Reaction Of Chinese People To My Dog

[tarope]

I am wary of Rotties but it's got nothing to do with newspapers, it's from my own experience with them, and not just a one off, 3 so far.

I'm scared of Rotties, I'm scared of Rotties falling into the hands of Irresponsible owners who know nothing about them and keep them on a chain and dump them at the pound when they can't handle them. If this dog bites someone, the whole breed gets the blame.

I feel very sorry for you, to judge a breed on the actions of three individuals. :D

[~Shepherd~]

I am wary of Rotties but it's got nothing to do with newspapers, it's from my own experience with them, and not just a one off, 3 so far.

I'm scared of Rotties, I'm scared of Rotties falling into the hands of Irresponsible owners who know nothing about them and keep them on a chain and dump them at the pound when they can't handle them. If this dog bites someone, the whole breed gets the blame.

I feel very sorry for you, to judge a breed on the actions of three individuals. :D

she can feel what she likes, I cant stand heaps of breeds.

[megan_]

I am wary of Rotties but it's got nothing to do with newspapers, it's from my own experience with them, and not just a one off, 3 so far.

I'm scared of Rotties, I'm scared of Rotties falling into the hands of Irresponsible owners who know nothing about them and keep them on a chain and dump them at the pound when they can't handle them. If this dog bites someone, the whole breed gets the blame.

I feel very sorry for you, to judge a breed on the actions of three individuals. :D

this is the reason I've avoided adding to this thread until now. I imagine that if I got bitten three times by a certain breed I'd be wary too - Krislin didn't say that she hated them, supported BSL etc etc, she just said she was *wary*.

I don't walk very closely to larger dogs that I don't know. I don't hate them either, but I don't know the owner so would like a bit of distance in case they lunge. I'd do the same for little dogs but they can't inflict the same injury on me.

[Kelly_Louise]

THat's some pretty extreme reactions given Sasha looks like a bit of a softy from your banner pics?

My Mum is s-l-o-w-l-y getting used to bigger dogs (only because she loves coming to the dog park with Timmy) and it's taken 18 months. For some reason she's always had a fear of any big dogs (we're talking anything around the size of even a kelpie +). At first some owners were offended by her stand-offishness but others have been great and have really helped to a) educate her and b) help her overcome her fear.

I was gobsmacked a month or two back when she approached a rottie owner to ask for a pat at a dog day out. "Oh look at his big smoochy smile" she was fawning. This was miraculous for her.

It is extreme, that's what makes me so angry. It's not necessary... yep she's a big sook, and what people don't know is she is MUCH more afraid of them than they could ever be of her. But they don't give her a chance- - they see a big dog and assume she is ready to attack. I have seen people who are afraid of big dogs around her. I encourage them, but don't push them. I am very respectful of people who may be afraid and go out of my way to ensure that they do not feel uncomfortable or that Sasha can not scare them in anyway. However, when I get silly reactions like that when my dog isn't even looking at them - I just can't stand it. Big dogs are stereotyped, and it's very frustrating.

The other day, we were walking past the shops. A maltese and JRT were tied up out the front of the shops. As we walked by, both dogs barked, growled and lunged at Sasha (who tucked tail and tried to get away quickly). The owners coming out laughed. I said, would you think it funny if my dog did that to yours? And they said, but ours are only little... and i said, doesn't give you any right not to teach them manners... they give ALL dogs a bad name (and why you would tie aggressive dogs up in a public place and leave them unsupervised is BEYOND me). So it's generally okay for a little dog to carry on, but if a big dog did it (or even just growled slightly) I'd probably have the ranger knocking at my door. Fortunately, Sasha just looks at me to make sure she is behaving correctly and to guide her through the problem - but I can see the 'why are they allowed to do it?' question on her face.

Most big dogs are just gentle giants... please give them a chance and don't stereotype them!

[Acacia]

We actually got a call from the pizza delivery guy to come out and get the pizzas because he was scared of our (gentle) giant

I don't get offended, not everyone likes dogs and not everyone is used to our male dogs size. It doesn't take long though. Our neighbours said when they first met our male, they thought he was huge, they don't think he is that huge now

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I have small dogs and generally a lot of Asian people don't seem to like them, crossing the road to avoid them.

I normally step off the pavement when I see them coming, if they like dogs they usually say something but most of them don't speak at all.

Some people have been very fearful and started to make scared noises and we haven't been all that near!

It's a cultural thing, a Chinese colleague told me that many Chinese people were brought up to be fearful of dogs due to rabies etc.

