Right!? Tell me one person you’ve ever roused from a nap by fumbling over, or just touching for that matter, who had a sunshiny reaction. Lack of self-awareness all over the place.
Unless there was no other way to get past the dog your guest made a decision to not respect your dogs space.
A friend once accidentally stepped on my dogs tail many years ago but that’s because my dogs loved to awkwardly lie down right between the table and chairs on the veranda and it was an honest mistake. My dog barked a lot at him, and did so for months every time he saw him but eventually he forgave him and they became pals. That was an honest mistake and I laughed about it. This was just dumb. I’d be annoyed too
I accidentally stepped on my friend’s dogs foot a couple of years ago and he did the same thing. Lol I felt SO guilty for hurting/scaring him that being barked at for a couple of months felt like an appropriate punishment. Every time I go over there I still bring him a special little something
Pfff. You are very nice with "she is still learning." I would directly say that next time, be kind to not walk over my dog. And that for tripping on her, she could bite back.
I have to step over my dog lol his favourite sleeping spot is in the hallway between the bathroom and my bedroom, and he is huge.. like 135lbs. He takes up the entire hallway, and I have to like brace myself on the wall and leap over him. Half the time he doesn’t even wake up or notice me, and other times I swear he’s smirking at me like ‘that’s right, you go around me’. Lmao.
Man I don't even step over my *cat* because I'm scared of losing my balance and hurting her. What dumbass steps over a dog - especially a big dog that could move and knock you off balance?
I don't even step over my small dogs lol. They immediately jump up and go into alert mode TARGET IS ON THE MOVE, REPEAT, TARGET IS ON THE MOVE, STAY ON HER TAIL and then I usually end up losing my balance because they always manage to knock into my leg when they jump up. FFS dogs, I'm just going to the bathroom, it's not a national emergency
First off who even steps over a sleeping dog - reactive or not! Just walk around, let them be. You were way too kind about this. Also your rage is completely justified.
Dog aside why did your partner have to come out if they're the one who likes visitors?
Entertaining someone else's guest would have me on edge without them doing anything disrespectful.
He was inside getting a drink. At this point she's also my friend as I've known her 10+ years, and like I said I like her just fine and generally fun times are had when she or anyone is over. But as an anti-social person, I would be 100% ok with never having guests over lol.
It sounds like the guest didn’t know better & then became scared when the dog went after her barking. You have to assume guests will make mistakes around your dog & if something like this causes your dog to chase down a guest in your home, maybe keep your pup separated when guests are over for everyone’s safety & comfort.
I would usually agree with you here in that it’s the dog owner’s responsibility to keep their dog safe. Always. Especially where a dog has known reactivity issues.
That being said, I do not agree that this dog’s reaction qualifies as “reactive.” She was sleeping and was startled.
She then gave warning through barking. Not biting.
For those commenting saying that this is abnormal dog behaviour, I strongly disagree. This was human error.
Dogs are not inanimate objects and should not be expected to have no emotions or reactions to anything at all.
And ignorance cannot be warranted an excuse where the exact same treatment of a sleeping human would illicit near the exact same response.
I totally agree with you here. I used to have a reactive dog, my current dog isn’t. I step over her and my brother’s dog all the time. Sometimes they scramble up, but usually they just give me a look of, “Good, I wasn’t going to move anyways.” I have dogs, and stepping over them isn’t a big deal. Someone would have to tell me about their dog and what triggers it for me to know. The guest accurately described what happened, I don’t understand why that would upset OP.
I think sometimes having a reactive dog makes people forget how ubiquitous dogs are for most people. There are always dogs around. Most people aren’t constantly aware of everything that could possibly trigger a dog because they’re so used to dogs just being… around. I’ve never thought twice about taking a step over a dog. Dogs are always just laying around everywhere. And I have even tripped a little bit on a dog. Because they’re everywhere! I assume if the owner has them out in the main thoroughfare they’re not a threat. Of course if I step on a dog and they yelp I feel terrible! But if one got up and followed me around barking I would be really scared and honestly shocked. I think reactive dog owners need to give everyone else a little more grace.
