tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post6072783391862988794..comments2023-06-26T10:11:55.631-04:00Comments on Bringing up Bella: "Does she bite?"Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538737461438864728noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-88182025307105928732013-10-20T01:11:27.670-04:002013-10-20T01:11:27.670-04:00I think reporting you for saying "she could b...I think reporting you for saying "she could bite" wouldn't hold any weight. Bad analogy but it would be like getting arrested to boasting to your friends that you sold drugs once (it could be true or not true but there is no proof either way so nothing can be done). I know what you mean about wanting to just tell people she bites to keep the clueless ones from overstepping their bounds. Now when I pass owners who seem to want to let their dogs approach mine, I say "they are not friendly to other dogs" so I can avoid any issues while out enjoying my walk. I, too, have gotten my share of "shame glares" when I say that but I don't care....it makes the walk more enjoyable for me, Chester and Gretel.Jessica Rhaenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-55999534317895292122013-10-14T15:14:46.154-04:002013-10-14T15:14:46.154-04:00My response? "Only people who pet her after ...My response? "Only people who pet her after I've already told them she's afraid of people." :-D Or how about, "Let's not find out, shall we?" ;-)Jodinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-6911597766229690722013-10-11T17:44:52.420-04:002013-10-11T17:44:52.420-04:00Yeah, we don't take them to parks or anywhere ...Yeah, we don't take them to parks or anywhere else a lot of kids might be either. But they love trotting around in PetSmart, so I like to be able to take them there sometimes. There aren't usually very many kids there, but when they ARE there... I get nervous. I feel bad for the kids, because I wish they COULD just pet my dogs with no worries. <br />The more I think about it now, the more I worry. In the off-chance a bite did happen, it would be disastrous and tragic. Likely very little harm would be done to the child (there would only be a quick warning snap - they wouldn't bite and hold on), but we could still lose a dog over it and I would lose my mind for letting that happen. <br />Sigh... PetSmart trips may have to go. Or I'm just going to get them shirts/vests that say "Please Don't Pet Me" and to hell with what people think.Words With Wienersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-81589741943242928932013-10-11T16:08:32.263-04:002013-10-11T16:08:32.263-04:00It is a conundrum. And it's been so gratifyin...It is a conundrum. And it's been so gratifying to hear other people express their frustration with it, too.<br /><br /><br />I have to admit, I don't usually take Bella anywhere there would be a lot of kids running around. It just wouldn't be wise. And I have been very lucky that the children who have approached her, ask first. (I adore you parents for teaching that!) <br /><br /><br />I love those moments because it gives me a great opportunity to explain why and not just say no. I love to tell them she's scared and what we're trying to do with her. You can tell they're broken-hearted but I think they feel for her more than the adults do when I explain to them that she's afraid. It's been very sweet the few times it's happened.Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-37936289780330812222013-10-11T16:03:07.217-04:002013-10-11T16:03:07.217-04:00Oh that "all dogs love me" is going to b...Oh that "all dogs love me" is going to be the death of me! Arg!<br /><br /><br />But I do think telling some people that she's afraid of people is like a challenge to them. 'Oh, sure, she's afraid of people but I'll win her over.' Ugh. No, really, trust me, you won't. :(<br /><br /><br />You're doing such an amazing job with Shyla - she is such a beauty. And I would imagine that because she's a Lab it's even harder to convince people she's not gregarious. Your fighting against breed reputation there. I think sometimes Bella gets a bigger pass from people because she's black. I guess in one way the stereotype works for us.Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-81120792109162668842013-10-11T15:59:11.172-04:002013-10-11T15:59:11.172-04:00I thought of you when this happened and wonder if ...I thought of you when this happened and wonder if Morgan is somewhat protected from 'idiocrasy' at least in part, by her breed? Have you noticed any difference with how people approach the hounds vs. the shepherds? Of course, I also know how well you manage the situation.Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-38090729133784273582013-10-11T15:55:39.425-04:002013-10-11T15:55:39.425-04:00It's been a great discussion here this week an...It's been a great discussion here this week and thanks for your contribution to it. Bella isn't fond of crates and, to be honest, I'm not sure I could fit one that's big enough for her in my car. <br /><br /><br />That said, from a safety perspective, Bella is both seat-belted and kept behind a barrier in the car. Maybe I need to get bars for the windows as well? ;)Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-81874898826341259372013-10-10T09:07:06.499-04:002013-10-10T09:07:06.499-04:00I loved the yellow ribbon campaign, and have stron...I loved the yellow ribbon campaign, and have strongly pushed it where I can. But was put off when someone asked me if you are in legal problems if advertising that your dog may bite by wearing a yellow ribbon? I didn't know what to say!Laurannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-56716869711301468802013-10-10T06:21:36.464-04:002013-10-10T06:21:36.464-04:00I usually say "anything with teeth can bite&q...I usually say "anything with teeth can bite"...some of the worst bites I've seen have been from human toddlers!Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-15339493290480109652013-10-10T02:58:18.815-04:002013-10-10T02:58:18.815-04:00Humans suck for many reasons and this is one of th...Humans suck for many reasons and this is one of them. You've had heaps of good suggestions Leslie. I think 'warning' vests and collars are great ideas but they don't really help if your dog is in a car and approaching stupid people can't easily read what they say. My only suggestion would be to have Bella in a crate when she's in the car, does she hate being crated? Another thing in favour of having dogs in crates when travelling in the car is the safety factor. Having said that I don't have crates for my dogs, I'd have to buy a van! <br /><br /><br />The legal question is interesting. I don't know the answer to that either.Sue Muirhttp://greyhoundscansit.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-83831575426670303092013-10-09T23:54:06.598-04:002013-10-09T23:54:06.598-04:00I wish the DINOS (Dogs In Need Of Space) campaign ...I wish the DINOS (Dogs In Need Of Space) campaign took off, or became more widely recognized - they advocate putting a yellow ribbon on your leash so others know to stay back. Thankfully Enzo likes wearing his basket muzzle and gets very excited when we pull it out. He likes going out, he just doesn't want to meet people.Yvettenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-68051940803069683372013-10-09T23:04:49.674-04:002013-10-09T23:04:49.674-04:00I have been In similar situations with Morgan. Sh...I have been In similar situations with Morgan. She hasn't bitten, but she definitely has the potential and it would most likely be a stranger if it happened. I tell people that she might and they shouldn't take the chance. Of course, if we have Morgan out somewhere, we have one of the other dogs, and I usually intervene with one of them while my husband manages Mo and removes her a bit from the situation. No way am I risking having someone come up to her, though!houndstoothhttp://TalesandTails.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-32651337901600745352013-10-09T21:22:26.462-04:002013-10-09T21:22:26.462-04:00I don't know anything about the legality of it...I don't know anything about the legality of it but I've been sorely tempted to say that Shyla bites in similar situations. Because, when a dog is terrified and trapped by an approaching person, you never know what they might feel they need to do to defend themselves. It is amazing how some people do not even slow down when you say that your dog is afraid of people. Some assure me that "all dogs like them". <br /><br /><br /><br />I personally think that almost any dog could bite when in a car and a person "invades" the car with their hand. I never ever do that to any dog, except for one who I know very well. <br /><br /><br /><br />Bella does look like such a sweetie - I can see why people want to pet her.KB - RompRollRockieshttp://romp-roll-rockies.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-88326157455971465622013-10-09T21:02:21.217-04:002013-10-09T21:02:21.217-04:00That's an excellent idea. I've thought ab...That's an excellent idea. I've thought about them in the past but have never followed through. It might be time.Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-22536641647899068022013-10-09T21:00:39.378-04:002013-10-09T21:00:39.378-04:00LOL - thank you for that. I needed a good laugh. ...LOL - thank you for that. I needed a good laugh. :)Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-82549259558423327412013-10-09T20:15:50.912-04:002013-10-09T20:15:50.912-04:00Sorry, no legal knowledge on this matter... just w...Sorry, no legal knowledge on this matter... just wanted to chime in because I relate. We have Dachshunds (always rescues), whom not-so-affectionately can be known as "land sharks"... in other words, yes, they can and will bite. <br />Mine specifically? Mine have never bitten a stranger so far, but the possibility is always there, ESPECIALLY with children. We don't have kids and never have kids over at our house, so they are just not socialized to kids. So when we decide to venture out in public (say PetSmart, for example), and I hear children scream "WEENIE DOGS!!!" and come racing up to my dogs, I cringe. Really, really cringe. I'm almost certain that one of them is going to bite the ever-living-loving sh*t out of a child. <br />Then why do I take them in public, some might ask? Well, because they deserve adventure too, geez! They do not and will not approach strangers (adults or children); in fact, they give as wide a berth as possible to strangers... so it takes a stranger approaching them for there to be any danger of a bite. So am I supposed to keep my dogs out of the public because YOU can't control your children around them? <br />When people are kind enough to ask first, I tell them that the dogs are nervous of strangers and it's best that they not be petted. But what we usually run into is the scenario above... kids that just run up to them with no warning. EVEN if they were okay with kids, they would still not be okay with a child unexpectedly charging directly at them. There's nothing we can do... if we are stern with the parents about letting their children go after our dogs without asking, then WE are the bad guys. <br />So I know how that feels. You can't admit that they MIGHT bite, but you can't stay mum about the possibility either. It's a conundrum. But honestly, it shouldn't be. I have never, not once, petted a another person's dog in public without asking. But