female with pup, approachable? (people won't approach me :( )

[HankGSD]

I am a single, petite woman living in a notoriously dangerous metropolitan area with a German shepherd that I outweigh by only 10 pounds. No one wants to approach us! LOL. I am talking about when we walk, however, not in stores.

He did get a lot of attention as a pup and I always let people pet him then.

[jessac]

Originally Posted by julie87

I think because maybe they feel that you can't control the dog in case it reacts, don't forget that some people are scared of german shepherds and in the man is handeling the dog he is much stronger and has better control, thats my theory I also have the opposite problem when I am with my dog EVERYONE tries come and pet her especially men which always makes me nervous I wish men would just keep walking, they freak me out,(if im alone and secluded area) not all men but a lot of men.

Interesting. I hadn't thought of that. I guess my husband could physically handle the dog better if he reacted, but seeing as he's a pup, I know I can also, but I guess other people don't know that. Ironically, my dog listens to my commands better than when my husband gives them.

[jessac]

Originally Posted by spidermilk

People often approach me if I am at a store with my dog, but when we are out walking or hiking we are rarely approached. I am also a petite female, early 20s with a big black (beautiful!) dog. That said, when strangers do approach me when I am walking alone I am sometimes very rude to them. I just don't like people getting close enough to grab me or something so I will say a quick 'hi' or 'thanks' but I don't stop to chat with strangers.

Yeah, when we are finally able to go for walks in busier areas, I would hope people aren't too excited to approach, but he'll be bigger then so I'm sure a little more intimidating. But for now, I'm trying to get him out for socialization so I would love if more people just stopped to say hi.

[Kyleigh]

I think because maybe they feel that you can't control the dog in case it reacts, don't forget that some people are scared of german shepherds and in the man is handeling the dog he is much stronger and has better control, thats my theory

That's a funny theory ... because if Ky wasn't trained and was reactive, my dad (who's a good 100 pounds bigger than me) wouldn't have a clue on HOW to control her LOL and I would!!! Technically, if she was lunging, he would physically be able to hold that leash, but wouldn't know what else to do (i.e. redirect, move away, etc.) so it is funny what people's perceptions can be!!!

I have a female friend who has complete and total obedience from her rottie, and yet her husband is a doormat to the dog ... strangers never know just "who" can really "handle" the dog!

[Ziltoid]

Originally Posted by Kyleigh

That's a funny theory ... because if Ky wasn't trained and was reactive, my dad (who's a good 100 pounds bigger than me) wouldn't have a clue on HOW to control her LOL and I would!!! Technically, if she was lunging, he would physically be able to hold that leash, but wouldn't know what else to do (i.e. redirect, move away, etc.) so it is funny what people's perceptions can be!!!

I have a female friend who has complete and total obedience from her rottie, and yet her husband is a doormat to the dog ... strangers never know just "who" can really "handle" the dog!

To be fair, not many dogs are properly trained and most owners don't have a clue.

When I walk past more aggressive GSDs (or any large breed) while taking my dogs for a walk, it's not uncommon for the wife to hand the lead to the husband.

Until proven otherwise I work on the assumption most people don't have 'control' of their dog... so the physical strength to be able to restrain their dog is a good place to start. I have seen dogs getting bitten purely because the owner was not able to physically prevent their large, leashed dog from getting into bite range.


Please don't read this as me saying women can't be good owners because I know that's far from the truth.

[gaia_bear]

I have the same problem but I have no shame in approaching people asking them if they'd like to interact with Gaia, I actually prefer to be in control rather than being blindsided by people coming out of no where. Plus it's helped me open up and interact with people I never would have dreamed of.


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