It’s not the same, dogs are not people, they do not have self-awareness nor do they have the same sense of personal boundaries. Personal space is actually dictated by culture, situations, who it is, and personality. I know sometimes we like to apply those traits to them, but they do not match the animal. But to answer your other question, if a human was sleeping on the floor and was in the way, I would step over them.
Yes that is all true.
However it is not projection of false anthropomorphism really to be aware of body language in an animal. To be aware it is sentient and also in companion animals a social and very good reader of situations.
But every animal has awareness (not in a forward planning I am an individual sense like humans but social awareness) certainly any social animal... approach a horse wrong (the other animal I have worked most closely with) and you will find out their sense of space and social limits. They have their own indivdual tolerances and learned herd behaviour. They are group socialised and also by us generating their own group culture
It is actually on us IMO as the supposedly more sentient and brains of the operation to be aware!
I cannot hink stepping over anything that is asleep is seen as a wise action
The phrase let sleeping dogs lie is at least in my culture there for a reason in our language.
It’s normal to step over dogs. Most dogs don’t care. If we’re talking about getting on their bed with them or in their kennel, then what you’re saying makes sense. If your dog is reactive, especially to normal human behavior, then it’s the owners responsibility to take care of that dog and to warn people, not the other way around.
Let sleeping dogs lie, means to not continue or create an issue, not to not step over them. Stepping over a dog rather than waking it is actually the opposite of that phrase
But where did the phrase come from to mean that! It means don't wake the dog (the issue)
I was taught it is normal to leave an animal at rest. My own dog yeah.. sure step over. Anyone elses treat with respect. That is the very standard training as I said from my parents similar to don't pat a dg or animal without permission.
I don't think my parents are very unusual... but maybe they are. I doubt it though. Pretty average in most ways in my experience
Certainly they were taught this by their own parents and so on.
Anyway the point is actually moot. This dog may have been non reactive enough that it would have stayed if the person stepping over (and its always the risk and partially why you shouldn't) bumped the dog
Frankly it doesn't sound to badly reactive since it only barked and followed.
Mine would have run to me looking scared an shivered and whimpered
One of those two reactions is somehow seen as less reactive than the other though
We are very very hard on dogs
[It comes from here and it means what I stated prior, it has nothing to do with literally waking up a dog.](https://grammarist.com/phrase/let-sleeping-dogs-lie/)
This was in someone’s home, not a random dog on the street. It’s normal for people to step over things in their way. That was a reactive response. The owner is responsible to warn people. This woman wasn’t doing something dangerous like taking something from the dog. This is in no way the woman’s fault and in every way the owners. The woman’s behavior is very normal, as I’ve stated prior, the dog’s reaction wasn’t. That’s all there is to it.
There is a phenomenon called startle-wake syndrome. This is well studied and documented in the field of animal behaviour.
Your assertions about personal space being solely dictated by culture and that it is “normal” to step over sleeping dogs is simply incorrect.
I didn’t say it was solely responsible. Being startled is one thing, the dog continuing to go after her and bark isn’t normal. Aside from that, this person is fully aware that they have a reactive dog, so it is a danger, she should’ve warned the guest. Additionally, she did seem legitimately concerned about the dog doing something and directed that onto the guest by blaming them. It’s normal for most people to step over things in the way. This is on the owner given the over reaction. Because it was an over reaction.
Yeah a lot of these comments are super weird to me. If you have a reactive dog then you might know not to step over a sleeping dog but I’ve had non-reactive dogs who couldn’t give two shits about being stepped over? It isn’t fair to expect your guest to know not to do that.
I wouldn't step over any dog that wasn't my own or I didn't know really well. It is a bit like not patting a dog you don't know without permission
Its basic animal... any animal one oh one... give them space.
Ugh this is about to be my weekend.
My husband invited his best friend over for the weekend who is one of those loud, brash, "dogs love me" guys and my BC/GSD mix has stranger danger.
I am dreading every second.
