Blue Cross blog

Rescue dog Bailey had a troubled past but he’s been given a second chance in life. This week he debates whether it’s the pet or their owner who’s really prejudiced about certain types of dogs…

Hi friends (two and four-legged varieties),

Are dogs capable of being prejudiced? I only ask because I’m so very often greeted with comments that would imply that they are.

Things like “my dog hates staffies, he was attacked once and now won’t go near them”, or “my dog is fine with other dogs except staffies”.

I’m intrigued, how does a dog know for sure what breed another dog is? To be honest most humans aren’t that good at telling for sure.

I’ve been called a pit bull puppy, an Irish staff, a purebred staff, and a mastiff puppy among other things!

To the best of my knowledge I’m none of these but a combination of staffie and Jack Russell, and quite possibly a few other breeds are included in my unique mix.

Anyway I digress. To return to my original point, is it the dogs or the owners who don’t like us staffie type dogs?

My experience is that most dogs are fine. Obviously I am very careful and respectful on how I approach them. I let them know if they cross my personal boundaries and I’ve noticed the majority of well brought up dogs are the same.

If us dogs were left to our own devices would we be worried about the colour, size or breed? We would probably all get along just fine.

We would not tolerate rudeness among us – dogs that don’t know the boundaries, how to meet and greet others or how to take no for an answer – but I am absolutely sure that we would not discriminate against any other dog because of its size, colour or breed.

I have a new walking companion called Toby who is a rescue greyhound. Bless him, he is still very nervous, especially of small fluffy dogs that move fast!

I suppose that in his previous life he has been trained to chase small fluffy things that move fast and it is hard to change this instinctive behaviour.

We have had a few walks together and although he is still on the lead we have a mutual respect for each other.

He can be a bit snappy with other dogs at the moment but he has a lovely home now and I’m sure he will settle down and learn to relax and trust.

It is hard to come from a kennel into a home environment and it does take time to adjust, especially if you have had the misfortune of waiting a long time for the right human to adopt you.

Hopefully anyone who takes a rescue dog knows this and is prepared to give us the time we need in order for us to integrate fully into the family.

It did take me a while but I wouldn’t swap my life now for all the liver treats in the world!

The agility group has started again after the holiday. I went last week and I was much better than I was at the end of last term, more focused and trying not to be so flippant!

I did try to do what Nice Lady was telling me, going over the jumps for instance (although I still maintain that if I am to get round the course quickly it’s much more efficient to go under them).

I really enjoy it regardless of whether or not I’m doing the right thing. I just love the running around and all the positive attention I get from everyone there – there’s a good selection of treats to be had if I play my cards right!

All for now …

Licks and wags,
Bailey