f r e s h s t a r t

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

We take it personally

Dog owners take their dogs' actions personally. When our dog misbehaves we feel that it reflects negatively on us, even if the behavior is instinctual. When walking my dog around 7am, I'll usually pass half a dozen dog owners doing the same thing. Sometimes the other dogs start stalking each other from down the street, walking low to the ground, and then run up to each other for a sniff, tails wagging. I'll chat with the other owner about how cute their dog is, how old, and they'll inquire about Henry's breed (mystery mix). We each walk away smiling, pleased with how well our dog gets along well with others.

Other times the other owner will pull their dog to the side as we approach. Their dog starts snarling or barking, and the owner gets a pained look on his face. "Jojo loves people, she just isn't good with other dogs" he'll say apologetically. I say something understanding, smile, and keep going. I do understand actually. Steven's dog Blizzard is one of the friendliest dogs I've met, but she's a bit, oh, overprotective when she's on a leash and around other dogs.

Sometimes after the friendly sniff one dog will want to play. He'll start jumping around, trying to entice the other dog to join him. This is often Henry, and it often backfires with more skittish dogs. They'll get scared, or start growling, and then I'm the one dragging my dog away, apologizing, "He just likes to play."

06:53 3 comments

Comments:

I never knew I had so much in common with your dog.

# posted by

Brian : 8:02 AM

Steven here: I just wanted to say that yes, Blizzard does get a wee bit overprotective of her walker when she's on lease and she encounters strange dogs on the street. But hey, she's a working dog who's job was to herd cattle and protect both her herdsman and livestock... Just cause she's in city don't mean she's vacationing. Can't help good breeding! :-)

# posted by

Anonymous : 10:28 PM

I'm not saying that Blizzard isn't a good dog, and that's actually the point, dogs have and act on instincts. Sometimes we humans find them to be inconvenient, but it's just the way they are.

And Danny, Henry and his walker might both aim for your stoop the next time we're walking in LP. Beware.

# posted by

Eliina : 9:51 PM