I would also add: Don't let a dog get between you and its owner when
entering a home. I have to be very careful when we have guests at the
house not to let my Springer Spaniel get between me and the front door
when i let someone in. Instead, I walk outside and enter with the
visitor, usually with my arm around their shoulder. That way my dog
knows he doesn't have to protect me. If someone walks through the door
without knocking my dog will attack them. I didn't teach him that, and
I wish he wouldn't do it. But he seems to do it instinctively. I
suppose there are times when it might come in handy. Once someone has
been admitted to the house, the Springer will want to lick them and
fuss over them. He's probably the most affectionate dog I've ever
owned. But the entry situation is critical. I suppose Springer Spaniels
don't seem dangerous, but this one weighs seventy pounds and can easily
knock a full grown man to the ground.
On Nov 5, 2004, at 7:18 PM, William Robb wrote:
----- Original Message ----- From: "Doug Franklin"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, November 05, 2004 6:10 PM
Subject: Re: Re: White Pitbull (an hommage to Elliott Erwitt)
Hell, it's even easier than that. They typically just need to
exercise
what used to be called common sense. "Typically" meaning that the
dog's not already aroused, like defense or attack mode.
1) Don't approach a dog you don't know unless it's handler is present
and both seem amenable to being approached.
2) Don't ever run from a dog.
3) If a dog is tied out on a chain, there is a good enough chance that
it will be dangerous to not approach it, even if it's people are close
by.
4) Let sleeping dogs lie, and lying dogs sleep.
5) Don't disturb a dog at it's mealtime.
William Robb
