Dutch Shepherd Forum

So. It's at that point in Nami's training where I would like to venture out into public buildings to further work on her getting use to new places. My only concern is that she gets a LOT of attention when we walk. People want to pet her,but I don't want them to. Not because I'm stingy with my dog and want to keep people away, or because she's aggressive (because she isn't!) but because she doesn't like it right now. Strangers are still spooky for her. Not as spooky as they use to be, but still enough that if they try to invade her personal bubble she'll start to dance. Is a "DO NOT PET" patch too much Or even a "IN TRAINING, DO NOT PET" patch? People always assume that "In Training" patches mean that they're working towards becoming a service dog or something similar, and I don't want to give off that impression. Then there's the idea that the "DO NOT PET" equates to an aggressive dog. She is neither training to be a service dog or an aggressive dog. I just want enough of a warning to let people know that petting her is a no-go. Is there an awesome company out there that tailors to rehabilitating fearful dogs with warning labels like this that I can put on her collar or a harness? Should I just say screw what the public opinion is and stick with a "DO NOT PET" or "IN TRAINING DO NOT PET" patch?

Would yiu like her to be friendly to strangers or not? If not, a patch might be a great idea. At least the majority of people would know better than to approach to pet withiut permission.

Most people I encounter will ask if it us okay to pet Lexi. She seems to be open and friendly with most people and then is alarmed and barks at a few. . . Not gender or age thing, maybe she just senses something she doesn't like about some people. I don't have to worry about those asking to pet her

My goal right now is just to get her comfortable with strangers being in proximity while also in a public building or venue. I don't want her terrified. Friendliness can come later once she's a bit more confident in her surroundings.

Sounds like a good plan send pics of her with her with her in training patch and let us know how it goes

what is your goal with her? is there a need for her to be around alot of people or is this a human want? Donts arent social by nature the way humans are. They dont hang out for coffee. if she dosnt like more than a few people around, respect that. If there is no need for her to be in big groups, respect her wishes.

Does it really matter what people think when they see a patch?

The only thing they need to know is: don't touch my dog. Your reasons are your own. If they ask you, well, you can explain.

EDIT: if you're talking about a neck band, those aren't as easily seen as a vest that reads your wishes.

Dutchringgirl wrote:what is your goal with her? is there a need for her to be around alot of people or is this a human want? Donts arent social by nature the way humans are. They dont hang out for coffee. if she dosnt like more than a few people around, respect that. If there is no need for her to be in big groups, respect her wishes.

End game result is to have a relaxed dog when she travels with me to volunteer venues for work or to places like the co-op and petstore. I would also like to get her into an agility class and maybe even compete.

volunteer for what? How old is she? Do it gradually, personally, I would get a service dog vest, only because people respect that and stay away. How does she react now?

I personally like patches and don't give a **** what the public thinks. Point is it's my dog, my reasons are my own, and I'm not representing my dog as a service dog (like taking him anywhere where dogs wouldn't be invited), so the reason behind the patches don't matter besides the command they are - do not pet, in training. I personally think "DO NOT PET" and "IN TRAINING" are signals to the public to forgive certain things (seen it with my own dog which in thankful for at times) and think twice before approaching, or at least ask for permission. Does it always work? Nope. But it stops a fraction of idiots. I've had a normal backpack on my dog and overheard families tell their kids "that's a working dog don't pet him!" It's a backpack. No patches. Sigh. I've learned I can't control what the public thinks but as long as I'm in control of my emotions/self during training, that's all that matters. Also sometimes patches cause people to stare, which if Nami is sensitive to that, can be worse. So depends on how people are around you and how Nami will react - do what's best for her and forget what the public thinks; they're generally misinformed when it comes to seeing a dog and handler and understanding their goal when out in public.

Dutchringgirl wrote:volunteer for what? How old is she? Do it gradually, personally, I would get a service dog vest, only because people respect that and stay away. How does she react now?

She is somewhere around a year, estimated by her teeth. I work for a veterinary office and as part of our "community image & education", employees are encouraged to volunteer at local events & drives. The type of events vary but almost always are pet related. Occasionally at local festivals we'll have a booth set up to promote the practice and all the services it provides while answering some questions people might have. Her reaction is either to dance around me, or to cower if they get too close (within 3-4 feet). If people keep a moderate distance, she'll just watch them nervously. If they're far enough out (using the park as an example) she'll participate in people-watching with me in a relaxed posture.

Raven wrote: EDIT: if you're talking about a neck band, those aren't as easily seen as a vest that reads your wishes.

I'm getting a nylon from RayAllen that'll have her name patched on. It'll be 1-3/4'' wide.

Not sure if she is the type for this, but only time will tell. Just be slow and careful, fear can turn into aggression of you dont respect and listen to what she is telling you about her fears.

I don't think "in training" is deceitful - the dog is in training, so, I say go for it.

I agree, "in training" is good

"In Training" patch is what I will use. A friend suggested getting a custom "Needs Space" patch. Might try running those side by side.

If you want people to stear clear, I'm not sure they will get "needs space." DO NOT PET sends the message you want to send, rather than inviting questions about what it means...which ironically might draw people closer so they can inquire. (?) I'm envisioning Jerry Lewis: "Heeey, laaady....!"

Needs space is looking for trouble, you are sending the wrong message. If the dog even has the smallest possibility of snapping and aggression, even if you KNOW its not really aggression but a fear of people. Needs space says, "I know my could do something so stay away", all you need is someone to just say they bit them and its over. Thats like saying, I know there is a bullet in this gun, dont come near me.

Raven wrote: I'm envisioning Jerry Lewis: "Heeey, laaady....!"

/facepalm.


and no bueno on the Need Space. gotcha!

I just ordered Kitsune a harness on Amazon, it comes with a "DO NOT PET" patch on one side and "IN TRAINING" on the other.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZ4 ... dp_summary

Tripmomma wrote:I just ordered Kitsune a harness on Amazon, it comes with a "DO NOT PET" patch on one side and "IN TRAINING" on the other.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZ4 ... dp_summary

Looks similar to the ghost nylon harness on RayAllen.
http://www.rayallen.com/product/GHOST-S ... -Harnesses

( If you haven't noticed, I'm a huge fan of RayAllen products I promise I'm not sponsored, I just love the quality. )

Yeah I've seen some bad responses from people to "needs space" signs... it's like a moth to a flame... "why does s/he need space?" (facepalm)

I personally like Elite K9 over Ray Allen - better quality and customer service - but Ray Allen has screwed me over a few thousand times... from sending me another customer's (very expensive) package to just never sending me mine and neglecting to tell me they would never reorder what I had been waiting for for 6 months (no refund), never sending my item... the list goes on... Good gear just can't stand the way they run their business. But, I do like their looks of their GHOST line.