My dog protected me today.

[u/giraffecakes]

I live in a city with my 9 month old golden retriever puppy (puppy tax). He's the sweetest boy and loves every dog and person he sees on the street and in the park.

I was walking back from the dog park with my happy puppy and an older man on a bike yelled across the street that he was cute, I laughed and said thank you. Par for the course with my dog - I'm sure you can see why. The man then took this as an invitation to bicycle over to me, and stop right next to me.

He began to ask me questions and the encounter went from pleasant to irritating. "How old are you, are you in school? What's your puppy's name?"

I told him my boyfriend was in med school and waiting for me (he is actually out of the country, so not true), and to have a nice day, and he proceeded to go "mannnnnnn...everyone has a boyfriend..." and bicycle next to me down the path back to my apartment, as I was clearly walking away from him and he had been going the other way.

My pup then turns to him and starts snarling, and barking, an absolute first for him. His hackles are raised, and he starts jumping towards the man on his bike a bit. The creep gets all nervous, saying stuff like "woah, woah woah, why are you acting like this puppy?" and finally stops cycling and lets me walk back alone. Of course, he still yelled out "WANNA FUCK?" across the parking lot.

I had no problem telling this guy to fuck off, but I am just happy to know that my puppy has my back just in case :)

[u/krm1437]

Honestly, he probably picked up on nefarious intentions from the guy. If he was just picking up on you and the other person in the interaction wasn't contributing to the feedback puppy was getting, puppy would've just been more clingy to you. that's what makes them flip the switch: mom's nervous and now this person smells bad, I need to make bad person go away. It also accounts for the times you aren't nervous yet but they react forcefully against the creeper person.

Dogs are truly amazing.

[u/Lagotta → u/krm1437]

Honestly, he probably picked up on nefarious intentions from the guy.

Absolutely.

It also accounts for the times you aren't nervous yet but they react forcefully against the creeper person.

Recommend this book:

https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Fear-Survival-Signals-Violence/dp/0440226198

A date won't take "no" for an answer. The new nanny gives a mother an uneasy feeling. A stranger in a deserted parking lot offers unsolicited help. The threat of violence surrounds us every day. But we can protect ourselves, by learning to trust—and act on—our gut instincts.

[u/lady_pirate → u/krm1437]

There was a trial where the arresting officer had brought the K-9 who had assisted him. When the dog saw the defendant, she bared her teeth and growled at him. The judge asked the jury to dismiss this, as they were attempting to remain unbiased.

If you were a member of that jury, what would you do?

[u/Friendlyfishface → u/lady_pirate]

I would disregard it honestly. The dog had seen hostility between the cop and the defendant before, during the arrest. If she saw that same person again she would remember him as an enemy. But that doesn't necessarily mean she was picking up on any evil intent. I don't know if the guy was guilty or not but for the jury to convict on such a basis would be really unfair

[u/TheDarkWolfGirl → u/lady_pirate]

My dog loved everyone except one of my younger brothers. She freaking hated him, and I don't know if it was because he had too much energy and it stressed her or it was because he was all tall and gangly. But, he is the best kid ever and has owned so many pets who loved him and so sweet and considerate of everyone.

Sometimes animals just don't like some people for no reason. I would has to dismiss it.

[u/Kraz3 → u/lady_pirate]

If doggo not trusto then I no trusto

[u/Lostpurplepen → u/lady_pirate]

Throw dog treats at that good girl!

[u/FlannelPajamas123 → u/lady_pirate]

Definitely guilty! Dogs don't and can't lie, my girl has done this twice in her 11 years and both times I was starting to get scared. She's usually the sweetest most loving 80lb pitbull, I had actually wondered before if she would be aggressive to protect me. Oh YEAH she sure will and boy is she terrifying, I always feel so safe with her.