This is a placeholder text
Group text
by Xeph on 08 February 2009 - 02:02
I agree with Xeph, how is it socializing if nobody can touch them?
Every now and then that happens, and I assume that a pig flew somewhere xD!!! LOL!
There is one old male I have that I muzzle when we go out, and if people ask to pet him, I say no (but I'll let them pet whoever else I have along). Ranger is old and arthritic, but still likes to go out every now and again, and so, so I can keep things safe for all, he's muzzled. You'd think the muzzle would prevent people from approaching him, but it seems to only make them more curious xD
If some adult went to pet him, would he bite? No. Because they're usually dog savvy enough not to thump on him, and just give him an ear scratch. Small children are different. In his younger days if he was bounced on, he'd get up and leave (even though he was raised with teens, when he was with me my little brother tended to fall on him a bit), but in his arthritic state, he just kind of reacts, and so to prevent a small child that may thump him wrong from getting bitten, I muzzle my boy.
Everybody else thinks life is a party. Strauss is aloof until somebody says hello. He's a bit friendlier than the standard calls for, but does not faun over anybody unless he has known them for years (or it's a child...he loves kids). Justin is as aloof as can be. If you're not family, you're not important....not even if you have food. If you have food, the FOOD is important, and he still couldn't give two flying figs about you
Every now and then that happens, and I assume that a pig flew somewhere xD!!! LOL!
There is one old male I have that I muzzle when we go out, and if people ask to pet him, I say no (but I'll let them pet whoever else I have along). Ranger is old and arthritic, but still likes to go out every now and again, and so, so I can keep things safe for all, he's muzzled. You'd think the muzzle would prevent people from approaching him, but it seems to only make them more curious xD
If some adult went to pet him, would he bite? No. Because they're usually dog savvy enough not to thump on him, and just give him an ear scratch. Small children are different. In his younger days if he was bounced on, he'd get up and leave (even though he was raised with teens, when he was with me my little brother tended to fall on him a bit), but in his arthritic state, he just kind of reacts, and so to prevent a small child that may thump him wrong from getting bitten, I muzzle my boy.
Everybody else thinks life is a party. Strauss is aloof until somebody says hello. He's a bit friendlier than the standard calls for, but does not faun over anybody unless he has known them for years (or it's a child...he loves kids). Justin is as aloof as can be. If you're not family, you're not important....not even if you have food. If you have food, the FOOD is important, and he still couldn't give two flying figs about you
by My Guy Kai on 08 February 2009 - 02:02
When my dog was a pup, EVERYONE wanted to pet him, and I always said yes. I kind of regret that a little as he may be a little too friendly. But the trade off is now I can bring him anywhere with out worry of how he'll behave. Also, now NO ONE ever asks to pet him; in fact they swing wide when they walk by us!
He isn't friendly with everyone. Most people that DO ask to pet him, he ignores, but he goes crazy when he sees my brother, and a couple other people close to me. Even so, the moment I say something, or start walking away, he couldn't care less what anyone else is doing or saying- he's right there with me.
So next time, I will "socialize" that way a little less.... but this is my first GSD. He still barks like crazy when people come to the door or car.
He isn't friendly with everyone. Most people that DO ask to pet him, he ignores, but he goes crazy when he sees my brother, and a couple other people close to me. Even so, the moment I say something, or start walking away, he couldn't care less what anyone else is doing or saying- he's right there with me.
So next time, I will "socialize" that way a little less.... but this is my first GSD. He still barks like crazy when people come to the door or car.
by missbeeb on 08 February 2009 - 03:02
Yes.... why not? Mine are pretty ignorant with strangers, once they've done their 10 second, crutch sniffing check, they're off but it's good for them and other people to say, "Hello" even if it is brief.
They're smart... they check people out and move on, except with kids, Josh loves kids! IMO, that's a good thing!
I've never known a Shepherd look for affection or praise from a stranger and I've never worried about my dog's loyalty being compromised because other people pet them.
My dogs are ambassadors for the breed... good ones, I wouldn't have it any other way!
by SitasMom on 08 February 2009 - 04:02
you bet I do!
I want a dog that is well rounded and able to deal with any social situation that comes his/her way. I also want a dog that will protect me when necessary. I have found that if some 12 year old boy on a skate board, or a 9 year old girl on a scooter wants to pet my dogs and my dogs are not worried, its a good thing. If a 40 year old man or a 25 year old woman think my dogs are great, letting them pet them is fine as long as they don't mind.
Its public relations! Lord knows that the GSD breed needs all they can get.
Funny thing, the other day, the AC went out. The tech's came in to do their work. I told my dogs that it was OK, but once they went to thieir truck to get their equipment and re-entered the house without me being at the door..............well lets say, all hell broke loose! My 11 month old was ready to give her life to save mine.........She is a good dog! She thought the AC guys were coming in wihtout my premission..........after the showing of teeth, barking and cornering was over, she made sure to stay between the service men and me. I was protected. I did not punish her, she was doing her job.
