Greeting New People

Interesting he's OK with the kids petting - some dogs are just funny about getting petted. Meadow will sometimes back away a few steps if we reach out to pet her, even if she's approached us looking like she'd actually LIKE to be petted.... She really doesn't like a hand reaching over her head, so we start at chest level. I would see if you can give adults treats to lure him with - if Kester sees a reward in it he may grow more tolerant. But if he doesn't, well.... I always tell myself (and others!) that Shelties are not Goldens, they don't automatically love everyone!

Eli will often approach people on our off leash walks, then when they reach down to pet, he moves slightly out of the way. Depends on the person, though.

 

Brodie was socialized up the wazoo - it's still HIS call how he reacts to people. He is not a fan of kids but mainly because they attempt to push themselves on him. With adults, there's really no rhyme or reason to who he feels is adequate to be permitted to touch him and who simply is not good enough for whatever reason. Go to his level, ignore him, let HIM check you out instead of the other way around and you have a better chance. We've had uber dog people at our house who he wouldn't go near - we just explain it's the sheltie mentality not to take it personal. Kooper loves it because it means he gets ALL that attention.

 

Zulu is a lot like Brodie. No rhyme or reason, it is almost like he can read their body language, or maybe their smell..

 

Callahan and Mackie weren't socialized properly and never let anyone touch them.
Koko walks up quietly to strangers and lets them pet him.
Fillion is at the end of the leash doing the bucking bronco to go say HI!! to pretty much everybody.
Benson, raised by the same breeder as his dad, won't let any stranger touch him.
I think it's just the individual dog...

 

Oberon loves attention, for the most part. He really loves kids and will let them pet him, even a little roughly. He's pickier with adults -- most are able to pet him but there's a few he just won't tolerate.

 

Piper loves everyone and will put his front paws on their leg if they don't pet him fast enough ...I had him in obedience from the time he was 3 months (and it never really ended). Finnie will sometimes let people pet him but he's more likely to back up...then go forward when they pull their hand away...then back up...and....you get the picture. If they turn their back on him he's more likely then to allow petting. Hates kids.. he'd never hurt them but on a walk past a school it's bark bark bark...