Damn dogs

[scutty brown]

Any dog experts here?
Anyone able to explain why despite me  not liking dogs the bloody things seem to almost universally like me and want attention from me?
Good example yesterday.
I was in the pub minding my own business and a couple come in with some kind of cross bred arctic sleigh dog. Big one husky/malamute kind of thing, a large bitch weighing around eight stones and looking like a fluffy wolf-dog. Friendly enough thing, it wandered around the pub soliciting pats while I did my best to ignore it. But it sees me, sits right in front of me, sticks its head up vertically and starts singing to me in a wolfish howl. Didn't do it to anyone else, just me. And it won't bloody stop until it's taken outside. Impressive to hear, but not inside a pub... There was no sense or hint of violence or malice from the animal - it just wanted to  sing to me.
What the fuck have I got that makes an oversized furball want to serenade me with wolf calls? Maybe I should feel honoured, but I can imagine getting chucked out of the pub if it happens again.
And its not as if this is the only time. I often get unknown alsations and the like singling me out as their centre of attention for no apparent reason.
Anyone got any idea what it is I'm doing wrong?

[MLawro93]

Clearly they respect the alpha in the room. 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

Dogs do pick up that you’re wary of them or don’t like them and tend to single you out. It’s nothing personal and as a dog owner my two would do exactly the same thing.

However the owners should not have allowed it to roam around the pub, that’s asking for trouble.

[mr.bluesky]

The time to worry is when it wants to hump your leg   
A friend I visit has two very big dogs which would scare the shit out of most people but they are big softies. The only thing I worry about is if they jump up me as they would send me flying . I always bring them treats and they usually reward me by fetching their toys or heavy bones which they usually drop on my foot . As Jumping Jack says dogs do pick up if you like them or are wary of them.

[southcoastpunter]

perhaps they like your smell SB! lol

[DastardlyDick]

The time to worry is when it wants to hump your leg   
A friend I visit has two very big dogs which would scare the shit out of most people but they are big softies. The only thing I worry about is if they jump up me as they would send me flying . I always bring them treats and they usually reward me by fetching their toys or heavy bones which they usually drop on my foot . As Jumping Jack says dogs do pick up if you like them or are wary of them.

The humping you describe in dogs is (believe it or not) non sexual - it's about dominance, which is also why it's more likely to be female dogs doing it - they think they're higher In the pack than you and this asserts that. In contrast, the bringing of toys, bones etc is them acknowledging that you are higher in the pack than them, so you get first dibs at resources..
Dogs mainly rely on body language and sound to communicate their mood and/or intentions to each other, but even that is about intimidation, so they've developed ways of making themselves look bigger and tougher (hackles, growling etc) than the other dog - the last thing they want is an actual fight, which could result in injury to themselves. This dates from their wolf ancestry - an injured animal cannot hunt, so it is reliant on the rest of the pack to provide food, they'll be bottom of the pack, left with whatever the rest don't want or just can't eat because they've stuffed themselves full.
Through centuries of domestication, dogs have learned (to a limited extent) human behaviours , for example, they may show their front teeth because they've learned that when humans smile, good things happen.

[MLawro93]

Dogs do pick up that you’re wary of them or don’t like them and tend to single you out. It’s nothing personal and as a dog owner my two would do exactly the same thing.

However the owners should not have allowed it to roam around the pub, that’s asking for trouble.

Yep. Seen this too often. Another is just teaching kids how to interact with pets in general, too many times have I seen them pull and grab dogs/cats, lucky most have been fairly patient with them. Feel like they understand they are kids

[akauya]

Dogs have very keen olfactory senses, you might be giving off scents they find im-paw-sible to ignore. Whether it's the food you eat, your laundry, or just your aura, they're clearly attracted to you.  Plus, dogs are emotional detectives. You say "I'm not a dog person" and they go "Challenge accepted!" That fur ball serenading you must have sensed your inner good boi vibes.

