As a dog walker, I've learned a lot of people are idiots/uninformed/ignorant. LOL. Most mean well. But you won't believe the amount of people who think that *every* dog should just WANT to say hi to their dog.... or "oh he's friendly!" as their boisterous Lab is running up to me. Umm, he may be friendly, but maybe my dogs not? I think we live in a culture nowadays where it's just expected that all dogs be best buddies. Imagine if we as humans were expected to stop and talk to EVERY person we walked by on the street -- it's a nice 'gesture' but not everybody has time, or wants to. Dogs are the same way.
I've picked Jackson up before (and he's big, LOL, 18lbs) when I thought he may be in harms way and unfortunately it puts him on the 'defense' (and he's very friendly and social in public). When he's up in my arms, he will begin to lash out, and act defensive. I think it makes him feel vulnerable being up in my arms. So I try not to do it unless I truly believe he's in real danger. |