Am I over reacting?

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

It was a dark and rainy night...and I wanted to get Skadi and Elli out somewhere to enjoy some exercise.  I took them over to PetSmart, where I have taken Skadi  dozens of times, and since we have gotten Elli, I've enjoyed showing her around petsmart.  We had a great walk around the store sniffing all the treats and critters.  Many folks stop us and gab and admire the doods.  One of PetSmarts trainers was also visiting with us a little.  I never took classes with this trainer, but she knew Skadi who has taken many of the training classes in this store.  We bought some treats and a couple collars and went up to the check out.  The trainer was also the checkout person.  Now Skadi knows the routine...you pay for your treasures and the check out lady gives you a treat.  And Skadi sits pretty for the treat.  However, Elli, who is our Rescue off Craigslist and has been with us 2 years now does not know the routine.  I try my very best to have my girls behave, but Elli got excited and jumped up with her paws on the checkout ...not on a person, but on the ledge of the check out counter.  Before I could correct her, the trainer/check-out socked her in the chest...and yes she got down quickly.

Now I realize Elli has probably suffered worse in her 8 years because we are probably her 3rd home and I know she is "rambunctious".

I just for the life of me cannot understand what right that "trainer" had to punch my girl in the chest.  Her behavior was not endangering anyone.  

Am I over reacting?  I can't stop thinking about this.  

[Carol and Banjo]

If you were in a "training class" at that point, I might understand this.   You were a customer, checking out.   Totally different situation.   I don't think you are overreacting.   

[Carol and Banjo]

BTW.....Banjo does this at all the places we go where treats are offered.    I've never corrected him....bad mom..... But, really, no one has ever objected.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Elli does this in Soldan's and all I do is tell her uh uh down and she gets down.  No harm to anyone.  That's what stunned me when she punched her...flexing her  muscles?  letting me know she's a "trainer". She did say, "I'm the mean trainer"   I did not make a scene in the store.  I'm just wondering if I should let it go or make a formal complaint.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Soldans, you must be in Michigan.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Yes, we are in Michigan and have relatives living in Dexter.  Our kids got Skadi from Cliberdoodles.  Guess I just figured every state had a Soldan's!  That store encourages my girls to "shoplift" LOL

[Amy and Annabelle]

I think Soldans is just a Michigan thing. I don't have one near me, but there is one near my grandkids school. I will make a stop on days I pick them up. They do tend to keep treats in open boxes on the lowest shelf. Annabelle grabbed a Whimzee once.

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

I'm not sure....maybe the trainer felt that it would teach her "NO" but at Petco they stress POSITIVE pet training when a pet does something wrong.  They have NEVER told me/us to hit or slap our puppies/dogs....at most, loud yelling or a foot stomp.

[Jenny and Cooper]

Joani, I think if I had complained to the check-out lady that I can't seem to correct that behavior and then she socked him, then I wouldn't feel so bad.  If she didn't give me a chance to correct Cooper and and just did it on her own, I wouldn't feel so good about it.  It's almost like someone else trying to discipline my kid in public.  I'm also surprised that Petsmart trainer did that.  We also took training there and it was always a "positive" pet training.

A friend of my hubby kneed Cooper in the chest when Cooper jumped on him.  When my hubby told me about it, I didn't like it a bit, but then Cooper never tried to jump on him again after that.  So even though I didn't like what happened, it did correct his behavior towards that one particular person.

I hope what happened to Elli was a positive thing.  How about take Elli there again and see what she does.  If she jumps on the counter again then file a complaint.  LOL.  Oh BTW, Cooper still jumps on the counter for treats at Petsmart.  He always thinks he can get it himself.  :P

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

I don't think you're overreacting...a 'sock' seems out of line & especially from a trainer.  Seems like she should have asked you to take her off the counter or at least said 'do you mind if I correct her?' before acting, IF that is a training technique.

I'd mention the situation to management next time at the store.

[Stella]

Not overreacting at all. No one has the right to hit your dog. I would be calling the store manger and complaining.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree. Not only doesn't she have the right, she doesn't know the dog. Ellie might have reacted and I wouldn't blame her but she would have been blamed. It reminds me of the video where a woman runs up to a horse and slaps the horse. The horse, logically enough kicks her. No one has a right to touch or discipline your dog who wasn't hurting anyone.

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Actually I think I am over reacting, can't believe how angry I am just reading that.  I would be back in the store and talking to the manager.  Saying that "I am the mean trainer" does not justify that at all.  Even in a class I am not sure I would be okay with it...