only you guys will understand........

[Charlene and Buster Dudley]

I love when people acknowledge Buster, it's an awesome way for him to socialize. HOWEVER, I need to figure out how to tactfully tell some folks to BACK OFF!!!!! when people who don't mean any harm come up to us with their high pitched voices going gaga over the puppy allowing/encouraging jumping and wild behavior I get annoyed. *one of my neighbors was actually bothered and surprised the he peed a bit on her feet. teehehehe : ) though she knows how old Buster is, has a male dog and boasts about her experience with rescues* I work hard to encourage polite doggy manners so how do I let people know it's not ok to pop in send mixed signals and walk away leaving me with a confused hyper puppy?!?!?!?!

[Debbie and Thomas]

I also live in "super polite Canada" and we always have people coming up to our dog.  When Thomas our GD was younger I told them" I'm sorry...we do not allow him to jump up on people" and they were so apologetic and watched when I asked Thomas to sit so he could shake paw with them.  Now...anyone could come up to him and his reaction would be to stand there and let them either pet him or lie down on his side and put his leg in the air so they could scratch his belly! 

[Charlene and Buster Dudley]

Thomas sounds like he was a pretty mellow pup?!??

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Yes, I had a similar experience with one of our neighbors. She asked if he could come and say hi to her so I walked up their driveway and on the way told her please do not encourage him to jump up.  She said not problem and then proceeded to tell him how cute he was and give me kisses, etc and encouraged him to get up on his back legs because she could not get down on his level.  I calmly set my hand on his back and asked him to "settle" and he sat right on her white tennis shoes and peed all over them he was wriggling so hard.  That was 2 months ago and he has not done that since, but my neighbor has also been very good about talking calmly to him and not calling him up on her..  I thought it was funny.  As we were leaving, I said oh dear I hope your shoes are washable.

Probably most of us are experiencing people wanting to pet our doodles because they are just so cute.  Many are curious about the breed and also just want to feel their coat.  Now that I am more experienced, I stand back from them until Charlie sits calmly and then ask them to approach.  Most will just stand and talk to you and then proceed to pet him.

I think telling them before hand that you are training is a terrific idea.  If you watch your puppy's reaction to people, you can get insight to that person's inner energy that is for sure.

 

 

 

[Charlene and Buster Dudley]

that neighbor would make me hot!!! her poor white shoes  ; )  I think you are spot on about the cute factor and curiousity.  thanks for the experienced advise.  I've been watching Buster and his reaction does give insight.