Question of the Day - Wednesday, September 24th, 2025

[casportpony]

Today's question is from @Squawkers:

How do you react (internally and externally) when someone pets your dog without asking?

I don't have a dog, but if I did, I would not care if someone petted them without asking.

 

[thecatumbrella]

If it's a child, I'm thinking, "Where are your parents?"
If it's an adult, I'm thinking, "Where are your parents?"

I'm probably uptight, but I think it's in poor taste to just pet someone's dog without asking. Also, it feels like 100% of the people that do this reach for the top of their head. Most dogs (mine included) hate that.

 

[azurbanclucker]

Today's question is from @Squawkers:

I don't have a dog, but if I did, I would not care if someone petted them without asking.

No one pets my dog without asking. She's an insane barker with strangers and they're always cautious. She would not bite anyone, she's just a spaz.

 

[Squawkers]

If it's a child, I'm thinking, "Where are your parents?"
If it's an adult, I'm thinking, "Where are your parents?"

I'm probably uptight, but I think it's in poor taste to just pet someone's dog without asking. Also, it feels like 100% of the people that do this reach for the top of their head. Most dogs (mine included) hate that.

Exactly

 

[Squawkers]

I get beyond furious. It’s rude, disrespectful, and inconsiderate. I might not act like I’m mad, because I hate hurting peoples feelings, but I am.

 

[Somewhere_In_The_Clouds]

I don't take them out in public. And if we're at home and they dont know you, good luck catching them

 

[fluffycrow]

The lap dog is very, very friendly (with people), so he will approach a few on his own to get pets. As he’s aged, it’s easier to keep him under control.

I don’t like anyone petting him without permission, but it does happen.
What was really infuriating was a woman who took the liberty of taking photos of him without permission, after petting him

 

[Evadig]

I haven’t had anyone pet my dogs without my permission.

My Eva barks enough to make the most impetuous person think twice.

 

[azurbanclucker]

This is Loki, he was the goodest boy. No one petted him without asking, either (unless they were familiar with malamutes). And he LOOOOOOOOOOVED pets and never ever met a stranger. But he looked very intimidating.

Miss him.

 

[WingItRanch]

I always ask first out of respect for the dog and the owner and expect the same in return.

On the reverse, I also think it's rude not to keep your leashed dog close to you unless the stranger shows interest. Don't just let it go right up to people because your pooch is super friendly. I'm a huge dog lover but my brother was almost killed by a lab when he was young and is terrified of dogs, even friendly ones. Also, some people have serious allergies!