[CevepBiageCefm]

Rude indeed... At least she didn't do something real stupid.

I was at Petco, talking to the owner of a gorgeous Newfie pup.. I was petting her (after asking and making sure she was UTD on everything) and an employee came up, started petting, asking questions and ect. to the owner... Then she turned to the dog and said "Oh I don't know if I have any left..." and pulled out and handful of crappy milk bone type treats and offered it to the pup.. The owner asked quickly what was in them, she named the first ingredient and he said plainly not to give his dog that crap and pulled his pup closer, the employee put the treats away and he went on to explain how her sire's is a Gr CH or something, he's raising her to breed/show and she gets the best (far too smug for my taste, I was on the verge of asking what health testing was done and how pretty conformation proves anything lol).. the employee then started handing out training advice, even pulled out a training collar and started telling him what to do, and he said without hesitating that as far as he's concerned, what she said was wrong, and he doesn't train his dogs that way... Then she started pushing him about it, and telling him she's seen her training methods proven... She went on and on until he finally asked her to be quiet or go away...


Sometimes I'm glad J's a monster and can't go with my to pet shops I'd probably snap if someone slipped J a milk bone without asking, seeing as he's allergic...

I don't normally compare dogs to kids, but that's like someone walking up and handing your kid a milkshake or something.


Just a bit of advice, keep her in a heel while you're in the store. People are less likely to mess with her when she's right next to you without asking.. When I'm out, J's head it literally level with my hip the entire time if people are around.

[Aztegjpl]

This is funny because just today I was thinking about how I love taking Socrates to Petco because it is the only place where people respect his training. We are having a REALLY hard time trying to stop him from jumping around like crazy with strangers. When we are walking him I try to tell people who want to say hi not to pet him until he sits and to stop when he jumps...they never do. They just say "Oh no, it's fine."

Today we went to Petco with him and it was amazing. We had 3 employees telling him to sit, praising him for his sit, and immediately ignoring him when he jumped. I thanked them all a million times for their respect and patience. I must admit though, this one particular store is a lot different from any other pet store I have brought him to. In fact, it is the only pet store that we bring him to anymore because they are all so great with him. He is better behaved there than anywhere else because they ALWAYS make him sit for attention and treats. There is one particular employee who loves him and as soon as he sees her he plants his butt and focuses on her, waiting for some love. I have not had good luck with PetSmart at all.

[hexniks]

I HATE this too, I mean my boy is not HA or really even DA (it seems now its less and less dogs he reacts to the more dogs he is able to interact with) but I just HATE when people walk up behind you when your dog is sitting and start petting it. A kid did that to a class mate (Goren's OB class) on Sat....the dog he wanted to pet is the only dog in the class that will and does bite, he scared her and she snapped at him, the owner was very uncomfortable about the kid even walking up to the dog and was like Uh...and is VERY VERY VERY lucky that she did not actually get a hold of the kid. I think its very stupid for people to just assume in petsmart, heck he carries his dog in to the classroom area and out, we were practiceing come in a asle and that is the only reason the dog was not being held at that time (this dog bites the owner pretty much all class, but has been getting better but man I would never have adopted a dog like that, they got it because they loved its look...its like a JRT mix of some kind with long white and brown hair) Ok that is my rant for the day.

[VottCetaVeivE]

Yeah, i really like to show people how friendly these dogs are and Cleo really enjoys everyone and she always has a blast....me on the other hand could do without the people part. Im just glad she has a chance to get out of the house for a little while.

Is it a prerequisite for bully owners to NOT like people? LOL. I think all of us at some time has stated we don't like people and either is living or wants to live away from neighbors.

[loikrso]

When I am out in Public I just expect people to pet my dogs because it always happens. Now it is great when people ask first so I can put the dog in a sit/stay and if they don't it is a good time to educate them. Had this been me, I would have nicely told her that I did not mind her petting my dog, but you were working on him/her not jumping.

[medshop]

The employees at the Petsmart by me are really good about asking if they can pet the dogs. Usually they'll ask first if the dog is I'm training the dog and when I say, "no", they'll ask if it's okay to pet them.

The answer is always yes for Sinead, and no for Mick if it involves female kids. If it's an adult woman, Mick will already be acting his ladies man self, sitting with his chest puffed out, and his paw up. Yeah, he's hilarious when it comes to sucking up to women.

[Zdfjpbth]

The last time I was in in a "big box pet something" store I noticed that their pinch collars were crap!!! Make sure you buy a German one!

http://www.lcsupply.com/Product/Coll...ng-Collar.html

I use only this brand!!!

[deandrecooke]

On a semi-related note... Petsmarts are good to avoid. Not only for the idiot people that sometimes occupy that space, but there's also a lot of germs and diseases you don't want to be exposing your pup to. Just my $0.02

[dolaBeetCeage]

In fact I get dirty looks when I drill Lily on her OB ...

I have had this happen as well. I have been doing some OJT with Greta. People will call Greta to them & when she breaks a stay & gets corrected they get really pissy. It doesn't help that Greta is really soft & a pop will sometimes make her squeak. Big, bad, GSD. lol.

Some people just give me a nasty look while others even have the gall to say I'm "mean." I just tell them she is a working dog in training (like they couldn't read it on her vest) & that when in public she is working & is not to be disturbed. I also tell them if they want to be mad at anyone, be mad at themselves b/c it was THEIR fault she got corrected since THEY decided to disturb a clearly identified working dog in the first place.

Now that I have gotten her to where she will not respond to people, THAT even bothers them. They will call her, make kissy sounds & even pat their knees & say "come here." She just looks at them & looks away. Most then just look at her in a disgusted manner & walk off. Others meanwhile just decide they're going to walk over & pet her & act like I'm not even there.

People. Sheesh. I was raised to NEVER pet a dog unless you asked the owner first.

Blessings ...

[seperalem]

On a semi-related note... Petsmarts are good to avoid. Not only for the idiot people that sometimes occupy that space, but there's also a lot of germs and diseases you don't want to be exposing your pup to. Just my $0.02

agreed, ive always thought a place like that falls in the "setting your dog up to fail" category

[dolaBeetCeage]

Idiots & germs do occupy that space *but* you can encounter that anywhere. I mean if we were to avoid all places that have idiots & germs our dogs would never be taken to the vet clinic (talk about germ central!) or go for walks outside (all you have to do is read through the archives to see how many idiots our members encounter on a simple walk!).

The fact is, while I do not promote PetSmart or any like store as APBT-wise places to go just to visit, but they ARE great places to spit shine training due to the multiple distractions (people, other dogs, noises, smells, etc.). BUT ... I would ould only take a dog there who is not crazy DA.

Just my .02.

Blessings ...

[Frdsdx26]

while I do not go to places like that one...
I have a general rule about all of my things.. you do not touch anything of mine with out asking first... just respect... that is all...
I do not touch anything of yours with out asking first.. just respect...
lack of respect can get painful...