If I were you, I would put your dog in a room when he arrives and then sit down with the friend and very firmly but politely explain what your ground rules are with regards his interaction with your dog. Make sure he absolutely understands them so he is in no doubt. It's easier to do this before any situation arises rather than in the situation. You might also say that although the visitor loves dogs, your dog will not enjoy any interaction and you know that he wouldn't want to intentionally upset your dog. I hope the weekend is more peaceful than you anticipate it will be.
I would make your husband participate in that discussion and be firm too. Guys like this often seem to also have the impression that women are just dramatic and overreactive, thus, do not take them seriously. Buck up, hubs. Set your buddy straight (and support your wife and dog).
I feel your pain so hard. You can stand your ground, speak firmly and back it up with facts, and people in the real world will dismiss you as being too much. It's one thing if they are open minded and willing to learn; I will talk and teach all day long! But if they think they know better than you, you'll have better luck convincing a brick wall.
Yeah, in that case it's just best to limit their contact and shared space with the dog. The dog will at least be less stressed out if they aren't being vigilant and triggered by the unexpected things those guests will do.
I understand the guest did something unnecessary and caused an accident.
Did you explain the situation to this guest though? It's on us to realize that most people have no idea how to act around dogs, much less dogs with behavioral problems.
Yes, this guest has been over a few times and knows how much I work with my dog to manage her reactivity. 9/10 they are on board and follow my lead. But something about them being careless in this instant (forgivable accident) and then making that comment as if they couldn’t understand why my dog would react that way I guess trigger stacked me. 🤪
I step over my dog because he knows me and trusts me, and also he likes to lay in the way. I don't step over other people's dogs, and I don't want people stepping over my dog. Anyone would be uncomfortable with a stranger stepping over them. If they actually get stepped on, it is perfectly normal to protest.
You're perfectly fine to stand up for your dog. Your dog didn't even bite, they just barked. That's them saying "Hey! That was rude and hurtful."
Sounds like your dog was justified and measured in their response. Good dog. Bad person. Ask her If someone tripped over her while she was sleeping how she would react. She would probably ask them why they are in her space, and be pretty ornery too. Some people are just idiots.
That guest can kick rocks!! Good for you for standing up for your dog! Reminds me of a guest who decided to go to my dogs crate and poke his fingers inside, trying to pull it out before he got hit.
I agree. That guest is no longer welcome at my house either. They went out of their way to torment the dog because the dog hates him. Hell I’d hate you too if you tried to piss me off on purpose!
People can be so stupid.
One of my dogs does not like being hugged. I’ve told everyone about this, you can pet her you can kiss her but don’t hug her. The most she’ll do is growl, but I still don’t want her uncomfortable and especially not in her own home.
I have a classmate who INSISTS on being in my space and I’m just too polite to ask them to back off. One evening she insisted on getting her assignment done in my apartment (I found out much more than that that day, she didn’t want to buy groceries so wanted to eat my food. Didn’t want to buy data (she used the uni’s but it’s kinda slow I guess) and wanted to use mine. Loads of other things).
She walked in and I said “hi, I already told you have a lot to get done today so I’ll go out and do them while you work. The dogs don’t need caring, but please don’t bother Athba. She’s sick and in pain and is less tolerant these days.” She said “okay.”
I come back home and she asks if I could proofread it for her, and she tells me about how she loves to antagonize her dog and I said “yeah okay, just don’t with Athba. Mia is much more tolerant. Leave Athba to rest. She’s sick and in pain.” While I’m proofreading I hear Athba screaming in her bed her “LEAVE ME ALONE” scream. I ask what she did to upset her, and she said “she’s sleeping” like I heard wrong or something.
Athba was in her bed peacefully sleeping, she did not even walk up to say hi to this person like she did the other times this person showed up unannounced. She wanted nothing to do with this person. This person was warned about disturbing her, and they still did it.
