As much as we’d like to believe every dog likes to touched, some pups are better left undisturbed. But refusing advances from strangers for your dog shouldn’t be awkward. Read on to learn some kind ways to say “don’t pet my dog”.

Why should you ask someone for permission before petting their dog? 

If you walk your dog in busy parks and neighborhoods, you may have experienced someone petting your dog without asking first. For some, this is no big deal. Most dogs will welcome ear scratches and belly rubs from friends or strangers alike. But if you have a reactive dog, unwelcome contact can be a trigger. 

Dog lovers should always ask other pet parents for permission before petting their pup. This will avoid any upset from both the dog and the pet parent. The last thing you want is to trigger a dog’s reactive behavior by offering a belly scratch. 

What is a reactive dog?

So what is a reactive dog? This type of pup has a more extreme reaction to contact with people and other animals. A reactive dog might not be inherently aggressive, but their reaction to certain situations might seem more hostile than the average dog. 

If your pup barks incessantly at other people and dogs on walks, you may have a reactive dog. Your reactive pup may also lunge and growl at others. Just know that there’s nothing wrong with a reactive dog. They are simply experiencing fear and stress, so they overreact with combative behavior. 

Just because you have a reactive dog doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong as a pet parent. If you adopted or rescued your pup, reactivity may be caused by past trauma. But often, reactivity is simply fear of the unknown. 

Tips for Helping a Reactive Dog 

The worst thing you can do for a reactive dog is to ignore their triggers or keep them from the outside world. Albeit difficult, you can help your pup learn how to cope in stressful situations and hopefully prevent reactive behavior before it starts. 

Be Strategic About Where You Walk

All dogs need frequent walks for physical exercise and mental stimulation. But if you have a reactive dog, walks can be rather anxiety-inducing. Make walks more enjoyable for your dog and yourself by selecting less-crowded routes. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No” to Strangers

Another tip for helping your reactive dog is to tell strangers “don’t pet my dog” when necessary. It might seem rude, but you’re doing the right thing by being an advocate for your pup. You can also purchase a “don’t pet my dog” vest or harness to warn off advances from strangers. 

Behavior Modification Training

It’s possible to reverse hostile behavior in a reactive dog. Take training treats with you on walks. When you see another person or dog that might trigger your dog, reward them with a treat right away. Encourage your dog to stay quiet and still by rewarding them with more treats as the distraction passes by. Consistently doing this can counteract reactive behavior. 

We recommend taking pieces of Sundays for Dogs on behavior modification walks. Even though it’s a complete and balanced meal, dogs love the jerky texture and treat-like taste.  

Be Patient

The main thing you need to help a reactive dog is patience with yourself and your pup. It can be incredibly frustrating to see your dog react aggressively in public and then act normally behind closed doors. Show your dog as much love and understanding as you can. You’ll find that your day-to-day with a reactive dog is noticably easier when you approach the situation with empathy. 

Better Ways to Say “Don’t Pet My Dog Without Permission” 

Parents of reactive dogs might feel awkward telling people not to pet their pup. Understanding people will not question this request and will politely excuse themselves. But the occasional person might make you feel guilty for not allowing them to pet your dog. 

You can avoid the conversation altogether by putting your dog in a “do not pet” harness or vest on outings. This advertises to everyone that your pup isn’t ready for social interaction. 

For dogs in behavior modification training, you might want to encourage pets from strangers on occasion. In this instance, you can buy a harness that says “ask to pet”. Everyone should ask permission before petting your pup, but this will be a polite reminder for less mindful people. 

If someone asks if your dog is friendly, you can respond kindly by saying “yes, but they are anxious and aren’t ready to be social.” You can also simply say “no, they aren’t friendly with strangers.” 

Another nicer way to say “don’t pet my dog without permission” is to say your pup is tired. If someone ask to pet your pup, respond with “I’m sorry, they are tired and not in the mood for extra pets today.” 

For more subtle redirection, you can attach a yellow ribbon to your dog’s collar or leash. This is a universal sign that your dog needs space from others. Just beware that not everyone is aware of the yellow ribbons meaning so you may still get some solicitations for pets.