Let me explain...
in a way I hope everyone, dog trainer and not, can understand.
I am fairly introverted and I don’t like every person I meet.
It is okay for dogs to have and express their different personalities and preferences for social interaction.
I don’t enjoy going to parties with a lot of people. I prefer one-on-one interactions.
Its okay if a dog doesn’t like going to the dog park or doggie day care.
I don’t like it when other people’s dogs jump on me.
It is okay if strange dogs don’t like it when you pet or hug them.
I have different expectations of behavior when I am with friends than I do when I am a work.
Just because it is appropriate for your dog to greet others at the dog park does not mean it is okay for them to do so on the sidewalk.
Just because I let a friend hug me does not mean I will let a stranger to do so.
Its okay for dogs to behave differently around dogs they don’t know.
It is not my job to babysit your child or teach your teenager manners.
It is not the job of other people’s dogs to teach your puppy or adolescent dog appropriate social interactions.
Its okay for me to express my displeasure if you do something rude and I expect you to change your behavior when I do.
It is okay for dogs to express their displeasure if you or your dog does something rude and for them to expect change when they do so.