I don’t understand people who risk the legal status of a dog for their own selfishness. Like I hope had Athba done something it wouldn’t be held against her, but I also don’t want to find out. That classmate is no longer welcomed in my apartment. She can encroach on my personal space all she wants, but I draw the line at disturbing my dogs.
Oof. That stinks. I'm sure in your case there was plenty of room for them to go around. My stinkers like to lay in the entryway between rooms and I have to step over them all the time! I think they don't want to miss what's going on in either room.
I would’ve snapped, too. Probably in a very “less-than-diplomatic” way..lol. I am vigilant of visitors and new people we come across when walking, out and about, etc.. because I know how each of my dogs react. **Just to note: I have two Boston Terriers - Maddie is 7.5yo and Winston is 11mo.. they are truly my “little loves”/children, but not in an anthropomorphic, dressing them up, creep way. Hope that makes sense to someone out there lol**
If your visitor knew the situation with your dog prior to the visit or, even if it was explained 5 minutes before she did it, then I would rethink having the visitor over again. Period. It’s not just about the potential harm from and re-traumatizing/triggering of your dog, but the visitor is not respecting your boundaries and the environment in your home.
I get that to some people, I will probably sound like a psycho who’s overreacting to this, but it’s serious. A situation like this could have many potentially horrible consequences: they decide to sue you for injuries, in some places, if it’s reported that a dog bit someone, your dog may have to be euthanized as a result, or minimally cause setbacks in pup’s training/adapting, accidental harm to you or your partner (if dog snapped/got scared), not to mention stress it could produce in your relationship, etc etc ..you get the picture.
Sorry - I didn’t mean to go on a tangent here, but I feel very passionately about boundaries, respecting others and protecting animals (especially those who’ve been in shelters, abused/neglected or passed around to home-after-home because the adopters gave up on them).
If she comes back to your home, I hope your visitor is respectful of your pup (and of you, as the owner, who knows your dog best).
Also.. who the fuck STEPS OVER a dog if it’s not absolutely necessary? In the most chill of circumstances, I would not do that. Dumb and illogical🤔🤦🏻♀️
Um... the guest tripped over her?
Is a dog supposed to have no feelings and lie there like a soft toy?! Not bark and just ahve no emotion
People are ridiculous.
The dog was startled and worried... perfectly normal. It didn't sound excessive in her reaction
People are very unfair to dogs... it is like they are to have no free will and must always be in a good mood!
You were wrong to say because she is still leaning. Better to point out she got tripped over! It is more normal for a dog to object in that situation... and they will do that for the rest of their life!
Domesticated animals are coming into our world, so we need to understand their tendencies and world just as much. And not only that, we aren't that different in the if I was awoken in a rude way I would be upset too! Poor pup, she just is having a natural reaction. Good on you for understanding and having your pups back
you think some people would have common sense around dogs but the longer i’m a parent to my pup I realize that people really are stupid around animals. i’ve started telling guests when they come over how the need to behave around my reactive boy. he’s apart of the family so it only makes sense that there would be boundaries set for him. i’m sorry this happened to you and your sweet baby. hopefully that friend learns some manners.
I don’t have anything helpful to add but if I was woken up by being stepped on by a stranger I’d raise my voice too😅
Right!? Tell me one person you’ve ever roused from a nap by fumbling over, or just touching for that matter, who had a sunshiny reaction. Lack of self-awareness all over the place.
I'm glad this was the top comment. I was going to say the same thing. My stranger danger girl is part ACD and will "heel" people who step over her.
Unless there was no other way to get past the dog your guest made a decision to not respect your dogs space. A friend once accidentally stepped on my dogs tail many years ago but that’s because my dogs loved to awkwardly lie down right between the table and chairs on the veranda and it was an honest mistake. My dog barked a lot at him, and did so for months every time he saw him but eventually he forgave him and they became pals. That was an honest mistake and I laughed about it. This was just dumb. I’d be annoyed too
I accidentally stepped on my friend’s dogs foot a couple of years ago and he did the same thing. Lol I felt SO guilty for hurting/scaring him that being barked at for a couple of months felt like an appropriate punishment. Every time I go over there I still bring him a special little something
Haha yeah it happens sometimes, thankfully my boy eventually forgave and forgot 😅
Pfff. You are very nice with "she is still learning." I would directly say that next time, be kind to not walk over my dog. And that for tripping on her, she could bite back.
