Lady Wants To Know If She's An AH For Telling People They Can't Pet Her Dog
You've probably heard people say that their dogs are like their children. It makes sense, however, as for many animal lovers, a pet is frequently just as much a part of the family as any human.
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But as evidenced by the numerous individuals who appear to believe it is entirely acceptable to pet other people's pets or offer them gifts without asking, our affection for animals doesn't always translate well in public. It's not always a good idea to pet a stranger's dog.
Look, it's only normal to want to reach out and pet a cute ball of fur that is strolling toward you on the sidewalk or relaxing close by in a park. But then the presence of strangers may cause problems for some pets.
Therefore, it is advised that the most crucial thing to do before anything else is to ask the owner if you can pet their dog. This is all the OP in today's post is asking for, as strangers will just reach out and pet her dog as they go for a walk.
She stopped a boy from petting her dog once, and the boy's mom yelled at her for being selfish as the dog obviously wanted to be petted. I'll take a pause right now and let you read the OP's AITA story below.
OP asks:
![OP asks:](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/a58136ffc918bf02a426486339b324c8_18639_700.jpg)
The OP has a high energy, sweet dog
![The OP has a high energy, sweet dog](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/e6f098428fe5370e5f13a25bb4eb156a_18639_700.jpg)
The OP's dog has now learned that she can pull her leash
![The OP's dog has now learned that she can pull her leash](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/edb56acd9338c2a7944f3d8f186ff527_18639_700.jpg)
We’re working on her focusing on walks instead of getting pets
![We’re working on her focusing on walks instead of getting pets](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/191a1615d907b76b4ff0c3d018fb39e5_18639_700.jpg)
I could have stopped to let the boy pet my dog
![I could have stopped to let the boy pet my dog](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/a8e71c6b3302fe185ead626d7fc9552e_18639_700.jpg)
Here are what Redditors had to say about this issue.
People that feel entitled to pet other people's pets
![People that feel entitled to pet other people's pets](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/7f5728a0d5dcbf01774071c3f104c3d0_18639_700.jpg)
No one is entitled to pet your dog
![No one is entitled to pet your dog](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/b6fbcf2112d4b5320a2c33c9215799b9_18639_700.jpg)
This Redditor is not surprised the OP's friend agrees with the woman
![This Redditor is not surprised the OP's friend agrees with the woman](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/a3c875b415029c23da14971ae76dc694_18639_700.jpg)
No permission, no dog petting
![No permission, no dog petting](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/ff0ccb44f10090758a9a9b6b07bbf97c_18639_700.jpg)
You do not a reason to tell people no
![You do not a reason to tell people no](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/b29a6a2be69abbca33854609f6490379_18639_700.jpg)
The mother should teach her kids to ask for permission
![The mother should teach her kids to ask for permission](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/272500a39dcb8e13db9748296f48538c_18639_700.jpg)
It is important to respect boundaries
![It is important to respect boundaries](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/fdee4aa7289b6b5ee1455c2b92a629a8_18639_700.jpg)
You don't know what the dog might do otherwise
![You don't know what the dog might do otherwise](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/3468ead74f89799ab1fde87a78501894_18639_700.jpg)
She is adorable so everyone wants to pet her
![She is adorable so everyone wants to pet her](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/29a523d0ee12dfcb9cd379c23a2acced_18639_700.jpg)
It's your dog and you have that right
![It's your dog and you have that right](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/731e007703161e038fbf7a4c3ba5200e_18639_700.jpg)
No, he wants to pounce on her
![No, he wants to pounce on her](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/622133ca990a4211c8b85d102381ae7c_18639_700.jpg)
Stopping for every stranger is not proper exercise
![Stopping for every stranger is not proper exercise](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/a224e05d62d989541cbaca698929017b_18639_700.jpg)
Let him ask first because it's not his dog
![Let him ask first because it's not his dog](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/d5dbb36835154854121210b4a1bb8f86_18639_700.jpg)
Random strangers reinforce bad behaviors
![Random strangers reinforce bad behaviors](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/6f500019023ec7e1c885b0241ff68837_18639_700.jpg)
Get your dog a loosely fitted mask
![Get your dog a loosely fitted mask](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/c4c288d5433c77e7c3685ab2c2c1ad39_18639_700.jpg)
This Redditor is impressed the kid asked at all
![This Redditor is impressed the kid asked at all](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/a4e7531113f5f1d1fa6ad45f0964c5b9_18639_700.jpg)
Good on knowing your dog well enough
![Good on knowing your dog well enough](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/5644e2713f1c5292337543a9a58c5a5a_18639_700.jpg)
You are not obligated to let anyone pet your dog
![You are not obligated to let anyone pet your dog](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/576eed91f87fbc81e79f9495c63d1b12_18639_700.jpg)
People needs to keep their hands to themselves
![People needs to keep their hands to themselves](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/a1c02c497d26afed50e86da523ee169b_18639_700.jpg)
You should be allowed to dictate who touches her
![You should be allowed to dictate who touches her](https://static.pupperish.com/posts/fc87a2f7609d85a4fe1789b17d22a729_18639_700.jpg)
Who would not want to pet a cute dog? It is normal to want to pet, play with, and care for any dog you come across, whether because they have the reputation of being "man's best friend" or just because they are so adorable.
But then, when thinking about approaching someone else's dog, you have to remember to ask the owner's permission first.