Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
The DU Lounge
In reply to the discussion: Does Everyone Else Ask Permission to Pet a Stranger's Dog? [View all]Dem2theMax
(9,650 posts)50. It is not about being impolite. It is about safety.
You have no idea of what the dog is like. Some dogs love to be petted by everyone. Others, especially recently rescued dogs, may have a lot of fear. And if a stranger comes up to them, they may bite out of that fear.
Always ask before petting a dog that you do not know.
And if you are given permission to pet the dog, first place your hand, palm up, near the dog's nose, so that the dog can sniff you first. It's their thing, it's what makes them feel comfortable. And it sure beats having them sniff your butt.
All dogs reading this thread will understand that last comment.
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
59 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
I usually ask, "Is he friendly?" with a smile to let them know that I am "pet friendly".
Marie Marie
Mar 2019
#9
I don't ask, but only because I don't desire to pet strangers' dogs... if I did, I would.
RockRaven
Mar 2019
#10
I ask as its only polite plus every dog is different and not all dogs are friendly to anyone
cstanleytech
Mar 2019
#12
As the mother to 3 wonderful rescued pits - this is the perfect way to ask!
Runningdawg
Mar 2019
#31
We have adopted dogs that were strays, and both have been anxious when approached by a stranger
Bluepinky
Mar 2019
#20
I ALWAYS ask... as the dog may be a working therapy dog and they arent supposed..
samnsara
Mar 2019
#25