usually, I don't even ask. I just admire their dog(s) from a distance, and even though I may be DYING to love on them, I respect their space and leave them be. Now, if a dog approaches ME for lovins, then that's a whole different story, lol. Then I'm happy to dole out all the lovins they want.Words With Wienersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-90028853140190819432013-10-09T20:14:33.801-04:002013-10-09T20:14:33.801-04:00maybe it is better people think you are mad, rathe...maybe it is better people think you are mad, rather than your dog ;)jetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-79361123479225175172013-10-09T19:04:52.672-04:002013-10-09T19:04:52.672-04:00What about getting Bella a Working Dog vest from A...What about getting Bella a Working Dog vest from Amazon, and telling people she's in training?rottrovernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-20373993597145632592013-10-09T16:39:46.238-04:002013-10-09T16:39:46.238-04:00Yeah, I'm not sure what the regs are other tha...Yeah, I'm not sure what the regs are other than we have leash laws and some good anti-BSL laws here. But it's definitely a good idea for me to look into it. <br /><br /><br />You know, normally this isn't an issue for me - it doesn't really matter what mood I'm in because I don't usually handle it - Bella takes care of it herself mostly. ("You can't pet me if you can't catch me!") But in this case, she was in the car and had nowhere to go. And maybe I was feeling especially cranky but we had such a good outing that was about to be blown to smithereens if I didn't do something. I now have a good arsenal of alternative, more polite responses to draw from. Hopefully I'll remember them and be ready. :)Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-70646484764709059012013-10-09T16:34:01.797-04:002013-10-09T16:34:01.797-04:00I'm learning to care less about what people th...I'm learning to care less about what people think and more about what's best for Bella. It is not easy for me to stand up to people but you're right, sometimes they just need to be dealt with bluntly.Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-81747983563508872562013-10-09T16:32:56.621-04:002013-10-09T16:32:56.621-04:00I swear if I hear one more person say "but do...I swear if I hear one more person say "but dogs love me", I am going to lose my sh*t. (Pardon my language but it speaks to my frustration.)<br /><br /><br />I shouldn't but do believe there are people dense enough to continue approaching a growling dog. :\ Good grief. Good of Mr. Punks to set him straight.Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-38603419937743569592013-10-09T15:58:28.449-04:002013-10-09T15:58:28.449-04:00I have no legal knowledge to help guide you, but.....I have no legal knowledge to help guide you, but... I always say err on the side of protecting your dog no matter what! With Lucas - who did try to bite someone once and is petrified when strangers reach a hand out toward him - I just STERNLY say, "He doesn't like strangers." People glare at me, but it backs them off. That's more important to me, but I totally get the embarrassment factor that goes along with it. Most people just don't have dog sense, and when a dog is as darling as Bella (and Lucas, if I do say so) they're going to stick their hands in their faces. If someone's willing to chat, I'd happily explain all his issues and the reasons I don't let strangers greet him in unfamiliar places! Of course, no one's ever asked (outside of the internet)...Maggiehttp://ohmydogblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-84740943937156288632013-10-09T15:55:54.614-04:002013-10-09T15:55:54.614-04:00I made the total wrong assumption about Gus! But h...I made the total wrong assumption about Gus! But how awful that the woman with the poodle set your training back so badly. Dog people really should know better, even if the general public does not. :-(Donna and The Dogsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-32167518205698073952013-10-09T15:49:16.286-04:002013-10-09T15:49:16.286-04:00I have no legal knowledge, but I totally back you ...I have no legal knowledge, but I totally back you up 100% for saying "Yes," to protect Bella! While Riley doesn't bite people or show any aggression towards them, she's not the friendliest with most other dogs. I used to hate it when people would ask me "Is she friendly?" or "Is she aggressive?" when they'd already have their dogs up in her face anyway. Well, actually what I always hated was having to say "She's not always friendly," or "She only gets along with some dogs." For Riley's comfort, I've learned to tell people in advance of them letting their dog rush her (well, most of the time, sometimes the owner loses control so quickly that I have no advance warning), "She's not friendly." I hate the judgmental looks that she gets, but I'd rather not stress Riley and have the other dog bitten or injured.<br /><br /><br />People have about zero sense when it comes to approaching strange dogs (most people assume that every dog loves to be petted, or they mistakenly assume that if they pet one dog, your dog will be jealous and feel left out). They also have about zero sense when it comes to letting their dogs "greet" your dog (read: letting their dogs rush your dog). :)<br /><br /><br />Oh boy, this topic gets me all fired up!! (As you can tell).Elyse and Rileyhttp://www.adventuresofacattledog.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-42936387586381569742013-10-09T15:33:45.139-04:002013-10-09T15:33:45.139-04:00Sadly, I am sure this is true. "Idiot filter...Sadly, I am sure this is true. "Idiot filters." Love that.Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.com