I had a really great time at my first dog show. Got to ask how to join clubs watching shows spending times with dogs. Although in the end didn't end up the way I imagined. Got attacked by a Doberman who I was petting seemed to enjoy and I think got too carried away humanizing. Got punctures onto face one near the eye. Man I'm so stupid. I'm alright though. This is my fault the owner felt so bad about it and I feel bad too. Ugh I know not to humanize dogs get way too carried away once in awhile. Don't know why it happens. Really worried about her dog now.
I'll come clean here, I'm one of "those" people that have a compulsion to say hello to any dog I see. I don't get up in their faces and I make it so the hello is on the dog's terms. I get a bit lower, offer up a hand even lower and only make brief eye contact, breaking it often. If the dog wants to say hi, all is well in my world, if the dog is not having it I quit pestering and just speak soothingly to the critter. I have heard many times "oh my, she/he LIKES you!" It's just I gave the dog the option of blowing me off(which is fine) or coming over and getting a really good rub. Making a dog grunt with pleasure is one of my favorite things in the world. Most dogs will give a que as to where the rubbies need to happen, I bend to their wishes and make a new pal.
This is the second time I paid the ultimate price. As a 5-year-old put my face up to my cocker spaniel mix who bit my face. Actually got it worse from the Doberman. Although didn't have my face near his just put my head on his side stomach area. Then put my head and body straight up he growled. That's all I remember and thought we were having a great time for 2 hours! Until I decided "aw he may look big and scary but he won't do anything I hope" and overestimated too much. Learned not to do that to any stranger dog not even other people's dogs I walk. Although have and the dogs tolerated the cuddles when we are in bed. However, am a young adult need to grow up and mature. Until I control my impulses to stop humanizing dogs I won't realize I am an adult yet. Unless the dog seems like he/she wants to be cuddled up.
I'm surprised at the owner...what kind of show was this? Conformation? Obedience?
Most people trialing in obedience don't allow any contact with their dogs before a show...dog needs to concentrate and not get distracted. I'll allow some people to say hello, pet him on the head, but I would never allow any sort of extended interaction like that...plus my dog doesn't really want people touching him in the first place.
I'm really not sure how any of this is "humanizing" either...if you're humanizing, you should treat a dog like a human. My 3 year old dog should therefore be considered a 20 something year old human, and you wouldn't come up to me and start petting me would you?
This is a mistake by both people...OP and the handler. Neither one can read a dog properly and thought the dog was having fun. Anyone ever see a Schutzhund dog bite a sleeve and wag its tail like it was the greatest thing in the world? But tail wagging means the dog is friendly and fun right? The dog put its paw on OP...that's a dominance thing. OP probably brushed it off and the dog got pissed. Dog was trying to dominate OP and OP was okay with it and for some reason the handler was as well...
Was this an AKC show? I'd be shocked if this animal was ever allowed at an AKC show again if the damage was as bad as OP describes...
Was an AKC show but don't spread it around say a beach. Already been reported. I don't remember what happened completely. Didn't even feel his fangs didn't know he bit me until I noticed blood.
This is not entirely your fault. You are young and have so much to learn. I have hope for you now that you no longer believe you know everything. Now you can grow.
1. The owner/handler should never have allowed you to attempt so much close smothering type affection.
2. You need to stop interacting with dogs in this way. It is not productive and will do nothing to help you achieve your goal as a trainer.
3. This is not humanizing and the fact you keep suggesting it is, tells me you still do not understand the term. Slow down......start at the beginning..take your time. Find a good trainer willing to mentor you.
Humanizing is when you thought it was gross for a dog to breed with ie. their mother, sister etc. You felt they should know better. That imo is humanizing.
I agree this is not "humanizing" a dog. I'm a human and if a stranger came over and started petting me I'd go ninja on him! I'd say it's more like an unhealthy infatuation. Dogs need to be treated with respect, both for how they think/feel and for their own personal space. My dog is not a teddy bear for cuddling; he's a strong, courageous, loyal, mature animal that has years of training both mentally and physically. As his owner and handler I still respect his space and give him peace when he needs it.
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