Yellow ribbon?
I'm taking my dogs (Shiba, Kai, chihuahua) to a Mardi Gras parade for dogs next weekend. My dogs are friendly and not aggressive at all and they love the parade, but my Shiba jumps on people and my chihuahua does NOT like to be touched by strangers. I have a stroller for the chihuahua so she can go and enjoy herself, but the zippered net broke. Normally this isn't a problem because she has never expressed any interest in jumping out of the stroller over the years. This will be my Kai's first parade and she will probably be held a good bit of the time since my shoulder seems to be her favorite hang out spot. She couldn't be friendlier though and I have no worries about bringing her.
My question is, because of the shiba's jumping tendency and my chihuahua's fear of strangers, should I use a yellow ribbon to let people know to give them some space? Neither has ever bitten, but there are lots of families with small children at this event. They bring lots of attention because of the shiba's looks and the chihuahua's size (only 5 pounds and people are amazed that she weighs that much). I would be devastated if my Shiba were to knock down a well meaning child and traumatize them or traumatize my chihuahua by having a person walk up and pet her before I can say anything. We had to leave early a few years ago because someone touched her without asking while I was holding her. She was so scared she tinkled a little and started shaking uncontrollably. If I had been able to talk softly to her while they petted her, that incident would have never occurred.
I have been going to this parade for 5 years and that is the only problem I've ever had, so it's not a huge issue. I have recently heard about the yellow ribbon program and thought it might be a good idea, but reading other non dog owners comments about how dogs "like that" need to not be in public makes me nervous. My dogs are friendly and loving. They are great around kids, but I just want people to be aware that I need to give permission for them to touch my dogs so I can prepare myself and the dogs. I give children space so my shiba won't jump on them and knock them down because I don't want any child to develop a fear of dogs in general, but especially at the hands of my over friendly shiba. It just seems that the yellow ribbon may be meant for aggressive dogs only and cause people to think the worst of my babies. What do you guys think? Should I make an "ask before you touch sign" or try the yellow ribbon? Or should I just do as I have always done in the past with no signs or ribbons?
My question is, because of the shiba's jumping tendency and my chihuahua's fear of strangers, should I use a yellow ribbon to let people know to give them some space? Neither has ever bitten, but there are lots of families with small children at this event. They bring lots of attention because of the shiba's looks and the chihuahua's size (only 5 pounds and people are amazed that she weighs that much). I would be devastated if my Shiba were to knock down a well meaning child and traumatize them or traumatize my chihuahua by having a person walk up and pet her before I can say anything. We had to leave early a few years ago because someone touched her without asking while I was holding her. She was so scared she tinkled a little and started shaking uncontrollably. If I had been able to talk softly to her while they petted her, that incident would have never occurred.
I have been going to this parade for 5 years and that is the only problem I've ever had, so it's not a huge issue. I have recently heard about the yellow ribbon program and thought it might be a good idea, but reading other non dog owners comments about how dogs "like that" need to not be in public makes me nervous. My dogs are friendly and loving. They are great around kids, but I just want people to be aware that I need to give permission for them to touch my dogs so I can prepare myself and the dogs. I give children space so my shiba won't jump on them and knock them down because I don't want any child to develop a fear of dogs in general, but especially at the hands of my over friendly shiba. It just seems that the yellow ribbon may be meant for aggressive dogs only and cause people to think the worst of my babies. What do you guys think? Should I make an "ask before you touch sign" or try the yellow ribbon? Or should I just do as I have always done in the past with no signs or ribbons?
Comments
That said most people don't know about the ribbon and are too rude to care even if they did.
In my experience even the friendliest lab will have anxiety in giant masses of people and revelry. I know you want to enjoy this with your pups but if anything has ever tickled the back of your mind as a should i? I would leave them home or only take your shiba there is a reason you thought should I. With your kai start small like farmers markets, build up to fairs before ginormous parades. anyways just my $.02
Anyways, I would not take the Chihuahua. From what you've said, it does not seem like the Chihuahua enjoys this type of thing and would be best to leave her at home.
As for the Shiba, start working on the jumping now. When the Shiba jumps on someone, say "Off." and remove the Shiba from the person and try again, and make sure that whomever you are using (or the Shiba happens to jump on) does NOT give them ANY pets while or after they have jumped up. If people give you the "It's okay, I love dogs!" line when the Shiba jumps up, tell them that "No, it is not okay. This is a bad behavior and it needs to stop." and take the Shiba away.
That's just one method and what works best with Conker. There are many more methods, and I suggest doing a search and reading previous posts on the subject.
There are lots of dog lovers/owners with no common sense and lots can happen. I know adults who have tried to bring their 1.5 year old to meet rambunctious large breed puppies without asking owners. I've seen parents who think it's ok to not only let their child approach my dog without asking, but even let their child put my dog's tail in their mouth (I was paying a farmer at that moment). I've also had adults, who when given permission to pet have instantly buried their heads in my dogs face and then ask why my dog is so unfriendly because she won't lick them while I stand there aghast and shocked.
Just a few examples of the galling absence of common sense (all these people were dog owners too). I've since learned to intervene much more quickly. Three dogs will be especially bad to handle if one of them reacts negatively.
Basically, I say there are two of you (you and your Fi), so there should be no more than two dogs. This way, each one of you can keep a good eye on the rude Red Stick natives that do not have canine manners and better protect your dogs. Which dogs you bring is ultimately up to you.
Hope to see you there! Enjoy the last week of vacay before school starts
I just want to have a fun day with the dogs and everyone's advice has really helped me. Maybe in the future I will be able to bring all 3 to the event (with another set of hands, of course) and we can all sit and enjoy the parade together!