I have a Cocker Spaniel puppy, Harington, who I am training to be therapy dog. We are very regularly harassed by people wanting to cuddle, fuss and touch him in a state of puppy-induced hysteria, often leading to an array of appeasement behaviours. One of the worst experiences was someone who picked him up when he was out walking and on lead. None of this makes for a positive experience for a young puppy trying to learn about the world. I have now resorted to walking him in a vest with badges on such as ‘in training’ and ‘please ask to pet’ as well those from Yellow Dog UK. In fact, I probably have the title of the least friendliest dog walker, all because I don't want random people approaching us, squealing at Harington and trying to touch him. I am of course happy for him to meet calm and sensible people who ask first so I can use it as a training opportunity. When we find these people, it's a breath of fresh air. I've noticed that there also seems to be a big assumption that because a dog is perceived as as ‘cute’, it must be friendly. I do wonder if we would have these problems if I had a dog that wasn't a ‘floppy eared fluff-ball’.
As a result of my experiences, I started a Facebook campaign called Ask To Pet which aims to encourage people to do just that. There are so many good reasons for asking, such as for nervous dogs, painful dogs, dogs in a situation they find scary, dogs worried by strangers, dogs in training, working dogs, and of course not to mention the safety of the person. In fact, some of the most considerate people we have met have been those that have been bitten previously. An extreme measure to encourage people to behave appropriately around dogs but one that anecdotally has been very effective, although one I am sure nobody would every really want to experience.
Asking to pet should be standard. It shouldn't need signs on dogs or pleas from owners or for people to have been bitten before. We as veterinary nurses can pave the way in making this commonplace. We can lead by example and discuss the importance of asking to pet in our puppy parties, also warning owners of what they can expect and how to deal with it. We can tell clients about Ask To Pet and of course Yellow Dog UK. Veterinary practices are probably one of the most important places where people should ask to pet, considering that dogs are likely to be unwell, worried or painful, definitely not the place for well-meaning people to make a nuisance of themselves.
I hope you will join me in spreading the ask to pet message and help make vet visits that little bit more stress free for your canine patients.
Email asktopet@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook (@asktopet) and for an electronic copy of the practice poster. Please join the Ask To Pet campaign!