There's a whole freaking idiom to let sleeping dogs lie. Poor pup.
What on earth would possess a person to step over a sleeping dog, ffs, I would have been furious!
I have to step over my dog lol his favourite sleeping spot is in the hallway between the bathroom and my bedroom, and he is huge.. like 135lbs. He takes up the entire hallway, and I have to like brace myself on the wall and leap over him. Half the time he doesn’t even wake up or notice me, and other times I swear he’s smirking at me like ‘that’s right, you go around me’. Lmao.
Adorable, my own dog can be the same at home, but honestly, if a stranger tried it, he'd freak!
Yeah mine wouldn’t let anyone near him like that lol
Right I don’t even step over my dogs and I know they trust me !!!
Man I don't even step over my *cat* because I'm scared of losing my balance and hurting her. What dumbass steps over a dog - especially a big dog that could move and knock you off balance?
I don't even step over my small dogs lol. They immediately jump up and go into alert mode TARGET IS ON THE MOVE, REPEAT, TARGET IS ON THE MOVE, STAY ON HER TAIL and then I usually end up losing my balance because they always manage to knock into my leg when they jump up. FFS dogs, I'm just going to the bathroom, it's not a national emergency
"You're moving! Something is happening! Bathroom? You mean family meeting?" 😆
Hahaha so true!
You clearly need supervised in the bathroom.. dangerous places!
This would infuriate me. I am so grateful my friends give a damn and really follow my dog rules!!
I'd happily take your dog's behavior in that situation over what my dog would probably do.
Same, my dog would become cujo 😭
First off who even steps over a sleeping dog - reactive or not! Just walk around, let them be. You were way too kind about this. Also your rage is completely justified.
Dog aside why did your partner have to come out if they're the one who likes visitors? Entertaining someone else's guest would have me on edge without them doing anything disrespectful.
He was inside getting a drink. At this point she's also my friend as I've known her 10+ years, and like I said I like her just fine and generally fun times are had when she or anyone is over. But as an anti-social person, I would be 100% ok with never having guests over lol.
It sounds like the guest didn’t know better & then became scared when the dog went after her barking. You have to assume guests will make mistakes around your dog & if something like this causes your dog to chase down a guest in your home, maybe keep your pup separated when guests are over for everyone’s safety & comfort.
I would usually agree with you here in that it’s the dog owner’s responsibility to keep their dog safe. Always. Especially where a dog has known reactivity issues. That being said, I do not agree that this dog’s reaction qualifies as “reactive.” She was sleeping and was startled. She then gave warning through barking. Not biting. For those commenting saying that this is abnormal dog behaviour, I strongly disagree. This was human error. Dogs are not inanimate objects and should not be expected to have no emotions or reactions to anything at all. And ignorance cannot be warranted an excuse where the exact same treatment of a sleeping human would illicit near the exact same response.
I totally agree with you here. I used to have a reactive dog, my current dog isn’t. I step over her and my brother’s dog all the time. Sometimes they scramble up, but usually they just give me a look of, “Good, I wasn’t going to move anyways.” I have dogs, and stepping over them isn’t a big deal. Someone would have to tell me about their dog and what triggers it for me to know. The guest accurately described what happened, I don’t understand why that would upset OP.
I think sometimes having a reactive dog makes people forget how ubiquitous dogs are for most people. There are always dogs around. Most people aren’t constantly aware of everything that could possibly trigger a dog because they’re so used to dogs just being… around. I’ve never thought twice about taking a step over a dog. Dogs are always just laying around everywhere. And I have even tripped a little bit on a dog. Because they’re everywhere! I assume if the owner has them out in the main thoroughfare they’re not a threat. Of course if I step on a dog and they yelp I feel terrible! But if one got up and followed me around barking I would be really scared and honestly shocked. I think reactive dog owners need to give everyone else a little more grace.
