Brad, The next time you have an inquisitive dog, merely clap your hands loudly right in front of their nose as they are approaching. This will discourage most dogs. If you also clear your throat at the same time it will sound like a growl and the dog will get the message. If he still continues, hold your hands out (below the level of his nose so you don't trigger his "dominance" instinct) so that as he approaches you can stop his approach by gently lifting his head upwards and away from your "privates" while you scratch with your fingers. The dog will love it and you will remain in control of the situation and retain your dignity. More on the dominance thing. When two dogs meet for the first time, they try to prove which is "dominant" by rearing on their hind legs and pawing downwards on top of the head of the other. In "pack dynamics" there is only one leader so in this situation each dog has the option of turning belly up or being the dominant one. If two wish to be dominant there is a fight to prove the point. Now the majority of domesticated dogs have never been in a pack since they were puppies, but the instinct is always there. If you stick out your hand to pet them on top of the head they will usually duck and go around it but it you go in with your palms up below the nose you can easily the control their actions. Hope this helps, Warren Brad Smith wrote: > > DGPEAKE@aol.com wrote: > > > > In a message dated 97-12-02 09:46:59 EST, you write: > > > > << Actually, the real function of the piano tuner is to > > rearrange the furniture, and annoy the cat. > > > Actually, the cat annoys me. I am allergic to cats. I bring the inhalers, > > nose treatments, etc. with me on my calls. I wish I could avoid them > > altogether, but I figure at least 50% of my clients own them. > > OH! ..don't get me started on THAT!! I think I am becoming a grumpy > old man at 35. My pet peeve is when they have a dog who OWNS the > house. They insist that he just wants to sniff you, (as far as I'm > concerned, it's sexual harrassment) and if you resist, they say, "Oh, > you don't like dogs?" And I reply in my mind, "Not when I get their wet > nose in my crotch!" > > In the interest of true political correctness, and kindness to animals, > isn't it about time we dispense with the handshake, and just SNIFF each > other? > > Of course, it's business, and I will put up with it because it comes > with > the territory. And to many people, their pets are their family. > It could be worse, I could be in the Army right? ;) > > Brad Smith, RPT > Manchester, NH -- Home of the Humor List Warren D. Fisher fish@communique.net Registered Piano Technician Piano Technicians Guild New Orleans Chapter 701
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