Dogs and you!

[Kurokami]

Evenin' follow escapists.

So as far as 'off-topic' threads go, this is probably one of the more irrelevant ones for most of ya'll. Basically I want to make a good impression on a person's dogs. They have 4 of them, they're small dogs, if that means anything to anyone, so if anyone has any hints or tips to share in this thread, that would be awesome! I figure we've all interacted with pets before, so maybe it would be a nice addition if people added the definite "don'ts" of pet handling, or just added their own bad experiences with dogs.

I remember walking into a friend's house once only to have two huge as dogs taller than my waist running up to sniff my crotch while barking loudly. I don't know if anyone else has experienced it, but I recall being as frozen still as I have ever been in my life.

Your turn, if you have anything to say. It doesn't just have to be advice on dogs, if you don't have anything to contribute on that you're still welcome to add whatever thoughts you want to the topic of pets/dogs in general.

Cheers!

 

[Lizardon]

Well I wouldn't go picking them up for one. Some people see our dogs, which are really small and cute and can't resist picking them up and hugging them. Unless it's me or my family doing it, the dogs hate it.

Other than that, I can't offer any more advice without knowing the temperament of the dogs. I'd advise not doing anything, patting or holding, until asking the owning on what the dogs like.

 

[Hagi]

I'd personally recommend:

1. Pick up dog.
2. Aim at nearest window.
3.

 

[SmartyShorts]

Every dog has a different personality. I have two westies at home and they're both polar opposites of each other. If a dog is energetic, they usually enjoy being teased (as in showing them a toy and making them fetch it or chasing them around the yard). If they're the lazy kind of dog then they'd probably prefer lying down and being pet. Whatever you do, don't get too close to their faces because they see it as invading their personal space.

Also, my boyfriend has an mastiff, so I know what it's like to be slobbered and jumped on by an 100 pound bear. Just remember that as long as the owner has raised the dog with kindness, any actions it takes are totally natural.

Hope that helps you... it's my first post.

 

[klasbo]

In no particular order: (All stuff I've been told to do when raising guide dog puppies)

Don't stare/look directly at them (unless they are really comfortable with you, ie have grown up in your own household); look away or to the side.

If they're annoying you, turn your back to them and/or yawn.

If they jump at you, don't be afraid of using your knees, then take a step back and turn to the side (ie don't be threatening, just make them know that you're not interested in being jumped on)

Let them smell your hands. Don't pet them on the top of their heads (this is threatening), go for the side or underside of the head.

If they bark, do not shout back. Otherwise you'll just be starting a barking contest. Most people don't understand this, so their dogs never learn to not bark. Look away and ignore the crap out of them. If they're barking at someone else, go over to them and get their attention. Stand in front of them with your back or side facing them, so that you are between the dog and the one receiving the barking. If that fails, give the dog a gentle push on the cheeks to try to make him/her walk with you in the other direction.

Do NOT be loud or threatening in any way whatsoever. Do NOT be violent (Being firm is not the same as violent). DO use dog treats (dry dog food works perfectly fine in many cases).

The first thing you train your dog to do if you decide to get one: "Let go". Second: "Come here".

Puppies need to be taken outside to "do their duties" after eating, sleeping, and playing. Soon enough they'll learn to tell you that they need to go outside to have a restroom break. If they do it on the floor, don't be angry: You're the one that didn't realize that you should have gone outside a minute ago.

And remember to have fun. There's no point in having a dog unless you are able to get some kind of reward back from it.

 

[Jim Grim]

-Dogs are ugly and stupid and they drool everywhere and sometimes they make sweet love to inanimate objects. Try to relate to that.
-Treat them to a meal at the most expensive restraunt in town, tip the waiter generously to impress them.
-Make sure they know who's boss; ensure dominance through physical strength and force them to submit.
-Win their small dog hearts with a stirring speech.
-Show an interest in their hobbies and passions, you'll earn their respect while creating a bond of friendship.

That's all I got.

