What's something dog owners know that everyone should know?

After owning an easily frightened dog, I've become extra aware of how people should interact with dogs out in public places. You should always ask a person before you reach out to pet the dog because even if the dog looks friendly to the owner, the dog may be extremely frightened of a stranger and attack if you reach towards it. I've noticed little kids are the most likely to run up and pet a dog without asking first, which can be dangerous to them. Parents need to teach their kids to ask the owner first.

What's something you want non-dog owners to know?

That's a good lesson, Nick. I also have a dog that is afraid of people. She will come around to you after a few meetings. But, I have to warn people not to try to pet her on first meeting. It's amazing how many adults do not know you shouldn't reach out and pet a strange dog.

What I would want non-dog owners to know is that it's not mean to set boundaries for a dog. I've had people say that it's wrong to crate a dog, it's mean to deny them treats when they beg, and so forth. No, it is not mean. A dog needs structure. If you fed it every time it asked, it would be a hundred pounds over weight. You need to set boundaries so they grow up with manners. You wouldn't raise a kid by letting them run wild. You don't do it with a dog either.

Here are just some rules I usually teach my nieces.

1. Rough housing isn't allowed.
2. If you want to approach my dog, get him to smell you first.
3. Try not to pet the head immediately. It can be perceived as an act of dominance. Highly reactive dogs might even resort to biting.
4. Don't go excitedly saying how cute he/she is because it's annoying to me and can be intimidating to her.

I think non-dog owners should know that dogs are kind of like kids. They misbehave and it's not the owners fault. We have a neighbor that used to yell over the fence when our dogs would bark just once or twice. We never let them consistently bark and it was always during the afternoon, not at night or in the morning. Dog owners cannot be perfect and sometimes it is difficult controlling pets.

I think one thing that non-dog owners don't know that dog owners do is that the dog is a part of your family. You love them as you would your own kids. Non-dog owners tend to think that this is just an animal, or a pet that you just happen to have. But nothing could be further from the truth, the dog is member of the family, and we love them as much as any other family member.

I never let children pet my dogs without the parent's approval and the parents being right there. I tell people to please approach gently and slowly. My dogs are little but still they can be frightened. Any dog who has teeth can bite. Even though my dogs have never bitten anyone, there is always a change that they just might. So, for the protection of all, there needs to be consideration and respect.