STOP letting strangers pet your dog.

How would you feel if some random stranger felt you up ?

 

STOP letting strangers pet your dog.

How would you feel if some random stranger felt you up ?

That entirely depends on how I'm feeling that day ....

 

Sounds like your dog doesn't much like being petted by strangers. Its quite common in the breed. You own a breed genetically hardwired to be aloof and suspicious of strangers.

Do not allow strangers to touch your dog, advocate for their space and respect your dog. The behaviour is worse on leash because they are tied down and cannot escape.

The vets can easily make a dog nervous and suspicious. Always muzzle your dog going.

Pics?

 

A growl is typically a prelude to a bite. You know your dog best, but that sort of sounds like an accident waiting to happen!

 

He does not need to have strangers pet him. Most GSDs are not social butterflies.

 

My dog is the same way - after a few bad experiences with clients and passersby, I learned to say No to requests.
I just warn them, "He doesn't always like strangers" and that seems to do the trick.

He also growls at the vet, so he is muzzled for vet visits.

I believe my dog is expressing his feelings about strangers who get in his face ...
I also dislike strangers touching me, so I respect that!

My previous dog loved every single human she ever met, and would lick your face if you got too close, so it was a bit of a learning experience for me but I did eventually learn...

 

The first video I posted was wayyy better but it was deleted by the mods.

So here is one from a supposed animal behaviourist:

 

The first video I posted was wayyy better but it was deleted by the mods.

So here is one from a supposed animal behaviourist:

Excellent video, Jen! It explains it very well!

Re: Manfred - he would test GSD pups for herding instinct by putting them in with lambs. The pups were expected to bite and hold the lamb, without breaking the skin, by grabbing either its neck or leg.

He said a pup that held the lamb appropriately with a full mouth bite would also have a good bite for schutzhund.

The article I found won't let me link to it. Will see if I can find another reference.

So, yes, biting is bred into the German shepherd.

 

Your dog doesn’t sound like the social type, which is fine. There is no need for random people to pet him. At 3, I don’t see a lot of need for a normal adult dog to be at the vet that often. I would muzzle him when he has to go. I’ve seen dogs like this do better when the vet had some sort of collateral like a toy or food to trade. German shepherds are bred to bite people though, so you can’t expect them to all be social butterflies.

 

German shepherds are bred to bite people though, so you can’t expect them to all be social butterflies.

Bred to bite people?
Who are these breeders?

I’ve never heard of this.

 

@Bearshandler. can you please elaborate.
I have never heard of working line breeders breeding dogs for “biting people.”

 

You’ve never heard of German shepherds being bred for man work?

 

In a more complete answer to a question asked, early on in the breeds history, with shepherds becoming less needed, an emphasis was placed on dogs that could be used for police and military work. Overtime that has evolved based on the bite work sports. While the focus of some lines has shifted, almost all of the German shepherds now will go back to dogs selected for bitework. I’m not saying that it’s the only criteria obviously.

 

So I guess I’m going to go against the norm here... I think it’s ok to let strangers pet your dog... but only on your terms. I don’t let strangers pet my dogs over their heads or touch their ears. I flat out tell them no if they are overly gushy (my word for ppl who want to smoosh and cuddle everything) or excited. I tell them how they can pet my dogs, first an open palm sniff then under the muzzle or on either side. I watch my dogs, if either are showing signs of discomfort, I give a quick “thank you”, “heel” and move on. I find most people are happy to and respond well when I direct them. I feel doing what I do allows my dogs to not really care if people are around, approaching us, or walking closely around us.
The only other difference between your scenario and my standard “meeting strangers” scenario is I don’t and won’t ever go to a dog park. My pit likes to meet strangers the most, my GSD wants to sniff and get on with the walk.

 

So I guess I’m going to go against the norm here... I think it’s ok to let strangers pet your dog... but only on your terms. I don’t let strangers pet my dogs over their heads or touch their ears. I flat out tell them no if they are overly gushy (my word for ppl who want to smoosh and cuddle everything) or excited. I tell them how they can pet my dogs, first an open palm sniff then under the muzzle or on either side. I watch my dogs, if either are showing signs of discomfort, I give a quick “thank you “heel” and move on.”, I find most people are happy to and respond well when I direct them. I feel doing what I do allows my dogs to not really care if people are around, approaching us, or walking closely around us.
The only other difference between your scenario and my standard “meeting strangers” scenario is I don’t and won’t ever go to a dog park. My pit likes to meet strangers the most, my GSD wants to sniff and get on with the walk.

. I watch my dogs, if either are showing signs of discomfort, I give a quick “thank you”, “heel” and move on.

IMO, you're already too late. If the dog gets petted and shows discomfort, the dog has already been rewarded for that state of mind. And on top of that, now, your dog just lost a percentage of trust in you.

I'm not saying the above has happened in your case, I'm just pointing out that risk.

I feel doing what I do allows my dogs to not really care if people are around, approaching us, or walking closely around us.

How would you feel if your dog unexpectedly bit someone, while being petted by stranger, and thus was ordered to be put to sleep?