 

[Kurokami]

-Dogs are ugly and stupid and they drool everywhere and sometimes they make sweet love to inanimate objects. Try to relate to that.
-Treat them to a meal at the most expensive restraunt in town, tip the waiter generously to impress them.
-Make sure they know who's boss; ensure dominance through physical strength and force them to submit.
-Win their small dog hearts with a stirring speech.
-Show an interest in their hobbies and passions, you'll earn their respect while creating a bond of friendship.

That's all I got.

Thanks, so far it's gone perfect, but I've encountered a new problem. Apparently the dogs I'm trying to impress have a human master and I want to make a good impression on them. How should I treat it? Their owner is fairly small, if that matters. Any insights as to the fine art of pet-owner handling?

In no particular order: (All stuff I've been told to do when raising guide dog puppies)

Don't stare/look directly at them (unless they are really comfortable with you, ie have grown up in your own household); look away or to the side.

If they're annoying you, turn your back to them and/or yawn.

If they jump at you, don't be afraid of using your knees, then take a step back and turn to the side (ie don't be threatening, just make them know that you're not interested in being jumped on)

Let them smell your hands. Don't pet them on the top of their heads (this is threatening), go for the side or underside of the head.

If they bark, do not shout back. Otherwise you'll just be starting a barking contest. Most people don't understand this, so their dogs never learn to not bark. Look away and ignore the crap out of them. If they're barking at someone else, go over to them and get their attention. Stand in front of them with your back or side facing them, so that you are between the dog and the one receiving the barking. If that fails, give the dog a gentle push on the cheeks to try to make him/her walk with you in the other direction.

Do NOT be loud or threatening in any way whatsoever. Do NOT be violent (Being firm is not the same as violent). DO use dog treats (dry dog food works perfectly fine in many cases).

The first thing you train your dog to do if you decide to get one: "Let go". Second: "Come here".

Puppies need to be taken outside to "do their duties" after eating, sleeping, and playing. Soon enough they'll learn to tell you that they need to go outside to have a restroom break. If they do it on the floor, don't be angry: You're the one that didn't realize that you should have gone outside a minute ago.

And remember to have fun[i/]. There's no point in having a dog unless you are able to get some kind of reward back from it.

Thanks, incredibly helpful! Sincerely.

 

[Jim Grim]

Thanks, so far it's gone perfect, but I've encountered a new problem. Apparently the dogs I'm trying to impress have a human master and I want to make a good impression on them. How should I treat it? Their owner is fairly small, if that matters. Any insights as to the fine art of pet-owner handling?

That's a tough one, as the owner may react in a number of different ways when they discover the extent to which you are becoming involved in the lives of their canine friends. These reactions could include:

Disgust/confusion: This reaction generally suggests that the pet owner doesn't understand the new physical and emotional connection you have created between yourself and the dogs. This can easily be solved; next time you treat the dogs with a trip out to a theme park to ride the rollercosters, bring the owner along with you. Bring them into the fold, and they'll begin to understand the genuine love you feel for the dogs.

Anger: In this case it's best comfort the enraged dog owner with a spontaneous hug, or perhaps a light shoulder massage.

Jealousy: If the owner begins to see you as a threat to their position as leader of the pack, it may be necessary to engage in a battle to the death. During this engagement you should be armed only with your bare teeth. Also, it may be necesarry to remove some/all of your clothing for optimal results. If you win the fight, the dogs will be loyal to you unto death, and at night you shall run out into the fields with them and hunt rabbits and other small creatures.

 

[omega 616]

I only really have one tip, if you get a grey hound don't treat it like a normal dog, laying round the house eating fatty foods.

Get a good throwing arm and play fetch, a lot! If you want a feet warmer get a dog known for being more lethargic. Getting a speed demon like a grey hound why make it a slob? Get a slob and treat it like one.

Oh, huskies are dicks. Only get if you like screeching rather than barking and LOVE dog hair 'cos them fuckers never stop molting.