...and if it's not your smell it's probably your looks, some people do look like dogs don't they 

Sorry no offense intended 

[myothernameis]

By chance did you spray your self with, lynx ball spray 

[threechilliman]

Any dog experts here?
Anyone able to explain why despite me  not liking dogs the bloody things seem to almost universally like me and want attention from me?
Good example yesterday.
I was in the pub minding my own business and a couple come in with some kind of cross bred arctic sleigh dog. Big one husky/malamute kind of thing, a large bitch weighing around eight stones and looking like a fluffy wolf-dog. Friendly enough thing, it wandered around the pub soliciting pats while I did my best to ignore it. But it sees me, sits right in front of me, sticks its head up vertically and starts singing to me in a wolfish howl. Didn't do it to anyone else, just me. And it won't bloody stop until it's taken outside. Impressive to hear, but not inside a pub... There was no sense or hint of violence or malice from the animal - it just wanted to  sing to me.
What the fuck have I got that makes an oversized furball want to serenade me with wolf calls? Maybe I should feel honoured, but I can imagine getting chucked out of the pub if it happens again.
And its not as if this is the only time. I often get unknown alsations and the like singling me out as their centre of attention for no apparent reason.
Anyone got any idea what it is I'm doing wrong?

I've had similar experiences and for much the same reasons. No idea why folk find dogs such loveable creatures.

[puntingking]

I've had similar experiences and for much the same reasons. No idea why folk find dogs such loveable creatures.

dogs have more humanity than humans do.

dogs never get upset with you.
Dogs are never angry at their owners.
Dogs are always very welcoming.
Dogs can sense when you're not feeling well.
dogs will protect.
dogs will love.
dogs dont judge you.
dogs are sociable.
Interesting fact - one in three homes have a dog in the UK. 

Dogs - a mans best friend. 

[puntingking]

Any dog experts here?
Anyone able to explain why despite me  not liking dogs the bloody things seem to almost universally like me and want attention from me?
Good example yesterday.
I was in the pub minding my own business and a couple come in with some kind of cross bred arctic sleigh dog. Big one husky/malamute kind of thing, a large bitch weighing around eight stones and looking like a fluffy wolf-dog. Friendly enough thing, it wandered around the pub soliciting pats while I did my best to ignore it. But it sees me, sits right in front of me, sticks its head up vertically and starts singing to me in a wolfish howl. Didn't do it to anyone else, just me. And it won't bloody stop until it's taken outside. Impressive to hear, but not inside a pub... There was no sense or hint of violence or malice from the animal - it just wanted to  sing to me.
What the fuck have I got that makes an oversized furball want to serenade me with wolf calls? Maybe I should feel honoured, but I can imagine getting chucked out of the pub if it happens again.
And its not as if this is the only time. I often get unknown alsations and the like singling me out as their centre of attention for no apparent reason.
Anyone got any idea what it is I'm doing wrong?

 humans have pissed me off much more than a dog can ever can. 

You annoyed because a dog sang to you in a pub? 

I have heard more noise coming from a wake in a pub than from a dog. 

[DastardlyDick]

I've had similar experiences and for much the same reasons. No idea why folk find dogs such loveable creatures.

I've found most dogs I've met to be much nicer than most people I've met.

[scutty brown]

By chance did you spray your self with, lynx ball spray 

Lynx Africa........

[superchamp]

Don't visit the NEC when Crufts is on.

[badsin]

I'm a dog fan, dislike XL bullies - or more the folks that own them.
I think Ricky Gervais said " I trust a dog that doesn't like a human, more than I trust a human that doesn't like dogs"....or words to that effect.
You should be happy that a pooch took polite interest in you. You must have a good soul 

[puntingking]

I'm a dog fan, dislike XL bullies - or more the folks that own them.
I think Ricky Gervais said " I trust a dog that doesn't like a human, more than I trust a human that doesn't like dogs"....or words to that effect.
You should be happy that a pooch took polite interest in you. You must have a good soul 

+1

 

[Adoniron]

Never trust someone who doesn't like dogs.
Never trust someone who your dog doesn't like.

