Originally Posted by yorkiemini (Post 4641955)

When my Cali was in Service Dog school they taught her to not take food (treat a or any food) from anyone but me (and only from the left hand as well, but that is another story). I understand other Service Dog Schools also teach that.

I think it is strictly about the safety of the pup :D
I would be devistated if some kook fed my dog poison or some other dreadful thing.

Originally Posted by gemy (Post 4641970)

My dogs will take treats from strangers. Back when my big and wee dogs were pups I had to decide which way to go. Many folks with guard and protect dogs train them not to take treats. I decided not to go that way. I knew I did not want to officially train them in those practices. So that wasn't an issue. I train in diligently the drop and leave it commands for all the pups. This btw is a safety issue - if I drop over from heat exhaustion - or we are in a car accident my big dogs - will settle a bit when treats are offered. They also will obey basic commands from strangers. And that has saved Magic and me at least twice - when once he got out of the backyard cause sis left gate open and once when during a funeral when folks kept leaving doors open when entering and exiting. Two different neighbours saw him sightseeing off lead and called him back and he came...

Usually I am always with treats when I travel/walk with my dogs - and if someone wants to treat them I hand over the treat I have on hand. At vets offices once I know what the treat is I might allow the dog that treat.

I know the argument is slightly skewed when we look at toy dogs. But I do not feel the risk is very high where I live with dog napping. More risk from the idiots who place poisoned treats / water etc in parks where dogs frequent.

Originally Posted by Maximo (Post 4641980)

You bring up an interesting counterpoint about when dogs are loose or lost, it is nice if they can be lured by treats. We did that with a Yorkie that was loose, scared, and had gotten under a car. Another family had dog treats in their car and was able to coax him out.

Originally Posted by KazzyK810 (Post 4642003)

ZoE won't take treats from strangers either. She won't even take her own treat from a stranger! This past weekend we were at a dog festival and she was munching on a treat in her stroller. A lady standing next to us reached into her stroller and picked up part of the treat and tried to give it to Zo, and she wouldn't take it.

Originally Posted by danniko (Post 4642005)

Sophie won't take treats from strangers but giving kisses is another story! She is way more likely to kiss if the person lets her sniff them first. The people that just go straight to petting her head are the ones that get snubbed! But treats are usually sniffed and then ignored until we are alone with her and give it to her ourselves.

As for commands...she can be stubborn for my husband and I, so strangers don't stand a chance with her. That and in public she is usually being carried because she is scared of strange dogs after being attacked a few years ago!

Originally Posted by Rachael1983 (Post 4641992)

I think gemy brings up a valid point. A few weeks ago, I was in the shower, the front door blew open from the wind, (I didn't hear it), Emma darted out, my neighbor couldn't rally Emma up, she was scared and cornered herself in the townhome next door's entry way. If Emma would have been more comfortable she could have let the neighbor see her tags but the neighbor was calling the police, luckily all was well and I was able to see what was going on before the police got there.

Originally Posted by yorkiemini (Post 4641983)

I think the left hand thing for treats has a dual purpose. One is fewer people are left handed and second it makes the dog think and make a decision they have been taught to implement.

The temperament of most Service Dogs would probably be more likely to bring them toward people rather than away. They are so imbedded with their "people duty".

One time (about 6 years ago) I left my Cali with someone for a few minutes while I ran to a vendor at a show to purchase some shampoo. While I was gone she heard some noises overhead in the gymnasium. She was not able to find me, which was very uncomfortable for her, but I arrived back at the scene where she had jumped down and herded about 20 people away from the area by barking and nipping a them away. One half of the gym ceiling collapsed sending 100+ people to the hospital. Those 20 thought she was great!!!!

They did mention that at the beginning they thought she was a bit of an aggressive BULLY:D

Originally Posted by gemy (Post 4642034)

What a great story Cali is a hero!!! You must have been so rightly proud of her - once you got over your scare