I have had quite a phobia about dogs, though I grew up with a sweet
hound. Yes, my phobia is from being bitten while on my paper route (
I was 12 and the woman denied the fact her dog bit me)and from being
circled by a German shephard on a dark night as I walked down the
road. (I was about 15).
Well, now I live (temporarily)with two doggers ( a pitbull and a
pitbull mix) along with my adult daughter (temporalily). This
experience has been difficult but truly rewarding. The dogs are
intelligent, responsive and loyal. They are always on leash, and
respond to my commands. They are protective and can be dog agressive
so we take the sensible precautions while hiking.
I frequently hike alone and it is dogs off leash that I fear more
than humans off leash. Thanks very much to the people who posted the
proper steps to take when accosted by off-leash dogs. I kind of knew
that stuff, but need the reasurance now and again.
Cat lover/gardener/teacher shall I add, lover of certain well-
behaved dogs??