Amber and Ice

While I agree wholeheartedly with not blaming the breed for the uses humans put them to, dogs do have personalities and some of them are pricklier than others; not all dogs are sweet snuggly things. Some like to cuddle and some like their space. Some like kids and others feel unsafe around them. Some love everyone instantly, including total strangers, (like my own dog) and others need time to get to know you (like my neighbor’s dog). It really depends on the individual dog.

The problem still isn’t the dogs. It’s people who don’t know how to interpret their dog’s behavior, don’t know how to train, and are too irresponsible to tell strangers how to safely interact with their dog. If you know your dog is uncomfortable around children (and therefore prone to growl and/or bite defensively when being poked and pulled on by little kids) keep your dog away from children. If you know your dog is territorial, don’t leave them outside unsupervised where they have access to everyone walking by. If you have a new baby, do not leave any dog alone with it!!! You have to acclimate the dog to the baby because dogs do not automatically interpret human babies as human. That has to be taught to them.

And for FFS, train your dog yourself!!!! If you don’t know how, there are countless videos and books and even classes that can teach you how to do this! If you “don’t have the time” do not get a dog. Don’t just drop your dog off at “day care” and then act confused when it doesn’t listen to you or eats your shoes. Wait until you do have the time or make the time if you want a dog in your life that badly. Training is not just training; it’s pack bonding and learning how your specific dog reacts and interprets your voice and body language. Especially if you have a “violent” (ie: intelligent, energetic, bred to please it’s owner) breed, training it yourself is essential.

(via witchywaysmule-deactivated20130)