Dogs as judges of character....

[leelapops]

Just met a couple on walkies who seemed very keen on my Collie Jack. He is nervous and wary at the best of times, but usually he'll warm to someone if they aren't pushy or intimidating.

This couple put their hands down, didn't approach too soon, got down to his level...essentially, did all the right things to put Jack at his ease! But he wouldn't entertain them at all.

Are dogs better judges of character at first meeting than people? He was pretty adamant they wouldn't be getting close to him. He's not had a bad day or been particularly uptight. x

[fredpuli47]

I suppose that dogs are like us. There are times when they don't feel particularly interested in the company of some strangers!

I find that some dogs aren't interested in ME, the cheeky devils! And I surely reek of my dogs, hopefully only noticeably to dogs, to such an extent that strange dogs cross the road to say 'hello', so it's hardly the case that dogs don't know a doggy person. Must be down to their judgment and mood. Then again, your theory could be right! (Must try to live with that thought) :)

[jules77]

I think collie's in particular would rather meet people on their own terms and mine would rather do the 'approaching' as opposed to vice versa.

One young little lady I have will sit on the stairs and weigh people up for sometimes up to half an hour before coming to say hello.

[leelapops]

Ah, fredpuli, I don't think it's personal ;) I just wondered if it was what we might call a personality clash? Or if Jack just wasn't interested? I often get odd looks from the dogs that I pass, as I pull little faces and chatter away to them like we are good mates!

The guy was saying I should walk him down into town on a busy day to get him used to people...Which put me on edge slightly! Maybe Jack understood...I don't really agree with flooding. I would rather just avoid that situation. It is rare that Jack will ever need to be i n the company of crowds of people, and I am not missing out at all.

Those uninterested dogs don't know what they're missing fred, it's their loss! ;)

[leelapops]

jules you are very right! It's just that they had been chatting for a few mins, by which time he would usually be curious enough to take a wander over. I totally respect his wishes though, no means no, and he'll never be forced into a situation he's uncomfortable in.

Your little lady seems to have the right idea!

[fredpuli47]

Yes, leelapops, indeed And some breeds in particular are noticeably stand-offish. The classic example is the Hungarian Puli, which ignores every human ( including, if it can, its owner, to whom it gives affection occasionally and only on its terms!).It may be a trait of sheepdog breeds,not just the Hungarian ones, because they are all bred to be with one owner and work for and with that owner, ignoring anyone but him or her unless forced, by order, to do otherwise. They are 'one man breeds' and prefer life that way..

[Kleiber]

Hi, leelapops - my Jake's the same. He's fine if anyone comes into the house (more than fine, actually - he's usually all mover them!), but if he meets anyone outside, he'll turn the other way & leg it! Maybe it's something with collies...

By the way, thanks for the thingy on sportsbank - I'm still trying to work out how to add friends & access my inbox!!