I was at the petstore today getting food and I had Didgie with me. She was sitting next to me and I was reading ingredients not really paying attention. Felt the leash pull and look behind me and an employee is practically on her knees all up in Didgie's face.
Now, Didgie likes people just fine so it wasn't a big deal but it really bothered me, especially since I once again have a dog that is nervous around new people (Fergus). I just don't get how people can think it's ok to start petting or touching someone's dog without asking, especially an employee that should know better.
So it got me thinking how you all handle it if someone does that. Do you ignore it? Use your body to block? Say something? If so, what do you say?
Normally if I see them coming with the grabby hands I'll body block until they ask because seriously, someone apparently needs to teach all these adults how to act. With kids I always stop them if they don't ask and remind them to always ask if they can pet a dog, then let them pet Traveler or Didgie but honestly, overall almost all kids I meet ask first, it's their parents that don't.
Now, Didgie likes people just fine so it wasn't a big deal but it really bothered me, especially since I once again have a dog that is nervous around new people (Fergus). I just don't get how people can think it's ok to start petting or touching someone's dog without asking, especially an employee that should know better.
So it got me thinking how you all handle it if someone does that. Do you ignore it? Use your body to block? Say something? If so, what do you say?
Normally if I see them coming with the grabby hands I'll body block until they ask because seriously, someone apparently needs to teach all these adults how to act. With kids I always stop them if they don't ask and remind them to always ask if they can pet a dog, then let them pet Traveler or Didgie but honestly, overall almost all kids I meet ask first, it's their parents that don't.