Quote:
Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985  That's just common courtesy between dog owners. If you know your dog isn't other dog friendly, or people friendly, please let them know. I usually keep Kaji close until I ask "Is it ok for him to say hi," cause you never know. |
I think we can see why the beagle wasn't friendly!
I let Thor approach other (small) dogs, but we do it slowly, first to see how Thor will react, and also to see if the other owner warns me off. I always tell them that Thor isn't necessarily great with other dogs. Generally other dogs love being around him, I think because no matter what their size, they are always look huge next to him.
If a larger dog approaches, I put Thor in a Sit and feed him treats, since I am trying to get him to be less dog reactive. But I ALWAYS tell the other owner that Thor doesn't like dogs approaching him. What really chaps me is when they assure me that THEIR dog is friendly, as if that somehow nullifes Thor's position on the matter. It takes TWO dogs to have a good meet.
Basically, it's your responsibility to make sure your dog approaches others respectfully, and to let other people know you and your dog's limits when they approach. I don't think there's any need to be rude. I walk dogs all the time as a volunteer that can't meet other dogs OR people at all because they are in quarantine. We usually just cross the street when we see either coming. But because I am volunteering, I don't want to offend people who approach, so I just nicely say that they can't be touched / greet. If you want to keep your little dog away from big dogs, you can always say your little one was attacked once. Being safe and polite aren't mutually exclusive.