Camping with Dobermans

toedtoes wrote:

D.E.Bishop wrote:
Generally the only dogs I am afraid of are the ones off leash or on those damnable recoil type. But I do have a courtesy questions from dog owners point of view, I always ask if it is okay to approach a dog. I am 6 feet tall and bending over a dog can appear to the dog to be an aggressive move, so once the dogs person says it is okay, I kneel before reaching for the dog. I feel that I've reduced my size and shown the dog I'm not a threat. After the dog sniffs and get tired of that I will gently touch the dog and then rise and talk to the person.

So what say you owners, is that a reasonable approach to putting you dog(s) at ease?

Thank you! That is perfect! My Bat-dog is one who gets scared when people lean over her. Your approach is great. Even if you don't kneel, just as long as you don't lean over the dog is very helpful. I always tell folks to let Bat-dog approach them and don't make eye contact. It puts her at ease and let's her know it's her choice whether to make contact or not.

Folks like you make it much easier to teach Bat-dog that people are good.

I don’t know how I feel about the kneeling down, I know you’re tall and you don’t want to lean over but when you kneel down you’re getting eye level with the dog which makes it easier to make eye contact which is a no no, also you’re putting your face I. The striking zone, so god forbid that dog bit you it’s going to be in the face or neck. I totally agree with letting the dog approach you and not the other way around, this way the dogs is making the decision to interact with you and doesn’t feel cornered or threatened. Let them sniff you before reaching and don’t pet them on the top of the head but rather gently under the chin.

I have a rule that my dogs are not allowed to approach people without my say so, so if I’m out and about and I stop to talk to someone I expect them to remain relaxed at my side and only if I tell them to say hello are they allowed to go up to people. I do this because I don’t want people to get scared and I want my dogs to know them I’m in control of the situation. I also, don’t force them to interact with people if they don’t want to, so for example if you say Can I pet your dog, I say sure and tell my dog to say hello, if they go up to the person great, if they choose to stay by my side that’s fine too.