YOUR DOG IS A RACIST!! YEP,YOUR DOGGIE IS NOW UNDER ATTACK.MUST BE PUT DOWN!

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HOW can we stop dogs from being so racist?

Linda Michaels:


If a dog has already developed fear/aggression, a program of systematic desensitization is in order. Develop positive associations with people, and avoid any negative experiences. Aggression is a serious problem and one should employ the services of a non-aversive positive reinforcement behavioral consultant to create a safe treatment plan.

Crista L. Coppola:


Yes, it can be overcome in some situations, through systematic desensitization and counter conditioning to the "look".

Suzi Schaefers:


It cannot be 'fixed' without some serious work on the owner's part, since each of the human races are unable to change who they are enough to be viewed as NOT different by the dog; or as a threat or whatever. If a Mexican-American family were to choose a 'white' dog trainer (sending the dog away for training versus the trainer coming to the home) then the dog would be exposed to the 'white' trainer and his/her staff/family and would 'get used' to 'white' people and would more than likely not react when it saw 'white' people any longer....or at least not react aggressively any longer. However, if that same family had a 'white' trainer come to their home the dog would more than likely view the trainer as a threat every time he/she entered the dog owner's home and the training would be a waste of time and money. Again, especially if the dog does not view the owners as TRUE pack leaders.

My own dogs do not react aggressively toward any race, because many races have come to me over the years for help with their aggressive dogs and my dogs not only have become accustomed to many different looking, smelling and 'feeling' people in MY home, but my dog views me as the pack leader and does not make the decisions as to who is a threat and who isn't....I make that decision!

Something as simple as petting your dog when HE wants you to lowers your status as pack leader and/or authority figure. Not only is the dog being praised for demanding your attention, but the dog's pushy, nosey, demanding state of mind is being nurtured by you - this almost always causes a false sense of dominance over you. Also, your personal space is being invaded by the dog without invitation and he/she is being praised for this disrespectful behavior. So, if your dog does not view you as a TRUE pack leader he/she will not trust your judgment, your decision making ability or your ability to control your surroundings, which include other people...... no matter the race. The dog will learn to follow instincts instead of your wishes.

Anthony Newman:


CAN IT BE FIXED?
This is the truly important question, and I give it a resounding "Yes!", based on years of experience training dogs out of protective/aggressive behaviors to every kind of perceived threat. The simple (though not necessarily easy) solution is "counterconditioning". I do this every day, with dogs of all shapes sizes breeds and sexes, who are fearful of and protective/aggressive toward men, other dogs, skateboards, plastic bags, buses, subway grates, leashes, veterinarians - you name it. The recipe is as follows:

1) Don't avoid behavior triggers! Avoidance at the very least postpones the problem (you cross to the other side of the street whenever a fluffy dog appears, or distract your dog by stuffing his mouth with treats until the dog passes); and at worst it reinforces/exacerbates it. Basically, your dog gets tense when it sees/senses the threat; you then make like a prisoner and bust; so the anxiety/protective reaction worked! As far as your dog can tell, his mental/emotional reaction caused the threat to disappear. Be certain he'll rely on it next time as well!

2) Disallow/correct the disrespectful and mistrusting behavior. A snap; a clap; "Hey!"; "Tsshh!"; blocking with your body; getting in the dog's visual field; backing him up; turning and walking the other way...these can all communicate to your dog that this behavior isn't admissible. A solid foundation in obedience training is essential for a dog to take these cues from his owner, as is consistent leadership - when you walk your dog, you should be the one leading the walk, not him. When he's in front, pulling on the leash, it's his prerogative as well as his responsibility (so the geometry tells him) to decide who is a threat and who isn't. When you're out in front, your dog obediently following, you'll be much more effective at stopping misbehavior before it erupts. Something not often noticed here is that fear behavior - like running away - is equally unacceptable and just as much part of the cause of protective aggression as barking/lunging toward the threat. Fight and flight are two heads of the same coin; neither is balanced, peaceful acceptance; and both should be discouraged.

3) Make the situation positive. This is the "counter" in "counterconditioning": we're taking a situation the dog is wary or scared of, and turning it into a calm, peaceful, happy, joyous, delicious, and fun experience! Treats are the obvious go-to here; but don't forget verbal praise, bellyrubs, running, playing, and sniffing.

UPSHOT
The big reason any dogs REMAIN "racist", no matter what initial cause of the behavior, is that not enough time is spent on counterconditioning. This is understandable for a number of reasons, probably top on the list being that most owners don't particularly want to go out and embarrass themselves and anger or annoy complete strangers by going out regularly every day and tracking down dark-skinned people their dog will react to and bark/lunge at. This is much easier when the dog is reactive to buses or skateboards; you're really not going to hurt the bus driver's feelings, or even the skating kids (I've always found them wonderfully helpful!); and our society as a whole doesn't tend to devalue and ostracize buses or skateboards the way we've been know to with melanin-rich citizens.

This is a satirical website. Don't take it Seriously. It's a joke.

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