If your dog meets the criteria below, you should actively prevent others from petting or approaching it.
Shy, anxious, nervous, reactive, barky, and snappy dogs should always be protected from being approached by people (especially kids), other dogs, and dog walkers.
To do so, you can use visual cues to ask people to give your dog space and not to pet your dog, and to let them know your dog is shy and anxious. In this article, I will outline different options to help reduce unwanted interactions.
“DO NOT PET” – for fearful or bitey/nippy dogs
Although it is not a 100% guarantee that no one will pet your dog (some people miss the sign), it does significantly reduce how often people try to approach or pet your dog. Another benefit is that if you pair it with the verbal phrase “my dog doesn’t like to be pet,” other people don’t take it personally after they notice a sign. So no more excuses: “Oh, it’s okay; all dogs love me” 😉
“Do not pet” signs come in different forms. The most crucial part is choosing one with a bright, high-contrast design and a clear message. Use a red or bright yellow patches. Basically, a sign that people can spot and read in a second. Avoid long messages (such as “my dog is blah blah blah please be respectful and blah blah blah “); no one will read them.
Examples
– “Do not touch” – hanging yellow TAG (attach it to the harness)(right picture above).
– “DO NOT PET” red leash sleeve (wraps around the leash)
– DO NOT PET red leash
-“No hands” round yellow velcro patch (attach it to the harness or wrap around the leash)
– “Do not Pet” collar (red or yellow)
– “SHY DO NOT PET” green sleeve
– “DO NOT PET” rectangular black velcro patch (comes in different sizes; sew it to the collar or attach to the harness)
– “DO NOT PET” large red rectangular patch
-“STOP do not pet”- custom color sew-on patch
– DO NOT PET dog vest
GIVE SPACE – for reactive and anxious dogs
If your dog tends to be nervous or aggressive around other dogs or strangers, distancing yourself can reduce the amount of reactions. Use signage like “give space” or “dog reactive”. Make sure it is easily visible (some leash sleeves are too narrow and hard to read). Give space is usually yellow sign, but red would work too.
Examples
– NEED SPACE custom leash
– “NEED SPACE” custom leash sleeves
– “REACTIVE give space” yellow leash sleeve
– NEED SPACE red waterproof leash sleeve
NERVOUS / NO KIDS / IN TRAINING / ETC
Some dogs may have specific triggers. Like “No kids”. Or “Nervous,” etc
Examples:
– “nervous pet” leash sleeve
– Nervous dog collar
– I BITE dog collar
– Anxious NO KIDS – leash sleeve
– DOG REACTIVE – leash sleeve
– IN TRAINING – leash sleeve
-NO DOGS/IN TRAINING
– PLEASE GIVE ME SPACE vest
– IGNORE ME vest
– red vest DO NOT APPROACH
Always advocate for your dog.
Last but not least, advocate for your dog. Don’t be ashamed or uncomfortable assertively asking people not to approach or touch you.
The good news is that the more you do it, the better your dog’s welfare will be, and the easier it will be for you to pass on this unpleasant message to others.
A few tips:
- Use your hand (open palm facing the person) to show them that they are not allowed to approach non-verbally
- Decide in advance what exactly you will say. Choose a concise phrase; don’t go into a long explanation.
- Ideally, choose something that will make people want to retreat, for example: “My dog bites; please don’t approach” or “My dog doesn’t like people, don’t pet her”
- Practice saying it loud, quickly, and clearly. This will build muscle memory, and you will not stumble or feel shy about saying it.
- Prevent things from happening in the first place: If you see somebody approaching you, turn around and quickly walk away; most people would not pursue you when they see you back. But if you face them, they might consider you are inviting the approach.
- Don’t worry about what people will think of you or your dog, and don’t worry about being a ruse; it doesn’t matter. What matters is keeping your dog calm.
- If your dog is uncomfortable, take them out of the situation: walk away, take them to a different room, etc
Yellow Dog Project
There is a great niche initiative (I wish it grew bigger) to mark shy/anxious/nervous dogs with a yellow leash or yellow ribbon. SO other pet guardians will instantly know this dog should not be approached. Putting a yellow leash on your dog right now will not make a big difference, but it will benefit the initiative to grow. Eventually, it will be something widely recognized. So try it!
The Yellow Dog Project initiative, started by dog trainer Tara Palardy in June 2012, is now used in more than 40 countries, including some parts of Canada. Read more.
