AZPops
Wherever the Job takes us...
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Joined: 07/13/2006
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I find an drive to a remote area to walk the dogs!
No, it's not that I don't like people. It's being around them that bothers me!
Anonymous
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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Joined: 06/07/2004
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I'm pretty lucky, I guess. Since I own a Cattle Dog - this seldom is a problem. People seem to be a little leery of Jack to start with, probably because he looks like a Dingo... And he's got the usual hackles like porcupine quills, so when a strange dog approaches, up they go until he looks like a Stegosaurus....LOL! Even the stupidest person can clearly see that this dog is NOT "let's meet and be friends" material.
The only time I let my other, more social dogs meet strange dogs is when the newcomer is exhibiting all the proper "friendly" signs like "play-bowing", etc. And poor Jack just stands in the wings and watches....
On edit: I also avoid dog parks. I'm a firm believer that dogs talk to each other - and what looks like "friendship" to the average human, could be one dog saying to the other "Your Mother wears Army Boots" - and "out of the blue" - two dogs are at each other's throats. Or there's a prejudice (yes, I know that's humanizing them). Jack has a special dislike/mistrust/OK, HATRED of black dogs. I've always assumed it went back to his days as a stray? But if the sweetest, nicest, most playful black Lab comes bounding up to Jack - he WILL get bitten. So we just avoid dog parks entirely.
* This post was
edited 06/28/12 10:35am by Deb and Ed M *
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sparki27
California
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Joined: 09/05/2005
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I'm sorry for having to say this but...
I think there's something mentally wrong with a person who thinks their dog has to have social playtime with every dog they meet.
It goes back to the "kid on the playground who jumps right in without an invitation to play" kind of thing. It's rude!
Some dogs just don't want to play. Not everybody feels good-to-go all the time.
I have a 7lb chi that is my service dog. People always want to pet her. Some ask and some don't. Those who don't, and keep coming, usually cause my girl to stress. She wears a vest stating that she's working.
I've heard horror stories of little dogs being jumped on by bigger dogs, during play, and being killed. That's no accident. It was suicide for the little one and heartache for it's owner.
I usually like to stop and let children pet my chi and I feel that keeps her social. Little dogs are also okay to socialize with. But that's where it stops for me.
My son has a German Shepard that my chi absolutely loves. They play very well together because the GS has been trained to be gentle with her and they're monitored.
I don't think I can say the same for just any other big dog on the street who "wants to be friends".
I agree with the OP. JMO!
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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Use to live in a neighborhood where there was a Akita that was allowed to run free. He ruled the neighborhood and was "king" over all the other dogs. They knew better than getting near him! Now to quote from the Akita Club of America, "Their independent nature means they should NEVER be allowed to roam loose or off lead in an unfenced area. Early and constant socialization and training is a must with this headstrong breed, as they will tend to want to make their own decisions unless taught otherwise."
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Allyscia
Ontario
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I think you should ask to pet someone doses dog. I think you should also ask if it is okay for your dogs to greet each other. People do not need to give a reason a simple no thanks should always be respected, it does not mean someone is rude. When we take our dog to the dog park we always stay nearby because dogs can be unpredictable and some people do not get along some dogs don't mesh. I feel responsible for my dog and also wish to keep her safe. Respect is important with animals and people.
Me my Husband + 2 Kids
JDay
Canada
160 Hybrid Kodiak
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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Joined: 06/07/2004
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If you think about it - a dog park is like someone herding a bunch of humans from all walks of life and interests and sizes and ages - into a gym. And then expecting them to all play nice together.
All you have to do is watch one of these "reality TV shows" to understand that sooner or later, a bully emerges, a victim shows up; and all it takes is an antagonist to get things started. The only difference is that nobody needs a "bleep!" machine to monitor the dog park....LOL!!
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Go Dogs
South of Pittsburgh, PA
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I never go to dog parks anymore. You're right, there are bullies. Some dogs are too rowdy. Don't get me started about germs! I have two dogs that enjoy playing with each other, their humans and grandhumans. That's enough!
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sparki27
California
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OMGoodness! We took my chihuahua to a dog park once and the smell of urine/poo in the area was so strong, I was gagging. I don't know how anyone can breathe in that environment. Nasty! 
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KrisNKallen
Florida
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Just popped back into this thread and enjoyed all the different viewpoints. If you thought otherwise based on my questions posted earlier in the thread, please understand I've always asked owners prior to attempting to let my cocker spaniel greet their dogs, and respected their wishes either way. I absolutely understand that most owners know their own dogs well enough to say if they want to socialize or not. My experience has been that about 3 times out of 10 when an owner is saying "no" their dog is trying to get social and being stopped by the owner's fear of germs/fights/noise/whatever. Do all efforts to greet end up with dogs being friendly? No, but at least we tried, and with both dogs on leashes if they don't like each other it is simple to back off before it turns ugly. Would I get up and bring my dog out to the sidewalk to greet yours without asking (as noted by OP)? No. Would I be disappointed if you pulled Fido back from my yard when he looked eager to greet my dog? Yes, as I'd see it as a lost opportunity to meet YOU as well as your dog. Do I understand that sometimes you're just walking around the CG to "get business done" and don't WANT to socialize? Of course - sometimes I do the same. I hope this thread has made both sides of these encounters more aware of the other guy's viewpoint and better able to respond to any situation "without getting angry" as mentioned in the first post.
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ANewCreation
VA
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KrisNKallen wrote:I'm not judging here, just trying to understand. Why don't you want your dog to greet others? Wouldn't you enjoy having your dog tolerate or even enjoy being with other dogs? A little growling and lip lifting is part of normal dog greeting and friendship making? If you have a dog that simply hates other dogs and is vicious about it (I had one like that - loved people, hated other dogs), why bring them to places where other, sociable dogs are out for a meet and greet? I've seen lots of people who refuse to let their dogs have anything to do with other dogs, but in fact most of those dogs would LOVE to at least sniff each other in greeting. It is usually the owner's nervousness around the situation that makes their dog get tense.
In MHO I think this is the most common sense post on this thread. I agree 100% to this and the above ^^^ post.
* This post was
edited 10/13/12 06:30pm by ANewCreation *
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