[badsin]

Never trust someone who doesn't like dogs.
Never trust someone who your dog doesn't like.

[daviemac]

I like dogs but want to chose which one's I pat, dogs in a public place should be kept on a lead and under control, not allowed to wander around approaching people who may not want them to for a variety of reasons.

If I wanted to pat a dog in a pub I would approach the owner and ask if it's alright otherwise I should be left alone to enjoy my drink.

[Doc Holliday]

Is this you Scutty? External Link/Members Only

[MartyW]

dogs have more humanity than humans do.

dogs never get upset with you.
Dogs are never angry at their owners.
Dogs are always very welcoming.
Dogs can sense when you're not feeling well.
dogs will protect.
dogs will love.
dogs dont judge you.
dogs are sociable.
Interesting fact - one in three homes have a dog in the UK. 

Dogs - a mans best friend. 

+1 Dogs have no guile, they will never plot against you

[daviemac]

+1 Dogs have no guile, they will never plot against you

Yes they will, they remember people who have done something to them and act if they get the chance, I've seen it happen.

[mills_and_bhuna]

Just out of interest, Scutty.
Did you have a bad experience with a dog when you were younger?

[Blackpool Rock]

This is the problem though, increasingly these days people seem to treat their dogs like children and as "Part of the family"

OK fair enough it's free choice but it's part of "Their family" not part of everyone else's fucking family too yet you have to put up with the fucking things barking and shitting everywhere.
Not wishing to turn this into the Blackpool Rock grumpy prick thread but most people don't seem to even have proper dogs these days
I remember as a kid watching All creatures great and small with that batty old woman and her dog Tricky Woo that she treated like a child, she was considered a piss take at the time but somehow Millions of people have morphed into her 

[billybob69]

Any dog experts here?
Anyone able to explain why despite me  not liking dogs the bloody things seem to almost universally like me and want attention from me?
Good example yesterday.
I was in the pub minding my own business and a couple come in with some kind of cross bred arctic sleigh dog. Big one husky/malamute kind of thing, a large bitch weighing around eight stones and looking like a fluffy wolf-dog. Friendly enough thing, it wandered around the pub soliciting pats while I did my best to ignore it. But it sees me, sits right in front of me, sticks its head up vertically and starts singing to me in a wolfish howl. Didn't do it to anyone else, just me. And it won't bloody stop until it's taken outside. Impressive to hear, but not inside a pub... There was no sense or hint of violence or malice from the animal - it just wanted to  sing to me.
What the fuck have I got that makes an oversized furball want to serenade me with wolf calls? Maybe I should feel honoured, but I can imagine getting chucked out of the pub if it happens again.
And its not as if this is the only time. I often get unknown alsations and the like singling me out as their centre of attention for no apparent reason.
Anyone got any idea what it is I'm doing wrong?

This what is going through the dog's mind:

The owner (pack leader) has walked into a building full of other pack members.
The pack leader lets her go and the dog thinks "I'll be back in a minute. I'm just going to check in on the rest of the pack (and see if they have any food going)".

Dog goes up to a group of Customers which is "Alright lads?" in dog language.
The group (pack) of customers looks at her, talks to her, strokes her. This tells the dog that these are pack members and they are OK.
So she moves on and goes up to Customer 2. Customer strokes her, which tells the dog that this pack member is OK. Still no food, OK I'll move on.
The same for Customer 3 and 4. The dog is thinking all is good in the pack.

Dog goes up to Scutty which is "Alright mate?" in dog language.
Scutty, the pack member doesn't respond. "Mate, are you OK?" Scutty doesn't introduce eye contact with her. "Your on your own, which usually means that you are sick or injured. Are you OK", the dog is thinking. Still no response. "Mate, your freaking me out now". Still no response.

