We’ve noticed a lot of curiosity around our “do not pet” hat and leash wrap, prompting us to share our insights in a comprehensive guide.
This article will delve into the reasons behind using these accessories to advocate for our dog’s personal space when we’re out and about. It’s about promoting respectful interactions and ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety in public settings.
Why Choose a “Do Not Pet” Approach?
Scout, our Australian Cattle Dog, is generally friendly, albeit initially shy. She warms up to gentle strangers quickly. However, we’ve made a conscious decision to manage her interactions with unfamiliar people in public.
For a deeper understanding, you can explore our previous articles on why we sometimes decline public petting and how we assess whether to allow greetings.
Key Reasons for Setting Boundaries:
- Unpredictable Interactions: Not everyone is adept at interacting with dogs respectfully. Some approaches can be overwhelming or even frightening for a dog. We prioritize Scout’s comfort and avoid placing her in potentially stressful situations.
- Establishing Healthy Habits: Allowing indiscriminate greetings can teach a dog that approaching every stranger is acceptable. This can lead to disruptive behavior in public spaces and even contribute to frustration-based leash reactivity.
- Building Trust and Handler Focus: Consistently advocating for Scout’s space reinforces her trust in us as her handlers. It assures her that we will manage interactions and prioritize her well-being. This is crucial, especially considering her history with fear-based reactivity towards other dogs.
- Respecting “Working Dog” Moments: When Scout is performing a command, such as “place” or a “down stay,” we consider it a non-negotiable moment for personal space. During training or focused tasks, unwanted interaction can break concentration and undermine the learning process. We believe in upholding our commitment to protect her space when she’s “working” for us.
- Permission and Consent: Fundamentally, we believe in consent. We prefer to grant permission for interactions rather than have people assume they can pet our dog without asking.
- Personal Comfort Levels: Sometimes, the decision is simply about our own social battery. Owning a dog doesn’t equate to public property. It’s perfectly acceptable to decline interactions if we’re not feeling up to it.
“Do Not Pet” Accessories: Our Choices
We currently utilize two primary “do not pet” accessories, which have proven invaluable in public settings.
(Note: We are not affiliated with either of these brands. For more product recommendations, please see our favorite dog gear article.)
The “Do Not Pet” Hat
Our first “do not pet” accessory was a baseball cap from True Loyalty MN. It was an instant favorite after we got Scout.
Why we love the hat:
- Direct and Visible Communication: The hat’s placement is ideal for immediate visibility. People making eye contact with us readily see the message. We’ve observed that headwear tends to attract more attention than messages on shirts or even a dog’s collar.
- Stylish and Functional: Beyond its advocacy purpose, it’s simply a great baseball cap, perfect for sunny days.
A minor consideration:
- Warm Weather Wear: Baseball caps can get warm, especially during physical activity in hot weather. It might not be the most comfortable option for intense outdoor activities.
The “Do Not Pet” Leash Wrap
Our second accessory is a leash wrap from Dog Days of Maxx on Etsy. Numerous similar options are available from various sellers.
We opted for the leash wrap as a more conspicuous signal in situations where: 1) wearing a hat isn’t ideal, or 2) we might not be standing directly next to Scout constantly. In these cases, having a visible message directly on her leash is beneficial.
Key benefits of the leash wrap:
- Versatile and Easy to Use: It effortlessly attaches to any leash with snaps, making it simple to put on or remove as needed, even during outings.
- High Visibility: The lettering is bright and easily readable from a distance.
- Strategic Placement: Being on the leash, close to Scout, it naturally draws attention to her. When she’s resting on her mat, positioning the leash with the wrap facing outward ensures the message is hard to miss.
Avoiding Misuse of “Do Not Pet” Accessories
It’s crucial to understand how we don’t use our “do not pet” accessories. Misinterpretations are common, and we want to clarify our approach.
Not Intended to Be Unkind
Our intention in using “do not pet” accessories is never to be rude or unwelcoming. Saying “no” to interactions is about prioritizing the well-being of everyone involved, not about being unfriendly.
We aim to be polite and empathetic, recognizing that most people are simply happy to see a dog. Unless someone is truly disregarding boundaries, we always respond to requests respectfully.
Instagram post about polite refusals
Not Implying Service Dog Status
We explicitly avoid suggesting that Scout is a service dog. Despite this, we often encounter the misconception that the “do not pet” sign indicates service dog status, particularly with the leash wrap.
Our accessories are clearly labeled “do not pet” and make no claims about her being a working animal with public access rights. It’s about personal space, not service dog designation.
Not a Sole Solution for Advocacy
We never rely solely on “do not pet” accessories for advocating for Scout. Visual cues are helpful, but not foolproof. Not everyone will read or heed the message, and some individuals may have visual impairments.
Our primary responsibility is to ensure Scout’s safety and comfort, regardless of accessories. We employ a range of advocacy strategies beyond just the hat and leash wrap.
Instagram post about broader advocacy methods
When “Do Not Pet” Accessories Are Most Effective
Despite the potential for misuse or misinterpretation, we genuinely value our “do not pet” accessories. Here’s why they are beneficial in specific situations:
Enhanced Visual Communication
While not our only advocacy method, these accessories significantly enhance communication. We’ve observed that the majority of people do notice and respect the message, especially on the leash wrap. This saves us from repetitive explanations and redirects potential unwanted interactions proactively.
Navigating Crowded and Unpredictable Environments
The signs are particularly useful in crowded or unpredictable settings. In busy environments, managing interactions becomes more challenging. If our hat or leash wrap prevents even a portion of unsolicited petting attempts, particularly from those who might not ask first, it’s a valuable advantage.
We don’t use “do not pet” indicators every time we go out. It’s perhaps less than half the time. However, when venturing to new places or anticipating potentially chaotic situations, these accessories are invaluable tools.
Extra Support is Always Welcome
Using a “do not pet” hat and leash wrap occasionally simplifies public outings. They aren’t foolproof solutions, but they are undeniably helpful tools in appropriate circumstances. They serve as an extra layer of communication, promoting respect for dog boundaries and contributing to a more comfortable and safer experience for both dog and owner.
