Quote: sheila buckley

"Don't touch him; he has a contagious fungus."

Like it!

leih

 Quote:

"Don't touch him; he has a contagious fungus." Even the cutest puppy becomes something to be avoided.

HAHA...Those darn fungal infections last a life time!

 Quote: willie tilton

Thank Heaven that Eddie has realllllly strong nerves.

That's cool. Eddie got those strong nerves from his parents, and from his socialization in puppyhood in which he was exposed to all kinds of environments.

That's all I was talking about, exposing the pup to all kinds of environments when he is young so that he develops "Eddie-like" nerves.

Not sure how all the "impersonation of a disabled person" conjecture got going, but if it was in reaction to my post, please be assured that was not my intention.

I like the "dog in training" vest idea, along with an assertive trainer who has to be on the lookout for all of those who feel entitled to "pet the adorable puppy."

Willie - your "rock star" analogy is a good one. That would make me CRAZY.

Alternatively, in your best Clint Eastwood snarl (ala Gran Torino):

Get away from my dog.

Mr. Martin,

Civility is your least concern but it is a generally accepted approach to otherwise dense and intrusive people.

"No," Is a reasonable response to the question 'can I pet your dog.'

You do not owe strangers an explaination, other than to be civil, I suppose.

Some good intentioned folks can be entertained with an explaination of some sort if you wish to be civil but in most cases a "no" as you keep walking is...

Or if you do engage the question, sit the dog, and as Ms. Sutherland noted, position yourself between the person and the dog and decline the opportunity to enagage the request.

Your dog. You decide how you want to lead your dog.

In my old and cranky age, I simply say "no." If I say yes, it is absolutely on my terms with 'rules' explained up front - and always before a youngster is allowed near the dog(s).

The question always for me to contemplate is whether or not to indulge the individual. Charmer that I am, I usually keep on about my business with a polite smile and a firm purpose. And the dog stays calm and gets that attitude. I'm in charge, and it need not get amped up by changing situations.

So ends the pontification.

Hey Spencer, They have vests that say In Training -- Please Do Not Pet. Won't keep everybody away, but it will keep some of them. Love the fungal infection idea!!!!!

I really appreciate all of your responses. I find myself just sitting here waiting for all of your replies in this forum.

I have become much better at informing people without feeling bad about it. I want a good dog way more than I care about peoples feelings. LOL.

I settled on "Don't pet him, he's in training!" I've received fairly good reactions with this! Thanks.

I usually have my ipod when I take my dog running. When I've got my earbuds in, no one even attempts to talk to me, touch the dog, or flag me down. Even if I'm not listening to anything. Its totally "people repellant"! I have no problem telling people no but it saves me the time and breath! Lol

had real good luck with the "Working Dog in Training" cape. the only probs were with small kids but you have to expect that if you go to the park