Doggie fear.?

Question

I'm tired of people being afraid of my dog and of constantly having to lock him away when these scared people are around. I don't get to tell other people to lock their kids aways, how do I know their child isn't vicious??? Should I take their word for it? Just like these people who are afraid of my dog should take my word that he isn't vicious? Have had home improvement workers here for days now who expect me to keep my dog locked up in my bedroom all day long, it's not fair to my dog nor to me who has to deal with a dog that cries, whines and bangs on the door because of some fraidy cats.....opinions please, and keep the flaming to a minimum please and thanks.

/Been bit twice by dogs but been harmed, threatened and scared by humans much more.....
//Fear the humans!!!!

Answer 1

Ive had my arm broken by an attack from a human that required two surgeries to fix. So I completely understand. I have always felt many dog attacks are becasue of the way people react to the dog. Dogs bark and people act like fools so they get bitten.

Answer 2

It's always tough when others can't (or won't event try to) see you're dog as the same wonderful dog that you see. And in most cases, a vicious dog is the result of a vicious person.

It's your house and if you want to let the dog out while people are there, they'll either have to deal with it or leave. I've often had contractors ask we keep our animals confined, but it's more for the animals' protection than the contractors. Dogs don't understand that they're in the way and they can get their feet stepped on or things dropped on them. And the laborors tend to leave doors and gates open while they're dragging materials to and from the house. Maybe they don't want to be responsible for hurting or losing your dog.

As for other people, all I can suggest is to try and look at things from their perspective. Their fear may be irrational, but it's not really something that they can help. It's still irritating, but taking the 'fraidy cats point of view into consideration can considerably cut down on your frustration. It's not your dog that they're afraid of, necessarily. It's dogs they've seen in the past who were made mean by mean owners.

Sorry for rambling.

Answer 3

Well I know I have locked my dogs in a bedroom when we had our cable installed, but that is because my german shepherd is extremely possessive and aggressive. So I put them up to protect the cable guy. But if the people are in my house then I put the dogs in the yard if the people are scared of the dogs. But most people who come to my house are family and my German Shepherd turns into a big baby when they are around. If I were you I would let the dog outside if possible while the people are working on your house or if you can take the dog for a walk while they are there or take it to a relatives/friends house for a play date so he isnt cooped up. I know that Dakota (my shepherd) can tear up a bedroom door trying to get out and can whine like a baby if she is cooped up too long. Or at least ask the people why they require you to confine your dog. It could be that those are their rules that they must follow for work and could risk their job if not followed. I dont know but I hope you figure something out. I know it is no fun confining your dog. Good luck

Answer 4

Yup, I agree. That's ridiculous. As long as you know your dog doesn't bite, isn't aggressive, etc. - it's your home (and your dog's home!) and it isn't fair that your dog has to be locked up for days on end! And very true - what if workers came into your home that didn't like children? Would you be expected to keep your children locked up? Of course not! Tell them if they don't like your dog being around, they can find other workers who aren't so afraid to be paid!

Answer 5

I can't offer any opinions without knowing anything about the dog. Unfortunately, some dog breeds have a bad rep. And some people are naturally fearful. And some people are allergic and therefore justifiably wary.

And yes, sometimes people come in with ill-intent and have second thoughts when they see big dogs! My grandparents, as long as they lived on a farm, had dogs- who were good guards, and would warn off solicitors and critters alike.

Answer 6

I have seven dogs. Some are very large and their mere size intimidate people. I out of courtesy for my GUESTS will put my dogs up for short periods. Say just to drop something off or I was in the neighborhood type situations. I would put my dogs out in the run if I had workmen because I wouldn't risk my dogs being hurt or reacting to unfamiliar noises and actions. However, that being said if a guest wants to sit down or stay for more than a few minutes......Oh Well, my dogs are well trained and behaved. Either they come in or you leave! This excludes my service dog he never has to leave.

Answer 7

I absolutely understand your point of view, however, it may be for the dog's saftey as well. What if one of the workers get mad and decide to lie to the authorities and say that your dog bit him/her, or what if they slip him some poison when you're not looking?

You have to realize that there are some people that don't look at dogs as companions, or cherish them as we do. The workers will eventually be done and this will all be over with. In the mean time, tell yourself that this is for you and your dog's protection. I promise your dog will forgive you.

Answer 8

While I do try to keep my dogs away from anyone working (home improvement type things) in my home, as far as any one else goes I tell them that the dogs were here before they were and it's THEIR home, so if people are not comfortable with them they don't need to come here. I know that sounds harsh, but you can offer to meet them for lunch or coffee somewhere else.
And I agree with you 100% about the comment on the kids!

Answer 9

Another problem child. Have you ever consider the fact that dogs are territorial and kids are not? Have you ever consider the fact that a dog can misinterpet something that a handyman is doing and just bite? Have you ever been bitten by a child simply for being in the same room with one? Do you know that most of the people here on YA own "pets" not dogs, that are spoiled rotten and will bite because they have never been allowed to be dogs and act out of their pack instinct? How do you compare a human child to a dog? There are no similarities there whatsoever on how you would treat a human and a dog. Now, I agree with you that some humans are neurotic which is why I have a "no petting" policy in effect with any of my dogs. I do not want them confused. But, if I am coming to your house to work on something, I expect that dog to be put away while I am there. And the fact that your dog whines and bangs on the door tells me that he has not been properly taught who is the Alpha person in the house. I know for a fact that if I tell my dog to be quite, he will be, regardless of what is going on, out of respect for the Alpha male in the house.

PS To the pitt bull owner who commented on my post. I AM NOT A HANDY MAN, I am a working K-9 handler who has been around dogs in all capacities, being training detection dogs, patrol dogs, sport dogs etc etc. My experience comes from 27 years of doing this and working such wonderful places as Kabul and Bagdad among others, also the streets here in US. If I do not know anything about dogs, then most people here know as much about the space program as I do. And yes, I have sat in a room, quietly, with my dog, for over 14 hours because of a mission requirement and yes my dog has spent many hours alone in a room bcause he understands what it means to be a DOG. And finally, I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE ALPHA DOG IN MY HOUSE WITH MY DOGS. Have a nice day.

Answer 10

It may not necessarily be because they think your dog will bite, but because they don't want to liable if they leave a gate or door or something and your dog runs away. I have a dog myself but no one has ever asked me to lock her up. I do know people who have dogs that I don't feel comfortable letting my children be around and I just don't go to their house. Some people just have phobias, I guess.