Why do people fear my American Bulldog so much?

Question

I grew up with Sheppards, Dobermans, Newfoundlands and a Border Collie. I could walk them down the street with no problems. I walk my American Bulldog down the street and people will cross the road or even change coarse sometimes. He is the biggest suck in the world and loves human or dog attention. He dosen't growl or bark and approaches people with a total submissive behavior.

http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=f8bcre2va4.jpg

[URL=http://imageshack.us][IMG]http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3425/f8bcre2mx8.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

http://img235.imageshack.us/my.php?image=f8bcre2mx8.jpg

Answer 1

IGNORANCE. They think he's some kind of monster, because of the media hype about pit bulls. Try putting a T-shirt on him with a cute, silly hat. Do everything you can to educate the public or it may be YOUR breed that they're trying to ban next!

Discrimination and banning breeds is not the answer. Ask your local lawmakers to pass laws to prosecute the owners of any dog that is allowed to run loose. If someone has a vicious dog and it bites someone, that owner should be punished the same way as if he left a loaded gun lying around and a child shot himself with it - make it a major felony!
Physically, any large dog is capable of killing a child. Even a Golden retriever accidentally killed a child this past winter - the child was sent out to play wearing a scarf. Tragically, the dog thought this was for him to play tug-of-war with and the child died of strangulation.

Answer 2

People are just ignorant . Just because last time they heard such and such got attacked or bit by a bulldog they feel threatened to be near such breed as a bulldog. They don t really take into mind that they are such gentle animals. They don t even know where such bulldog came from . If a bulldog was ever abused , its most likely for the bulldog to be a bit more alert and probably attack if it feels threatened . other than that, just ignore .

Answer 3

Dont' take it to heart. I get the same thing with my dog. She's a beautiful red Boxer/German Shepard X and I've had people actually jay-walk 50 feet ahead of me to cross the street to avoid us then cross back over when they've passed us. Or they walk into the street to avoid us. My dog heels perfect on a leash, and is well behaved (so long as I don't jog).

Some people just don't like dogs and others are scared. I don't take it personally. It's annoying though. I've had people 'squeal' when we walk by and act like she's gone to attack them and she hasn't even looked at them.

I ignore them and just keep walking - occassionally suggest they should seek professional help out of the side of my mouth, but otherwise, I don't think it's worth the bother anymore.

They've been that way with my yellow lab too... Don't sweat it.

Answer 4

Fear aggression is difficult to train out of a dog because is takes a lot of time. It's a small window of opportunity to get puppies to get experience. But all hope is not lost. The best way to train him is by getting him habituated to different people. Take him to the event with a muzzle to get him used to being around people and other dogs. Bring treats with you and when you think he's calmed down have someone give him a treat. But when he starts to growl and act out put the muzzle back on and ignore the behavior; don't speak to him or console him.

Answer 5

Because a lot of people find them scary looking. Some of the cartoons I remember growing up watching always had them as the "bad guy". Was it "Tom and Jerry" who would get chased around by a bull dog?

Also, do you have one of those big chain collars around his neck? That can put people off too.

But I am a dog lover, and I know that bulldogs can be one of the nicest and gentlest (sp?) breeds around.

He sounds so sweet! Post a pic, would you?

Answer 6

people view bulldogs as they view rotwielers. Vicious dogs if not properly trained. I think it is only natural for most people to respond this way. Although, if I seen a man walking a bulldog I might walk up and pet it if the owner showed no sign of hatred.

Answer 7

Many breeds of dog have a reputation for being vicious and violent, often without warning. That can be scary, especially for people who don't personally know the specific dog in question.

Answer 8

Training your dog will be a huge part of your interaction with him for the first few months. Learn here https://tr.im/ZN0Vs
This includes housetraining, leash training, obedience training, socialization, and problem solving. In addition to providing your dog with needed skills, this time will also be a great opportunity for you to bond with him. Take the time to really get to know your pet while training him and a loving relationship will easily develop.

Answer 9

Different reasons abound, no doubt. I guess some figure it's better to be safe than sorry. Others may just be afraid of all dogs. No doubt other reasons. Don't take it personally. Don't be paranoid. Everyone has the right to avoid you and your dog if they want.

Answer 10

I dont know why people do that. I have a amstaff a lot like a american bulldog and people fear them its so stupid. They just think of them as fighting dogs!