I want a dog that is well rounded and able to deal with any social situation that comes his/her way. I also want a dog that will protect me when necessary. I have found that if some 12 year old boy on a skate board, or a 9 year old girl on a scooter wants to pet my dogs and my dogs are not worried, its a good thing. If a 40 year old man or a 25 year old woman think my dogs are great, letting them pet them is fine as long as they don't mind.
Its public relations! Lord knows that the GSD breed needs all they can get.
Funny thing, the other day, the AC went out. The tech's came in to do their work. I told my dogs that it was OK, but once they went to thieir truck to get their equipment and re-entered the house without me being at the door..............well lets say, all hell broke loose! My 11 month old was ready to give her life to save mine.........She is a good dog! She thought the AC guys were coming in wihtout my premission..........after the showing of teeth, barking and cornering was over, she made sure to stay between the service men and me. I was protected. I did not punish her, she was doing her job.
by LukasGS on 08 February 2009 - 04:02
Uh, I'd prefer not to. Though I had set mine down for a minute and a little girl and her mother practically wrapped themselves around him today. Fortunately for them they were both very nice and gentle with him. I would have prefered they ASK, but I guess that's what I get for bringing a puppy into a petstore, we all get oogled at.
by SchHBabe on 08 February 2009 - 05:02
Yes, but with supervision. My own GSD is very social and tolerant of strangers, even children. My hubby and I own a neighborhood bicycle shop and my dog comes to work with me when I work there. Hubby has a Malinois which is much more reactive, and we keep her separated from the general public. My GSD, on the other hand, is a good ambassador for the breed and is well-behaved. That being said, I do not recommend this kind of tolernace to everyone under the sun, and folks with "protection trained" dogs should be particulary cautious. The world is full of idiots. Dogs are predictable. People are not. -Yvette
by Two Moons on 08 February 2009 - 07:02
I am more inclined to ask if someone would like to meet my dog and introduce them. This is a very selective process and part of my socializing. I don't really get people just running up and trying to pet my dogs in public. Kids are always welcome after I explain a few rules of behavior. My dogs love the attention of children. Adults are a different story, I know when my dog doesn't like someone well in advance and I trust her judgement. Still I introduce them to meter readers, the mailman, the UPS man, and neighbors. Either way I am always in control of the situation.
I've never had anyone just reach out and try to pet my dogs. I would never just reach out to touch a strange dog without asking first, then again I'm not a child or a moron.
If you can't trust your dog in public, keep your dog away from people and control your animal.
If you just don't want people TOUCHING YOUR DOG ask yourself why?
by tigermouse on 08 February 2009 - 11:02
if the person approaches me in a correct way and asks my permission then fine ..pet away
if they run up and pet my dog without asking they get a very long lecture about what could have happened if my dog wasn't so nice.
if they run up and pet my dog without asking they get a very long lecture about what could have happened if my dog wasn't so nice.
by Adi Ibrahimbegovic on 08 February 2009 - 20:02
Well... it depends on the stranger and it depends on how I read the situation.
As a general rule kids of all shapesand sizes and ages are ALWAYS allowed to pet the dog, with a little guidance from me. He is especialy behaving himself with little babies and tries to lick their faces, babies always smile.
So, Kids, always, adult strangers, it depends. I can quickly read people from a distance and I respond accordingly. I have little patience for "animal nuts", or people that fuss around and baby talk toa dog and are generaly notrespecting my or his space and are in your face.
Luckily, I never had to deal with a situation like that yet, and I probably won't in the future. Yours and dog's body langauage can do more than half of the job from a distance before any words are even uttered or exchanged.
But, little kids - always a pleasure and the dog is rock solid. I will go out of my way and the dog will stop in its track from whatever he was doing to let a kid chat with me, ask me silly questions as only kids could or give him a quick rub behind the ears. Strangely kids don't go forthe body always around the face, I have observed.
Usualy kids see us approaching from a distance, then they just kind of linger, till we come closer and are lookng at us. Look, a puppy. Then we aproach to a few feetand they go: What's his name? Why is his tail so long etc..? Then, I ask them - would you like to touch him? He willlick you if you let him to. They usualy approach then, the command is easy and the dog (visibly) relaxes, as if he is signaling and on the energy level telling to the kid - it's okay, you can come and touch me.
Consistently, it's always - sit command, butt hits the ground. Easy, dog relaxes, kid approaches, gives a little touch and off they go. Little kids attention span is very short anyway, so they don't hang around for too long either way. It's positive forthe kid, they interact with a member of different species, it's good for the dog, as sch dog HAS TO BE stable and rockslid around the kids in my opinion, and it's good for me, as I generaly kilethe kids.
Questions are usualy:
Is that a police dog?
