alice oliver Webboard User Reg: 09-14-2005
Posts: 843
Loc:
Offline
this is not another "strangers petting my dog" thread because i'm not wondering if people should be allowed to pet my dog. i dont' want strangers petting my dog. and there are situations in which he is safely offleash and so is obviously not in training.
i just want to know what is the best thing to say to people so that they don't become frightened and potentially frighten my dog. what are the best words to use when you've already told someone the dog isn't interested in strangers and yet they persist?
i want to deter them without making them frightened. anybody have that magic phrase they've concocted?
Believe me I share your frustration with this.....I have found it works best for me to tell people that my dog is arrogant and snobby. This puts human traits that most people find unappealing yet understand. If your dog is ignoring them they seem to be able to relate being ignored with those terms and just sort of meander away.
We can try this for awhile and see if it works anyway.
I would nicely answer, yes he is friendly, however at this time he is busy playing in the water and as he doesn't get to do it often, I'd rather not interrupt him at his play, but thank you for asking and for admiring my dog.
"I'm sure he'd love that, but I've got him in special training and so I can't allow it, I'm sorry".
If people just come up and try and pet him without asking I quickly step in and put a stop to it immediately. I'm usually kinda pissed off when this happens so my explanation is far less... polite?
"Excuse me, don't pet my dog. He's in training right now and it will confuse him down the road." (you'll have to imagine the ice dripping off my toungue as I say this)
If they inquire as to what kind of training in either scenario, I again have the luxury of the truth. Not many people have a clue what French Ring is but the answer satifises them and rather than look dumb they usually nod blankly while saying "ohhhhh" and then wander off. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
I go with the "I'm sorry, I train police dogs and they have to learn to ignore people so they can work." I have to say that the mention of police training has yet to fail to detour people from bending down and trying to pet my dog. I try to take the time and explain why and most people are curious enough to listen. I guess you have to be willing to lie a little to make this work, but it has been a great explanation for people so far.
alice oliver Webboard User Reg: 09-14-2005
Posts: 843
Loc:
Offline
ok, you guys are giving me some ideas. how does this sound?
"he loves people, but he is going to be a service dog, and he has to learn to ignore people when he is working. you could help him prepare by completely ignoring him."
is that ingenious, or what? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote:
....but he is going to be a service dog, and he has to learn to ignore people...
Yes, very similar to the one I use, which a K9 handler suggested to me years ago: "I'm sorry; he's in training and not allowed to be touched by or pay attention to anyone but his handler."
Courteous, but dead-end -- no discussion invited.
If they ask what training, it doesn't much matter whether you lie, look offended at such nosiness, or tell the truth.
This has worked for me even with the small house dogs (who I also don't want interacting with strangers) because I'm not saying what the training is.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Re: how could i have handled these dog lovers bett
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
