Originally Posted by
larwyn
Well since you folks seem to know my dog better than I do, I guess I should thank you for informing me of his dark side.
We are not likely to find out anyway, as my dog does not run the streets off leash, though he does "raise a little cane" while running from one side of the house to the other in the back yard barking at pedestrians and bicyclists as they pass on the street. He is even louder when they happen to be traveling along the creek bed just over the back fence. I cannot fault him for guarding/protecting "his" back yard (actually, he is probably trying to say; "Come on!! Let's play!!!). But he is behind a 7 foot high fence (designed to keep deer out of the garden) and thankfully that fence protects him from all those who would kick at a playful animal as he has never shown any sign of violent aggression toward anyone or anything. But I do understand why you think I do not know my dog, if you attack him, he probably would hurt you trying to protect himself from you, so on that point I reckon I was wrong. If you speak softly and hold out your hand he would likely attempt to lick it, but from the tone here you would probably interpret his action as attempting to rip your arm off.
Obviously, I care enough about my dog to be a responsible dog owner. I do protect him with a sturdy fence, a strong leash and effective obedience training. I'm sorry to have joined in on this thread but I would protect my dog to the same degree as myself or any other member of my family and there are many more like me.
Just something to think about. It would not be wise to let your fear of dogs put you in danger of a confrontation with a protective dog owner.
You do not comprehend what is being said. YOU may know your dog. STRANGERS do not know your dog. It is not reasonable to EXPECT strangers to know your dog. It is not reasonable to burden strangers in public spaces with the RESPONSIBILITY of stopping and approaching every loose dog they encounter in the way that particular dog accepts being approached. That's why the law places that RESPONSIBILITY on the dog owner to control the animal.
The law also does not permit you to "protect my dog to the same degree as myself or any other member of my family". The law considers that a dog is not a person. It is, for almost all purposes, property. You can dislike that truth, but if you ignore it in your actions, you will be guilty of criminal assault charges at best.
I love dogs. I trained dogs for years in obedience, competition, agility, shutzhund, and correcting behavioral problems. I worked with Canine Companions for Independence in their puppy fostering/training program - for free. I am not afraid of dogs.
Your perspective of the "protective dog owner" is unfortunately accurate. There are a lot of dog owners that refuse to take responsibility for controlling, training, and supervising their animals, yet react violently when their "family" is menaced as a direct result of their failure. I can point them out to you virtually on sight at any novice obedience orientation. It's rather alarming.
KeS