Comments for Something Wagging This Way Comes

Comment on I Am Afraid of Dogs by Jackie Bouchard

Jackie Bouchard — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:49:47 +0000

I have, in some situations, been afraid of dogs – mainly off-leash dogs in an environment where they shouldn’t be off-leash.

I was bit in the face by my aunt’s dog when I was little, but amazingly it didn’t make me afraid of dogs. (Which is probably weird.) So, no scars, physical or mental.

But I’ve been charged at by a vicious-looking barking dog while out running, and I’ve had scary encounters with loose dogs while out with my own dog(s). I guess I tend to be a bit too quick to walk up and commence loving on a dog who is with it’s owner – although I do always ask first if it’s okay to say hello – I guess I’m assuming they would say something before I got too close if there was a problem. But you know what they say about assuming… Best to be cautious!

Comment on I Am Afraid of Dogs by goldenrescue

goldenrescue — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:45:01 +0000

I tend to be a reserved person, and I don’t like to go where I’m not welcome. Dogs or people! I observe, not just a quick glance, but a long enough look so that I see the context of a situation for a dog. You’re right, some dogs just don’t need another person reaching out to them. Some dogs, in some situations, welcome it. Being bitten seldom comes to mind, although I’m sure a certain body language from the dog would suggest that. But if it looks as though the dog won’t enjoy it, I don’t introduce myself.

Comment on I Am Afraid of Dogs by Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:33:46 +0000

I like to think that I’m one of those people who can read a dog quickly. Some dogs I never approach while others I go right up to and say hi. And with some dogs, I just take my time. I have been around dogs my entire life so I’ve never been afraid of them. While I don’t think to myself, “that dog could bite me,” I always try to be respectfully cautious.

Comment on Balanced Dog – Mental vs Physical Activity by Bethany

Bethany — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:19:53 +0000

Finally hopped over from Fit Dog Friday and I am so glad I did! What an excellent and very important post. I can always tell that our boys are happiest when we find a balance between physical and mental activities. I had never thought about it before but, indeed, I am too!

Comment on I Am Afraid of Dogs by Roberta

Roberta — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:08:26 +0000

I grew up with dogs and cats, later had horses, and don’t feel afraid – am careful, but not afraid. The only bones I’ve broken is when a horse tossed me (did NOT fall off – big difference ). Only bitten once by a dog going for another dog with my hand in the way BUT had a very human/canine aggressive HOUND, who almost bit me twice and then led another dog to kill my favorite, gorgeous Penney. Lost 3 lives that day – have never recovered. Am very careful about pack dynamics and who I bring in. Very good post.

Comment on I Am Afraid of Dogs by Deena O'Daniel

Deena O'Daniel — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:03:24 +0000

I’d never been afraid of dogs till about 2 years ago when I was visiting family. They had two American Bulldog/Border Collie puppies, 8 months old and very big. The boy jumped up on me and came down with his teeth in my arm. We chalked it up to puppy exhuberance, but it still required 6 stitches. Now whenever anyone comes over to their house they have to lock the dogs up in the bedroom. The dogs are very devoted to and protective of the family and hate everybody else. I think they are a disaster waiting to happen. I see nothing border collie about them. Are border collies known to be agressive to non-family members? I’m going to visit them again soon and I’m very wary lest the dogs escape the bedroom. Never been afraid before!

Comment on I Am Afraid of Dogs by Jodi, Kolchak & FeliX

Jodi, Kolchak & FeliX — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:29:13 +0000

I think I was definitely guilty of this this weekend, though I tried to catch myself. One thing about a blogging conference like this is I think I was far MORE confident greeting the dogs than I might have been in real life. Perhaps the fact that we “know” these dogs lulls us into a possibly false sense of security.

Comment on I Am Afraid of Dogs by Flea

Flea — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:03:02 +0000

I was chased by plenty of dogs growing up, so I have a healthy respect for loose dogs. I guess I tend to watch the owner and listen to their cues.

It was great meeting you at BlogPaws. I fell madly in love with those two Cardis.

Comment on Balanced Dog – Mental vs Physical Activity by Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:58:29 +0000

Traveling is exhausting, no matter how long you sit. I’m glad you had a good ride and arrived safe. Have fun!

Comment on Don’t Let Anyone Judge You as a Bad Dog Owner – Good for the Dog; Good for You by lauren

lauren — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:56:14 +0000

i’m so glad i just read this post–though i wish had read it sooner. yesterday, i got into an argument on the street with a man twice my age. he came from around a corner with two dogs, and we didn’t have enough time for anything other than desmond to go right over threshold and start freaking out. it’s not easy for me, physically, to pull him away from a scene like that but it’s my only real option, as he’s unreachable once he’s over threshold. now, this man, instead of being at all helpful by simply walking away or standing still, starts yelling at me that desmond should be on a choke chain instead of a harness; that it’s the harness that’s the problem–all while walking him and his dogs toward us. i’ve been living on the edge of sanity for months now, and this was the first time i took desmond on a walk by myself in a very long time (but desmond has had some improvement in recent weeks, so i felt like giving it a whirl). needless to say, i lost my cool, and there i was, standing on a busy street at 6:30 in the morning screaming at a stranger.