Puppy Vent

[dogluva]

I really do believe the OP is brining the dog to the event so she can get the attention. Otherwise, I think she would leave him at home. I don't get it it I guess.

My dogs hardly ever get attention (except from us and other true dog lovers). I love when people make a big deal of them. But they are just mutts (cute mutts) so the attraction is not there as much.

I have a good idea. Keep the dog home. I know I would be distracted by your puppy anyway and if I was at the game, I wouldn't be able to concentrate.

I also believe that dogs only need to wear their fur unless it is a dead of winter and the dog is maybe a greyhound. The cut outfits are for show.

 

[jrmasm]

Ok, thanks. I have you guys to thank for pointing out some about myself I never knew. I am an attention *****. That is the only reason I got the dog and the only reason that I take him out of the house. And I secretly love when some strange 10 year old won't leave me alone for 45 minutes. Saved me a ton in therapy bills.

And you're also 100% correct, this dog doesn't get cold outside. Neither does my 12lb terrier. I just love them more than my larger dogs so that's why they have coats. 52

I think this is the best advice. Sorry to say that there are parents who don't pay attention to remind their child when it's time to leave someone alone. You have to do it yourself. I used to have to do this with the neighbor kids all the time. You aren't being mean, you're setting limits because the parents aren't doing it.

You can enjoy people visiting briefly while socializing your pet without becoming the babysitter for a bunch of other people's children.

I'm going to have to work on coming up with a line that I'm comfortable with.

 

[C.Ann]

Kids are at soccer games. Kids love dogs. Maybe leave dog at home during games? Puppys are magnets.

Agreed. I don't think a school sporting event is the appropriate venue for a dog.

I don't get it. You bring your dog to the ball game to socialize it. Doesn't that mean you let people talk to it, pet it, play with it? Am I missing something? Kids don't get that they are overstaying their welcome, all they want to do is play with the dog. If it bothered me that much I would leave him home. And the sure fire way to encourage a kid to come over to the already cute-as-a-button puppy is to dress it up.

I agree with both Tracy and Stevania. I am a dog lover, really I am. I have a dog too, but I don't bring her to such public events, nor do I bring her to other peoples houses. Even without going to public events, my dog is socialized just fine. There are all sorts of people on the fields and you don't know who has a fear of dogs (lots of kids do) or who has allergies. I adore my dog but I try to respect that other people might not. If I did bring her these places I would have to expect that she is going to cause attention. I don't know where this trend came from where people feel they need to bring their dogs everywhere with them.
.

Another dog lover here - and I agree with all of the above.. If it's causing such issues for you, leave the cutey pie home..

 

[livie1205]

If you do not want to be bothered leave the puppy at home...

 

[EMom]

I agree with both Tracy and Stevania. I am a dog lover, really I am. I have a dog too, but I don't bring her to such public events, nor do I bring her to other peoples houses. Even without going to public events, my dog is socialized just fine. There are all sorts of people on the fields and you don't know who has a fear of dogs (lots of kids do) or who has allergies. I adore my dog but I try to respect that other people might not. If I did bring her these places I would have to expect that she is going to cause attention. I don't know where this trend came from where people feel they need to bring their dogs everywhere with them.




Well, yes, it's called fur. Most dogs come wearing it already and that's what it's there for.

Wow.....A normal dog owner who actually realizes that her dog is.......a dog. Will wonders never cease?

 

[NMAmy]

Wow.....A normal dog owner who actually realizes that her dog is.......a dog. Will wonders never cease?

My dog doesn't go anywhere but the vet's office and for a walk around the neighborhood and she's socialized just fine.

OP--you can't control other people's behavior, only your own. If it annoys you so much, then stop bringing the dog to a place where you know you're going to run into a bunch of kids with free time on their hands.

 

[jrmasm]

Thanks for everyone's helpful suggestions.

It funny someone mentionned letting him be a dog because that's exactly what gets me in trouble. I expect him to walk from the car. Dogs walk. I don't carry him everywhere despite his tiny size. That's when the children spot him.


