invisibubble
Blue Jay
Joined: Mar 16, 2012
Posts: 84
Location: Australia
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 Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:27 am Post subject: When is it okay to pat someone else's dog? |
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When I was at a sports event someone I knew but not very well came over to talk to me - just about an administrative matter. They brought their dog with them and he was right up close to me sniffing me, wagging his tail, trying to get my attention. I bent down a little and patted him while we talked but the owner seemed annoyed so I stopped. The dog kept trying to get my attention though.
I know it wouldn't be appropriate to touch someone's child so I wonder is it the same with dogs? It seemed to me I'd be mean not to pat him seeing as he was trying so hard to get my attention. I wouldn't have patted a complete stranger's dog. My family don't mind if I pat their dogs though. Where is the line in the sand?
Last edited by invisibubble on Sat May 05, 2012 12:39 am; edited 1 time in total |
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DJFester
Phoenix
Joined: Dec 06, 2009
Posts: 1025
Location: Minneapolis MN USA
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:38 am Post subject: |
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Unless the dog has a work vest on (e.g. a service or seeing eye dog for the disabled) or is a police / rescue dog on duty, and the dog is being friendly towards you, I don't see where there should be any problem with it - unless the owner specifically asks you not to pet their dog. Maybe that guy was just in a hurry or having a bad day.
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ThinkTrees
Sea Gull
Joined: Apr 06, 2012
Posts: 218
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:41 am Post subject: |
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I met a dog once, who wasn't wearing a work vest & wanted to say hello..so I offered my hand to sniff, and the owner barked at me that this is a working service dog, on duty...
So confusing, ouch.
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DJFester
Phoenix
Joined: Dec 06, 2009
Posts: 1025
Location: Minneapolis MN USA
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:49 am Post subject: |
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That was the owner's fault, for not putting the vest on the dog, and for the bad attitude as well.
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bicentennialman
Sea Gull
Joined: Mar 21, 2008
Posts: 209
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:50 am Post subject: |
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My dad told me that you should always, always ask the owner's permission before you pet their dog. Some dogs love attention from strangers, but not all. Some dogs are very selective about the people they allow to touch them, and others may only warm to people if you introduce yourself the right way (which the owner will be able to tell you).
In that sense, dogs aren't all that different from people.  |
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Dillogic
boom bang pow
Joined: Nov 25, 2011
Posts: 3494
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:51 am Post subject: |
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Usually wise to avoid the ones that are barking and snarling at you.
Just a FYI and all. |
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ThinkTrees
Sea Gull
Joined: Apr 06, 2012
Posts: 218
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:56 am Post subject: |
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| DJFester wrote: | | That was the owner's fault, for not putting the vest on the dog, and for the bad attitude as well. |
It was Summer, so probably too hot for the vest.
But yes, nasty attitude fom the human there.
I think it's wisest to ask the human first, as bicentennialman said, and as I have no wish to interact with the human, my personal decision is to not physically interact with the dog either.
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Delphiki
Launchie
Joined: Apr 15, 2012
Age: 23
Posts: 1350
Location: My own version of reality
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 12:58 am Post subject: |
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| bicentennialman wrote: | My dad told me that you should always, always ask the owner's permission before you pet their dog. Some dogs love attention from strangers, but not all. Some dogs are very selective about the people they allow to touch them, and others may only warm to people if you introduce yourself the right way (which the owner will be able to tell you).
In that sense, dogs aren't all that different from people. |
That sounds about right. I walk some of my neighbors dogs occasionally.
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League_Girl
Proud mamma
Joined: Feb 05, 2010
Posts: 13675
Location: My house
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 1:54 am Post subject: |
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| Always ask the owners first before you touch them. |
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Woodpecker
I am not a jigsaw ! I am a free man !
Joined: Oct 19, 2008
Age: 40
Posts: 2328
Location: Europe
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 2:02 am Post subject: |
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Unless the dog is clearly showing signs of being irked it is impossible to judge a stranger's dog as either no threat or a dog which will pose a threat.
I would always tell people to err on the side of caution by asking the owner if it is OK to touch a strange dog. The owner normally knows the dog better than anyone else.
I was once going into a supermarket and I saw a small dog (Chihuahua), I stoped and said "nice dog" and then the dog let out one of the nastiest noises I have ever heard from a dog. I am sure that this cute looking dog was a greater threat than some of the mastiff dogs I have encountered.
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LadySera
Velociraptor
Joined: Jun 02, 2011
Posts: 417
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 2:46 am Post subject: |
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| If it's a stranger then I ask but I probably would have just pet the dog in that situation too since you know the person. Seems odd that they didn't like it. |
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Who_Am_I
almost human
Joined: Aug 28, 2005
Age: 29
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Location: My body is in Brisbane and my mind is in the gutter. :D
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 4:13 am Post subject: |
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I always ask the owner first.
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amongthetrees
Phoenix
Joined: Apr 07, 2012
Posts: 678
Location: seattle
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 4:14 am Post subject: |
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I agree with you guys.. ask if it's ok to say hello no matter how eager the dog is.
Dogs are some of the best people you'll meet! |
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AspieOtaku
Leader of the Otaku Legion
Joined: Feb 18, 2012
Age: 30
Posts: 5994
Location: Los Altos, California, United States
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 4:37 am Post subject: |
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If the dog doesnt snarl at you when your about to pet it or bite you. 
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edgewaters
hibernating
Joined: Aug 17, 2006
Age: 40
Posts: 2426
Location: Ontario
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 4:54 am Post subject: |
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I figure it's more between you and the dog. I'd always ask but only because the owner might know something I don't.
OP, I think the owner was mostly annoyed that you were distracted and he wanted your full attention. That would be my guess. |
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