[Kirislin]

I am wary of Rotties but it's got nothing to do with newspapers, it's from my own experience with them, and not just a one off, 3 so far.

I'm scared of Rotties, I'm scared of Rotties falling into the hands of Irresponsible owners who know nothing about them and keep them on a chain and dump them at the pound when they can't handle them. If this dog bites someone, the whole breed gets the blame.

I feel very sorry for you, to judge a breed on the actions of three individuals.

this is the reason I've avoided adding to this thread until now. I imagine that if I got bitten three times by a certain breed I'd be wary too - Krislin didn't say that she hated them, supported BSL etc etc, she just said she was *wary*.

I don't walk very closely to larger dogs that I don't know. I don't hate them either, but I don't know the owner so would like a bit of distance in case they lunge. I'd do the same for little dogs but they can't inflict the same injury on me.

Thankyou for reading my post Megan! I haven't actually been bitten, but 3 rotties I've met,( and not just once, I knew all of their owners, )have behaved in a dominant or threatening manner to either me or my dogs. Like I said I am wary of them. I can see they're extremely intelligent dogs, and I am sure if I had one on my side I would feel very protected by it, but I prefer my whippets thanks and I will continue to be guarded around Rotties.

[Belgianlover]

I have been socialising Xito, a now almost 4 month old black Belgian Shepherd Groenendael. He loves all kids, but seemed confused the first time (at less than 3 months old) when a little Sudanese girl ran past him, 2nd time he was great and wanted to play. I told a Sudanese lady that her kids could pat the dog, but the youngest girl, about 3, totally freaked out and screamed. I wondered about his lack of reaction to the older child and wondered if it was a scent thing as the family seemed very traditional and may carry a different scent.

Yesterday at Durack I told two young boys they could pay Xito, at first they were wary, but then good. The father explained they had never seen large dogs and were concerned, so he was easing them into it. I was proud of my little boy as he was gentle, rather than his usual boisterous self as he normally is with our kids.

Roxie my 8 Month old Groen girl is like this too, she is very able to sense how a kid is feeling about her and if they are uncertain she will just try to sniff their hand allowing them to pat her. I just have to try and stop her jumping up on the more dog savvy people because she LOVES the attention.

[Diablo]

I own 4 German Shepherd Dogs, I have had people do wide berths of my dogs before, yank there kids out of the way, I dont blame them really, I blame the irresponsible owners who have in some way given them a bad name

All I can do is show that my dogs are well behaved and friendly and most of all under control, I dont think everyone needs to come and give my dog a pat or cuddle

Some people are also not dog people, or dont like that particular breed of dog, everyone has their own opinion, but I dont let them influence mine, I love my dogs and I love the breed and thats the most important thing if people want to have a pat or stop and chat, I am more than happy too, but if people want to do a wide berth cross the street and stay away, then I respect that too As long as it doesnt accompany snide comments or foul looks of course

I agree that irresponsible owners do give the GSD a bad name at times Pockets, but having said that, serious line GSD's are difficult dogs to handle in the training phase when faced with nervous strangers is the time they will fire up on the end of the leash and bark making matters worse.. Having owned traditional GSD's for many years, I am actually glad people do take a wide berth until I have reached an adequate level of public behaviour.

Edited November 9, 2009 by Diablo

[tarope]

I am wary of Rotties but it's got nothing to do with newspapers, it's from my own experience with them, and not just a one off, 3 so far.

I'm scared of Rotties, I'm scared of Rotties falling into the hands of Irresponsible owners who know nothing about them and keep them on a chain and dump them at the pound when they can't handle them. ;) If this dog bites someone, the whole breed gets the blame.

I feel very sorry for you, to judge a breed on the actions of three individuals.

this is the reason I've avoided adding to this thread until now. I imagine that if I got bitten three times by a certain breed I'd be wary too - Krislin didn't say that she hated them, supported BSL etc etc, she just said she was *wary*.

I don't walk very closely to larger dogs that I don't know. I don't hate them either, but I don't know the owner so would like a bit of distance in case they lunge. I'd do the same for little dogs but they can't inflict the same injury on me.

Megan,

Where in my post did I say Kirislin was bitten by a Rottie, I was giving an example how people who have never owned or who know nothing about this breed are scared and wary of them.

It's Irresponsible owners that are the problem, and this can be said of all breeds not just Rotties.

Some people will always be scared or wary of certain breeds and I couldn't care less.

p.s. Isn't this thread about GSD's, another wonderful breed. :D

Edited November 9, 2009 by tarope

[Rorschach]

I feel a little sorry for those of you owned by GSDs.

