05/31/2026
As a dog owner, I have the right to decide who interacts with my dog, when they interact, and under what circumstances.
So do you.
That shouldn't be controversial.
If someone asks to pet your dog and you say no, that's the answer.
If someone asks whether their dog can greet your dog and you say no, that's the answer.
Not the beginning of a negotiation.
Not an invitation to explain yourself.
Not an opportunity for someone else to tell you why your boundary shouldn't apply to them.
The answer is no.
One of the biggest problems I see in the dog world is the belief that everyone is entitled to everyone else's dog.
They're not.
You are not entitled to my dog's time.
You are not entitled to my dog's attention.
You are not entitled to an interaction simply because you want one.
And you are certainly not entitled to ignore a boundary because you disagree with it.
Maybe the dog is reactive.
Maybe the dog is fearful.
Maybe the dog is training.
Maybe the dog is working.
Or maybe the handler simply said no.
Every one of those reasons is valid.
And here's the part people need to hear:
I don't need to justify my decision.
I don't need to convince you.
I don't need your approval.
I don't need you to agree.
I need you to respect the answer.
Being polite does not mean abandoning your boundaries.
Advocating for your dog is not rude.
Protecting your dog's space is not rude.
Saying no is not rude.
What's rude is hearing "no" and deciding it doesn't apply to you.
As handlers, our first responsibility is to the dog standing at the end of our leash.
Not the feelings of strangers.
Not avoiding awkward conversations.
The dog.
Every single time.
So if someone tells you their dog can't say hi, respect it.
If someone tells you not to pet their dog, respect it.
If someone tells you no, respect it.
Because no is not the start of a discussion.
No is a complete sentence.
