I don't blame you. Some people are too interested and want to steal the dog, for God knows what! I'm having the same problem. People think because my dog is small and cute that they can do what ever the hell they want, in total disregard to you, as the owner. It's downright RUDE. Leash train him to NOT trust strangers. Show him as the pack leader, that YOU don't trust strangers, and he'll start to learn that too.
Say, "NO" if he approaches strangers, and gently pull him back on the leash. Do this repetitively on your walks. This is much harder in the dog park where he's loose, and everyone is trying to touch your dog. So better to start the training on the walks. While he's distracted teach him to obey your voice command, so the he will obey it even off the leash.
It is for his own PROTECTION, and to save you a lot of heartache of him potentially getting stolen and later abused, used for dog fight bait, (or God knows what), so better to PREVENT something from having in the first place. He should learn to trust family and friends and that's it, and to be wary of strangers, because you never know who you're dealing with.
This shows that you love your dog and want to protect him and I don't blame you one little bit. If he doesn't know any better you have to. Train him for his own protection, and either walk away quickly if someone wants to pet him, and ignore them, to send the message that YOU, as the owner, do not want strangers touching your dog.
You have every right to do so, and you NEED to set the appropriate boundaries so that you and your dog are respected and protected, from anything bad happening. Prevent before it's too late. You are the pack leader, the dog expects YOU to protect HIM.
As far as being submission to other dogs, look up dog psychology and professional training methods, to learn what is appropriate in that situation.
Good luck!
Say, "NO" if he approaches strangers, and gently pull him back on the leash. Do this repetitively on your walks. This is much harder in the dog park where he's loose, and everyone is trying to touch your dog. So better to start the training on the walks. While he's distracted teach him to obey your voice command, so the he will obey it even off the leash.
It is for his own PROTECTION, and to save you a lot of heartache of him potentially getting stolen and later abused, used for dog fight bait, (or God knows what), so better to PREVENT something from having in the first place. He should learn to trust family and friends and that's it, and to be wary of strangers, because you never know who you're dealing with.
This shows that you love your dog and want to protect him and I don't blame you one little bit. If he doesn't know any better you have to. Train him for his own protection, and either walk away quickly if someone wants to pet him, and ignore them, to send the message that YOU, as the owner, do not want strangers touching your dog.
You have every right to do so, and you NEED to set the appropriate boundaries so that you and your dog are respected and protected, from anything bad happening. Prevent before it's too late. You are the pack leader, the dog expects YOU to protect HIM.
As far as being submission to other dogs, look up dog psychology and professional training methods, to learn what is appropriate in that situation.
Good luck!
