I take my consent from the dog. You’re its caretaker, friend, and family. None of that means the dog’s incompetent to decide and communicate desire to be touched.
edit: I should be more clear. I ask for permission from the owner. I say “Can I say hi to your dog?”
Then I say hi by putting my hand out to smell. Then if the dog wants a pet, I’ll pet the dog.
Permission to approach from the owner, but consent to pet from the dog.
This comes with a serious caveat though. If you stand close enough such that your dog can approach me, it’s now between me and the dog 100%.
Like if I’m sitting still and you allow your dog to come to me either by being within leash distance of me or letting the dog off the leash, I’m not asking your permission.
And that’s basically because rejection signals hurt and should only be used honestly. Pushing the dog away like “I can’t talk to you” isn’t fair to the dog. If the dog’s being an asshole, sure I’ll push the dog away. But if the dog’s being friendly, I’m not giving it the cold shoulder to honor a social norm it doesn’t understand.
If your dog’s nuzzling up against me it’s getting scritches.
I take my consent from the dog. You’re its caretaker, friend, and family. None of that means the dog’s incompetent to decide and communicate desire to be touched.
edit: I should be more clear. I ask for permission from the owner. I say “Can I say hi to your dog?”
Then I say hi by putting my hand out to smell. Then if the dog wants a pet, I’ll pet the dog.
Permission to approach from the owner, but consent to pet from the dog.
Much needed clarification hahah.
I’m with you 100%
This comes with a serious caveat though. If you stand close enough such that your dog can approach me, it’s now between me and the dog 100%.
Like if I’m sitting still and you allow your dog to come to me either by being within leash distance of me or letting the dog off the leash, I’m not asking your permission.
And that’s basically because rejection signals hurt and should only be used honestly. Pushing the dog away like “I can’t talk to you” isn’t fair to the dog. If the dog’s being an asshole, sure I’ll push the dog away. But if the dog’s being friendly, I’m not giving it the cold shoulder to honor a social norm it doesn’t understand.
If your dog’s nuzzling up against me it’s getting scritches.