[ashleylewis]

When I was bringing Oliver home, the breeder I bought him from suggested I not let strangers touch him at the vet and I assume anywhere else animals gather just in case their dog has something, because he's still a baby.

I brought him to Petsmart with me about a week ago to pick out a new harness (the one I got for him before was a little too big and he was wrestling out of it) and had I not needed him there for a fitting, I wouldn't have brought him for exactly that reason.

While I was there, he got a lot of attention. I was able to deflect most of it just by holding him close to me because most people are polite enough not to touch him while he was so close to my chest, but there were of course a few who didn't understand personal boundaries and pet him anyway, and I'm willing to bet that they're the same type who rub the belly of a pregnant stranger as well.

Anyway, I'm taking him to the vet on Monday and more so than Petsmart, even, I'd REALLY prefer he not be touched by strangers there. I'm going to try keeping him in his crate but I know well enough at this point that he's going to cry until I take him out and hold him, and if I have to do that I'm not going to know what to say to avoid sounding rude if anyone wants to pet him.

The breeder told me she just simply says no when someone asks to touch, but no one at Petsmart asked first so I assume this will be the same. I have no problem saying something like "actually I'd rather you not touch him, he's still young and I can't afford for him to get sick" but what would YOU say if someone tried to argue that?!

I don't want people touching him, but I also don't want them to glare at me from across the room.