Wednesday 8 November 2017

Inappropriate sniffing?


Recent reports on 'sexual harassment' in our Westminster parliament have recently given me paws for thought about my own behaviour in public.

By all accounts (OK, some accounts), conduct that was considered acceptable between humans a couple of decades ago is now likely to give offence.

I am wondering if the same is true for dogs?

Although it is hard to admit it, I am now a middle-aged pup, and I fear I may be losing touch with the latest thinking on these matters.

Is it still OK to greet a bitch in the park?

Indeed, is it still OK to refer to her as a bitch, or should that be 'woman dog'?

And what is the latest thinking around sniffing etiquette?

I so hope the rear end is not going to be declared a 'safe space'...

Gosh and I do enjoy licking my private parts, but maybe I must in future confine this innocent pleasure to the bedroom?

It is all so confusing for the male pup these days. Friends, can you give me some guidance, please?

16 comments:

  1. Discretion is the better part of valor Bertie. Perhaps when greeting the female persuasion refer to them as a Lady and always be a gentleman which some humans of the male gender clearly are not

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  2. I hear you...it is not easy this days to be a real guy...and just between us, the girls are more offensive than me when it comes to sniffing special parts...

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  3. Hari OM
    Fear not Bertie, in the canine world, things stand as they always have, of this I am certain.

    As for the hyooman thing... I am not at all certain that it is a case of 'used to be acceptable' ever, that a man (and it predominantly is, with rare exceptions to make the rule) would be okay to put hands where they ought not to be or any other such thing. Two decades ago, two centuries ago, two millenia... unwarranted sexual approach has always existed, but it is only now that - finally - the human race may be growing up and tidying up. The voice of those who have been targeted, from little people, to women and even to men, are at long last being listened to.

    In the park, though, wee lad, you just carry on as you were. In the canine world, the female of the species knows how to say 'no' and the male knows how to hear it! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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    1. Gail agrees with your take on the human thing!

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  4. Dear Bertie. Muzzer says that dogs make their own rules, but be careful not to offend the human end of the leash.

    teka

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  5. My Good Buddy Bertie....good buddy! You have always displayed the ultimate in gentlemanly K9 behavior. In my feline mind I do think the 2 leggers could learn a thing or 3 from the 4 leggers. You say what you mean and you mean what you say. No mixed messages. Just keep doing what you do BUT may I please make one REQUEST.
    Please protect your fabulous WFT tail. That big sheep dog got a wee bit too close to it for this WFT Tail Fan
    Hugs madi your bfff

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  6. Dear Bertie, I have just met my furfriend Oscar on my walkies, he is a 13 year old blenheim cavalier, a pawfect gentleman and we sniffed each other from nose to tip tail and I can tell you neither of us were offended. So I finks we can continue as before, its the peeps who need to sort themselves out, us pups have always know how best to meet and greet other furfriends
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  7. All looks like normal dog behavior to us!
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  8. We think you have, and always will, act as the gentleman you are Bertie!
    xoxo,
    Jakey, Arty & Rosy

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  9. Bertie - No need to worry. It's hopefully not too disobliging to note that your behaviour is certainly more gentlemanly than some cabinet ministers.

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  10. Well good gravy, I never even thought about such things. Though my human assistant remarks that i sometimes get a little annoyed when male dogs try to get a little up close and personal with me.

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  11. As long as the dog you are sniffing says it is ok, sniff away!
    You can lick yourself where and when you want.

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  12. Jessie says that a polite sniff to the hindquarters is still just a polite hello. Just don't sniff too long or get pushy!

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  13. Bertie-
    I think it is still okay to call a girl dog a bitch, because my sister Tegan is a little bitch. I sure hope it's okay to sniff butts, because I don't plan on stopping..BOL!
    Wyatt

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  14. Everyone likes a friendly hello...Since I'm not a poochie...a friendly smilie would suit me fine...Coffee is on

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