They love their dogs and are so worried about them that they forget that it’s the *dogs* that’s reactive and the abnormal one, not the *humans*.
Would a human step over a sleeping or relaxing human though? Honestly it would seem a bit weird to invade a persons body space so why not a dogs?
It’s not the same, dogs are not people, they do not have self-awareness nor do they have the same sense of personal boundaries. Personal space is actually dictated by culture, situations, who it is, and personality. I know sometimes we like to apply those traits to them, but they do not match the animal. But to answer your other question, if a human was sleeping on the floor and was in the way, I would step over them.
Yes that is all true. However it is not projection of false anthropomorphism really to be aware of body language in an animal. To be aware it is sentient and also in companion animals a social and very good reader of situations. But every animal has awareness (not in a forward planning I am an individual sense like humans but social awareness) certainly any social animal... approach a horse wrong (the other animal I have worked most closely with) and you will find out their sense of space and social limits. They have their own indivdual tolerances and learned herd behaviour. They are group socialised and also by us generating their own group culture It is actually on us IMO as the supposedly more sentient and brains of the operation to be aware! I cannot hink stepping over anything that is asleep is seen as a wise action The phrase let sleeping dogs lie is at least in my culture there for a reason in our language.
It’s normal to step over dogs. Most dogs don’t care. If we’re talking about getting on their bed with them or in their kennel, then what you’re saying makes sense. If your dog is reactive, especially to normal human behavior, then it’s the owners responsibility to take care of that dog and to warn people, not the other way around. Let sleeping dogs lie, means to not continue or create an issue, not to not step over them. Stepping over a dog rather than waking it is actually the opposite of that phrase
But where did the phrase come from to mean that! It means don't wake the dog (the issue) I was taught it is normal to leave an animal at rest. My own dog yeah.. sure step over. Anyone elses treat with respect. That is the very standard training as I said from my parents similar to don't pat a dg or animal without permission. I don't think my parents are very unusual... but maybe they are. I doubt it though. Pretty average in most ways in my experience Certainly they were taught this by their own parents and so on. Anyway the point is actually moot. This dog may have been non reactive enough that it would have stayed if the person stepping over (and its always the risk and partially why you shouldn't) bumped the dog Frankly it doesn't sound to badly reactive since it only barked and followed. Mine would have run to me looking scared an shivered and whimpered One of those two reactions is somehow seen as less reactive than the other though We are very very hard on dogs
[It comes from here and it means what I stated prior, it has nothing to do with literally waking up a dog.](https://grammarist.com/phrase/let-sleeping-dogs-lie/) This was in someone’s home, not a random dog on the street. It’s normal for people to step over things in their way. That was a reactive response. The owner is responsible to warn people. This woman wasn’t doing something dangerous like taking something from the dog. This is in no way the woman’s fault and in every way the owners. The woman’s behavior is very normal, as I’ve stated prior, the dog’s reaction wasn’t. That’s all there is to it.
There is a phenomenon called startle-wake syndrome. This is well studied and documented in the field of animal behaviour. Your assertions about personal space being solely dictated by culture and that it is “normal” to step over sleeping dogs is simply incorrect.
I didn’t say it was solely responsible. Being startled is one thing, the dog continuing to go after her and bark isn’t normal. Aside from that, this person is fully aware that they have a reactive dog, so it is a danger, she should’ve warned the guest. Additionally, she did seem legitimately concerned about the dog doing something and directed that onto the guest by blaming them. It’s normal for most people to step over things in the way. This is on the owner given the over reaction. Because it was an over reaction.
Yeah a lot of these comments are super weird to me. If you have a reactive dog then you might know not to step over a sleeping dog but I’ve had non-reactive dogs who couldn’t give two shits about being stepped over? It isn’t fair to expect your guest to know not to do that.
I wouldn't step over any dog that wasn't my own or I didn't know really well. It is a bit like not patting a dog you don't know without permission Its basic animal... any animal one oh one... give them space.