As I was a kid I was attacked by a GSD and chased by another. I have always been wary of them although I wouldn't cross the street just to avoid someone walking one. I guess I just read the rot in the newspaper and thought back to my own experiences. It wasn't until recently I decided that being apprehensive around them was just stupid because nothing bad had happened to me since.

It's funny too because I was also chased into a creek by two Great Danes and I was petrified then but never felt apprehensive around great danes at any point after that happened.

I think next time I see a GSD out walking their owner I might stop and ask if I can have a pat =)

[doit4thedogz]

I am wary of Rotties but it's got nothing to do with newspapers, it's from my own experience with them, and not just a one off, 3 so far.

I'm scared of Rotties, I'm scared of Rotties falling into the hands of Irresponsible owners who know nothing about them and keep them on a chain and dump them at the pound when they can't handle them. ;) If this dog bites someone, the whole breed gets the blame.

I feel very sorry for you, to judge a breed on the actions of three individuals.

this is the reason I've avoided adding to this thread until now. I imagine that if I got bitten three times by a certain breed I'd be wary too - Krislin didn't say that she hated them, supported BSL etc etc, she just said she was *wary*.

I don't walk very closely to larger dogs that I don't know. I don't hate them either, but I don't know the owner so would like a bit of distance in case they lunge. I'd do the same for little dogs but they can't inflict the same injury on me.

Megan,

Where in my post did I say Kirislin was bitten by a Rottie, I was giving an example how people who have never owned or who know nothing about this breed are scared and wary of them.

It's Irresponsible owners that are the problem, and this can be said of all breeds not just Rotties.

Some people will always be scared or wary of certain breeds and I couldn't care less.

p.s. Isn't this thread about GSD's, another wonderful breed. :D

A phobia is a phobia.

It seems like Krislin is not making judgments based on lack of information but rather from first hand bad experiences. Theres a difference from lack of knowledge/experience than actually experiencing something negative.

[LizT]

I get a similar reaction from older ladies with little dogs! They usually pick them up and when I pass by the say "Oh he/she is SO afraid of big dogs!" I wonder why!!!

Funnily enough I don't have that same problem whem my Cavalier is attached to the Shepherd! Kinda softens the "picture huh!"

[mita]

I get a similar reaction from older ladies with little dogs! They usually pick them up and when I pass by the say "Oh he/she is SO afraid of big dogs!" I wonder why!!!

If a big dog is on lead & is in the control of a sensible person, I'm happy for some controlled socialiation with my small dog. All my little dogs were brought up with their breeders' GSD or Tibetan Mastiff anyway! And one was the greyhound adoption program small dog tester.

But I understand the protectiveness that some older ladies feel, when they come across a big dog. Their small dogs are not likely to have had a history of controlled socialisation with big dogs.

And if anything goes pear-shaped in a passing interaction with a big dog, an older lady doesn't have the strength to intervene. And may be at risk herself, for a fall or from some health matter.

OK, in a perfect world, there would have been controlled socialisation. But, it's not. And I'm happy to cut those older ladies some slack.

[Snoopy21]

I have to make an admission. I am one of those people who yanks my 5 year old off the footpath or across the road to avoid your dog. I'm not so worried about what the dog will do, but what the child will do. He is a maniac!

I wouldn't want anyone to be offended, but keeping my son safe is more important. He doesn't understand that not all dogs are as tolerant of children as Willow is.

I feel sad for people who are frightened of dogs. I see many of them - Willow is big and black and solid - so we meet many road crossers, leg lifters and screamers. They are missing out on meeting my lovely girl and getting some of her particular style of loving.

[Loving my Oldies]

I have to make an admission. I am one of those people who yanks my 5 year old off the footpath or across the road to avoid your dog. I'm not so worried about what the dog will do, but what the child will do. He is a maniac!

I have to do the same with my dogs . I just casually cross the street and call out to the other dog walker, that my dogs are the problem - very embarrassing.

I have to say, though, that when I first adopted my two tiny little Maltese puppies, being a 100% novice dog owner, I did see every other dog as a potential killer .

Back to the topic, though. It is all very well to make allowances for cultural differences, but there comes a time when people need to realise that they have to adapt to the culture of where they live and not vice versa. For example, if someone who is not used to dogs wants to go walking where there are lots of dogs, it is up to the person to adapt not to expect all the dog walkers to find somewhere else.

