I am soooo glad you started this thread and included the poll! My husband and I both absolutely cringe when people (especially strangers) always feel the need to try to handle our little dog! And why parents seem to encourage very young children to run up to our dog and touch her is beyond me. The running towards them always frightens the dog. I like your analogy - do they encourage their children to run up to large dogs and handle them? (Please excuse my rant - you found one of my biggest pet peeves.)
