I always pick Itsy up, well in advance of her getting within range of another dog. This has mostly been because she is only 13 wks and hasn't quite finished her shots yet and I don't want her to catch anything. But I will continue to do it even after she has her shots. Even if a bigger dog is friendly, if it gets over-excited it could easily hurt a smaller dog unintentionally. It's not worth the risk.
My problem has been more with people approaching me alone on the street (without dogs) and wanting to pet and fuss over her. Maybe I'm over-protective and being ridiculous but I don't like strangers touching my dog. I guess I feel like a mom with a new baby that everyone wants to touch and hold....and I'm thinking..."when was the last time you washed your hands?" "Do you have a sick dog at home and now you're about to touch my dog?" Maybe I'm paranoid but I'd rather seem rude and just smile and keep walking than risk exposing her to who-knows-what. |