Doggy discrimination....

So many of you know my old doggy Brownie died recently. He was a Labrador mix and looked like all kinds of yellow lab. I now have Jade, a GSD cross that belonged to my mother. For anybody that doesn't know me or them.. here are their pics...



I've noticed that people won't talk to me or walk up to me anymore like they used to when I'm walking in the town. People shy away from me, they don't speak when we pass, they speed up etc. Yesterday, I saw a lady with a fluffy, cute dog see me and Jade from rather far, and abruptly turned back and walked the other way.

This NEVER happened with Brownie and people ALWAYS were friendly and walked up to me and stuff. Sure, Jade is far "meaner" than he was, but she doesn't bark at all, and she doesn't "seem" mean except for her coloring (notorious black and brown) and breed etc. Also, there are TONS of GSD and Rotties etc. that are great and friendly dogs.

It's kinda hurtful, actually. Jade is not THAT mean and the fact that people won't even wave or stop from across the walkway to speak is kinda saddening to me. I know there's nothing I can do about it and whatnot, but writing this here just was kind of a way to let it out. Blargh....

It's horrible isn't it. As the owner if a black, 4 stone, staffie I have experienced it loads too. The very first time was when she was so small that I was carrying her out for a walk. A OAP woman stopped and wanted to stroke her saying 'aw is she is a black lab' when I told her wha she was she said 'oh, we'll ill touch her now but not when she's grown into one of those dogs'

I can't even count the number of time pele have picked their dogs and children up when they see us coming. I know also have a 17 week old bull lurcher and another lurcher owner said to me 'ugh one of THOSE dogs who can run fast' I said 'yes, and my other dog is one of THOSE dogs'.

Tonks is the softest kindest, most bomb, child and dog proof dog you could get....and I'm hoping that Remus will be half the dog she is.

But we also get our fair share of lovers and people who have changed their opinions after meeting Tonks. My mother in law was really worried when we decided to get a SBT but she is besotted by Tonks now.

Some things you could do to improve people's perception of your dog is to dress it in really bright fun collars. I see you use a red harness, we got more negative reaction when Tonks wore red. She now wears a purple polka dot collar, she also has a neon green collar with FRIENDLY written all over it. You can also get harnesses like it. Www.friendlydogcollars.co.uk

Goo luck!

And I've just read your profile and 'yay!' Good for you for people an advocate for pit bulls! Our poor bull breeds are much maligned but wonderful dogs.....I don't think I'll ever be without one again. END BSL!

*being! Sorry for the typos....I'm gettin getter at typing on an iPad , honestly!

Depends on size of dog for me, if a dog is a lot bigger than Mollie I turn and walk another way, it's not the dogs fault but she is scared of big dogs so for her peace of mind I try to avoid them. She is great with all other dogs just bigger ones than her worry her.

I am socialising Betty at the moment so we say hello to as many dogs as possible, she will always be the smallest so needs to be confident with all sizes !

Colour makes no difference and GSDs are welcome to say hello too.

Only breed I am more careful with and it's my fear not my dogs is staffies. We were fine with them until I was bitten now I give them a wide berth. Doesn't stop me shouting a cheery greeting to the dog walker though.

Oh, I see Jade has issues with children etc so a friendly collar might not be appropriate. They now do muzzles in brighter colours too. Xx

Lovely looking girl x

I must admit I am one of those people that turns quickly and walks in the opposite direction if I see anyone with a dog, but it's not because of their dog it's because of mine. My german shepherd turns into a wild animal when she sees a dog, twisting, lunging, barking and acting very aggressively if she is too near another dog that she doesn't know whether it be a Yorkshire terrier or a gsd.

But I do know what you mean about some people's attitudes to gsds. I get so many dirty looks in a day that I just don't notice them anymore. A friend walked with me the other day and was amazed at the looks we got yet kodi is absolutely beautiful.

Yes, Jade is far from friendly, but she doesn't bark at all. She also doesn't snarl until you get REALLY close, like within range of her leash, so there isn't a good reason for people to be so nasty towards us. Oh well! In my case I guess it's best for people to turn back... but it doesn't excuse the fact that even if Jade wasn't not-so-friendly that she'd still be treated the same way...

When we go to National Trust places we can guarantee at some point there will be someone who picks up their dog, pops it under their arm and takes cover while we walk past. (Oh and don't forget the look of disgust)

Its ridiculous really, my two are just about as soft as you could possibly get!