Needed to run a couple of errands so took Emma with me. Care sick proofed the truck and off we went. Had her window down most of the way too.
Went to Co-Op to get some fertilizer. She was real good with the ride and in meeting the yard hands - no barking, let them approach and pet. They have a lot of dogs come in, so know how to approach, She also got a healthy treat (they asked first).
As we were loading another rancher backed in with two big herd dogs in back, As soon as they saw the yard hands they put up a huge ruckus. Everyone was laughing. It quit once they were thrown the treats - notice I said thrown, as these two were not people friendly. They also saw and growled at Emma but their owner quickly silenced them. Emma barked once, then sat and looked (the big stare down). Rancher explained that these two did not tolerate other dogs or people coming on the ranch, especially around his sheep. He said he has had an issue with stray dog attacking his stock, but no more. He lives close to the city and reservation. These were not your typical herd dogs, but don't know what breed. They were brown, with the look of a dingo/rott.
So of to wally world to get a battery. I put her in a cart rather than on a leash as I did not want her tangled or messing with stuff on the bottom shelf. We went in the back automotive door to avoid the crowd. Automotive manager greeted us and asked to pet Emma which was OK and Emma liked it. She helped get the battery and other supplies.
While I was standing there talking to her and paying while checking out, two adults rushed up saying how cute a puppy. Before I could say anything they had their hands in her face and on her. Emma barked twice and sat back quickly. The lady screamed and jumped back, almost falling. Her husband caught her. Emma had scared them (no bite). The lady started to chew me out about having a mean dog and how cruel I was. Her husband was agreeing. Emma was trying to climb out of the cart into my arms at this point when out of no where a man yelled stop, your scaring the puppy. He went on to say how stupid they were for approaching that way. He then chewed out the wife and said I had done nothing wrong, that they should have asked permission to approach and that they had better leave my puppy alone as they had scared it enough.
The wife went off in a huff. Emma was watching her the whole time.
Turns out the man that yelled stop was a GSD owner, and had seen the whole event unfold. He was very surprised that Emma did not actually fear bite in the situation. I told him I had been working on the bite inhibition and he said something to effect that whatever I was doing was working. Emma was calming down by this point, just chewing lightly on my hand and licking
The store manager arrived just as I was leaving and asked about the situation. I and the man filled him in. He shook his head mumbling about the stupid people. He then asked if he could give Emma a treat. Emma was a little shy and took the treat after looking at me first. I told her it was OK and then she was fine, wagging tail and all. I apologized for bringing her in as I did not want to leave her in the truck. He said the store was dog friendly (except food section which is posted) and he carried treats (Zukes) for his K9 customers. The auto manager agreed as they had a lot of customers with dogs during the day.
Well Emma was glad to leave, but got car sick on the way home
. Once home everything was good. She even ran over to see the neighbor once out of the truck.
Should I have done something different? All in all I think Emma did very well meeting people and dogs. She seemed happy to be with me too.
Thoughts.