Cute Dog Disease (CDD) is characterized by exuberant approach of a total stranger with a high pitched voice and teeth bared (
smiling). Victims of the disease, while seemingly intelligent enough, suddenly lose all capacity to use sound judgment
upon sight of small, fluffy, or cute dogs. Sufferers believe that every dog adores them instantly. Said dog, being small, is frightened of this high pitch voiced stranger with teeth bared, and feels the need to issue a warning growl as a protective measure. CDD sufferer tends to get upset with said dog...wondering why it would growl when (s)he is just 'trying to be nice'.
Small dog's parent wonders how to convince CDD sufferers to express their exuberant greetings from at least 3 feet away in a non-threatening manner??
Betcha can't tell how my morning has gone!
How do we take Milli out in public to socialize her without having to deal with people like this? I don't want her to be afraid of strangers but, goodness, I'd be afraid of some of these people if I were her! I don't blame her for growling to scare them away!