| Just holler to people to please restrain their dogs around yours, no need to gve a reason - or if you get one of those yahoos who shouts "Oh, my dog is friendly" - shout back "WELL MINE ISN'T!" with a nice smile. That's what I do. You could always carry some dilute lemon juice or a little vinegar/water in a small spray bottle, for very pushy dogs. (or their owners. :p)
I certainly wouldn't expect any of my dogs to totally ignore a strange dog rushing right up and getting in their face - or butt - I don't think it would be fair to correct your dog for reacting to physical contact from another dog.
As to not wanting to make enemies - I don't see how a polite request to keep an uncontrolled dog away from yours is going to make you any enemies. And your lovely new neighbors aren't very concerned about YOUR feelings, are they? Don't let people walk all over you, it won't get you anything but footprints on your back!
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Carina,
Cooper The WonderDog CGC, TDI & Daphne The Destructo-Rott. |