Why labelling dogs as safe or unsafe, based on their appearance doesn't work.
Breed discrimination is regularly a cause of irritation to owners of particular dog breeds, yet I did not expect that I would experience such negative reactions to an English Bulldog. I've grown used to occasional comments of 'Is he mean?' There has also been 'I'm terrified of them' (a woman muttered this to her partner once eyeing my pup suspiciously) to, the most dramatic....one woman flinching, screaming and scuttling away in the park ....much to the bemusement of my bulldog, which may I add, was on a leash and nowhere near close enough to touch her.
To begin with I was thoroughly confused..biased as I am, I couldn't understand how anyone could perceive anything as loveable, cuddly and amiable as a young Bulldog. But then I cannot understand the harsh negativity towards a sweetly smiling staffie, a noble Rottweiller or a beautiful Dobermann. Then of course, I was always taught that there was no such thing as a bad breed and grew up with a couple of reasonably large dogs. Nevertheless I did not think a Bulldog was included in the 'devil dog' list which sadly does exist in the mind of certain individuals.
Now I do understand perfectly well that some people are afraid of dogs and some individuals are wary of certain breeds, or dogs over a certain size. Also, some people simply do not like dogs and have no desire to interact with them. However, one of the things that each experience has in common is that I witness the same individual that made a less than positive remark about my dog, walk happily near or even pet another type of dog.
Along with my surprise at just how wary people are of Dozer, one experience made me think just how detrimental it is to teach children that certain breeds of dogs are dangerous whilst others are not. As I will explain, I do think that such a thing will only increase the number of dog bites.
During one visit to a pet shop, I was at the dog food stand choosing treats, my social butterfly Bulldog sat close to my side. He was happy, relaxed and behaving well. As I moved him along to pay for his treats a child was in the distance with his mother, petting a Spaniel. Moving away from the Spaniel the boy pointed towards us and exclaimed 'look mummy, another dog'. She immediately scooped the boy into her arms and shouted 'No! You must not go near that kind of dog, those kind of dogs are dangerous'.
She made a swift exit before I could explain that my dog is actually very friendly, and very gentle with children. The problem here is not that the individual didn't like my dog, but the poor education she had provided her child. She had basically placed a nugget in the child's mind that not only are dogs that look like mine dangerous, but all dogs that look like the Spaniel they interacted with are safe.
Of course this is not the case, any dog can bite. And by teaching impressionable children that dogs that look a certain way are safe, there's a high chance they will reach out to any dog that their parents have placed in this category...increasing the chances of nips, or full on bites. Instead, I believe all children (and adults) should be taught the following ......ALWAYS ask the owners if the dog is friendly and if it is ok to pet the dog. NEVER run up to a dog and don't scream and shout. Interacting with friendly dogs is also healthy, because no one wants to create a fear of dogs in children, but rather a healthy respect.
How can dog owners help?
1) Don't respond negatively despite a negative reaction to your dog. This may seem difficult but remember it will only confirm the stereotype that the person has set in their mind (don't let them think: well of course a bad tempered owner would have a dog like that)
2) If you are taking your dog to a social place, and it is friendly, make time for people who ask if your dog is friendly and let them pet your dog. Answer any questions people may have about your dog or the breed.
3) Give people space, understand some people are scared of dogs of all shapes and sizes. So them crossing to the other side of the road is akin to an arachnophobic avoiding the tarantula section at the zoo