He'll continue going where he is welcome.

eta: It was suggested by his breeder and vet and several books I read about the breed that he be taken as many places as possible to prevent him from becoming fearful. Since many chis are snappy, I thought is best to make him comfortable wherever he was.

 

[Jockaroo]

If you are wanting to expose him to new environments and situations you have some choices. And you may not like all my suggestions.

First, he's been to the games. Find a new environment (the park, etc.) and leave him at home if it is the soccer games where you both are being bothered.

Next, you could tell children that you would be glad to let them pet your dog, if they will bring their parents with them. I don't have kids, but I do understand that youngsters don't understand when they are monopolizing your time.

Finally, you could just tell people that he bites. Seriously, I've done that before when people ganged up on my fearful Scottie. Yes, she was cute, no she didn't want squealing children grabbing at her when she was cowering behind my leg.

I have found that the big box pet stores (Smart and Co.) are wonderful and appropriate places to socialize dogs.

You say you don't want him to become fearful and snappish. Overstimulating him could cause the behavior you wish to prevent.

 

[jrmasm]

If you are wanting to expose him to new environments and situations you have some choices. And you may not like all my suggestions.

First, he's been to the games. Find a new environment (the park, etc.) and leave him at home if it is the soccer games where you both are being bothered.

Next, you could tell children that you would be glad to let them pet your dog, if they will bring their parents with them. I don't have kids, but I do understand that youngsters don't understand when they are monopolizing your time.

Finally, you could just tell people that he bites. Seriously, I've done that before when people ganged up on my fearful Scottie. Yes, she was cute, no she didn't want squealing children grabbing at her when she was cowering behind my leg.

I have found that the big box pet stores (Smart and Co.) are wonderful and appropriate places to socialize dogs.

You say you don't want him to become fearful and snappish. Overstimulating him could cause the behavior you wish to prevent.

Thanks

 

[disykat]

Thanks for everyone's helpful suggestions.

It funny someone mentionned letting him be a dog because that's exactly what gets me in trouble. I expect him to walk from the car. Dogs walk. I don't carry him everywhere despite his tiny size. That's when the children spot him.


He'll continue going where he is welcome.

eta: It was suggested by his breeder and vet and several books I read about the breed that he be taken as many places as possible to prevent him from becoming fearful. Since many chis are snappy, I thought is best to make him comfortable wherever he was.

I am not really a dog lover (except for my own!) and I think you're doing the right thing. I would never take a dog to a store or an inside event, but I think an outside game that isn't too crowded where you can sit away from others makes sense as a place to socialize your animal. However, you want to socialize him properly - which means he can't be the center of attention. He needs to learn to be ignored in a crowd. Explain that to the kids, it might help.

I wish I had done a better job of socializing my small dog. I was embarassed to take her places and it shows. (I took her to the pet store and on walks but it wasn't enough.) She thinks everyone should love her, scares small children with her enthusiasm, barks like a maniac, etc. When I have to take her someplace (the vet, camping, vacations to my parent's house) it is much more difficult because she is not properly socialized.

The whole point of socializing your dog is that the dog should be able to behave well enough to NOT be noticed. As a person who doesn't particularly care for strange dogs (big dogs scare me) the last thing I want is to run into dogs that don't know how to behave in pulbic.

 

[jrmasm]

The whole point of socializing your dog is that the dog should be able to behave well enough to NOT be noticed.

Apparently kids can smell puppies. He walks from the car, waits while I set up my chair and then sits in my lap. I'll have to tell him to quit making such a scene.

 

[sunnyday123]

I am not really a dog lover (except for my own!) and I think you're doing the right thing. I would never take a dog to a store or an inside event, but I think an outside game that isn't too crowded where you can sit away from others makes sense as a place to socialize your animal. However, you want to socialize him properly - which means he can't be the center of attention. He needs to learn to be ignored in a crowd. Explain that to the kids, it might help.

I wish I had done a better job of socializing my small dog. I was embarassed to take her places and it shows. (I took her to the pet store and on walks but it wasn't enough.) She thinks everyone should love her, scares small children with her enthusiasm, barks like a maniac, etc. When I have to take her someplace (the vet, camping, vacations to my parent's house) it is much more difficult because she is not properly socialized.

