How to properly warn people that my dog might lick their face without ruining their excitement?
Charlie is a 10 year old dachshund/beagle mix we adopted a few years back. Absolute sweetheart, not the best with random encounters with other dogs, and loves kids (we know he had kids in his previous household).
We live in an apartment complex and almost every time we head outside there is a person or a kid that wants to pet him. And I know he's good with people so I let them. But I always say right after saying yes that "oh be careful though, he might try to lick your face". He gets super excited when people give him love, and his reaction is to hop up and kiss their chin or cheeks. I usually keep him under control, but I give a warning just in case because I know some people do not like that from dogs.
I'd say half the people have no change in their demeanor but the other half either change their mind about petting him or get visibly less happy. I don't mind either way, though Charlie will get moody when he doesn't get the attention he thought he was going to get.
I never thought about changing my warning until this little kid froze up and cried when I said that.
I guess the question is should I change up what I say? Is it the "be careful"? Should I just not say anything?