Annoyed at woman trying to touch my dog

[DancesInCars]

For background, I have an anxious dog who only likes to be touched by people she knows really well. On walks in the local area she stays on the lead. Walking my dog in the local park earlier, I spotted a dog that my dog dislikes (it always races up and yaps at her) so I chose to keep my distance. The owner seems to be oblivious (I've seen her dog chase after a cyclist before and she didn't do anything). As usual the other dog came racing over yapping and my dog looked unimpressed so I moved to carry on walking. The owner appeared and wanted to chat. My dog was trying to drag me away in the opposite direction and the other owner reached down to touch her. I said 'she doesn't like to be touched'. I briefly spoke to the lady as we know people in common and didn't want to come across as rude. The more I think about it, the more I feel annoyed that she tried to touch my dog! I appreciate she might not realise what she's like, but why try to touch a dog which doesn't appear to be friendly or show any indication it wants to be touched? Surely a dog owner should know better?! I carried on walking feeling very annoyed!

Good on you for being polite, that's so annoying! I have a reactive dog. she's muzzled and always on a lead when we're on walks but sometimes people, especially children, still try to touch her. Parents need to control their kids and dog owners need to control their dogs!

Most intelligent people would enquire before touching a dog that is not theirs. This lady’s behaviour was risky and she might have been very troubled if your dog had snapped at her based on her nervous disposition.
Avoid that stupid woman and her unpleasant dog. She was out of order.
You and your dog are entitled to walk unhindered.

It's your dog. Tell people no. Honestly you should be annoyed with yourself. I can't keep up with how We're suppose to act around people and their dogs.

I hate people who do this . I think they see dogs as toys and are entitled to touch them .
I would hate unnecessary touching by a stranger, and so does my anxious dog . My personal thing that makes me see red is when i say no and that's she anxious and they invalidate me ; tell me I'm wrong about my own dog and over ride me .

You need to advocate for your dog more. Because if she bites someone it's ultimately you who will be held responsible.

If someone goes to stroke, say "don't touch her, she's nervous" and body block if necessary. If they continue, move your dog away and repeat "I said no - please don't touch my dog."

There used to be a woman locally who carried a large tub of dog treats and would almost force them on dog owners. I didn't know who she was and I certainly don't want random idiots giving my dogs unknown food (one has a food sensitivity). Her passive-aggressive comment to me/the dogs was on the lines of 'Ooh, your mummy doesn't want you to have a delicious treat.' Got it in one but I had to body block to stop her reaching round. FFS.

Hi,

You can get collars/harnesses with ‘anxious’ or ‘nervous’ on from places like Pets@Home and Dobbies or online. Julius harnesses also have a customisation option if you buy from them.

A fellow dog walker near us has a harness with red and green light options to keep people away. He tells everyone that when the red lights are on, his dog is ‘not in the mood’ for company! I have no idea if this contraption is something he’s rigged up himself, or actually purchased but I find it hilarious and it works. (No one in their right mind is going near a large GS wearing red ‘danger’ lights!)

We have a large rescue husky and some people do just barge up to him without asking so I sympathise with your situation. It doesn’t bother my DH as much, but I find it worrying, as when he is over-stimulated our dog can jump up and then whoever has excited him gets annoyed. He has never bitten, but I worry that people think large fluffy dogs are toys, not living creatures with their own worries.

I agree it’s difficult to keep people away, but a ‘nervous’ sign on collar/harness might help.

I've got a dog who is similar - though over time the more I've restricted people randomly touching him, the more willing he is to accept being touched on his own terms (off lead, has the option to walk away, but will accept a bum scratch). I never allow it on lead though when he can't escape.

Saint Roch do really good lead slips - I favour the clear and direct "ask before stroking". It's basic etiquette but surprisingly effective as it's a clear instruction (unlike "nervous")
https://www.saintroch.co.uk/lead-slips.html

Don't be offended by telling people not to touch your dog. I don't know why people just expect to be able to do it. Lots of dogs are nervous

I think it's a bit OTT to be annoyed. She tried to do it, you were assertive. End of. Don't think about it and the anger will go.

I too was going to suggest a collar/lead that says 'anxious' or 'don't not pat' etc.

A lady we pass has a similar sign and I always know to keep my own dog away when we approach.