Dog Manners

[Daisy]

We are trying to take Eva to as many places as we can with us to help her be calmer when she's out.

Last night we went to Winchester to buy something for the caravan and stopped at a village pub on the way home for a meal. It was a nice evening and we sat in the garden, but a Jack Russell had barked at Eva on the way in so we sat as far away from it as possible, which meant we were right by the entrance of the pub, with everybody walking past. Most people just ignored us, which is great, but quite a few wanted to say 'hello' to Eva. I was quite shocked that some people just came up to her and started petting her and talking to her without asking us first. She was lying down, quietly minding her own business and fortunately didn't mind being disturbed, but some dogs would really take exception to this. I can well imagine then that the dog would be blamed for being 'aggressive'. Other people asked if they could say 'hello' which is fine as it gives the owner the chance to say 'no'.

[Oma]

I agree Daisy , even when we didn't have a dog I always taught mine never to just go up and pet a dog always ask first , some dogs love the attention some don't ,
We are lucky Storm loves meeting new people but isn't fond of being stroked he likes a scratch but not stroked unless its a child and they could do whatever they wanted he would just roll over for them , Men he is very wary of and tries to pull away , People just don't think sometimes do they .good for Eva not minding

[Plantaholic]

Well done Eva, I agree Daisy, always ask first.

[Glammanana]

I have always made sure mine ask before going towards a dog even though they have all been brought up with dogs from birth,our old Basset Hounds Bonnie & Henry where so different to each other she was the most grumpy dog I have ever owned and he would go to anyone who looked at him,Poppy will say hello to most people and is quite friendly with other dogs except a little Pug who goes to our Park and the poor dog has never done anything to Pops to cause any dislike she just doesn't like him for some strange reason.We have always kept her on a leash even in the Park we just swap her normal leash for a very long one so we are always in control it stems back to when we first got her and she was very traumatised when going out at first.
Daisy how jealous am I you visited Winchester I do love the place my eldest son was based there at Sir John Moores Barracks when he did his initial training when he was with The Royal Green Jackets we spent many a happy time there my boy still has friends in the area.

[Nanto2girls]

Daisy, you are quite right,people should as k first,before petting a dog.Unfortunately,some don't think first.
Well done to Eva,for being so calm.

[Daisy]

I think some people are just thoughtless, but thinking about Glamm's Poppy not liking a pug in the park reminds me that our trainer always says why should every dog like every person and every other dog they meet. We meet people we don't like, it's the same with dogs. Poppy has settled down so well with you Glamm, but, like us with Eva, you'll never know what has happened to her in the past and how it's affected her. We're playing it safe as well. Eva's recall is only good as long as there are no distractions, so we only let her off in a private fenced area.

Glamm - we are quite close to Winchester, but don't go very often. It's a beautiful city and a lovely shopping centre. If it wasn't so far for your northern ladies I'd have suggested it for a meet up.

[Libra Gran]

Daisy I so agree,Shiloh hates people coming up to him and touching him. He recoils from their touch,luckily he hasn't retaliated, but as you said I would be blamed if he reacted.This has happened countless times and usually I am quick and say,please don't pat him. He prefers to make the initial greeting even with family.Funny as he doesn't mind the kids touching him,but Matt was here today and he was fine after he had done the introductions. Think about it,would we want someone to come up and pat us on the head,I don't think so. Also he doesn't like other dogs sniffing him,he doesn't mind a sniff and hello and go on your way,but a cocker spaniel nearly had it's nose shoved up Shiloh's bottom the other week and I warned the owner Shiloh wouldn't like it. Sure enough for the first time ever he turned on the other dog with a warning growl. When Brian walked him on Wednesday a guy asked if it was okay for his dog to play,and Brian said fine.But it belted across to Shiloh and lunged all over him,of course my boy didn't like it one bit. I find far too many dog walkers with ear phones in,or on their mobiles not paying a blind bit of attention to their dog.

[Daisy]

LG - Shiloh obviously likes to meet people and dogs on his own terms, and why shouldn't he! But a growl is just a warning. Shiloh had probably already issued a first warning with a look or slight change in his posture, which the cocker didn't understand. This is part of Eva's problem - she doesn't seem to know when another dog is warning her off. But she's getting better and on Thursday she ended up with a goldie sitting about 2 feet from her and they just wagged tails at each other and sat down.

You're right - so many people walk with headphones on or texting/talking on their phones and they don't pay any attention to what their dog's doing!

[Gemini]

I would never touch a dog without knowing it was OK to. It wouldn't occur to me.

I do however stroke unknown cats, but cats aren't on the end of leads, they have choice. If they come to sniff my open hand, then allow me to stroke them it must be ok. Otherwise they just keep their distance

[Daisy]

Cats are very selective, aren't they, Gem. I look after a neighbour's three when they are away. Two of them come straight up to me - one demanding food, the other wanting a fuss. I've been looking after them for over a year, and a couple of weeks ago the third one came up to me. She didn't want me to touch her, but she stayed near me while I did the feeding, washing bowls etc.

[Clover]

Sounds as if she's condescendingly accepting you Daisy.

[Daisy]

She's a very timid rescue kitty. She literally fell in through their door in a very poor state and pregnant. It's taken the family a lot of time patience and cat knowledge to get her to her present state. So I felt ridiculously honoured when she just wanted to be with me. 😍😍😍

[Gemini]

It is an honour Daisy, she trusts you