We live in an area where there are alot of spanish-speaking only, mexican families - and we have a couple of garage sales each year. it always amazes me how the women and kids, even the men - are AFRAID of our golden retreivers!

Our last dog, Tristan, was actually a Golden/ chesapeke mix - but like the pits do - he had the wide-spaced eyes and the wide 'grin' and lolling tongue when he was happy - and he was happy ALOT!

I think when people who don't know dogs and can't 'read' their body language see a open mouth or teeth - their fear reads ANY teeth as if the dog is baring their teeth at them. WRONG!

Pit bulls unfortunately get alot of this because of their undeserved reputation, and the fact that when they're happy, they have these big, wide, toothy grins! But Dang - if people would just LOOK - they could see that every aspect of their body language is saying, pet me - love me!

If I were to meet Jada - as she is in that pose and that photo - I'd quickly be down on the floor playing with her - to me, her expression and body language are inviting and playful.

Just LOOK at her - her ears are relaxed, her face is 'open' her mouth is relaxed, she's sitting sideways on her tail! there's not a tiny bit of tension anywhere in her body - and a 'mean' or even scared dog, would be 'tense'.

Maybe you should teach your sister how to 'speak' dog? She might be a whole lot more comfortable around dogs if she understoof them!

Nope, Jada is a sweetie - and anytime she wants to come over and play, Fizz and i would be happy to have her visit!

laura