Comments on: Not Everyone is Your Friend

By: Pup Fan

Pup Fan — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:40:40 +0000

I love this post, and it’s so very true. I have had a similar experience – as I’ve blogged about dogs, I’ve learned more and have adjusted my behavior accordingly. I do sometimes catch myself holding the pups to a standard higher than the one I set for myself, for sure.

(Funny – in our old apartment complex, Bella hated this puggle that lived nearby. She would sit on our patio and ignore or wag at most dogs that went by, but she’d go nuts when she saw him.)

By: Jessica@YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner

Jessica@YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:44:42 +0000

I have also generally stopped greeting dogs on the streets since I started blogging. By that I mean that I am no longer one of those less informed pet owners that automatically assumes that some else’s dog wants to say hi to mine. I know Chester always wants to say hi. It even frustrates him when he really wants to but can’t and results in him barking and pulling…which makes him look bad. I don’t want him to miss out on socialization experiences but we generally wait until invited or ask if the other owner looks curious.

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:03:01 +0000

Great post!

By: Jodi

Jodi — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:53:26 +0000

Great post Pamela!

Since I started blogging I’ve learned a whole lot from this community. I will no longer rush up to a dog excited to meet them (and I will really try and restrain myself when I meet Honey, although I feel like I know her.)

I also, whenever possible avoid other dogs on the trails or out walking. I’ve found that most people I meet that have dogs aren’t as aware of ‘dog signals’ and I prefer not to put my dog in a position to be labeled as something (s)he is not.

By: Theresa (& Prudence)

Theresa (& Prudence) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:29:27 +0000

Great post! Prudence tolerates our house kitties, she will bark if startled by them ‘tho. She loves most people, and although she plays with other dogs in her doggy daycare and dog parks, she gets very territorial over her yard.
I’ve learned so much from reading the pet blogs also. They’ve made me more aware of the care we need to take in approaching a strange dog. (Although, I’ve been known to speak to the dog before it’s companion first!)

By: Roberta

Roberta — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:18:46 +0000

Very good points. Why should we expect our dogs to be perfect in relationships when we are not (and often for good reason?). I find it telling how Honey doesn’t like that one dog and cat; animals often know more than we about the aura/demeanor of other animals, including humans. While socialization is necessary for all of us, some simply do better than others, even without the boors who dive into personal space. Thank you!

By: Dawn

Dawn — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:03:35 +0000

My Maya would love to meet Honey. My Pierson wouldn’t if he was on a leash. But in a setting where he didn’t have to be on a leash, he’d probably be okay with Honey. Isn’t it interesting how dogs can decide who they like and don’t like, just like people do?

By: Max's Ma

Max's Ma — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 19:39:44 +0000

Wow, great post! I hate when people run up to Max and start petting him when clearly he is not ok to be startled like this! He is very nice gentle and friendly more so with smaller kids but he is a bit skittish of new people so we really appreciate those who introduce themselves and ask permission to pet Max. I’ve also been guilty of it in the past but now am much more aware 😉 Great post!

By: Maggie

Maggie — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:00:33 +0000

You’re so right; our expectation that dogs should just get along with every other dog puts an unfair burden on them. Emmett gets along with everyone, human and dog alike! But… There is one dog in our therapy dog group who Emmett just does not like. I have no idea why, but whenever this little guy is around, Emmett averts his gaze, yawns, turns his back, the works! Once I realized what was going on, I started to make an effort to put space between them at group events. Who knows what causes one dog to dislike another, but I’m sure it’s just like that woman you described and the people you meet who just rub you the wrong way.

By: RumpyDog!

RumpyDog! — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:23:22 +0000

Excellent point. I think it’s important to be mindful of what the dog needs and wants, and not what I want out of the exchange.