blacklibra56's Blog

RED-DOG1,
1. "In all fairness BLEEP happens, you never know if it's going to be a dog or a thug."
And
2. "you be aware of your surroundings at all times and think clearly to ensure your not harmed if a situation arises."

Being aware of your surroundings and paying attention are key elements ALL of the time. Also a small 9mm in the pants pocket for backup, is always nice too.

Starman have you been peeping in my pants? LOL

I actually carry a .41 cal Remington over/under derringer, not a puny 9mm (that's under my pillow) when I do my gardening.

It's really funny, when people ask me if Baruch bites (the rare times I talk to any one) I say "I wouldn't trust him. My husband beat me up after 31 years. Why would I trust my dog;)" I did find a doberman on my shoulder one time when walking my dog. It happened in an area in the complex where no one could see. He tagged along my shoulder all the way to my apartment building. I was scared. He was taller than me. He was trying to get at my Baruch, He sneaked up behind me. I grabbed Baruch and held him and shielded him. I called the office but no one came. Actually he went away. I wished he'd stay after I got into the building. When you are out in the open and it happens it's really scary. I've seen nice big dogs think my dog was a rag doll in the community dog yard and the owner says don't worry. I screamed that time. Now I make sure I get attacked first. However, I've been very very lucky.

I just thought of something. Blacklibra56. I was 64Yo before I ever knew what a dog was. I learned living all by myself in a big house. One thing I've learned the hard way is that even though I spent a lot of money getting my dog trained, the vet couldn't get it through my head that I had to train him every day. He ended up biting me a lot. Just like on The Dog Whisperer. I think you should look at The Dog Whisperer. Also you should find out if your neighbor trains his dog. Takes him on walks. Maybe you could go on walks with the guy behind you. Talk to him about what training is like. I can't even do this with my own grown children. It's hard to talk to someone who really doesn't like dogs. That's me most of my life. So I don't expect it of others. You probably couldn't convince me either. Now I think dogs are wonderful for human behavior. In fact, I don't see much difference between a guard dog and a guard human being. Particularly terrorists, bullies. You might even go to a pet store that trains and talk to them if you could sit in on group lessons.
It just may be that you don't have really good dog owner neighbors and then again maybe you do. It might help to find out. I'm not being patronizing. I truly believe this. I know, that's why I can't get along with people. They think this is nutty talk. Sadly I had to euthanize my first dog. I'm a different dog owner now. Living in an apartment I am forced to walk him 3 times a day. With a big yard I'd just open the door. Makes a huge difference.

Owning a dog myself I agree with bootsy, they need a lot of exercise and love. They know their surroundings, just like humans, they know when they are being loved and cared for. I owned a Belguim Shepherd, a very large dog, he only bit one person, believe me when I say he was provoked. If there is a fear of dogs, they will sense that as well.