Do you pet dogs you don't know?

[Ann]

Sometimes when you go into a grocery store you will see a dog sitting outside, waiting for her/his owner to return. I have been brought up with the golden rule of "don't pet a dog you don't know", but I really have problems with that sometime. Take last weekend for example, a black lab was sitting outside and when he saw me getting off my bike he started wagging his tail and gave me a big dog-smile. I just couldn't stop myself from petting him.

What's your thoughts on this? Is it reckless to pet a dog you know nothing about or is it rude even (I've heard some people get mad if they see you pet their dog without their permission)?

Years ago , I would have answered "YES" !!!
But since I was attacked by a big German Shepherd , I am a bit more careful !! I was only riding my bike , and passed a driveway where a man was washing his car , in the company of his dog ..
All of a sudden , the dog came running after me , threw me of my bike , and bit me ... ! It is now 18 years ago , but the spot on my "behind" still hurts , and is NOT to be touched ...!

So even if the dog is looking great , be careful ! I LOVE doggies , but I will never pet them , unless their boss is there too and tells me it's okay to do so !

[Dakota's Mommy]

It really depends! I usually try not to, but sometimes I just can't resist. I guess to me it depends on the dog and the situation!

[Andie]

I'm sorta like Slave in the fact that I always pet strange dogs, even those that normally don't like strangers. I've always had this strange trait of being able to walk right up to any animal and know nothing is going to happen to me. Although that slight cockiness as my mother calls it has gotten my share of cat bites (I've got the scars on my wrist (strange cat) and hands (aunt's cat) to prove it) but I have never been biten by a strange dog. (knock on wood)

Grandma always shakes her head and ask how any animal can attack me after the cat bites. Oh well, guess cats aren't as receptive to my calmness as dogs are.

[Glacier]

I do sometimes. If the owner is there, I always ask permission. I usually have a pocket full of doggy treats so I often get approached by loose dogs--which is part of why I keep treats on hand!

[jennifert]

As the owner of a dog that is unpredictable around strangers, I should say I don't pet strange dogs but on occasion I do. Not often however. If the owner is there, I always ask though. In fact, it is irresponsible of the owner to leave a dog that may bite and/or has a history of biting unattended. I would never leave Duncan unattended in a public place because of this. Even when I let him out in a friend's yard to pee, I stay with him because I wouldn't want neighborhood kids coming to the fence to pet him and getting hurt.
Regarding the second part of the question, I do not like people petting Duncan without asking me first. He does wear his gentle leader in public and in crowds for more control and I keep him right next to me at all times. That in itself does deter some from petting him, thinking it's a muzzle. But occassionally children will casually run their hands over him as we walk and it's no big deal. I just hope the parents are telling their children after the fact to be more careful.

[lovemyshiba]

I have a hard time resisting, but I always ask their owner when he or she is present. There is a couple who is always walking around town with a gorgeous husky, and they do not let anyone pet her. Since I have had Kito, and he can be somewhat unpredictable around strangers (especially men), I am a little more careful now. But I agree about the little dogs. My neighbor downstairs has a lhasa, and she is mean--she jumps and growls at us (especially when we have the dogs), and runs to the door and growls when anyone walks by.

[jenluckenbach]

yes, I do, even if it can be the wrong thing to do. Having worked with dogs for MANY years, and they are all strangers to me when they first come to the shop, I can usually tell if I can pet or if I should back off. So with "gut instinct" I reach unless given a clue to stop. But to others, especially younger people or anyone with limited dog experience, be very cautious.

[mugsy]

All the time, if they are willing to be petted. I'm just a sucker for poochies.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

If the dog is with its owner, then I ask for permision to pet it. I have petted dogs that I don't know before like when I find a stray that I am going to rescue. I can usually read their body language pretty well and know when to stay away!

Drake can sometimes be unpredicatable and thereofre always insist that people check with me furst before they pet him. If Drake is not approached in the right way, he will growl and can snap He has never bitten anyone before, but I do not leave him unattended!

[Ann]

Thanks for the responses everyone!

Someone brought up a good point, I feel more calm around big dogs than small ones. I don't know if that's a prejudice without cause or what, but from my experience smaller dogs are much more common to bite.

[SavaryGal]

hmmmm...

Dogs just on the street or in a park? I wouldn't pat them without caution - or an "owner" is nearby.

Dogs at the Vancouver SPCA where I volunteered for 3 years? Yes. Always.

I don't "know" either dog in both situations, but I think that the ones on the street are a tad off limits due to the fact that dogs can be unpredictable and there is no real way of determining if they are truly friendly towards a stranger.

[Cincy'sMom]

I'm trying to get better about asking first, if the dog is with the owner. My girls loved to be petted and I never mind if someone pets them, but not every dog is that way. If the dog is alone. I approach it cautiously and see how it reacts. Usually I have treats with me and will try and offer something to warm the dog up.

[ParNone]

I'm actually more wary of dogs, when they're with their owner
or in their terrority, because it's more likely to trigger off their
protective instinct. I've never feared walking up to a stray to
talk to it and pet it. Not too long ago, there was a stray
poodle/terrier mix eating a pork chop bone from my garbage.
Oh he was so cute. Looked like Murph with curls. I was afraid
he was going to choke on the pork chop so without thinking
I went up to him and took the pork chop bone from him,
explaining to him that I'd get him something better to eat.
Don't think he believed me. He growled, but he let me have it.
I went back to the garage to get some food for him, but in that
minute that I took my eyes off him, he was gone.

Oh and also I'd be more wary of a big dog than a small dog. Can't
imagine I'd even dream of taking a pork chop bone away from
a big dog that I didn't know.

Par...

[Cookiebaker]

I think it kind of depends on whether they appear to be friendly or not. I always approach them cautiously (sp?) and let them sniff my hand first. If they tense at all, I will back away and leave them be. But if the owner is around, I feel a lot more comfortable approaching a strange dog.