"mean" dog stereotypes

[shais_mom]

Sorry to post 2 in a row but had to add my 2 cents worth about what happened once again at the vet today. Shaianne and I are sitting there minding our own business when this lady came in with 2 children and a pet carrier with a poodle and her puppies. The kids were oohing and ahhhing over Shaianne and then what do you know here they come the little girl practically fell across her. To say I was irritated was an understatement. My first thought (well ok second thought!!!!) I have to post this!!! Shai doesn't really mind kids, I have cousins and a nephew that climb all over her. But a strange child lurching across the room at my dog, gets me worked up!!! Thanks!!

[This message has been edited by shais_mom (edited January 05, 2001).]

[AdoreMyDogs]

Some dogs can be trusted with children throwing themselves all over that dog, but parents should ALWAYS ask if it's ok to pet the dog, and should always talk with the owner to make sure the dog does not bite. Not all dog owners will admit to the fact that their dog may bite, tho, and it's a shame. Parents should not only ask if the dog bites, but they should be able to read the dog's body language before sending the kids to pet it. Some parents are WAY too trusting, and I pray that they don't pay for it with a not-so-friendly dog.

Sometimes kids (of questionable upbringing) will come up to Graham and throw their arms around him without asking if it's ok, or if he bites. I adore kids, and so does Graham, in fact I have always believed Graham would be happier in a household with kids because he loves them so much, but the parents should ALWAYS ask before they come up to ANY strange dog. I was at the park a few weeks ago and a family with a couple little kids came running up to Graham. They were just about to walk up to him and cuddle with him and the parents, instead of yelling out, "ask if the dog bites before you pet it" they yelled out, "be careful, you two". I felt it was giving the kids false hope that all dogs are friendly. I stopped them before they approched Graham and made them aware that they should always ask before they pet ANY dog. After I talked to them, of course they asked if he bit, but it was only because I had to tell them first.

It sure would be nice if parents taught their kids to always ask before they pet a strange dog. It's easy for kids when they live with a dog that is normally untrustworthy, but most kids (at least where I live) have friendly family pets, and therefor, believe all dogs are friendly because of that.

[Sudilar]

I think you are right, Adore, about most kids who run up to a dog, having family pets that are friendly and they mistakenly believe that all dogs are friendly. Parents must warn their kids about unfriendly dogs. I don't have too much of this problem because I walk two German Shepherds at a time and when the kids run up to them, the kids usually stop in their tracks when they look at my Killian (he's 110lbs. and looks mean). THEN they ask if they can pet them. Luckily my two are kid-friendly. However, kids MUST be warned by their parents of the danger of strange dogs.
I must admit, though, even I ALMOST made the mistake of petting a strange GSD at our first obedience class. (I am not afraid of GSDs because I've never met a mean one personally.) It turns out that she was a fear-biter and I MIGHT have gotten bitten. (It turned out that she did like me and did not feel threatened by me.) If she did bite me, though, it would have been my own stupid fault.!!

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***Save a life, ADOPT***

[Karen]

Okay, I have to admit it - I was always one of those kids who wanted to pet any dog, despite my parents' warnings. The only scar I have on my face is from a neighbor dog, Reggie, a terrier mix who was usually confined to his own yard. I must have been about 3 or 4, and was playing in the front yard when in walked Reggie - so I threw my arms around him and hugged him like I did my own doggie. Well, Reggie chomped, and I was as shocked as I was hurt. I have a small (1/2 inch) scar right below my left lip, to remind me, as my Mom and Dad said then, "Not all dogs are hugging dogs, Wren-wren."
I will stress that my parents knew about dogs, and taught us often to be cautious around strange dogs, and how to approach them, etc., but I was too interested in the new doggie to remember their instructions. This extended to other species as well, only my Grandfather's hand firmly on my shoulder prevented me from trying to pick up the lovely blue-grey very feral kitten in his yard. The kitten's mama was hiding, crouched a few feet away, and Grandpa KNEW what would have happened had I tried, but still endured several minutes of "But, Grandpa! ..."

[MUD PUPPY]

SAME HEAR BOXERLOVER!!!:MAD:

I HAVE A ST.BERNARD AND WHEN I WALK HER PEOPLE YELL KUJO!AND RUN AWAY:ROLLEYES:

I GETS ME SO MAD!!!!!!

SHE IS SO GENTLE!!!!!

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MUD PUPPY