coming into your space and making an assumption that their attention to you and your dog will be welcome (after all isn’t this why most people get dogs :mad. And yes, it needs to be repeated over and over and over again. We have a very ignorant public out there.

It gets easier after 20 or 30 times. Yeah, you get the look like you’ve just told them “their mother wears army boots” or something (I’d love to see my mom in a set) and often they walk away with a look of total disgust at how rude they perceive you to be. But really, who are you trying to impress. The only thing I want to impress (sometimes very strongly) is that I do not appreciate their actions; they’re just not socially appropriate in my world. If they disagree, they have that right. Just don’t touch my dog! Go pet little Fifi up the road – she thinks all strangers have treats.

I also agree that the “Service” vest/word should not be misrepresented. Behind these words are generally very well trained dogs, or well on their way, to performing an invaluable service to our disabled citizens. It should not be used just because we are frustrated or have become somewhat tired of expressing our views. I think our mouths speak volumes over a couple of words attached to our dog’s back.

Being accountable for our dogs well-being and proper training often takes a great amount of defense and protection on our part. I think it’s the least we can do for them when often our training and expectations of them are the same.

I say, "This dog is a working dog. He is not a dog that you can pet, Sorry."

My dog Damgan is a tough looking cuss, so usually this is enough, but for drunks and idiots I say "It's a bad idea to touch this dog" in a severe voice, and then I just move away from them in a calm manner. I suppose it's easier for those of us who have adult dogs that don't screw around. Add's some authentic conviction to our reminders.

For a puppy, I would say, This puppy is learning to be a working dog. He is learning that he can't play with strangers when he is working. This is not a puppy you can pet. Sorry.

Olivia,

If you look at #12 patch it says Working Dog Do Not Pet. Just a thing to consider if that's the way you choose to go. That way the "service dog in training" is not an issue anymore.

I had this problem I got a scary professional looking harness/vest and put IN TRAINING: do not pet on it....I put three patches on it from each direction. Had his scary prong collar on, occasionally muzzled him for full effect.

most people assumed my dog was a "police dog" (LOL XD) and left him alone after that...and I was there to tell the rest of them off.....

Wow, thanks for all the great ideas! I will definitely consider finding a "working dog in training-do not pet" (don't really want to use the service dog title even though I understand it's okay) vest or bandana. I have no problem explaining to people that he can't be approached, but honestly it gets exhausting when I have to do it 10-20 times per training session and it takes my focus off my dog. Generally my dog doesn't pay any attention to strangers..they just assume he's friendly and wants to be petted. Kids are the hardest people to control around him...they usually just run up to him with no regard for their own safety. Of course I firmly tell them not to come closer, but last night a hispanic little girl who spoke no english ran up to him and I had to basically pick her up to keep her from trying to jump on my dog. It's a frustrating issue but I'm hoping that as he gets bigger there won't be as many people interested in playing with him Thanks again for all the input!

Thanks! I will definitely look into getting this! It's perfect

 Quote: Olivia Brown

Kids are the hardest people to control around him...last night a hispanic little girl who spoke no english ran up to him and I had to basically pick her up to keep her from trying to jump on my dog.

Since you state that you were at a park & not a school....I have to assume that the parents or some guardian for the kid must have been present...Kid must have some stupid parents to allow their kid to run up to a strange dog! But then unfortunatley there seems to be alot of the general public stuck on stupid these days. With all the out of control, non trained loose dogs running about of late, at public places, at least in my area, they must be pretty lack-a-dasical as parents. Hopefully, the kid won't pick the wrong dog to approach.

IMO a "working dog in training-do not pet" vest or bandanna would work great with kids, especially those who cannot read and/or don't speak English.

Anne- Unfortunately the mother of the child sat and watched the whole thing. She didn't even try to call her daugther back until I made it very clear that she shouldn't pet my dog. The girl was very young too...probably no older than 5. Even my 3 year old knows to never approach a strange dog, but then again he's been raised that way. Apparently most kids around here aren't and will readily run up to Vader until I tell them to stop.

I know how to solve that: just dress like a clown. Aren't kids afraid of clowns these days? Just kidding