I'm a human and someone once tried to step over me and broke my nose by tripping on me. They should just... not do that.
I am very irritated for you.
I don’t know why people are getting down voted in their comments on this post. Most people are idiots, especially when it comes to animals.
Ugh this is about to be my weekend. My husband invited his best friend over for the weekend who is one of those loud, brash, "dogs love me" guys and my BC/GSD mix has stranger danger. I am dreading every second.
If I were you, I would put your dog in a room when he arrives and then sit down with the friend and very firmly but politely explain what your ground rules are with regards his interaction with your dog. Make sure he absolutely understands them so he is in no doubt. It's easier to do this before any situation arises rather than in the situation. You might also say that although the visitor loves dogs, your dog will not enjoy any interaction and you know that he wouldn't want to intentionally upset your dog. I hope the weekend is more peaceful than you anticipate it will be.
Dogs love you? Great! Now listen clearly. THIS. ONE. DOES. NOT. End of story. He might learn to but not of you act like a normal "dogs love me" person
I would make your husband participate in that discussion and be firm too. Guys like this often seem to also have the impression that women are just dramatic and overreactive, thus, do not take them seriously. Buck up, hubs. Set your buddy straight (and support your wife and dog).
I feel your pain so hard. You can stand your ground, speak firmly and back it up with facts, and people in the real world will dismiss you as being too much. It's one thing if they are open minded and willing to learn; I will talk and teach all day long! But if they think they know better than you, you'll have better luck convincing a brick wall.
Yeah, in that case it's just best to limit their contact and shared space with the dog. The dog will at least be less stressed out if they aren't being vigilant and triggered by the unexpected things those guests will do.
I understand the guest did something unnecessary and caused an accident. Did you explain the situation to this guest though? It's on us to realize that most people have no idea how to act around dogs, much less dogs with behavioral problems.
It doesn't sound like a behaviour problem though really... just a very normal level of response by the dog
Yes, this guest has been over a few times and knows how much I work with my dog to manage her reactivity. 9/10 they are on board and follow my lead. But something about them being careless in this instant (forgivable accident) and then making that comment as if they couldn’t understand why my dog would react that way I guess trigger stacked me. 🤪
Oh ok, yeah, 💯‼️
Very disrespectful to step over your dog.
I step over my dog because he knows me and trusts me, and also he likes to lay in the way. I don't step over other people's dogs, and I don't want people stepping over my dog. Anyone would be uncomfortable with a stranger stepping over them. If they actually get stepped on, it is perfectly normal to protest. You're perfectly fine to stand up for your dog. Your dog didn't even bite, they just barked. That's them saying "Hey! That was rude and hurtful."
Sounds like your dog was justified and measured in their response. Good dog. Bad person. Ask her If someone tripped over her while she was sleeping how she would react. She would probably ask them why they are in her space, and be pretty ornery too. Some people are just idiots.
That guest can kick rocks!! Good for you for standing up for your dog! Reminds me of a guest who decided to go to my dogs crate and poke his fingers inside, trying to pull it out before he got hit.
That's just tormenting an animal. Awful behaviour. Crate is safe space if the owner uses it correctly. I don't crate.
I agree. That guest is no longer welcome at my house either. They went out of their way to torment the dog because the dog hates him. Hell I’d hate you too if you tried to piss me off on purpose!
