Actually, I often explain to people that Sadie is shy and just accepting a treat from a stranger is “trick” enough. And, I don’t mind when people ask Sadie to “sit” for her treat, a common request and a behavior that is nearly automatic for her. What I objected to was an over-the-top demand delivered in a way that clearly intimidated Sadie (she backed away, tail tucked)–thus, my showering her with treats to encourage sniffing and eating, both stress-reducing behaviors, and to interrupt Blago Man. The good news is that most people don’t Blago my dog when they offer her treats. But, some people do overstep what seems to me to be acceptable bounds once they’ve wrapped their paw around a scrumptious cube of freeze dried liver.

I wonder if there’s middle ground between you and Deadairis. Most people are probably thrilled to give your dog a treat, but would really get a kick out of seeing a dog “earn” it. It seems unfair to ask people to help you but expect them to know *why* you’re not asking the dog to perform. Before you hand over the treat, can you come up with a quick explanation of why you just want them to deliver the treat? I also liked the idea of the owner putting something impressive on cue so the dog does it automatically? Once people understand “why”, especially when you deliver it with a smile (or “you’d really be helping me by…”), I’m sure they’d be happy to comply. Plus, with the explanation, you’re passing along a nugget of *knowledge* (possible reply from helper: “Oh, I thought ALL dogs love EVERYONE they meet! I had no idea some dogs are so afraid!”). It could open up a discussion and provide you with an opportunity to gently explain better behaviour for humans around dogs.

And if these humans don’t know how to handle the peculiarities of your animal as well as you want them to, it’s not their fault. It’s your responsibility, and yours alone, to make sure humans interacting with your dog know the correct way to do so – or to keep that person away from your dog.

Must point out, though, that I’ve been equally hassled by people who were mad that I did NOT ask their dog for something before handing over a treat. Maybe we need a secret phrase or handshake to better ID fellow “free treaters” in the wilds.

In these situations, I usually CUE some sort of thing like “say hello” so that people are less likely to ask her for something else. The other saving grace is that Lilly has a hard-wired, default SIT, so strangers are usually impressed enough with that to hand over the goods.

Love your blog,
Wendy

I was in a pet supply store several months ago and there was a darling young girl with what I would guess was about a 10 week old puppy. She walked right up to me with her hand out stretched and asked “would you like to give my puppy a treat”? I almost wept with happiness that this child (under the age of 10 years old) had obviously been educated on how to socialize her puppy appropriately.

Sadie is so lucky to have you!!