Is it okay for strangers to pick up your yorkie?

[I love Lucy]

Originally Posted by stinky

Wow, I’m surprised at how many people find it rude. I guess I’ve never really thought about it….Ginger is very loving, so when people come in my office she is all over them with kisses, trying to get their attention. Almost everyone picks her up and gives her some love back, so when they don’t I think it’s a little… rude. I mean…here she is putting her heart on her sleeve and they can’t even acknowledge her? Lol.

But in any other situation like being in PetSmart or Home Depot etc.. I would be like " excuse me"?!! what are you doing?...I think it is rude! Plus Lucy doesn't love it...she tolerates it but doesn't care about anyone else petting her but her immediate family. She's kinda aloof. And Milo would probably growl or bark soo-no way! ( he is in socialization with people training)..
I haven't even brought him to any stores yet. Lucy likes to go in stores but is aloof to strangers.

[JCarlson2004]

I would be VERY pissed if someone just walked up to me and picked up one (or both) of my dogs and I would let them know it in a polite but firm way. I don't like strangers to hold my dogs. They can pet them but not hold them. What if someone tried to run off with one of my babies? I'd be in jail for manslaughter LOL

[LauraMichelle]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

I would be VERY pissed if someone just walked up to me and picked up one (or both) of my dogs and I would let them know it in a polite but firm way. I don't like strangers to hold my dogs. They can pet them but not hold them. What if someone tried to run off with one of my babies? I'd be in jail for manslaughter LOL

I feel the same way! My fiance and I have talked numerous times about what would happen if someone tried/took either of the kids. There would be a severe problem for the thief!
I hate to be just rude, but yorkies are exspensive children that are so fragile! That is one of my biggest pet peves, especially with children. That is how kids get bit. My Marilynn doesn't like to be squished, she very friendly, but has quirks and "diva-tendancies". Children mean well, but don't understand and try to hold on tight frightening the dog. No brainer to check no there.

[stinky]

Originally Posted by I love Lucy

But in any other situation like being in PetSmart or Home Depot etc.. I would be like " excuse me"?!! what are you doing?...I think it is rude! Plus Lucy doesn't love it...she tolerates it but doesn't care about anyone else petting her but her immediate family. She's kinda aloof. And Milo would probably growl or bark soo-no way! ( he is in socialization with people training)..
I haven't even brought him to any stores yet. Lucy likes to go in stores but is aloof to strangers.

Yes, that would be a little weird. I guess I wasn’t thinking in terms of complete strangers. In that case I would be irritated.

What I find even more irritating is when they think it’s necessary to stand there and let their dogs sniff her, almost as if they are letting their dog decide if she’s acceptable or not. Poor thing, she just stands there hunchbacked, in submission, with her ears down, ‘til the dog moves on or I pick her up.

[StewiesMom]

I don't think it is ok to do anything without asking! I don't let anyone pick up Stewie except my immediate family

[seh0422]

I think it is okay but they should ask before they even touch anyones animal. Much less pick them up. I mean you dont know if they are friendly or if they bite, or even if they like to be picked up. My little ones are friendly but are a little shy around total strangers.

[YorkieRose]

I vote no...at my home, I have no problem..in a public place, no way. I hate the sound of a head hitting the tile floor, it is just awful..and worse the screams they make when they are dropped and break a leg...

You would not allow a stranger to pick up your baby out of a stroller..my Yorkies are no different to me..

[JeanieK]

I answered yes, but would epect them to ask first. Everyone I have encountred has asked before petting them.

[Maydi]

I said no; it kinda creeps me out that some stranger would just pick her up... even if I was there. Schatzi's really, really overly friendly, so it's not like she'd hate it...but I just don't like the idea of some strange person holding my baby If I'm holding her they can pet her, but that's it.

[YorkieHeaven]

I would have a fit if someone just picked up my baby without checking with me! How rude!

[KellyV]

In my house with family/friends is one thing... But for strangers, it's not okay under any circumstance... I try not to allow it, even if they ask! I'm too afraid they'll drop her and then just leave. Then I'd have an injured pup, tons of vet bills and no one to hold responsbile!

A man in our obedience class did that... I turned around to put my coat on and when I turned back around he was holding her! Um. Excuse me. You didn't ask... I was tempted to hop on the back of his Great Dane without asking... like it was a little pony or something. Then we'll see if he asks for permission to hold my pup the next time!

[BabyFidgette]

I voted "no opinion" because everyone Baby sees she jumps all over and tries to kiss them. I guess to some that's considered rude...but if she's jumping and kissing and they try to pick her up I don't really mind (I'm just afraid she'll squirm out of their hands) because they allow her to kiss them! And Baby loves it! But if they just came up to my dog and scooped her up I would care.

[MyTrixie143]

Ooops, can I vote again? I thought the question was will you let a stranger pick up your dog, I forgot to read the last part if they don't ask. I would not feel comfortable with them picking them up without asking, if they ask sure as long as they ask and I can tell them yes or no and how to hold them. If they are not a stranger they don't have to ask, my family loves my babies and will hold them all the time.

[romeos mommy]

i said no. just last week we were in petsmart and a little girl followed as all through the store begging to hold romeo. i told her no. she started to really irritate me. she would not give up. i said where's your mommy? she was stalking us. we left the store.

[kim_yorkiemom]

Originally Posted by stinky

Wow, I’m surprised at how many people find it rude. I guess I’ve never really thought about it….Ginger is very loving, so when people come in my office she is all over them with kisses, trying to get their attention. Almost everyone picks her up and gives her some love back, so when they don’t I think it’s a little… rude. I mean…here she is putting her heart on her sleeve and they can’t even acknowledge her? Lol.

Though Kenzy tends to be very shy around strangers, all my girls are this same way! I voted "no" not considering it being rude so much as dangerous. I guess I'm not as trusting as my yorkies, because I always think of the worse-case scenario in that they could just scoop them up and run off. So even if they ask politely, I hesitate to relinquish control over them. I prefer the kneel down to their level and pet method of greeting.