When mine were little I didnt take them to places like Petsmart.
After they got their shots I did and I didnt mind people petting them. They need to socialization and I think it is being a courteous pet owner. People are just curious and like to pet cute dogs. I dont think it is invading space for them to do it. If you dont like your dog petted leave them at home

Just to give you another perspective ; every year we go to a Fall Festival and every year we have to allow so much tme for people to pet our dogs. Sometimes you can barely get down the street because people wanting to pet them so much and it does get annoying but what is the alternative. To be rude and ruin yours and maybe someone elses day just because they want to innocently pet your cute dog

We find it really hard when we take Punkin places. We take her everywhere that we can, but people are often rude. They will walk right up and grab right on to her. No consideration that my baby may not want a stranger grabbing on to her and giving her kisses. I hate when parents send their kids over to see the dog and don't even come with them. Rarely people ask if they can touch her.

The most rude was a month or so ago. DH dropped me off in front of the coffee shop to grab coffees. He and Punkin waited in the car out front. When I came out three people where standing by the car oohing over Punkin. One lady said oh your dog is so cute etc etc. I said thanks and started getting in the car. She said can I pet her. I said she's all buckled in right now. By this time I'm in the car and am putting on my seat beat. I didn't close the door as we were still speaking. Then she said that's okay and before I could do a thing the lady is leaning into the car over top of me and petting Punkin. I was shocked :eek: Nothing like having a stranger on your lap. I was speechless. We said goodbye and off we drove shaking our heads in disbelief and confused about what had just happened.