Quote:

"Bavarian Mountain Poodle"

Thankyewverymuch!!!

cleaning Pepsi off monitor

ROFL! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Sorry if I missed it in an earlier post, Magadalena, but what breed is he ? <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

It's all about perception isn't it?

In the movies, the slavering, cut-eared guard-dogs are always Dobes or Rotties, and the snarling Police dogs are GSDs.
Small wonder that those who cannot see beyond the ends of their noses perceive these breeds as 'vicious killers' <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Oh, sorry about that he is an albino doberman.

Picture here.

Perception is indeed reality in a lot of people's minds. As soon as I tell some what breed he really is no matter how much fawning they are doing at him they back away. One woman actually screamed (??). I think she scared me more than him.

What an awesome looking dog!

Good looking dog. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Remove the spiked collar and get him a nice bandana, visor, and sunglasses. Will scare less people off.

I agree, spiked collars don't project any peaceful message whatsoever. I never understood the desire to put them on any strong or tough looking breed. It's overkill. They are funny, even cute on teeny tiny dogs though <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> .

Hi,
I have to weigh in. Please don't assume that every parent is clueless and will disrespect your dog. As a dog lover, I love identifying the different breeds and petting dogs. As a parent, I know many children are bitten unnecessarily because they aren't taught HOW to approach a dog. I don't have a dog (yet). I also have a partner who is not a dog lover. As a mother, I believe it is my responsibility to TEACH My child how to approach a dog. I am not always going to be there when my child wants to pet a dog.

Many of the dog owners we meet thank me for teaching my child to ask FIRST. My child will still try to pet on the head and we are working on that. I have taught my child to be respectful of dogs. Most of the dogs we pet are BIG DOGS. Rotties, Great Pyrenees, Great Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labs and of course, my beloved GSD. I also use the opportunity to show which dogs are approachable (after asking.) Everything has paid off. He went out (w/out) me and asked a dog owner if the dog was good with kids and then followed up with "Can I touch him?".

If it had not been for some Dobermann owners, I would have probably been a "Dobies are evil dogs" et cetera. As I child, I would attend their obedience showing at the fair (every year). Since these Dobermanns were well behaved and allowed petting (all day) that is the only behavior I know of a Dobie. These dogs never snapped, bit, snarled or growled. This is the impression I have of the Dobermann. Imagine what an effect your dog's positive behavior can have on a child.

Also remember, two year olds are two year olds. They are clumsy and learning how to use their bodies.

It is, of course, up to you whether or not you let someone pet your dog. I believe with children the opportunity should be used to TEACH them the right way.

Carolyn, I think people here are sharing their bad experiences with irrational dog perceptions for support. I bet the posters here have all had lots of very good experiences with children and their parents too.

I have an 8 month old GSD. I get stopped by people who want to ask me about him all the time. He's a sable, which isn't very common around here, and that generates a lot of curiosity. Everyone tells me how beautiful he is. So far in my experience, all the parents and kids ask permission to pet him. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it's no, depending on the circumstances. I have yet to come across GSD stigma, though this past Sunday someone asked me if I'd experienced it, while they were giving my pup a belly rub.

Thanks, he is a cutie. Scrawny and insane but getting better every day. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I think you misunderstood though I prefer people to not approach me so the spiked collar helps in that respect. I don't let people pet him so it's easier than getting the evil eye when you tell someone (politely) you'd rather they didn't pet your dog and that he is working.