My dogs don't fear strangers. Three of them are active working therapy dogs. BUT I do the holding and the other person does the petting. It is easy to make it a positive experience for everyone. I just say something like, " He/ she loves pets, see..... and demonstrate where to pet. If necessary I add ,
He is a therapy dog he's not allowed to be held unless the patient is in a wheel chair or bed. Takes all the sting out of NO
__________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose  Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal. |