darkabsalom

No problems, glad to help! In terms answering you about people (not fluent in english) to move away I guess there's no black and white answer. IMO if the opposite side feels insecure and they move away thats fine. But if they signal you to move away...hmm no answer there, I guess you can let your dog move to the left side and somehow sign language to them that hes okay. This is worthwhile for people migrating or staying here long term, just educating people from other culture that dogs in australia are actual friends/companions...not food..not necessarily guard dogs hahaha I'm humbled that you think i'm female but sorry to disappoint you I'm a HE! I guess ms genki in your situation, to me the 2 most important things are good communication and reassurance. What more better way to establish communication than what you suggested? good ol muffins hahaha Personally i think food will enhance the relationship between you n your neighbours (but make sure the food is halal etc etc) Also writing a letter or even personally explaining to your neighbours that you understand their situation and their culture with dogs (even if you don't 100%) and explaining that in australia dogs are viewed as friends/companions etc etc then offer muffins + offer gettogether or just mini sessions for the families to get familiar with one of your dogs at a time. (keep reassuring that they are safe and your dogs are obe yeah it all depends on whether the family grew up with pets in general. I was terrified but hey i saw some beautiful dogs and made the effort to get used to them and here i am!

Haha never thought I'd post in DOL after being a reader for a few months! I'm a Malaysian chinese who migrated to this absolutely magnificent country 8 years ago. To be honest, I have always been terrified of dogs! Reason 1. People back in our country (and probably other asian countries) keep dogs as guard dogs. So when I was a cute lil high school kid walking past someone's house, a dog (most probably a GSD or rotti) would run up and bark like crazy. Thats just our culture and mentality. I would say most people think like that back in malaysia. Reason 2. There are strays on the roads, who are in poor shape and we do not have enough resources to help all of them. So stray dogs or cats are quite aggresive. Thats why we keep a distance from them. Reason 3. Because of reason 1, we unconsciously developed a stigma for guarddogs (especially GSDs and rottis) and hence the precaution we take. And truthfully, I was pleasantly amazed that dogs can behave so well in australia, it was like one of the mini culture shocks for me. I remember thinking.. "wow...dogs don't bark here" "wow...dogs don't charge up and bare their teeth at you" and also I am fortunate that I have friends who have pets and glad to let me get acclimatized with them. So please don't get offended, its just a natural thing for us to avoid dogs, doesn't mean we are not awe of your beautiful companions