Every dog owner understands the joy of seeing their furry friend interact with the world. Allowing strangers to pat your dog, however, can be a decision with both benefits and drawbacks. While every dog is unique, understanding the possible outcomes is crucial for both your dog’s comfort and safety. This post will explore the ins and outs of this choice and hopefully ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
The Pros and Cons
Social interactions form an integral part of our dogs’ lives, affecting their future behaviour and how they perceive the human world. When it comes to allowing strangers to pat or interact with your dog, it’s a decision that comes with its own share of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s delve into what those might entail.
The Benefits
Allowing strangers to pat your dog can have several positive outcomes.
• It can be a great way to socialize your dog, making them more comfortable and confident around new people. This exposure can help reduce fear and anxiety around unfamiliar people and situations, resulting in a well-rounded and sociable canine.
• These interactions can serve as great training opportunities. You can teach your dog valuable life skills and reinforce good manners such as resilience, resisting temptations and practicing self-control and respect for their own and others’ personal space.
• Interacting with strangers can also enhance the bond between you and your dog. When you manage these interactions effectively, it reinforces your role as the leader and protector, building trust.
The Drawbacks
One of the main reasons why we advise owners not to allow people they don’t know to pat their dogs is the expectation and association it creates. When you let others pat your dog, especially if your dog is overly excited or jumping, it sends a message that this behaviour is acceptable. And let’s face it, most people these days adore dogs and say hello in a very stimulating way, complete with high pitched voices and lots of fussing. This can quickly become problematic when you also then expect your dog to be calm and well-behaved around people at other times.
Allowing your dog to get revved up and fussed over by everyone they meet causes an emotional association which can quickly lead to bigger and faster hyperactive reactions when they see people approaching. They can start to anticipate and feel entitled to attention. This can be a huge distraction during walks or training sessions, hindering progress and reinforcing unwanted behaviours. It will also likely show up when you try to go to a café or have guests over!
Another concern is the violation of personal boundaries Just like people, dogs have their own comfort zones regarding their personal space. By allowing strangers to breach this space without your dog’s consent, it can create anxiety and stress, leading to fear or even aggression in some cases. In their mind, if you fail to protect their boundaries, they will protect themselves! If this happens repeatedly it can erode the trust in your relationship and make them more reactive or withdrawn over time.
Being touched or stared at by members outside of their own pack can be overwhelming for certain dogs, especially in busy, strange or loud environments. This overstimulation can lead to distress, making it hard for them to relax or listen to your commands. This can quickly have a ripple effect and make the whole walk unmanageable.
Remember, it’s your dog and your decision, no-one has a right to pat your dog just because they want to.
Managing Approaches from Strangers
Politely but firmly declining unwanted approaches from strangers can be challenging. If you’re finding it hard to say no, here are some strategies to navigate these situations:
1. Polite Refusal: A simple, “I’m sorry, but we’re in training right now,” or “Please don’t approach her, she is feeling nervous today,” offers an explanation without being rude.
2. Control your Space: Keep your dog close to you when walking or sitting anywhere, so people will have to enter your space to approach your dog. This physical barrier can discourage unwanted interactions.
3. Visual Cues: Consider using a vest or leash that clearly indicates your dog’s status, such as ‘in tracing’ or ‘nervous dog’. These visual cues can help deter people without having to say anything.
If someone insists on approaching despite your initial refusal, calmly reiterate that your dog requires space or is in training, and their cooperation is appreciated. Your priority is your dog’s wellbeing and comfort – it’s okay to assertively set boundaries to protect them from uncomfortable or potentially harmful interactions.
In Conclusion
Deciding whether or not to allow people you don’t know to pet your dog is not just a matter of personal preference – it’s about being a responsible owner and ensuring the good conduct and wellbeing of your dog. Don’t forget that every dog is different, with their unique personality and comfort levels. While it’s of course okay to be friendly and social, setting boundaries is not just a sign of respect for your pet and others, but it’s also teaching them how to interact successfully in a human world. Let your behaviour communicate that their well-being is paramount, affirming that in the presence of strangers, they can rely on you to both give direction and feel safe and valued.
