First off, I know it's practically a mortal sin in this country to say anything negative about dogs. So let me be clear: This letter is directed to dog owners, not dogs themselves.
Secondly, this memo was not sparked by the actions of any dog owner I know personally. So, no, this is not a hint directed at you.
With those two caveats out of the way, it must be said:
Just because your dog is a "people dog," that does not mean I am a "dog person." So please, don't assume that I like being sniffed. Or nudged off a sidewalk into a mud puddle. Or climbed upon.
This is particularly true if your dog stands four feet from front paw to the top of the shoulder.
I know you think your dog is adorable. But, seriously, keep it in check. That's why God invented leashes.
Memo ended.
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3 comments:
I have been, as you know, a committed life-long dog hater/fearer.
But I gotta tell you, I LOVE the dogs over here in merry ol' england! While I try to not make TOO many vast generalizations about a group of people based on anecdotal evidence, it seems to me that the British have got dog training DOWN.
Their dogs are like little well-behaved humans who ignore you! They take great pride in training their dogs to be chilled out, and extremely in check, ie, no barking, no jumping, no chasing and slobbering and they're not even on a leash most of the time! Just polite little happy pups. SUCH a relief to not be so scared of man's best friend anymore :-).
I agree 100% with you Kay! I like some dogs, but I don't want them to make the first move. Sounds like England's doggies and owners have the right idea!
(sigh) darn..my 75Lb bundle of love prefers women and babies, is polite but the dog -does- assume that everybody likes him. I do ask him (since he knows left from right) to step to the opposite side of oncoming people-traffic, but sometimes he wants to at least say hello. Note to the anti-canis humans: just call out to the owner to "Hold your dog" and, 'we get it. (most of us). if the human is disobedient to an unmanaged dog, feel free to express a good sharp "BACK!" or "GO!" if the dog is too near you and the owner is a doodyhead. I've used it to strange dogs with and without owners present before I had a dog, and it works more times than not. If it gets out of hand, reach for your mace or your pocket flashlight that looks like mace and remind them that though all us humans pay the taxes for the common footpath, they are responsible for their animals, and the world does not belong to just the selfish bastards. Many of us canine compadres are courteous and reasonable; I apologize for the experience you had. For Nora: I'm sorry you "hate" and fear, that is your choice. just don't project that on every one and every situation. I don't know your 20some years on this planet and unless you mention "hold your dog" with perhaps even a "please" before or after it, I'll have no clue to the root of fear and hatred that controls your life, but can at least accommodate your wishes in the moment, given with the same respect you desire. and, for reference, my dog has made me a better human; please don't judge us all the same.
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