dog people: is it rude to say no when someone asks if their kid can pet your dog

@r.oyelaran_rn+163

Not rude. I've stitched up children who petted a dog that was giving every signal and the adult said yes to be polite.

@cody_dogwhisperer+149

trainer here: "no, he's working" is a complete sentence and you owe nobody a reason. say it kindly and keep walking.

@ruthiebee+137

as someone who always asks — i genuinely do not mind being told no, i mind being told yes by someone who's nervous about it

@willow_mushroomhunts+121

depends on the dog and the answer should still be no by default, because you can't assess a stranger's kid in two seconds