Edited November 16, 2009 by _Cynthia_

[LizT]

I get a similar reaction from older ladies with little dogs! They usually pick them up and when I pass by the say "Oh he/she is SO afraid of big dogs!" I wonder why!!!

If a big dog is on lead & is in the control of a sensible person, I'm happy for some controlled socialiation with my small dog. All my little dogs were brought up with their breeders' GSD or Tibetan Mastiff anyway! :D And one was the greyhound adoption program small dog tester.

But I understand the protectiveness that some older ladies feel, when they come across a big dog. Their small dogs are not likely to have had a history of controlled socialisation with big dogs.

And if anything goes pear-shaped in a passing interaction with a big dog, an older lady doesn't have the strength to intervene. And may be at risk herself, for a fall or from some health matter.

OK, in a perfect world, there would have been controlled socialisation. But, it's not. And I'm happy to cut those older ladies some slack.

I quite agree with what you're saying but don't see the need to enhance neurotic behaviour by setting a 'trigger' reaction. My brother used to do it with my parents GSD. Everytime he saw someone walking another dog on the footpath up ahead he would cross the road. The dog was poorly socialised with other dogs and soon became quite aggressive towards any dog he saw coming towards him.

Action creates reaction.

I'd rather stop and have a natter with the old ladies, they usually end up putting their dog back down and are amazed at how friendly and gentle my boy is.

[mita]

I quite agree with what you're saying but don't see the need to enhance neurotic behaviour by setting a 'trigger' reaction. My brother used to do it with my parents GSD. Everytime he saw someone walking another dog on the footpath up ahead he would cross the road. The dog was poorly socialised with other dogs and soon became quite aggressive towards any dog he saw coming towards him.

Action creates reaction.

I'd rather stop and have a natter with the old ladies, they usually end up putting their dog back down and are amazed at how friendly and gentle my boy is.

I think you're helping greatly by stopping to have a talk with an older lady who has a small dog. So there's some reassurance about the situation.'That changes the scenario completely.

But I'll stick to my point, that, given unknown variables.....I have no problem with an older lady electing to be protective. In fact, in terms of risk management, to herself & her small dog, it's wise of her to do so in many situations. Her safety in the face of those unknown variables is more important.

I'm also wary about using the word 'neurotic' to describe behaviour, both in humans & dogs. My background is psych. It's the context & pattern of experience, behind behaviours, that count, not a label. The context I'm talking about is that of an older lady & her confidence and ablities in the face of any possible argy bargy.

I'm experienced with big dogs & small dogs....and have no automatic fear of big dogs. And my small dogs are long familiar with big dogs (one a greyhound tester). But even I will make a snap assessment, in some situations, to pick up my small dog or take avoidance, in the presence of another dog, medium or big & its particular owner.

We may have to agree to disagree on this. And I'm very much referring to older ladies. By the way, the 2nd group most vulnerable to dog bites/attacks (after small children), is the elderly (over 65 yrs).

[Akayla]

This is a bit OT but the problem with picking up your small dog is that only are you drawing attention to the dog as a higher prize but you also increase the risk to yourself of getting bitten. Eg as a large unknown dog walks past on the same path the little old lady picks up their little dog. The large unknown dog lunges at her and dog because she drew attention to her dog. If she hadnt of panicked and kept walking the dog would have don the same.

Sometimes picking up your small dog isnt the best thing for anyone. It can as others have said have negative effects on the other dog over time.

BUt having said that I have no issue with people of any kind avoiding me and my GSD. I just dont. But if they expect me to move or go out of my way when my dog is no threat then I start getting annoyed. A little old lady picking up her dog and crossing the street - no problem. A little old lady abusing me and insisting I cross over while picking up her dog and speaking in a high pitch that is bound to get my dog excited - not happy Jan.

Edited November 17, 2009 by Shadow walker

[gusmum]

Having pets is a luxury in Asia. It means you can afford to feed your (extended) family, PLUS own a pet, which also means you must be doing really well to be able to provide for such a large family in a highly populated city like HK, Tokyo, Shanghai etc. If you are from the country, dogs would most likely be on your plate for dinner or they would be running feral with ticks and rabies, or bred for fur or medicinal purposes. I know, pretty horrific by western standards. Dogs, particularly large dogs (like rottis and German sheps) would be used as guard dogs - hence big dogs should be feared. Little dogs are manageable and decorative and doll-like and don't eat that much. That's how they live and that's what they know.

So when migrating to a new country, there is lot of learning (and unlearning) to be done. It's all a matter of understanding and education. Don't take it personally and just move right along. The next generation will always know better and do better.