Lately, in stores, on walks, in parks, on hikes, etc - Annie has zero desire to meet people. She isn't aggressive or afraid, just not interested. Aloof. She has started to sometimes duck away from attempts to pet her head, too, which is apparently irresistible even when I ask people not to go for the head! She is almost 3, very much an adult dog now and her lack of interest has been slowly growing for a long time.
I am going to start denying most requests to pet her as I don't think it's fair to ask it of her if she doesn't enjoy it.
She is still super happy to meet friends/guests, just not interested in strangers.
So - how do you deal with requests to pet your aloof poodle in public?
Trying to figure out the right words for Annie. 'Sorry, no, she thinks you are really boring' is probably not it!
It's particularly tricky in stores, I think. I don't want to imply she is aggressive and shouldn't be in the store.
Edit - I wonder if we get a higher proportion of non dogsavvy people asking, since she looks so calm and non threatening while she politely ignores them! I have noticed many non dog owners are nervous of the enthusiastically happy dogs.
I am going to start denying most requests to pet her as I don't think it's fair to ask it of her if she doesn't enjoy it.
She is still super happy to meet friends/guests, just not interested in strangers.
So - how do you deal with requests to pet your aloof poodle in public?
Trying to figure out the right words for Annie. 'Sorry, no, she thinks you are really boring' is probably not it!
It's particularly tricky in stores, I think. I don't want to imply she is aggressive and shouldn't be in the store.
Edit - I wonder if we get a higher proportion of non dogsavvy people asking, since she looks so calm and non threatening while she politely ignores them! I have noticed many non dog owners are nervous of the enthusiastically happy dogs.