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Old 03-15-2006, 12:39 PM
VANCOUVERISLANDROT VANCOUVERISLANDROT is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver Island, CANADA
Re: Socialization and Discrimination against breed

Quote:
Originally Posted by flyballmom
No way would I muzzle my friendly dog. I do put bandannas on them when I take them to doggy "events", but not just to walk them. I, too, have endured many dirty looks, scared looks, crossed streets, etc etc. When those things happen, I starting talking to my dog, telling her/him how good she/he is, and either put them into heel position or close side walking. I carry treats in my pockets to use as distractions if the dog is acting "too" friendly (ie: whining, trying to "go say hi" etc.) WE may know that the dog is just wanting to go meet someone, but the stranger walking down the street may not see it that way. A well behaved, obedient Rottweiler is going to make a much better impression than a muzzled one.
We do the exact same thing. Sometimes he just wants to say hi (and sheer terror crosses the persons face) and will pull a bit towards others walking by us because he's wanting to go see them. I just talk to him, tell him what a good boy he is etc, etc and treat him. Once he sees that treat in my hand, the world comes to a stand still. LOL!!!
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