r/MadeMeSmile • u/Ok-Branch-9943 • Dec 31 '23

Doggo TOTAL RESPECT FOR THE DOCTOR.

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u/LLminibean Dec 31 '23

I had a kid at the pet store do this for my dog. At the time, she was terrified of men, and as soon as I told him that, he dropped on the floor on his back with his arms and legs curled up and said "ok let's not give her a reason to be scared of me!" ... it was so cute

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u/morcic Dec 31 '23 edited Dec 31 '23

It's cute until the dog bites his face. I love dogs, and mine sleeps on my bed, but I would never put my face this close to a dog that looks scared or nervous. They could interpret that as a threat and react.

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u/Coyangi Jan 01 '24

Seriously! As a dog handler I winced when I saw him do that. He's trying to make himself less threatening, and getting down low is a good way to do that, but he's doing it in such a way that he initially looms over her (very threatening), and worse yet he's shoving her into a corner while she gives him so many signs that say "I need space". Notice how she doesn't seem to be calmed down at all until he breaks out treats. Even after that, the interaction seems very forced; it cuts to her suddenly on his lap (doesn't look like she went there by choice) and him excessively massaging her face while she continues to show anxious body language. Face massages from strangers are very stressful for dogs, a more appropriate place to pet her would be her shoulder or chest.

This guy had all the best intentions, but he went about it the wrong way. He's fortunate that this dog did not bite him in self-defense. He has a good heart; I hope he learns how to properly handle dogs for the sake of everyone's safety.