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| Briard Puppies from Mon Amie Briards |
It is a wonder to me that people aren't bitten more often by dogs. The Huffinton Post ran an article about how not to get bitten. It centered upon a news anchor that loved dogs, but was a special kind of stupid around them. The dog was clearly showing signs of anxiety which she did not read or understand. She was more caught up in her own " I just love animals" and swooped in for a kiss and got nailed (bitten). It is unfortunate that the dog happened to be a pit bull type. But it wasn't his breed, it was the behavior of the human that triggered this. The three breeds most likely to bite are the Dachshund, the Chihuahua and the Jack Russell terrier. Cocker Spaniels are also at the top of the list.
Reality Check Folks: Sticking your face into a dogs face is considered aggressive particularly if you are staring in their eyes. How many ways can I say: Don't Do It.
Having people stick their faces in your dog's face happens a lot. I had Nana at a small town that is also a state park. Nana is cute and attracts attention. A young girl asked to pet her. I said yes, and put Nana in a sit position. My idea of "Can I pet your dog" was clearly different from hers. She immediately swooped in, stuck her face in Nana's and started loving on her. All I could think of is "Oh !@#$" .
Being who I am I couldn't help but say:
"It's really not a good idea to put your face in a dogs face, it is a good way to get bitten".
"Oh, I never get bitten" she said.
"You get bitten all the time" her Mother said.
Nana was a good girl and did nothing. Maybe the girl learned something, maybe she didn't. I did, no one gets to pet my dog; because Nana and I will be the one that will pay the price for someone's stupidity.
Some dogs are vicious, broken or mentally unstable and that wasn't a breed statement. I am not one of those who thinks there are no bad dogs only bad owners. I do think there are lots of bad owners and stupid owners and owners that should never be allowed to have dogs and they have great dogs; and some bad dogs can have really good owners. Some dogs should be put on the extermination list, but not without a fair trial and an opportunity to have the case reviewed by knowledgeable dog behaviorists not local county officials. Blanket zero tolerance laws are bad laws. Unless you plan to start putting children who bite on death row we need to stop putting dogs there unless they really have earned it.
