Dear Labby's answer to treat-dispensing strangers

Dear Labby,

There's an elderly woman who brings her rescued Bulldog to the dog park every morning. The other dog parents love her - she's sweet and frail and doles out treats to any canine who approaches. I've christened her the Treat Lady. Problem is that my dog, who needs a lot of exercise, now hovers expectantly around the Treat Lady instead of running around.

I've asked the Treat Lady repeatedly to stop giving cookies to my well-fed dog, but she still slips him treats when she thinks I'm not looking. The other park-goers look at me as if I'm attacking the lady's character when I ask her to stop, but really I just don't want her feeding my dog. This is the only off-leash park in my area. Help.

Signed:

Majorly Irked by Frenzied-Feeding Elderly Dame

First, try yelling, "Hey lady! How'd you like it if I hung out at the playground stuffing your pudgy little grandson's face with moon pies and cherry coke?"

No - on second thought, no one wants to be seen slapping the hand of kindly old Grandma Milk Bones. Or making threats to her kin.

There are a million reasons, M.I.F.F.E.D., why it's not ok for strangers to give candy to babies. But clearly, this woman missed the lesson. So, since you've already issued several requests, your best bet is to hit her with a good old-fashioned lie.

Tell her you know she means well and you appreciate the affection she has for your dog, but Sir Poops A Lot was just diagnosed with severe allergies. Any non-approved treat could result in severe stomach upset and an emergency trip to the vet. You could even add that the last well-intentioned treat giver ended up with a nice little pile on his shoe - yes, that's how quickly the reaction occurs!

Oh, and unless you're planning to run for mayor, don't give another thought to the dog park's Greek chorus. Won't be long before one of them is sued for biting the hand that fed them... er, their dog.

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	This happens at our dog park too, problem is my dog nips when not given a treat properly (ie: flat handed). Any suggestions on how to keep my dog from biting the hands that feed her? over 1 year ago by Anonymous
	I used to side with the treat giving people and use to wonder why people made such a big deal about it untill I wound up having a dog that has irritable bowel disease its horrible watching what she goes thru when she has one of her "episodes" I have to be very careful with what she is fed and now I completely understand why people don't want others to give their pets treats without their permission, I know they mean well but if they saw what it does to my dog hopefully they would never do it again. almost 2 years ago by Anonymous
	Hi! This is an interesting topic. My ex uses a service dog to work and travel. Even when people were told not to give the dog "treats" they would sneak up (after all, he's a blind guy and won't know, right?) - sometimes even grapes, which are pretty rough on a dog's digestion. It does NOT make it conducive to working when your dog has indigestion in the office. Service dogs in particular have to have impeccable "manners" for extended hours - feeding them or petting them when they are working is really distracting to the dog, who is trying hard to do the right thing, and even dangerous for the dog-partner. Love, Kathy about 2 years ago by Anonymous
	Personally, I would nicely tell her, while you appreciate what she is doing, that it is creating the problems you mention. She might not realize what she is doing. Worst case she might get a little miffed at you but really, who cares?. You are doing what is right for you and your pooch. It's not like you have to deal with this person at your office or at home. There are people at my dog park I don't get along with I just ignore them when I am there with them. Others in the group might also appreciate it too! If you really want to avoid her being upset with you just lie and tell her you vet told you to stop giving her ALL treats due to allergies or weight issues. Something like that. over 2 years ago by Anonymous

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