[nagdu] They know the dog is working?

[Michael Hingson]

All,

I am with Marion here.  If people insist on petting Africa I will get more
terse and pushy back.  I also will move Africa away from them.  I too point
out that petting Africa is rude especially after I requested that they do
not pet her.  I have gone so far as to say that this is not a negotiation
but a demand.

You are the one who is in control of your dog.  By the way, when I travel to
speak I always include remarks during my talks about how to behave around
Africa and all other guide dogs.  The vast majority of the time I find that
after speeches the audiences come up and behave appropriately.  I do also
take Africa out of harness during book signings and let her and audience
members visit.  Africa has to relax too.  When the harness goes back on
people respect that she is back at work. 


Best,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marion Gwizdala
via nagdu
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2014 07:28 AM
To: 'Abigail Bolling'; 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of
Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] They know the dog is working?

Abigail,

	I had a similar experience yesterday and I will tell you how I
handled it. I am the music Director at a church. A woman who has been there
a very long time was outside chatting with newcomers. The newcomers asked
about my dog and if they could pet it. I told them my dog didn't get petted
while he was on duty. The woman said, "You're not supposed to pet him, but
the truth is I sneak a pat from time-to-time." I told the woman that she
knew better and this was not good etiquette, whether I knew it or not. She
replied that she knew that but did it anyway. I told her that petting my dog
and taking advantage of the fact that I couldn't see her doing so was very
rude and the newcomers agreed. She said Sarge was irresistible, again
admitting she knew it was not acceptable but did it anyway. I asked her how
it would feel if I just walked up to her and started touching her
inappropriately and she said she would be offended. "so, don't pet my dog
because this is offensive, too!" was my reply. 

	If someone pets your dog, especially when they know it is improper,
do not feel hesitant to ask them to stop. If they disregard your request,
tell them that petting your dog is as rude as it would be if they touched
you without your permission. JMHO.

Marion Gwizdala





-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Abigail Bolling
via nagdu
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2014 10:06 AM
To: the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List
Subject: [nagdu] They know the dog is working?

Hi all,
I'd like to start this out with saying I hope you all had a great holiday.
And hope the new year is good for you and your furry friends.
Now I have a serious question for you all?
My mothers employees are almost like family. Mother has been at her place of
employment for over 30 years, and her staff all love dogs.

This one woman walked up to Jada this morning and started trying to get jada
to play with her.  Jada was in harness, and since we were in public, I
corrected her for reacting. The woman then continued talking to jada saying
"sorry puppy. I didn't mean to get you in trouble, I know I shouldn't be
talking to you because you're working."

What do/would you guys do in this situation? Since this happens every time I
go to work with my mother. 


Abigail Bolling
"Keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart, and just let the music
play." (Julie Anderson Diamond)
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