Dog Community

Posted : 7/20/2007 11:13:19 AM

ORIGINAL: janet_rose

People would actually say to me "don't you know that Dobermans turn on their owners?" and my all-time favorite "Their brains don't stop growing after their skulls do, so they go insane!"

[sm=rotfl.gif][sm=rotfl.gif] After I finally stopped laughing, I would be sorely tempted to tell that person that that was one of the most absurd things that I had every heard. I usually try to be more tactful than that, but the only other words I can think of at the moment are "stupid", "ridiculous", "preposterous", and "outrageous".

Lol, yes, it was very difficult for me to remain...er..."nice" about explaining things. I'm still amazed at how many people think that that is really true. I don't know how it got started, but I can't figure out how people can believe it in the first place. Just goes to show you that people will believe anything if they want it to be so.

snooks

Posted : 7/20/2007 11:16:29 AM

I've always loved these comments. Those (insert breed) will turn on you and kill you in your sleep. We listened to those when we owned rotties, I listened to it when I brought pitties around, I listened to that sort of stuff when I was with dobies. And its always made me laugh. Any dog could bite, and any dog could bite and do damage. Just because some of them are trained to work as protection dogs does not mean that they all are that way.
I don't need my dogs to protect me. I think its the other way around. Its my job to protect them.

rwbeagles

Posted : 7/20/2007 11:20:45 AM

Sad ain't it?
These days the average woman probably has a higher statistical risk of her husband, boyfriend, or significant other "turning on her and killing her while she sleeps" than ANY dog of ANY breed. Pretty sad how people like those in the OP's story dismiss that, yet cling to the old myths about dogs!

hdkutz

Posted : 7/20/2007 2:02:59 PM

From the AKC: The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them.

I want my dogs to be alert but I make the decision as to their reaction. All my dogs wait for my signal. Man with a mask.........trick or treat night..........litigation. Kid with a costume.

sillysally

Posted : 7/20/2007 2:08:24 PM

I just wanted to make it clear that I am not afraid of GSDs, I just have had some bad luck with them--maybe I smell untrustworthy......[

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hdkutz

Posted : 7/20/2007 2:08:58 PM

Here they are getting ready to turn on and attack my wife and grandson.

Liesje

Posted : 7/20/2007 2:16:21 PM

I want my dogs to be alert but I make the decision as to their reaction. All my dogs wait for my signal.

Exactly!!! This is the mark of a GSD, not that they are more vicious than other dogs, but that they will do as they are told when they are told, even if that means biting a person.

That's a great pic. You have lovely dogs. May I ask where you get them?

mudpuppy

Posted : 7/20/2007 2:35:50 PM

GSDs are usually listed third or fourth on number of dog bites inflicted by breed stat lists. There may be reason why some people are afraid of them. Me, I've bitten by numerous jack russel terriers. Vicious little monsters.

jenhuedepohl

Posted : 7/20/2007 2:53:28 PM

My sister was bitten by the neighbors GSD when we were little. We thought it was "for no reason!" at the time, but with the wisdom of time and experience we realize it was simply prey drive. My sister was running and the dog just chased. He wasn't used to kids.

Ironically, the PR about Dalmatians after the 101 Dalmatians movie had an unintended effect. We had people who were scared of our dalmatian all the time. One little kid who lived down the street was scared to death of our elderly half-blind, half-deaf, arthritic Blackhawk. Ironically, this kid lived with a Rottweiler!

And everyone where I work loves to see one co-workers yorkie - who has nipped at several people. But they get nervous around Romeo, another co-worker's Rottie, who is the biggest, sweetest creampuff you ever met.

Angelique

Posted : 7/20/2007 2:59:45 PM

I got cornered by an angry poodle when I was a kid. Scared the pee out of me! But I froze, and he went away.

Worse bite I ever got was from a weiner dog. [8D]

Annie, my GSD, was the gentlest dog I've ever owned. Stable, friendly, and loved everyone.

hdkutz

Posted : 7/20/2007 3:04:31 PM

ORIGINAL: mudpuppy

GSDs are usually listed third or fourth on number of dog bites inflicted by breed stat lists. There may be reason why some people are afraid of them. Me, I've bitten by numerous jack russel terriers. Vicious little monsters.

You have to read into the statistics. Is it the percentage of the dogs, or total number of bites. Does it include shepherd mixes? I`ll bet there are no Leonberger bites. Heck there probably only a couple hundred in the US.

ron2

Posted : 7/20/2007 4:01:47 PM

Shadow has bitten me once. Yes, it was my fault. No, I'm not afraid of him.

It used to be that Dobes would turn on you. Then, it was pitbulls. Of course, Rotties. Any big dog it seems that is the popular target is going to turn you, according to whatever local "wisdom" is being foisted upon you. My mom used to say that it is better to keep my mouth shut and look like a fool than to open it and remove all doubt. Another gem was to avoid arguing with an idiot. Someone might see you and not be able to tell who is whom.

glenmar

Posted : 7/20/2007 5:05:15 PM

One of my human eating gsd's in waiting visits nursing homes with me and seeks out the "neediest" of the residents. I haven't even seen him lick his chops yet, but I'll be very aware of this in case he's seeking out the neediest as a quick snack. Some of those folks are nothing but skin and bones.....

ron2

Posted : 7/20/2007 5:20:28 PM

Some of those folks are nothing but skin and bones.....

But maybe they are safe and the plump ones look like dinner.
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glenmar

Posted : 7/20/2007 6:15:34 PM

Hmmmmm, he doesn't warm up to the fat ones so much......

"German Shepherds Turn On Their Owners. . ."