SnowGypsy Posted September 25, 2019 Report Share Posted September 25, 2019 I cannot tell you how many times I encounter that question, or how many times my dog(s) have been rushed by children wanting to pet them. Oh, least I forget, "Does your dog bite?" Unless it is people or children that I am familiar with, the answer is always no. For the biting question? "They could." The last dog I had, a beautiful English Shepherd, did not like being touched by people outside the family. She wouldn't bite them, but it made her uncomfortable, and my thought was that I was not going to sacrifice her comfort for a stranger. Now, both dogs are older, one 15 and the other 16. We adopted the yellow lab when she was about 8 years old, previously a breeder who was left alone in a yard when the owners moved away. Even 7 years later, I don't know her that well really. The other we have had since she was 3 months old, and she spent her first year growing up in an RV Park, so she is well-socialized. For those that aren't yet "out there" be aware that people, even adults (like today), will rush up asking to pet the dogs, and especially with older dogs that may not see or hear that well, this can make them uncomfortable. Not a fan of being touched by strangers, I can't see imposing it on my dogs. Just my thoughts! Quote Cathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earl1 Posted September 26, 2019 Report Share Posted September 26, 2019 Totally agree. Quote 2007 Arctic Fox 32.5RL used for full-timing for several years. Sold 2114 Sunnbrook 25' RL pull trailer for summer camping and short trips. 2007 Chevy diesel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catsaplenty Posted September 26, 2019 Report Share Posted September 26, 2019 I am thrilled when people (and especially children) ask the question rather than just assume they can approach the dog. It obviously gives the option to say No. Some dogs do enjoy meeting people. Enjoy getting the attention. For the more social dogs it is a pleasure to let them enjoy the attention of courteous people of all ages. Since my dog is out in public with me, interactions of all types are part of life. For me as well as my dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDBirdman Posted September 26, 2019 Report Share Posted September 26, 2019 I prefer ppl ask. My dog thinks every human being on the planet owes him a head scratch but if I'm acting grumpy/scared, he will go on the offensive so I'd prefer to not have to treat a dog bite. I have never gone up to another pet and assumed it was ok to touch. Show me and mine the same respect. Quote 2002 Fifth Avenue RV (RIP) 2015 Ram 3500 Mega-cab DRW(38k miles), 6.7L Cummins Diesel, A668RFE, 3.73, 14,000 GVWR, 5,630 Payload, 27,300 GCWR, 18,460 Max Trailer Weight Rating(For Sale) , living in the frigid north, ND. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaH Posted September 26, 2019 Report Share Posted September 26, 2019 I, too, want people to ask before they automatically assume they can pet our dogs. One dog loves people and assumes every person wants to pet him, so with him, it's more a matter of asking "Do you want to pet my dog?" The other dog "wants" to be friends with people, but she's very timid so is reluctant to approach them. Once she gets to know people, though, she wants attention from them. Quote LindaH 2014 Winnebago Aspect 27K 2011 Kia Soul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twotoes Posted September 26, 2019 Report Share Posted September 26, 2019 Once Peter Sellers was asked by a stranger if his dog bites. He replied no. The stranger went to pet the dog standing next to Sellers and it bit the stranger. The stranger said “I thought you said that your dog doesn’t bite?” Sellers replied, “ that’s not my dog!” LOL LOL LOL 😆 Quote 2015 Itasca Ellipse 42QD 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock Edition 2021 Harley Street Glide Special Fulltimer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowGypsy Posted September 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2019 (edited) Twotoes: "Oldie but a goodie!" Again today I had an adult quickly reach out to pet my dog. Neither dog sees well, and it is obvious they are ancient. Most say "Those dogs look really old." Well, there is a reason for that. Those with "really old" dogs realize the issues like failing sight and hearing that can make an older dog tense up, and admire them from a distance. Also, with warmer temperatures, they just want to get back inside where they get plenty of attention. Edited September 26, 2019 by SnowGypsy Quote Cathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted September 28, 2019 Report Share Posted September 28, 2019 Our dog loves people except when she is on the leash. On the leash she switches to guard dog mode and makes it clear that she is not interested in unwanted attention by simply getting real close to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
filthy-beast Posted September 28, 2019 Report Share Posted September 28, 2019 I love that almost all of the kids I run into have been taught to ask that question. My dog is like a magnet, a bit bigger than a beagle, happy, wagging tail and white with black spots. I get asked if she is a dalmatian by half the little kids. If the kids are very small I make my dog sit and I get down on the dog and kids level so I can stop any errand hands that might pull an ear. The only time she is not interested is if she spots a much hated black squirrel. Quote 2020 Platinum F350 6.7L CC DRW, 2021 Riverstone Legacy 37mre 5th wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agesilaus Posted September 29, 2019 Report Share Posted September 29, 2019 (edited) We have two dogs, the Aussie loves everyone without reservations, I just have to warn people that he will jump on them and give them a licking. Our other dog is 180% different, a Border Collie, does not like strangers and shys away from them. I worry if someone persistently tried to pet him he might bite. When I'm with him he mostly ignores others and I can walk right by