My two dogs have very different personalities. Moose (my eight year old shepherd mix) is very easygoing. He loves just about everyone, and would happily follow a stranger home if he thought there would be snacks or petting or both. Lally (my seven year old boxer/shar-pei mix) is far more skittish. She’s easily startled by things like sudden noises and quick movement.
When we’re out walking, I have to keep a careful eye out for things that might frighten Lally. When she gets scared, she can exhibit signs of fear aggression, including growling, barking, and lunging.
I saw trouble coming a mile away today.
Two little girls were walking through the parking lot. I spotted them before they spotted me and the dogs, and kept an eye on them. Lally can be funny around kids. Sometimes she’s great — with my upstairs neighbor, she’s friendly and gentle. Sometimes, she gets spooked.
As soon as they saw me, the little girls sped up. One of them started running, yelling, and waving her arms. I immediately started to lead the dogs in another direction, but Lally was already starting to grumble. We cut across the grass, but the little girls followed.
“Can we pet your dogs?” The waver shouted to me.
“It’s not a good idea to run towards a strange dog, waving your arms and screaming,” I said. “It can scare the dog and when they’re upset, they can bite you.” They stared at me for a moment. “So no, I’d rather you didn’t pet my dogs.”
I know Moose would have been okay with the two strangers. But Lally was already upset and I didn’t want to risk something happening. So we walked around the back of the nearest building and left the little girls behind.
I guess this will make me the “mean lady” who doesn’t let people pet her dogs. But you know what? I’d rather be the mean lady and have nobody get upset or hurt — including Lally and me.