03/06/2025
From the Naughty Dogg:
Dangerous Dogs rarely tell you they are.
I recently had an encounter with a terrifying dog, and with an angel on my shoulder, and damned good luck, I made it out of the three hour ordeal without a single bite. I am seeing more of these dangerous dogs and would like to describe what they look like. It’s not what most expect.
If a dog doesn’t engage with me to tell me he’s friendly, but also doesn’t tell me he isn’t, that’s my first red flag and I’m paying attention. I will be extremely careful until the dog identifies himself.
It’s that simple. Until you know if he likes you or hates you, consider him the most dangerous dog you know. Most often, in a day or two at most, they will tell you. Until that moment remember he’s dangerous. He might not be but this default rule might just save your life.
If they put a ball at your feet and look at you adoringly, remember they are dangerous. Don’t touch it and calmly step back.
If without saying “hello” they roll over at your feet, luring your face nice and close to theirs if you were to bend to scratch their belly, remember they are dangerous and put your hands in your pockets incase habit draws you down. Calmly step back.
If they jump into a crate and pin themselves in the back, smiling as they do so, remember they are dangerous.
If they alert on a person or dog, realize they are now aroused and you might be a suitable victim to satiate their need.
Don’t handle them in any way without safety protocols in place. Don’t reach inside a crate. Don’t put a leash on a collar. Don’t offer them any body parts you’d like to keep.
I will sit by them and feed them cookies. I will take them on walks, using a solid leash if I feel it is needed. I safely spend time with them so that they can make a decision about me. I will not check my phone if it rings- in-fact after years of practice I won’t even hear it. I stay in the moment with the dog. I wear protective equipment and always have a plan B, that is until I forget my own rule and find myself stuck in an awkward spot, then I pray for good luck, an angel, and fortunate circumstances.
We don’t see these dogs often but they exist. These quiet souls that never ask to be our friends, but also never declare their dislike for us are playing poker until they know our hand. Don’t get complacent. Their lack of declaration says so much.
These dogs are not discussed nearly enough, so here is an attempt to start the conversation.
Monique Anstee
Author of As a Dog Thinketh and Lift Your Leg- the podcast
Victoria, BC
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