I do and I don't. It really depends on the person and how they act towards him. If he gets flustered or frightened, there's no point trying to convince him, he's easily scared and is super affectionate. As long as you play on his affectionate side, things are good, but when you scare him, it causes me problems 🙁

Dogs are just so adorable that whenever I see one, I want to pet and hug it. But of course, as much as I want to to those things, I would first take into consideration the feelings of the owner. If the owner would allow his dog to be petted by another, then well and good. If not, it's also okay.

Socialization is very important to dogs, with humans, other dogs, and other animals. The most vital time for an animal to be exposed to people and other animals is the second to twelfth week after birth. This period is literally labeled in the vet world: "The sensitive period." Caring contact with animals and humans in this period is called Socialization.

However, not every person approaches this the same way, so therefore all animals are different temperaments. Rescue animals can be especially tricky. So here is the proper way to approach animals:

• Always ask the owner. Even if the dog is displaying friendly body language, always make sure the owner is okay with you touching or going near their dog.
• Never put your face or crouch down on the same level of a dog that isn't yours. You don't know what that dog has been through so therefore you do not know how it will react to such a sudden closeness. As a pack animal, generally only family/alpha figures should be near the animals faces (however if the dog is offering face kisses, that's a little different because who can say no to kisses?)
• Don't over stay your welcome. Say hello, talk a bit with the owner about the pup, then get on your way. Usually walk time is bonding/play/exercise time, and you'd be surprised how many people have a specific regime set up that their pup is used to.

When I take my dog out in public, there is nothing better than people asking to pet him. However, I know that some dogs are very defensive and not friendly to strangers. Now that does not make them a bad dog, it just means they do not want to be petted by strangers. ALWAYS ask the owner before approaching a dog that you do not know. You don't want to risk getting your hand bit.

I think ultimately you would have to ask permission from the owner before approaching the dog. Our neighbour walks her dog every single day and he's a pitbull. Kids around here know him very well and play with him. So if that's the case, and you know the dog and the owner personally, you can approach the dog without any problem. But of course, there are dogs that might not be apt for social encounters. Like again, in my neighbourhood, one neighbour lets their Doberman dog out and it scares passers by since it really is huge. And you cannot approach a dog like that especially if it's alone.

Unlike humans, dogs have this sixth sense "gift" that gives them the ability to read your emotions. So as much as most dog owners will feel proud when you pet their dog, many will not like it if your mood or attitude makes the dog a bit temperamental. Nobody wants their dog to bite an innocent passerby with attitude issues so only pat a dog when you are genuinely happy and keep off other people's dogs after a bad day at work.

Definitely always ask permission to pet the dog or ask if the dog is friendly. My dog loooves people, but problems arise when people with other dogs approach mine. He is not good with other dogs at all- I don't think he would ever hurt another dog but he growls and barks and it tends to scare people, especially little kids.

Depends on the dog mostly if he/she is a friendly social butterfly or not. Many people think small dogs are friendlier and they are not as intimidating as big dogs, so often adults and children just ran up and pet them.

I am not in the habit of doing this, and so are my children. We have a medium size dog, and he looks very intimidating, so no one has tried to approach to him yet. He is the most loving and sweetest dog, but his size keep him safe from strangers.

It absolutely depends on the dog. I just posted about a polite way to tell people, "Thanks but no thanks" when they want to meet one of mine.

People have approached and wanted to interact with both dogs (a golden and a GSD) while we're out and about, and most have been reasonably respectful and asked before they petted. The golden (predictably) loves everyone he meets and is happy to make new friends, so I let people say hi and pet him if they ask. He especially loves kids, and he has that "safe and cuddly" look that attracts parents with small kids. I enjoy those interactions, because I like seeing kids learn about approaching strange dogs, and most parents have been really receptive to having some friendly dog safety and etiquette tips worked into the meeting. Stuff like, "I like how you asked before petting him, that's a really good thing to do when you meet a new dog."

The GSD...not so much. He'll accept strangers and tolerate pettings, but he really isn't happy with it so I steer people away from him. He's an awesome dog, he's just reserved and isn't interested in making new friends. Most people have been polite when I ask them not to approach him, but a handful have gotten snotty or rude.

Yeah I think so, I know I do. Pets are supposed to help us make friends. In any case you can tell by someone's body language if they'd like to be approached let alone if they want their dogs to be touched. Just be safe when it comes to strangers and what not. Dogs can also tell if you're anxious or fearful so if you really want to touch someone else's dog you better be happy about it. LOL

I do not mind people approaching my dog. However, the most important thing to consider is not me, but my dog. If my dog shows any sign of frustration when people approaches her, then I will prevent it from happening. Different dogs will have varying personality just like human so there is no one size fits all approach to this situation. Every dog is different and its owner will have to understand and take note of its need and preferences.

I don't mind it as long as people ask permission first and do not pet the dog around the head during the first time. It is also better if people just brush the dog's hair gently as my dogs also enjoy such affection from others.

when i take a walk with my dog and someone appreciate my dog i feel very happy because it reflects yourself. But before stranger touch your dog he or she must be ask permission because some dogs are very protected to their owner.I believe the behavior of your dog will reflects to the owner.Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.

Of course they will like it because based on my experience, I appreciate it when someone notice my dog during walking at a park and they will say "Oh your dog is so cute" and that is what I like. Just be alert because some people just like to steal your dog when they approach you specially with those with no rope and you can not handle it.

I don't have any issue about this.My dog is friendly and very harmless.Most of the time she enjoy being with crowd and anyone can approach her..but yes I agree with others here that you must have to approach the owner first before approaching the dog for safety.