[smelcerk]

Originally Posted by Jkpal

I, of course, think Piper is the most adorable little thing ever in the world and I can totally appreciate people wanting to pet her little noggin. Just recently, however, I've had at least four, well-meaning strangers, ask to pet Piper and they've all almost immediately tried to cup Piper's head in their hands. Piper wants no part of that, pulls away (she seems frightened) and now seems a bit apprehensive when someone goes to pet her. I've been working to help Piper overcome her shyness with people and she's been doing better by the day--until this recent bout of people trying to hold her head! Heck, I'm getting a little "gun-shy" myself! It's happened so fast that I didn't have time to say anything, but now that I'm sorta on guard, I'm wondering how best to handle keeping Piper comfortable. I truly need and will appreciate whatever suggestions you can provide. I love that Piper draws people and that she makes them smile, but I don't want anyone or anything causing her distress. What should I say to these kind folks so they won't try to hold Piper's head? Ummm, now that I re-read this, I am wondering, is this a totally weird request? (The action with Pipe kind of reminds me of people who just gotta squeeze the chubby cheeks of a baby)

Your blue highlighted sentence says all you need to know. You wouldn't let some stranger touch your baby like that so the same goes for Piper. I am always very assertive. If I choose to let someone touch my girl, I tell them exactly what I expect from that interaction. No one would dare cross my boundaries.