Get your *EXPLETIVE *hands off my baby!!!!

[ColesMommy01]

So I've had Rasta 2 days and he is awesome! the only problem I have are the ppl who think he's fair game to pet. We went to the vet for a health check and register him on post and it seemed like everyone had grabby hands! You would think visitors and workers at a veterinary office would especially know not to touch an animal without the owners permission. Is this normal for yorkie owners??? I thought it was bad with our English Bulldog but this was our first day out and was ridiculous! Luckily I had him in his ventilated travel purse so no one was able to touch or poke at him. I had my son with me and when one rudely brazen woman reached for the purses ZIPPER he said "You have to ask before touching other people's things, right mommy?". Out of the mouths of babes....now why can't adults have the same considerations??? Btw that's my hubby in the picture but he SWEARS he doesn't like little dogs....I think he's in denial.

[Teresiana]

Omg he's so adorabe, I would have a hard time keeping my hands off of him too! Seriously though, I don't know why people don't ASK first. I always ask first. It's just impolite to touch someone's pet without asking permission...not to mention dangerous. I can be kind of a snob when it comes to that. I'll just come straight out & say NO...Don't touch my baby!!! I really don't care what they think or me because I'll probably never see them again. And if I do, they'll know better than to touch my puppy the next time.

[Maximo]

Rasta is adorable! Your husband is too funny. No man can resist the charms of a Yorkie.

People lose their minds, forget their manners, around a super cute puppy. Even with my big boys, I've had problems with people approaching the dogs inappropriately. You have to get good at heading people off and directing them nicely. I have to tell people to keep their hands below my boys' heads.

[Mistymillar]

I am, actually I can't explain how I am feeling about this. When I am out I will interact with many dogs ( always have, even though I have not until now had a wee darlin' of my own.) I am not aware of being an intruder, or of anyone being upset that I want to meet and converse with their canine family.
I don't worry about strangers talking to, petting or wanting to play with Alfie.

If I feel uncomfortable with a dog or human then I don't interact.

What is socialising and what is the benefit if it is not sociable for your pup and for you?

I will stretch my hand to any Staffie, sit face to face with a Great Dane, or chuckims a poodle. I want to be social with dogs and almost all dogs want to be social with me.

To behave otherwise to me is alien so I am probably the type of person who is making you feel annoyed.

Like I said I don't know how to feel about this topic, but it has just dawned on me that this may be pissing some people off.

I think I am too old to change. And I think generally most dogs love the attention. I know I love it when I know they are so paying attention to me. Such connections.

[ColesMommy01]

@Misty I don't have a problem with my puppy socializing I want him to. But he hasn't had his complete rounds of puppy shots he's only 12 weeks. My problem was that he was in a purse carrier so I thought i would already have given a "vibe" not to touch. His carrier didnt just have him in it, it also had my drivers license, credit cards, insurance cards, etc. Ppl at the vet (where there are sick animals) should know better than to automatically assume a dog is friendly/healthy or that the owner feels comfortable with them being touched. Right now I dont feel comfy with other's touching him because his vacs are not complete and he is so small so it would be very taxing on his immune system to fight off germs some of these well meaning animal lovers may and do have from being around sick animals or pets who are immune but still carry the germs/virus. The only reason we were at the vet was to do his healthy pup exam.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Mistymillar

I am, actually I can't explain how I am feeling about this. When I am out I will interact with many dogs ( always have, even though I have not until now had a wee darlin' of my own.) I am not aware of being an intruder, or of anyone being upset that I want to meet and converse with their canine family.
I don't worry about strangers talking to, petting or wanting to play with Alfie.

If I feel uncomfortable with a dog or human then I don't interact.

What is socialising and what is the benefit if it is not sociable for your pup and for you?

I will stretch my hand to any Staffie, sit face to face with a Great Dane, or chuckims a poodle. I want to be social with dogs and almost all dogs want to be social with me.

To behave otherwise to me is alien so I am probably the type of person who is making you feel annoyed.

Like I said I don't know how to feel about this topic, but it has just dawned on me that this may be pissing some people off.

I think I am too old to change. And I think generally most dogs love the attention. I know I love it when I know they are so paying attention to me. Such connections.

I don't think anyone means you shouldn't socialize or interact with a dog, but it is best to ask before petting a stranger's dog. There are many reasons. For instance, some dogs don't do well with strangers in certain situations. My Teddy is one. When he was a pup, people would run at us screaming and try to pick him up. I think he was terrified he was going to lose his new home and family (we brought him home at 8 months of age). For safety and politeness, it's best to ask first to pet.

