[pstinard]

If someone is walking a puppy, they might not want any contact with anyone else who owns a dog in order to avoid their puppy catching a disease for which it hasn't built up immunity yet. Or, perhaps someone has abused their dog in the past, and they just don't want to take chances.

I have a neighbor who has a little boy. One day, he and his mother were outside, and they spotted me with Bella and called me over. I brought Bella over to them, and the little boy started slapping Bella with the palm of his hand. Now, when I see them outside, I either don't take Bella out, or I cross to the other side of the street. They might think I'm rude, but I will NOT let anyone abuse Bella. Not everyone is a Yorkie lover, and not everyone who owns a Yorkie wants to take a chance with psychotic neighbors, children, or strangers.

BTW, the incident with the neighbor's child may have had a permanent effect on Bella, because now, although she is eager to approach people, once she gets close, she acts fearful and cowers. She didn't use to do that.