At this point, one of two things is either going through their mind. Either "Fcuk, one of the pack is injured. I need to alert the rest of the pack immediately" [Howl]. "Damn, I have found an alpha. I need to show my respect to him" [Howl].

[scutty brown]

Just out of interest, Scutty.
Did you have a bad experience with a dog when you were younger?

No. I just don't like them.
Dirty shitty things

[threechilliman]

Just out of interest, Scutty.
Did you have a bad experience with a dog when you were younger?

That is the problem for me.

[MLawro93]

Yes they will, they remember people who have done something to them and act if they get the chance, I've seen it happen.

A fair few animals have this ability. Favourite being magpies. Had a neighbour getting harassed by a gang of them once for a few months, as he once threw a rock at one in the group. 

[Blackpool Rock]

A fair few animals have this ability. Favourite being magpies. Had a neighbour getting harassed by a gang of them once for a few months, as he once threw a rock at one in the group. 

Attacking magpies on here will get you harassed by a Mod   

[timsussex]

Attacking magpies on here will get you harassed by a Mod   

They are very protective of Notts County   

[puntingking]

Just out of interest, Scutty.
Did you have a bad experience with a dog when you were younger?

for every bad experience he may have had from a dog in the past, i bet he had a quadruple amount of bad experiences with a human being. 

[scutty brown]

At this point, one of two things is either going through their mind. Either "Fcuk, one of the pack is injured. I need to alert the rest of the pack immediately" [Howl]. "Damn, I have found an alpha. I need to show my respect to him" [Howl].

Hopefully the latter...........

[scutty brown]

for every bad experience he may have had from a dog in the past, i bet he had a quadruple amount of bad experiences with a human being. 

not really - if a human gives you a bad experience you can mitigate it by hitting him
can't really do that with a dog - you've got to catch it first and that ain't easy, especially with the sharp end pointing at you

not that I've had much in the way of bad dog experiences......had to stop a staffy from attacking my son once - that got picked up and thrown in the river, got a  few bites but nothing to worry about. Owner got a bit upset and had to be threatened with the same action....
and again a crossbreed terrier again attacking my son when he was about six.....that got dropkicked over the fence to the nature reserve we were in. Again a few insignificant bites. Trivial stuff.
Never had a problem with a real dog, they all seem to like me despite my dislike for them

[scutty brown]

A fair few animals have this ability. Favourite being magpies. Had a neighbour getting harassed by a gang of them once for a few months, as he once threw a rock at one in the group. 

There's an interesting essay by an Austrian biologist named Konrad Lorenz from back in the 1930's about a local flock of rooks which harassed a member of his family for years (probably his mother) after they saw her hanging a black swimming costume on a clothes line.
Seems the birds thought the swimming costume was a dead rook, and resultingly mobbed her every time they saw her.
But it was learned behaviour - at first just a few, but eventually the whole rookery took part - and passed it on down the generations.

[catweazle]

 

most people don't seem to even have proper dogs these days
I remember as a kid watching All creatures great and small with that batty old woman and her dog Tricky Woo that she treated like a child, she was considered a piss take at the time but somehow Millions of people have morphed into her 

I was walking my dog (English springer spaniel, so a "proper" dog) in the park yesterday, and passed an obese woman riding a large mobility scooter, with one of those tiny yappy dogs in the basket at the front ,( so neither of them was actually getting any exercise, although no doubt she'll be saying " I took the dog to the park today".)

[Stevelondon]

So a dog humping, is simply asserting its dominance in the pack is it. ?

I had a boxer who must have kept every cushion in the house in line. Without me even realising it. 🤷🏼

[daviemac]

Another reason for irresponsible owners to keep their dogs under control in public places.

External Link/Members Only

[southcoastpunter]

i must admit that despite growing up with cats and dogs, i am not a particular dog lover now - and hate it when out for a walk, a dogs comes running up and jumps up at you and the owners shout " don't worry, he won't hurt you".

Hurt me? its lucky i don't wack it! - and not a comment or apology about the wet muddy paw prints left all over me.