The whole point of socializing your dog is that the dog should be able to behave well enough to NOT be noticed. As a person who doesn't particularly care for strange dogs (big dogs scare me) the last thing I want is to run into dogs that don't know how to behave in pulbic.

I take my puppy to the petstore every weekend, she goes to puppy class, and she rides with me to pick up DD from school, where I let her be surrounded by kids and loved on. If they pet without asking, I remind them to ask before they pet any dog, in case it's a biter. They ask a ton of questions. I've had people stop their cars,get out, and come over to her. She's a big dog, she attracts attention wherever she is-and I don't mind. It's part of having a big dog. Same as a tiny dog. She'll be going to spring soccer with us, and anywhere else she can go. I plan on training her for therapy work, so she needs to be well socialized. I've already learned how to nicley explain to kids not to pull on her too roughly, and say, "ok, that's enough-thanks for petting her!" to give them a clue. And if the parents aren't around and happen to stroll over later to see what their little snowflake is doing, I start up with my "You shouldn't approach a doggie without your Mom around" lecture so the parents get the hint.

And I bet my Newfies sparkly barrettes could rival your Chi's outfits!

 

[MushyMushy]

Although I'm with those who are a bit baffled that you'd take a cute dog somewhere public and not want the attention from kids, I don't see a problem at all with you speaking up to them. You don't have to be mean at all, just say, "I think Fluffy has had enough attention, go ahead back to your parents now," and smile at the kid. They're not fragile (well, most aren't anyway ) and can handle being turned away after a few minutes.

Honestly, I'd probably not think anything of it if one of my kids was hanging around someone with a dog. I'd think they were welcoming the attention.

 

[jrmasm]

And I bet my Newfies sparkly barrettes could rival your Chi's outfits!

Possibly.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

And you're also 100% correct, this dog doesn't get cold outside. Neither does my 12lb terrier. I just love them more than my larger dogs so that's why they have coats. 52

Aww, how sad. Aren't you supposed to love and treat your pets equally, just like your kids?

 

[disykat]

And you're also 100% correct, this dog doesn't get cold outside. Neither does my 12lb terrier. I just love them more than my larger dogs so that's why they have coats. 52

Aww, how sad. Aren't you supposed to love and treat your pets equally, just like your kids?

I'm assuming you're being sarcastic like the OP was?

 

[disykat]

I don't get it either, she brings the dog to socialize then gets mad when people what to socialize with the dog. So what if they want to hold the dog the entire game, there is nothing that says you have to talk to them while they are holding the dog, especially kids.

She's not mad people want to socialize, she's mad that these kids don't have parents to tell them enough is enough. It really shouldn't have to be her job. Do you let your kids talk to other people in public places for hours on end?

 

[jrmasm]

And you're also 100% correct, this dog doesn't get cold outside. Neither does my 12lb terrier. I just love them more than my larger dogs so that's why they have coats. 52

Aww, how sad. Aren't you supposed to love and treat your pets equally, just like your kids?

Nah, only the cute ones get the good stuff.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

She's not mad people want to socialize, she's mad that these kids don't have parents to tell them enough is enough. It really shouldn't have to be her job. Do you let your kids talk to other people in public places for hours on end?

100% agree with this. I can understand's the OP's frustration. I believe she doesn't mind the petting and small chit chat for a minute or two but she's not the babysitter.

And you're also 100% correct, this dog doesn't get cold outside. Neither does my 12lb terrier. I just love them more than my larger dogs so that's why they have coats. 52

Nah, only the cute ones get the good stuff.

 

[BelleWDW]

She's not mad people want to socialize, she's mad that these kids don't have parents to tell them enough is enough. It really shouldn't have to be her job. Do you let your kids talk to other people in public places for hours on end?

My biggest pet peeve is people who have to bring their dogs to public events.
No reason for it.
Especially a big fair or festival where they are walking amongst lots of crowded people-why do this?
To me all dogs should stay home-they dont have to shop for their dog food at petsmart either!