Petting Dogs At A Dog Show.

[TheCheekyMonster]

Lol I can understand that....

I think i was just overwhelmed by my experience so far, I have not seen dogs react like that, mine dont react to other dogs unless being bullied physically... even Gus will just roll on his back.

And I'd love to go mingle with most the dogs I see at a show... but just by the way they react I'd not even ask for a pat..... from the OP question is it right or wrong I think dogs at dogs shows should be approachable and it would be right to ask permission to pat a dog before doing so.

[Alyosha]

What spectators and even more so, newbies at dog shows need to realise, is that attending dogs can be subject to various stages of temperament development depending on their age. I once had a youngst quite fearful of other dogs at shows after a few experiences with several dogs. Not just dogs being cranky but dogs being overtly in-your-face friendly can be too much for some youngsters. So experience comes into it as well, not just owner's ability to socialise.

So perhaps if dogs are being cranky or nervous we need to consider that they may have met persons or dogs in the past that could have influenced that behaviour and not be so quick to point out that the owner is obviously to blame.

Young and desexed dogs can behave very, very differently to adult entire dogs as well.

Edited April 27, 2012 by Alyosha

[Alyosha]

double post again! Blaming stoopid ipad.... :D

Edited April 27, 2012 by Alyosha

[LizT]

Sorry, but im not talking about the bark some dogs do to alert their owners or whatever.... its more of a growl and hackles up trying to get out of the crate situation.... and imo thats not ok, especialy in a heavily dog populated event...

Three of my dogs protect their crate and will carry on a treat (will bark and growl) if dogs walk past. They are quite happy if they have crate covers on and are tucked out of the way.

Take them out and they are quite happy to ignore the same dog walking past. I think you need to look at canine behaviour before you judge a dog that is in a confined area with strange unknown dogs approaching their territory.

These same dogs compete in flyball, one is a delta therapy dog- they are neutralised continually to as many stimuli as I can imagine but that doesn't mean that they aren't going to tell another dog to get out of their territory if it walks into it. We are putting dogs in a VERY artificial environment and putting extreme pressures on them. I don't mind dogs carrying on a treat- I do wonder why they are not covered and at the back of the gazebo rather than exposed out the front- but that is a human issue not a dog one. Mind you I also try not to take my dog too close to other dogs crated because that dog is in its 'safe place' and would probably like to have a nap without strange dogs walking past.

Just an aside- Would you be happy to set up a bed and have a snooze in your PJs on the sidelines of a big football game and have people think they can bump and push into you and your bed? Guessing you might feel a little exposed and try to get people to give you a little space too....

Yes. A crate is a 'den' and the 'den' must be protected at all costs. They are wolves after all.

But yes, agree, that if asked if one may pat the dog in question, the dog should be approachable if the owner has said yes. Nothing worse than being invited to pat a dog and have it growl and snap at you. Yes, this happened to me once years ago with an old ladies mini daxi.

And back to the OP's original question. Nearby exhibitor might think she was looking out for her fellow exhibitors dog but she should have the whole story before snapping at someone who perhaps to her, appeared to be patting an unattended dog.

Edited April 27, 2012 by LizT

[Dogsfevr]

He has an imperturbable courage in the guarding and defence of the herds entrusted to him and the property and home of his master. He attacks silently and enduringly. He regards his territory as his own property and will not tolerate any other living creature in it.

*

. Extremely bold, a little suspicious towards strangers.

*. He defends the people entrusted to his care and his protection and their property, even with his life. He is self ,confident and may become aggressive if ill treated

*When circumstances require, he immediately assumes an active-defensive posture, however, quickly calms down at the disappearance of threat

* Independently minded, aloof and protective. Calm and patient. May be wary of strangers.

*but wary of strangers when on duty.

These are some breeds shown & what is listed in there standard as normal .

Even look at police dogs,prison dogs these dogs have there working brains on when required & are wonderful family pets at home .

All breeds vary ,yes some people make excuses for poor natures but there far & few between but there are breeds out there that need respect & for people to appreciate there special needs & not place the dog in a position of making it react.

[mumtoshelley]

Like everyone has said every dog is different even within the same breed. Like I said Shelley will happy sit down for pats and cuddles if I'm there with her, If I'm not there she will not accept people approaching her and shelley is a golden retriever. So I would like people to ask first to pat my dogs and I do the same I ask before I touch theres. Shelley is what I call a mommys girl and she looks at me for everything, Before she goes to people or other dogs she waits till I give the ok. My dad has even said he wouldn't trust shelley if he was a stranger to her as she can be quite protective over her yard and myself.

So if you came up to my dog shelley without me there exept alot of barking and growling with hackles up, She is like this cause she was almost stolen from me few days after I got her at 14 weeks old.

[Liath]

I have long coated dogs and have found poeple tend to ask first before touching. We say no and explain that they are just about to go into the ring or we are getting them ready. Afterwards, go for it. Havent had anyone pat without asking. Have had alot of people stop at AG shows, ask questions and havent wanted to pat in case they mess up the coat.