them. When my wife has him alone he becomes more aggressive, barking at people who get near. I've had this happen before with our previous dogs, especially a boneheaded Dalmatian who would put on such a display that no one ever thought about getting near. He also formed strong dislikes and terrorized one of my wife's cousins to the point she would not get out of her car. I didn't much care for her and he may have picked up on it tho I was never rude or hostile to her. But when I was with them, no problem he would even accept petting from strangers. My wife just can not establish her place in the dog dominance hierarchy. They regard me as the boss dog and her as someone who must be protected. Edited September 29, 2019 by agesilaus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted September 29, 2019 Report Share Posted September 29, 2019 I always tell people that my dog won't bite ME.... You can take your chance.... Quote Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted September 30, 2019 Report Share Posted September 30, 2019 On 9/29/2019 at 2:47 PM, Alie&Jim's Carrilite said: I always tell people that my dog won't bite ME.... You can take your chance.... I like that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos Posted October 1, 2019 Report Share Posted October 1, 2019 The question is always welcome. We have one dog that would like to be left alone, and one whose only objective in life is to roll around on the ground with children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Camper Posted October 2, 2019 Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 In 26 years of RV camping we have never had anyone approach the dogs to pet them. This has been with four different pets over the years. They also have never asked if the dogs bite. The dogs have been a Border Collie, a Shepherd-Samoyed mix, a Black Lab and a Beagle (the Beagle has psychological issues, she thinks she's a Great Dane). Our summer trips are when we usually encounter kids in the parks and they always seem to be to interested in doing what kids do and not the least interested in petting anything. The Shepherd-Samoyed mix did get a lot of comments from folks who were walking by our site but none asked to approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos Posted October 2, 2019 Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 Weird. We get asked about petting the dogs all the time, both camping and just being out and about in general. Never had someone ask if they bite though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remoandiris Posted October 3, 2019 Report Share Posted October 3, 2019 I've had people ask "Does your dog bite?". To which I reply "All dogs bite". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quartermoon Posted October 14, 2019 Report Share Posted October 14, 2019 We often get this question, as our dog looks soft and pet-able. If kids are polite enough to ask, I always try to accommodate them to reward them for doing things the right way. But our dog is a rescue and not all that fond of strangers and children, so I have her sit, get down to her level, put my arms around her, and tell the kids not to touch her head, but pet her body. See how soft she is? I ask. I think it's good for everyone, unless the kids are screaming and overly wild. Then I just say no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos Posted October 14, 2019 Report Share Posted October 14, 2019 Maybe things like this vary by area? We were out and about with one of ours on Saturday, doing some shopping and grabbing lunch, so I paid attention to how people acted. Nobody touched him. A couple asked if it was ok. Quite a few just commented that he's cute. One person complained to the management that there was a dog on the patio, and was told that company policy is to welcome dogs. Just interesting observations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packnrat Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 it all depends on the dog, human, and conditions. my dogs were very friendly, (sad both have aged out long ago) loved to play with kids. but there were a couple of "kids" they alerted on. good thing they stopped coming around, (the two boys did not live in that area). never approch a dog you do not know, without asking the owner first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Rick Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 Jerry Clower or Justin Wilson had a bit years ago. Sheriff was sitting in front of courthouse. Traveling salesman came up and saw the dog laying there. Salesman asked, “Does you dog bite?” Sheriff said, “no” Salesman went to pet the dog and got bit! He ask the Sheriff what happened. Sheriff said “ that ain’t my dog!” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twotoes Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 Big Rick check out my post on Sept 26. Same joke but it was Peter Sellers. Just as funny in your version, lol lol lol 😆 Quote 2015 Itasca Ellipse 42QD 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock Edition 2021 Harley Street Glide Special Fulltimer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurtsara Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 On the other side, keep your dog from peeing on my tires and trying to lick me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packnrat Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 16 hours ago, kurtsara said: On the other side, keep your dog from peeing on my tires and trying to lick me. i double down on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 1 minute ago, packnrat said: i double down on that. You pee on his tires and lick him twice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packnrat Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 (edited) no. as in keep your dog away from my tires. and i never have liked a dog licking my face. but then maybe i should pee on there tires? Edited November 12, 2019 by packnrat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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