When you see a dog in a public space

HAVE A LITTLE SELF-CONTROL!…

TEXT: SAM WALPOLE

Many of us succumb to the general thought process that if we see a dog in a public space, he is there to be petted! In fact, this is absolutely not the case. A dog is an individual with his own likes, dislikes and personality traits, and we often forget this!

THE 'POLITE' THING

In our very human way of thinking, we are taught that the polite thing to do in this scenario is to ask the owner's permission before launching into pet their dog. Unfortunately, it is not the owner that is going to be petted, and the subject of said 'petting' is not consulted in this human interaction.

We all know how to pet a dog, but very few of us know how to pet a dog correctly whereby there is consent from the dog and therefore enjoyment of the interaction by both species. Far too frequently, this interaction plays out poorly, with the dog ending up being scolded for their 'behaviour'.

READING THE SIGNS

The aloof or shy dog may just duck or turn away from the opposing outstretched hand, or he may turn his back to the stranger, try and walk away, cower or possibly growl.

A few subtle signs to watch out for if the dog wants you to move away would be seeing the whites of the eyes, yawning, head turns, a tightly closed mouth and flicks of the tongue. Even if the owner has said yes to you, the dog is unmistakably saying 'no way'.

The social dog who wants to engage may jump (or attempt to jump), or he may investigate the stranger with his nose, which could include the formidable crotch investigation (normal dog behaviour). This dog is happier to be greeted. Unfortunately, owners will often be embarrassed by this behaviour and tell the dog off for the enthusiasm, when in reality, they are simply communicating (in their way) that they are keen to interact.

Either way, both shy and social dogs tend to get labelled as rude by their owner and perhaps told off, doing a huge disservice to the dog.

AN ANALOGY

Wouldn't we find it a little weird if we were out and about with our family and random strangers approached asking if they could engage with our children? So why is it that we allow this so glibly with our dogs and expect our dogs to be 'polite sitting statues' during the process, with no say in the matter at all?

CONSEQUENCES

Unfortunately, many well-meaning dog owners know little about dog language and often misinterpret their dog's behaviours. This can lead to unintended breakdowns in the relationship. For instance, in the case of the shy dog who communicates his discomfort, if his human fails to notice the signs or, worse still, tells the dog off for being 'rude', the dog simply learns that humans are threatening and that their owner cannot be trusted.

TRUE ETIQUETTE

When on the end of the lead, we consider it a kind of social etiquette norm to consent to let a stranger bend, reach and stroke our companion dogs. We are worried that we might be viewed as rude if we say 'no'.

The reality is that you are absolutely allowed to say 'no' and can do this politely. You should not compromise your dog's welfare for the sake of someone else's need to touch your dog!

To the person who is declined the greeting, please don't take it personally. Thank you for asking, and please accept the response gladly, knowing that this dog owner is supporting their dog's needs.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

When you are out and about and see a dog, have a little self-control. Stand a few metres away and have a conversation with the owner whilst admiring the dog from a distance. Not all dogs like to be petted, and they should not be expected to tolerate touchy-feely humans!

SAMANTHA WALPOLE

SAMANTHA WALPOLE

Owner of Be The Dog Behaviour and Boarding

Full Practicing Member SABCAP

Full member Pet Professional Guild

Advanced Animal Training Illis

Trainer McKaynine Training Centre