Is he a wolf?
is it a he or a she?
Wow, he weally, weally has a big tongue!
That is one big dog!
Can he do tricks? My grandma's dog can roll over... LOL.
Adults are a different stories. Joe Q. Public always asks:
What kind of a breed is that?
It's a German Shepherd dog.
99% of the cases the followup question is: Full blooded?
Yes, full.
But,why is kis coat grayish and looks like a wolf.
It's working bloodlines, not black and tan with a saddlelike you usualy see.
Oh...
Will he bite?
Will he bite? Yes, he will. But, will he bite YOU is what you are really asking, huh. No, he won't, I don't see any reason why should he, do you?
They usualy don't know what to think of that answer and just kind of keep their cool and distance.
So, bottom line is, kids fine,adults on a case by case basis.
A few of (usualy guys) in their 20es and 30es ask dumb questions, like:
Do you think he can WIN against: (insert some other breed here; Doberman, Pittbull, Rottweiler...?
If I am in a chatty mood, I'll tell them what I think about dog fights. If not, I just tell them - why yes, got any dog you can bring out right now, he hasn't eaten in 3 days!
Also, when a subject of schutzhund or PPD is touched - some people kinda heard about that, the general public REALLY think that those dogs are either vicious,or uncontrollable etc... Shutzhund USA and WDA as organizations really need to do some public education, I always do my part.
To conclude: there is no BETTER PR and adver
As a general rule kids of all shapesand sizes and ages are ALWAYS allowed to pet the dog, with a little guidance from me. He is especialy behaving himself with little babies and tries to lick their faces, babies always smile.
So, Kids, always, adult strangers, it depends. I can quickly read people from a distance and I respond accordingly. I have little patience for "animal nuts", or people that fuss around and baby talk toa dog and are generaly notrespecting my or his space and are in your face.
Luckily, I never had to deal with a situation like that yet, and I probably won't in the future. Yours and dog's body langauage can do more than half of the job from a distance before any words are even uttered or exchanged.
But, little kids - always a pleasure and the dog is rock solid. I will go out of my way and the dog will stop in its track from whatever he was doing to let a kid chat with me, ask me silly questions as only kids could or give him a quick rub behind the ears. Strangely kids don't go forthe body always around the face, I have observed.
Usualy kids see us approaching from a distance, then they just kind of linger, till we come closer and are lookng at us. Look, a puppy. Then we aproach to a few feetand they go: What's his name? Why is his tail so long etc..? Then, I ask them - would you like to touch him? He willlick you if you let him to. They usualy approach then, the command is easy and the dog (visibly) relaxes, as if he is signaling and on the energy level telling to the kid - it's okay, you can come and touch me.
Consistently, it's always - sit command, butt hits the ground. Easy, dog relaxes, kid approaches, gives a little touch and off they go. Little kids attention span is very short anyway, so they don't hang around for too long either way. It's positive forthe kid, they interact with a member of different species, it's good for the dog, as sch dog HAS TO BE stable and rockslid around the kids in my opinion, and it's good for me, as I generaly kilethe kids.
Questions are usualy:
Is that a police dog?
Is he a wolf?
is it a he or a she?
Wow, he weally, weally has a big tongue!
That is one big dog!
Can he do tricks? My grandma's dog can roll over... LOL.
Adults are a different stories. Joe Q. Public always asks:
What kind of a breed is that?
It's a German Shepherd dog.
99% of the cases the followup question is: Full blooded?
Yes, full.
But,why is kis coat grayish and looks like a wolf.
It's working bloodlines, not black and tan with a saddlelike you usualy see.
Oh...
Will he bite?
Will he bite? Yes, he will. But, will he bite YOU is what you are really asking, huh. No, he won't, I don't see any reason why should he, do you?
They usualy don't know what to think of that answer and just kind of keep their cool and distance.
So, bottom line is, kids fine,adults on a case by case basis.
A few of (usualy guys) in their 20es and 30es ask dumb questions, like:
Do you think he can WIN against: (insert some other breed here; Doberman, Pittbull, Rottweiler...?
If I am in a chatty mood, I'll tell them what I think about dog fights. If not, I just tell them - why yes, got any dog you can bring out right now, he hasn't eaten in 3 days!
Also, when a subject of schutzhund or PPD is touched - some people kinda heard about that, the general public REALLY think that those dogs are either vicious,or uncontrollable etc... Shutzhund USA and WDA as organizations really need to do some public education, I always do my part.
To conclude: there is no BETTER PR and adver
by Adi Ibrahimbegovic on 08 February 2009 - 20:02
Got cut off.
There is no better PR and advertising for the breed then an intelligent and commmited owner and a well balanced, well trained, well behaved dog, as a team.
There is no better PR and advertising for the breed then an intelligent and commmited owner and a well balanced, well trained, well behaved dog, as a team.
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top
