"Does your dog bite? Can I pet your dog?"

Tessa is a very beautiful beautifull GSD!

We are in the same boat as you. Bogart just turned 5 months. He loves all people, loves to give kiss's. I just tell them to pet him from the front not the back because it could spook him, and let the dog make the first move.. You want your dog to be comfortable.

I am sure you will get all kinds of opinions on this site.

Bogarts Dad

wow, i've had a comment to almost all of the replies you've gotten so far. first off it seems like your question is more of how to go about letting people meet your dog, rather than if you should or shouldnt right?

i think what you're doing is okay, just adding on that you should always let the dog approach the person. if its a situation that makes you cautious or nervous, then play it safe and say no because dogs can sense our tension.

i wanted to ask shiloh's mom if maybe she takes that stand because her dogs are rescues? (i'm not sure if they are or arent). both of mine are and i feel as comfortable with them as i have with dogs that i raised from puppyhood... just thought i'd ask.

that said, 9 times out of 10 i allow my dogs to be petted. the only times i dont is if i have both out at the same time and its hard for me to control them* OR if gia is way too excited and going bonkers. she adores kids (kids = toys) but will easily step on a foot or give the kid a nose to the eye or something, so i'm a little more cautious.

i always thank people for asking (because i appreciate it and also to validate them) and i always let my dog approach them by saying "is that your friend" or "go say hi". if i dont say one or the other, i expect them to remain at my side.

*quick story of how brainless some folks are - i was walking up to my house with both dogs on leash in one hand, groceries in another hand, and balancing my cell phone on my shoulder (no, i'm no the brainless one that i speak of, lol) and a woman came up to me with two kids about 2 and 5 asking if they could pet the dogs. i was so surprised that she asked i couldnt help but be a touch rude and asked "are you kidding right now?". she seemed a little embarassed and just sort of walked away saying "ya i thought maybe it wasnt a good time". i'm still shocked and would like an answer!!!!!

Tessa is just a lovely puppy, she has such a beautiful dark face.

My dog Morgan lives with 3 preschoolers so she's a Kid Expert. When we're out at the park or the playground, she's also a Kid Magnet. Sometimes my oldest son (nearly 5) educates other kids about how to approach a dog. If he doesn't start talking about it, I do.

I always keep my dog on a very short leash when meeting new people.

I DO NOT let anyone touch Morgan before she's sniffed their hand.

If a child tries to touch her without asking first, I always pull her away and educate the child that my dog won't bite her but some other dog might.

I DO NOT let a crowd of kids swarm all over her, no more than 2 at a time.

If a kid just touches her head without asking, I've been known to reach out, rub the child's head and ask how much they liked it. LOL, that gets quite a reaction.

Yes I get Does Your Dog Bite? I always say, all dogs bite.

I get "Can I pet him" everywhere we go and we socialize Chevy a lot-walks, parks, car shows, pet stores, etc. He is very good with interacting with people and children and I do tell them that yes, they can pet him and majority of the time, they hold their hand out for Chevy to sniff them first. If they don't, I let them know that he likes to sniff everyones hand first before petting. If a small child without a parent asks though, I will usually respond with a smile and "No, not right now" and continue walking.

is 'yes, she does. please, go ahead and pet her' the wrong answer?

luc can be pet by anyone....WHOO! they love him!!!!!!!!

teagan, i have to be more careful with, though we've worked on it and she knows that showing aggression (baring her teeth, i never let it get further) towards somebody petting her is a big no-no.

that said, i don't encourage strangers to pet them. often, i try to incorporate socialization into it - the woman who went past in her electric wheelchair - yes, they'd never seen that before - cop in patrol car with flashing lights - yes.