Should you ask??

Following a post on another board do you think that because Crufts is open to spectators who pay to go in it gives them the right to touch any of the exhibits without permission?

i think they should ask, but with my own breed, if i am talking to the owner, the dog usually 'asks' for a cuddle anyway

As I said theres a similar topic on another board where someone pointed out exactly what I experienced on Thursday.Spectators seem to approach 'unmanned' benches to stroke the dogs and don't bother so much with the dogs with owners sat with them.

Personally I think it is disrespectful to touch someone elses 'property' without asking. I would always ask. As emma says with staffies when you talk to the owners the dogs push themselves onto you to get cuddled. But I definately think you should always ask.
Tracie

Always ask!

You pay to get into the event not touch the dogs !

I would normally ask, not only at a show, but in every situation
here are my reasons:

1)At a show, the owner is nervous, this transfers onto the dog... I would be tempted to go back at the end of the show if I wanted to talk to the owner/pet the dog...they don't need the extra nerves before the show.

2)Although, I don't think of dogs as 'property' I agree with what scotbun said.... if someone on the street went up to you child and hugged them they would probably ge sued a la Michael jackson!

3) This applies particularly if you are walking your own dog.... you never know if a dog (or his owner!!! ) is agressive, so it's safer to make sure.

As for paying giving them the right to touch the exhibitors, you might remind them that it's a show, not a feel!!


There are obvious exceptions, as Emma said, if a dog comes up to you demanding a cuddle it's very difficult to resist!!

Must say when we were there last year there were lots of people poking their fingers through the staffys cages - the dogs are already stressed out with the whole Crufts atmosphere as well

i would never touch anyones dog anywhere without the owner allowing it

i'd always ask after standing there cooing at the dogs for 10 mins