It's Probably NOT a Good Idea to just Walk up to My Dog....

I don't see how by asking you can make your dog less nervous. I believe it is either that your dog is not sociable or the manner in which the strangers approach him makes him think they are about to attack him. As for people asking me for permission, usually they don't. They will just walk up, hey..... cute doggy, start petting and my dog will enjoy the new affection shown to him.

Some grown people are so stupid. by the time you are grown you should know to ask. if they are children, i can understand because i was bit 3 times as a child and 2 of them by the same dog! what a dumby i was. i actually thought that our neighbors dog was used to me and wouldnt bite me again but as an adult of course i know now. finally to ask.

Dogs tend to be scared of a stranger coming up and petting them on the top of their heads. I had an American Staffordshire terrier, and Floyd didn't not take to someone new that approached the top of his head. What I learned at PetSmart during his obedience class was to put my hand out in a non threatening manner and allow the dog to come to me and sniff my hand. Of course, if the dog is growling, it's not a good idea! If I were to meet your dog while you have him leashed, I'd get closer to his level, and allow him to come to me first. That makes your dog feel in control and more secure-if he doesn't want to meet me, he'll have the opportunity to back away.

hi Jshean, Yes but there are people who get excited to pet someone's dog Though my dogs are friendly I do remind them that they are temper sometimes and they might bite them if they got irritated the way they will be cuddle. happy mylotting

normally all dogs are of that same kind and many dogs try to pounce on strangers approaching it ,so its better to stay away from it anytime

I agree. Maybe 1 in 10 people ask permission to pet your dog. I have an english bulldog and people usually think he's cute and friendly and he sure is, yet there's time he's just not in the mood. There's also the other dogs. Very often my dog goes along with people, but not always with other dogs, which is something I'm working on.

There are those that usually ask and there are those that would just try to approach the dog right away. My dog usually barks when she is not familiar with the person. But there has never been a history that my dog has bitten someone. Usually when I am around, the dog will alllow being touch especially if the dog sees that the person is a friend of mine.

hi Jshean you know some people can be so thick headed. we had a bevy of high school girls come into our yard and try to pet our dog.She was also a little nervous of strangers and would shiver and sometimes growl.but one d ay these two girls brought a long stick and poked it at our dog scratching her. evidently even after we told them not to abuse our dog they did it again and our dog was older and bigger,He jumped the fence and bit the girl with the sharp stick on her wrist oh dear such drama .our dog did not have rabies and had had all her shots. it went to court and was thrown out as the judge saw the lacerations on our dogs side. we had to find a home for her as we had to move into an apt and of course they did not allow pets. grrr.

It is impolite to touch someone's pet without first asking for permission, i had never done that before. I can never understand why Some people especially adults want to approach another person's pet and start petting it, they need to ask the owner permission first before doing such an act, certain owners don't like other touching their pets, may be they are just stupid and ask to be bitten or don't have much manner in the first place. You can never stop amaze at what people are capable of doing in our world.

"Different folks different strokes." It's a quote that shows that others would really have the courtesy to ask you if it's okay to pet your dog and others care less.