Dear Ms. LaPooch,
My guess is that you always extend your paw, any time anyone asks you to shake. Am I right?
The problem is that, occasionally, when I go to extend my hand, the person I am facing withholds his. This gets awkward and doggoned embarrassing. Is there any reason, other than bad manners, for a person to refuse to shake another person's hand?
- Gladhand Wannabe
Dear GW,
You are correct about my extending a paw upon request. I always proffer a paw, generally in hopes that a tasty treat will reward my congeniality - UNLESS I am already in the midst of woofing a treat down. Request first; reward second is what I say.
Now with humans I understand that treats are not usually part of the exchange. I have observed refusals to shake paws, such as you describe. I suppose the refuser might have a hurt paw, or she might have been out digging in the yard for bones or whatever people dig in yards for. In either case, I should think the refusal would be accompanied by some sort of explanation, preferably given with a pleasant smile.
If there has been recent rancor between the two people involved, perhaps snarling or biting, one person may want to make up before the other is ready. I suppose the person on the making up side might consider the one not ready to make up rude, but I think that rapprochements need to be offered at just the right time. It may require another attempt later, or maybe a few words, such as: "I know you are probably still sore (about the recent bites, etc.), but I am sorry (to have bitten you, etc.), and I was hoping we could shake and let bygones be bygones. You get to be the alpha dog in this exchange, but please try to give me a break here." If that doesn't work this time, it might work the next time, especially if you have a treat in your other hand.
Does that help you?
Love and Licks,
Have a question? Bark up at zzlapooch@gmail.com!
