Lady Wants To Know If She's An AH For Telling People They Can't Pet Her Dog

"I still think I’m allowed to say no since she’s been picking up bad behavior from everyone under the sun touching her"

Maryjane

• Published in Animal Stories
• October 31, 2022

You've probably heard people say that their dogs are like their children. It makes sense, however, as for many animal lovers, a pet is frequently just as much a part of the family as any human.

But as evidenced by the numerous individuals who appear to believe it is entirely acceptable to pet other people's pets or offer them gifts without asking, our affection for animals doesn't always translate well in public. It's not always a good idea to pet a stranger's dog.

Look, it's only normal to want to reach out and pet a cute ball of fur that is strolling toward you on the sidewalk or relaxing close by in a park. But then the presence of strangers may cause problems for some pets.

Therefore, it is advised that the most crucial thing to do before anything else is to ask the owner if you can pet their dog. This is all the OP in today's post is asking for, as strangers will just reach out and pet her dog as they go for a walk.

She stopped a boy from petting her dog once, and the boy's mom yelled at her for being selfish as the dog obviously wanted to be petted. I'll take a pause right now and let you read the OP's AITA story below.

OP asks:

The OP has a high energy, sweet dog

The OP's dog has now learned that she can pull her leash

We’re working on her focusing on walks instead of getting pets

I could have stopped to let the boy pet my dog

Here are what Redditors had to say about this issue.

People that feel entitled to pet other people's pets

No one is entitled to pet your dog

This Redditor is not surprised the OP's friend agrees with the woman

No permission, no dog petting

You do not a reason to tell people no

The mother should teach her kids to ask for permission

It is important to respect boundaries

You don't know what the dog might do otherwise

She is adorable so everyone wants to pet her

It's your dog and you have that right

No, he wants to pounce on her

Stopping for every stranger is not proper exercise

Let him ask first because it's not his dog

Random strangers reinforce bad behaviors

Get your dog a loosely fitted mask

This Redditor is impressed the kid asked at all

Good on knowing your dog well enough

You are not obligated to let anyone pet your dog

People needs to keep their hands to themselves

You should be allowed to dictate who touches her

Who would not want to pet a cute dog? It is normal to want to pet, play with, and care for any dog you come across, whether because they have the reputation of being "man's best friend" or just because they are so adorable.

But then, when thinking about approaching someone else's dog, you have to remember to ask the owner's permission first.

Maryjane