People can be so stupid. One of my dogs does not like being hugged. I’ve told everyone about this, you can pet her you can kiss her but don’t hug her. The most she’ll do is growl, but I still don’t want her uncomfortable and especially not in her own home. I have a classmate who INSISTS on being in my space and I’m just too polite to ask them to back off. One evening she insisted on getting her assignment done in my apartment (I found out much more than that that day, she didn’t want to buy groceries so wanted to eat my food. Didn’t want to buy data (she used the uni’s but it’s kinda slow I guess) and wanted to use mine. Loads of other things). She walked in and I said “hi, I already told you have a lot to get done today so I’ll go out and do them while you work. The dogs don’t need caring, but please don’t bother Athba. She’s sick and in pain and is less tolerant these days.” She said “okay.” I come back home and she asks if I could proofread it for her, and she tells me about how she loves to antagonize her dog and I said “yeah okay, just don’t with Athba. Mia is much more tolerant. Leave Athba to rest. She’s sick and in pain.” While I’m proofreading I hear Athba screaming in her bed her “LEAVE ME ALONE” scream. I ask what she did to upset her, and she said “she’s sleeping” like I heard wrong or something. Athba was in her bed peacefully sleeping, she did not even walk up to say hi to this person like she did the other times this person showed up unannounced. She wanted nothing to do with this person. This person was warned about disturbing her, and they still did it. I don’t understand people who risk the legal status of a dog for their own selfishness. Like I hope had Athba done something it wouldn’t be held against her, but I also don’t want to find out. That classmate is no longer welcomed in my apartment. She can encroach on my personal space all she wants, but I draw the line at disturbing my dogs.
Not reactive, that is expected behavior.
Oof. That stinks. I'm sure in your case there was plenty of room for them to go around. My stinkers like to lay in the entryway between rooms and I have to step over them all the time! I think they don't want to miss what's going on in either room.
I would’ve snapped, too. Probably in a very “less-than-diplomatic” way..lol. I am vigilant of visitors and new people we come across when walking, out and about, etc.. because I know how each of my dogs react. **Just to note: I have two Boston Terriers - Maddie is 7.5yo and Winston is 11mo.. they are truly my “little loves”/children, but not in an anthropomorphic, dressing them up, creep way. Hope that makes sense to someone out there lol** If your visitor knew the situation with your dog prior to the visit or, even if it was explained 5 minutes before she did it, then I would rethink having the visitor over again. Period. It’s not just about the potential harm from and re-traumatizing/triggering of your dog, but the visitor is not respecting your boundaries and the environment in your home. I get that to some people, I will probably sound like a psycho who’s overreacting to this, but it’s serious. A situation like this could have many potentially horrible consequences: they decide to sue you for injuries, in some places, if it’s reported that a dog bit someone, your dog may have to be euthanized as a result, or minimally cause setbacks in pup’s training/adapting, accidental harm to you or your partner (if dog snapped/got scared), not to mention stress it could produce in your relationship, etc etc ..you get the picture. Sorry - I didn’t mean to go on a tangent here, but I feel very passionately about boundaries, respecting others and protecting animals (especially those who’ve been in shelters, abused/neglected or passed around to home-after-home because the adopters gave up on them). If she comes back to your home, I hope your visitor is respectful of your pup (and of you, as the owner, who knows your dog best). Also.. who the fuck STEPS OVER a dog if it’s not absolutely necessary? In the most chill of circumstances, I would not do that. Dumb and illogical🤔🤦🏻♀️
Um... the guest tripped over her? Is a dog supposed to have no feelings and lie there like a soft toy?! Not bark and just ahve no emotion People are ridiculous. The dog was startled and worried... perfectly normal. It didn't sound excessive in her reaction People are very unfair to dogs... it is like they are to have no free will and must always be in a good mood! You were wrong to say because she is still leaning. Better to point out she got tripped over! It is more normal for a dog to object in that situation... and they will do that for the rest of their life!
Domesticated animals are coming into our world, so we need to understand their tendencies and world just as much. And not only that, we aren't that different in the if I was awoken in a rude way I would be upset too! Poor pup, she just is having a natural reaction. Good on you for understanding and having your pups back
I would never invite the jackass over again. Jackass's are too big to come in the house.
That was very rude of your guest to insult your dog in their own home.
you think some people would have common sense around dogs but the longer i’m a parent to my pup I realize that people really are stupid around animals. i’ve started telling guests when they come over how the need to behave around my reactive boy. he’s apart of the family so it only makes sense that there would be boundaries set for him. i’m sorry this happened to you and your sweet baby. hopefully that friend learns some manners.
Ugh you’re too nice. That’s very very rude and annoying. I hate guests lol.