Bear with me, as this is a rant.
"Hey, Girl."
A road construction worker was standing by a truck with a group of guys. He spoke to Liv as we crossed the street. We were on our first walk of the day when Liv needed to do all her business.
"Please don't talk to her," I said as we crossed the street.
We did not know him. We were not approaching and were quickly crossing the street when he spoke to Liv.
He probably thought I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
Fortunately, she ignored him and focused on getting across the street so she could potty, as she does not like to conduct business close to home. No cars were coming, so getting her attention did not put us in danger -- that time.
Sometimes I do not mind when people speak to Liv. I know she is irresistible.
Sometimes it is safe. Sometimes I do care, and it is just unavoidable. It feels like almost every walk could be an educational lesson, and sometimes it is hard because I am just trying to take Liv for her walk. I have to constantly be vigilant to keep us safe since she doesn't understand that streets are dangerous and not every person is necessarily safe. I am her guardian and protector. I don't see myself as an owner as much as her person and guardian.
It is okay if a child says, "Hey, Doggy! Look at the doggy." First of all, they aren't always talking to her. Second, they are a child, forgiven for talking to her without permission.
It is not nice and not your right (even though she is cute). It is not safe or respectful to say, "Hey, Doggie!" when a person and a dog you do not know are crossing the street. That is effectively calling the dog. It can put the dog in harm's way, not to mention frustrate the person to no end.
Almost worse are the women who gush over her, "Oh look at you, what a sweetie, hey good girl." She hears and sees them and believes they are calling her because of the tone and what they are saying.
"Would you like to pet the doggie?" I ask them if they are so close they are unavoidable or if they seem to be gushing over her. To my surprise, sometimes they say nope, I am good.
Please don't bother other people and put a dog in harm's way by calling out when you don't know it, especially if it is in the street.
If you don't want to pet the dog, don't call it to you.
It is different when someone looks at me and says, "Can I say hi to your dog?" Many young children know to do this. Barely able to form words, they say it to me. That will be another post.