[mills_and_bhuna]

No. I just don't like them.
Dirty shitty things

And yet you like people?
Or do you hate them too?

[scutty brown]

And yet you like people?
Or do you hate them too?

I'm ambivalent about people. I don't hate them but I can do pretty well without them.
But at least most of the ones I know aren't going to crap in the street

[DastardlyDick]

So a dog humping, is simply asserting its dominance in the pack is it. ?
 
I had a boxer who must have kept every cushion in the house in line. Without me even realising it. 🤷🏼

I never said they had any discretion about what they tried to dominate 

[mr.bluesky]

I'm ambivalent about people. I don't hate them but I can do pretty well without them.
But at least most of the ones I know aren't going to crap in the street

Responsible owners should pick it up, bag it and bin it, unfortunately there are some who don't. Dogs don't drop litter or fly tip though.

[timsussex]

Responsible owners should pick it up, bag it and bin it, unfortunately there are some who don't. Dogs don't drop litter or fly tip though.

I have no idea what % of dog owners pick up their pooches crap in public places but I know its at least a thousand times greater than the number of cat owners that do

I used to have at least 4 neighbours cats crap in my garden - before I got a dog

[puntingking]

Responsible owners should pick it up, bag it and bin it, unfortunately there are some who don't. Dogs don't drop litter or fly tip though.

If owners leave their dog shit on the floor, doesn't rain wash it away anyway?

We have a bigger problem with individuals dumping rubbish on streets or throwing empty food packets out of their car windows. 

I can't stand seeing cigarettes left all over the place.

Like the advert used to say years ago "be more dog". 

[chrishornx]

I have no idea what % of dog owners pick up their pooches crap in public places but I know its at least a thousand times greater than the number of cat owners that do

I used to have at least 4 neighbours cats crap in my garden - before I got a dog

it is not a thousand times more - the comparison just doesn't exist I doubt any cat owner picks up their cats crap if they are cats that are allowed out but unlike dogs they do hide their crap

[Blackpool Rock]

it is not a thousand times more - the comparison just doesn't exist I doubt any cat owner picks up their cats crap if they are cats that are allowed out but unlike dogs they do hide their crap

Yeah in Tim's garden   

[Blackpool Rock]

If owners leave their dog shit on the floor, doesn't rain wash it away anyway?

We have a bigger problem with individuals dumping rubbish on streets or throwing empty food packets out of their car windows. 

I can't stand seeing cigarettes left all over the place.

Like the advert used to say years ago "be more dog". 

I remember back in the days before anyone picked up their dog shit there were some places where you literally had to keep side stepping to avoid the fucking stuff, some places were even known as dog shit alley 
I do remember once walking home after the pub and going in the back entrance to my house which involved a 50 metre walk along a dark road, unknown to me i'd stepped in dog shit and I only found this out when the smell hit me at the top of the stairs as I looked down and saw dog shit on the carpet of every 2nd stair, dirty bastards 

I agree that people generally littering is an issue however it's not on the same scale health wise -
Dog faeces can transmit various illnesses to humans, including parasitic infections like toxocariasis, and bacterial infections like salmonella and E. coli. These diseases can be contracted through contact with contaminated soil or sand, or through accidental ingestion of worm eggs present in dog faeces

I'm with you on discarded fag ends and most people don't realise they are mainly plastic

[timsussex]

it is not a thousand times more - the comparison just doesn't exist I doubt any cat owner picks up their cats crap if they are cats that are allowed out but unlike dogs they do hide their crap

I'll happily bet its at least a thousand to one might even be ten million to one

Has anyone ever heard of a cat owner who ever picked up their cat's crap - other than in their own garden ?

I used to have a cat as well as a dog and I didnt pick up her crap - she used to dig a hole stand back paws in it and crap on the edge then backfill the unused hole !

[badsin]

Slightly of topic.
Folks that pick up dog crap in the plastic bags, then throw the bags into branches of trees etc.
Why?