[YazminD]

I can see why everyone wants to pet Rasta, he's adorable! I do understand how you feel about complete strangers not asking for permission though.

Yazmin and I are going to be spending a day at the Pet Expo and I don't want strangers petting her all day long. I had custom patches made by a Seller on eBay for stroller and carrying bag. Hopefully, this will help detour strangers from petting her in a kind way.

[Mistymillar]

Originally Posted by ColesMommy01

@Misty I don't have a problem with my puppy socializing I want him to. But he hasn't had his complete rounds of puppy shots he's only 12 weeks. My problem was that he was in a purse carrier so I thought i would already have given a "vibe" not to touch. His carrier didnt just have him in it, it also had my drivers license, credit cards, insurance cards, etc. Ppl at the vet (where there are sick animals) should know better than to automatically assume a dog is friendly/healthy or that the owner feels comfortable with them being touched. Right now I dont feel comfy with other's touching him because his vacs are not complete and he is so small so it would be very taxing on his immune system to fight off germs some of these well meaning animal lovers may and do have from being around sick animals or pets who are immune but still carry the germs/virus. The only reason we were at the vet was to do his healthy pup exam.

sorry I didn't realise we were talking about such a young baby. I think that as long as they are as protected as they can be then they should have as many social experiences as they can.

[ColesMommy01]

@Carla thanks I'm going to have to look into getting some of those patches...luckily he won't be going anywhere until his next set of shots lol

[YazminD]

Originally Posted by ColesMommy01

@Carla thanks I'm going to have to look into getting some of those patches...luckily he won't be going anywhere until his next set of shots lol

You're welcome. I emailed this Seller before buying patches to have them custom made. I didn't want Yazmin's to say Service Dog as pictured in the listing. Now if I could figure out how to attach one to her leash while we're out walking, we'll be set!

Service Medical Dog do not Pet Custom Embroidered Name Patch Iron on Tag Badge | eBay

[circi]

Originally Posted by ColesMommy01

@Misty I don't have a problem with my puppy socializing I want him to. But he hasn't had his complete rounds of puppy shots he's only 12 weeks. My problem was that he was in a purse carrier so I thought i would already have given a "vibe" not to touch. His carrier didnt just have him in it, it also had my drivers license, credit cards, insurance cards, etc. Ppl at the vet (where there are sick animals) should know better than to automatically assume a dog is friendly/healthy or that the owner feels comfortable with them being touched. Right now I dont feel comfy with other's touching him because his vacs are not complete and he is so small so it would be very taxing on his immune system to fight off germs some of these well meaning animal lovers may and do have from being around sick animals or pets who are immune but still carry the germs/virus. The only reason we were at the vet was to do his healthy pup exam.

I have a pregnant friend who constantly has random strangers walking up and rubbing her belly, I think of this as the same type thing. The cuteness factor turns people dumb and it doesn't occur to them to ask permission before touching! There's nothing wrong with saying "Sorry, but no" when someone reaches for him. If they get mad, who cares. Hate to say it but sometimes it's easier at the vet's to lie and say the pup is very sick to keep people away. Whatever works to keep your baby safe!

[ColesMommy01]

@ circi it is EXACTLY like being pregnant lol. I think I just may have to channel my former pregnant "witchiness" when ppl reach for him lol.

[Ellie May]

It is soooo frustrating!
My girl looks like she wants attention, but what if stranger pets her in an arthritis spot and she gets snappy? And it is my dog..ask first! I don't like when ppl get too close to my young nephews either. I don't know their intentions.

What really gets me is people trying to give treats without asking. My girl is deathly sensitive to some things.

i ask before petting unless the pup approaches me. I don't mind if one does but I don't think an owner should let a dog come into contact with a stranger without asking. Mutual respect.

[KendraE]

My advice... Get used to it!! Adorable dogs are attention grabbers... People will coo and want to touch.... I can't even begin to count the amount of times my boys have been photographed...(yes not just touched, but had their pic taken) by complete and total strangers!! I don't worry with my oldest, but our blue born Mack is hands off!! I have learned when he is with us in public ( which is rare) to politely tell folks he is off limits... Now Bevo on the other hand, loves and sucks up all attention he can get!! I understand he hasn't been fully vaccinated... So until he has... Stay indoors! Lol! Good luck!

[Verbena]

It is Rey hard for people to resist the puppy. They have magical powers. Even now everyone wants to pet him or pick him up. He is extremely friendly but people should ask. I am an animal lover. I always ask if I can pet them. Some dogs do not like to be touched or are protective.