Q: People often approach my dog to pet or hug him when we are on walks. I want others to respect his space and ask first, but I don’t know how to tell them no.

A: Dogs should not be forced to interact with people and other animals. Your dog does not need to tolerate strangers touching them. You should advocate for their right to space.  

Many people are naturally drawn to dogs and want to pet and play with them. However, this can create stress and cause fear for your pet, who may prefer avoidance and distance. For most caregivers, it is difficult to be firm when saying no to strangers. You could start by saying something like, “He’s not feeling sociable today.” You may need to be more direct and forceful, putting up your hand to indicate stop and saying, “No, please don’t touch.”

Some ways to set boundaries include:

• My dog is in training and cannot be distracted, but thank you.
• My dog does not like being touched.
• My dog is not feeling well today.
• We are in a hurry.
• My dog is nervous or reactive.
• My dog has a contagious condition.

Using brightly colored leash wraps and patches for harnesses that say “stop”, “give me space”, or “reactive” can provide a visual stop to warn people off. Properly fitted and conditioned muzzles can be comfortable for your dog while creating a safety zone out in public. For the caregiver, shirts or utility vests can also display warnings of needing space.

Be prepared for resistance from those you have stopped from petting your dog, regardless of how polite you are. Even though a caution leash wrap or muzzle does not mean your dog is dangerous, you may receive questioning looks or comments.