So here's how I deal with people who rush my dogs, wanting to pet. I kind of step in front if the dog and I say something like this:yes, or at least i try to at much as possible. Sometimes people ignore me when I tell them she has to sit to be petted. I especially hate the people that encourage her to jump....but lately we've been more consistent with it and she's getting better. She's only particularly bad with people she already knows. I wish I'd started the sit for pets from the beginning
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Oh, I see you are a dog lover! That's great! Would you like to help me train my puppy? (And of course being flattered they say yes). Thank you, you're SO KIND. So right now we're working on Public Manners. And he has to Sit to be petted. So give me just a sec to get him ready. (Then give either a verbal or hand signal to Sit him but DON'T use his name). Then turn and say, okay, ready, but just gently stroke his head if you would so he doesn't get too excited.... (this way you control the petting) Oh thank you SO MUCH, you've really helped me, you have a good day now! And Heel away.
Why not use his name? Because as soon as people know your dog's name they want to start using it. People, I am sorry to say, are stupid. So you get them going, "Sit, Corky, Sit! Good boy, sit. Sitsitsit!" Which is NOT how we teach Sit and why should your dog listen to or obey a total stranger anyway? Tellng a stranger your dog's name is like giving them the key to your car. If they ask, LIE. Tell them his name is Fluffy or Gonzo or Darth Vader or FIFI, or SUE, or even Nunya.