You can get the same results you're talking about without letting strangers pet your dog IMO.

The only other difference between your scenario and my standard “meeting strangers” scenario is I don’t and won’t ever go to a dog park.

Actually, the real difference between you and OP is that Pablo's dog is growling and clearly doesn't want to be petted.

 

Some people can read canine body language very well. But I bet most people can't.

Does your dog Really want to be petted ?

 

This is an interesting video. I like how it was broken down so the unsavvy could possibly understand. @Jen84, any more?

 

This is one of the best videos I've seen on dog bite prevention. It focuses on the dog's body language.

Stop the 77

3 steps to keeping your kids and dog safe... from each other!

www.thefamilydog.com

 

I’m surprised that percentage (77%) is so low given the visuals. Those dogs were clearly uncomfortable. 😳
Good video, but it doesn’t exactly teach the subtle cues. I get that’s a hard thing.
Thank you!

 

Cera, that video is just the start. There are other videos below it that teach parents how to keep their dogs safe with kids.

This whole thing makes me shake my head. Our culture has changed SO much. When I was growing up, all my dad's brothers and sisters had farm dogs, and I was taught from the time I was very small not to pet a dog unless I was told it was okay, and never to bother a dog when it was eating or sleeping. I learned to read body language very quickly, as not all of these dogs were safe to pet. Some of them would allow it sometimes, then quickly decide, okay, that's enough!

Now with the 'furbaby' culture, everything gets hugged and petted whether it wants it or not...

 

Thank you. I’ll look more into the videos.

I know recently, I had to explain to a kid that they should fear my dog. They are powerful and deserve your respect. It blew that kid’s mind. The idea that they are thinking, emotive beings rather than a plush toy was never taught. It seems dangerous.

I know as a kid I believed in respecting animals from a young age. It’s easy to believe I’m seeing a lot less of that belief now.

 

Cera, I nearly put that in my post, about EVERYONE, even adults, assuming dogs are just big plush toys that want to snuggle and be hugged! It's RIDICULOUS!

 

My dog bites people who randomly touch/grab/pet/get in her space. She does this because shying away and growling didn't stop idiots. Me saying no didn't stop them. Me forcibly blocking them didn't stop them. I'm not allowed to punch people apparently.
Point is my dog escalated because she had to. As much as I enjoy seeing people get what they deserve, it's pretty commonly frowned on to bite people. Or at least I know when I bite people they seem upset by it.
So this rule applies to me and my dogs- Any part of you that touches me you don't get back.
Generally when people ask if she bites my response is "if she doesn't I will".

 

I think it really depends on the dog!

There are some that just love social interaction...will come up to you with tail wagging, jump on you, lick your arms/hands...some friends have dogs like this.
I'd say that if a dog is behaving like this, a friendly pet will be welcomed and enjoyed.

On the other hand if you see a dog like mine - standing aloofly by owner's side, with no desire to approach you - maybe think twice.

I think people just have to learn to read dogs' body language...
GSDs are not universally Unfriendly, nor are Golden Retrievers universally Friendly...don't go by breed stereotype, go by the dog's attitude.

 

There are some that just love social interaction...will come up to you with tail wagging, jump on you, lick your arms/hands...some friends have dogs like this.
I'd say that if a dog is behaving like this, a friendly pet will be welcomed and enjoyed.

I know what you're saying.

Just remember not all of the public wants or appreciates someone else's dog in their face. So if you have a friendly dog please don't let it near me. Thanks.

Also, if your dog jumps on someone and they pet it, you just reinforced that behaviour.

 

Should have listened to Peter Cain lol :

 

I saw that bite coming right at the beginning. Reporter was making eye contact, dog was licking lips and eyeballs had THAT look.........new dog to handler so this type of interaction should not have been allowed IMO.

 

 

I’m ok, don’t you worry!!

 

 

Exchanging opinions and personal experiences is the whole point of the community here. Not antagonizing each other.
Please be polite and respect points of view that don't match your own.

 

I recently saw a video of an interview with a world class Shutzhund trainer & he said that his best Shutzhund dog could never be petted by strangers. He did not see that as a serious fault. I have also seen quite a few GSD and "working breed" dogs with harnesses or collars that say "do not pet".
GSD's, Belgian Malinois and other working breeds bred to confront humans evildoers require fearless and bold temperaments. These courageous warriors should not be expected to be sweet, gentle and trusting souls to strangers. If sweet, gentle and trusting is what you are looking for a Golden Retriever would be a much better choice.
My GSD is not mean or eager to bite anyone but he is bold, unafraid and very protective. I am extremely happy with him because that's the way he is suppose to be. When he see's a stranger he is confident and perfectly willing to do whatever is necessary to confront the situation whether it be a friendly romp or aggressive action. It all depends on the actions of the stranger involved. That is what GSD and other breeds of similar temperament are expected to do.
As owners it is our responsibility to ensure that our dogs are never in situations where they can injure innocent people in the process of doing what they consider is their job.
If we are unable or unwilling to assume this responsibility we should not own these wonderful animals.