Thoughts usually flow fairly freely when Asco and I are on our usual walk through our neighborhood. Sometimes just freely, and for a busy veterinary student, that's one of the many wonderful things that comes with having a dog.
We live in an area with a lot of green and beautiful areas and quite a few townhouses. A super nice area for dog owners, which is probably also the reason why so many people in our area have dogs. This inevitably means that we often meet other dogs on our walks, and unfortunately it is not always a positive experience.
Maybe it's just me being naive, but I had hoped (as a relatively new dog owner) that we as a "people" would have something in common: our joy for animals. But that's just far from what I most often encounter.
I am well aware that Asco, being a male German Shepherd weighing +40kg, would probably inspire a certain amount of awe in some people, and that is of course fine. But I have been quite surprised by how many people turn around when they see us, cross to the other side of the pavement or actually pick up their dog and practically run away.
I fully understand that many smaller dog breeds or dog owners are downright afraid of a dog of that size, and I'm not at all trying to start a war between owners of large dogs and owners of small dogs. I think it's more a desire not to judge by appearance.
It's undoubtedly difficult, and I can't deny having done it myself countless times when I've spotted a muscular molosser-type dog in the distance.
But here it is also important to meet the world with an open mind - or at least with dialogue. It has helped to broaden my own horizons significantly, and therefore also this call to others. Because I must frankly admit that it broke my heart when Asco turned 5-6 months old, and suddenly there were many on our way who did not dare to greet him anymore. Some even dared hardly pass him. This has caused us problems later on, because Asco has also become unsure of himself as a result of some people turning around at the sight of him.
However, this should not be understood as an appeal to let all dogs greet each other, as there can be a big difference in whether dogs actually perceive this as a nice experience. Asco does not always do this, but simply training to pass other dogs has been difficult, as many have not wanted to pass us. I am therefore now trying, based on these experiences, to meet other people and their concerns: because I understand it quite well. I just think we could create many nice moments if we became better at talking to each other.
Therefore, this article is a call for dialogue and the ability to maintain an open mind across breeds. The most important thing, after all, is that we have one big thing in common: our love for our dogs.
This blog is written by
Sanne Rath Madsen is currently studying to become a veterinarian at the University of Copenhagen.
Dog mother and owner of the German Shepherd, Asco. Trains daily in the German Shepherd Club in districts 3 (Ballerup) and 84 (Skovbo) and runs the small photography company SRM Photography.
More dialogue creates greater understanding
Thoughts usually flow fairly freely when Asco and I are on our usual walk through our neighborhood. Sometimes just freely, and for a busy veterinary student, that's one of the many wonderful things that comes with having a dog.
We live in an area with a lot of green and beautiful areas and quite a few townhouses. A super nice area for dog owners, which is probably also the reason why so many people in our area have dogs. This inevitably means that we often meet other dogs on our walks, and unfortunately it is not always a positive experience.
Maybe it's just me being naive, but I had hoped (as a relatively new dog owner) that we as a "people" would have something in common: our joy for animals. But that's just far from what I most often encounter.
I am well aware that Asco, being a male German Shepherd weighing +40kg, would probably inspire a certain amount of awe in some people, and that is of course fine. But I have been quite surprised by how many people turn around when they see us, cross to the other side of the pavement or actually pick up their dog and practically run away.
I fully understand that many smaller dog breeds or dog owners are downright afraid of a dog of that size, and I'm not at all trying to start a war between owners of large dogs and owners of small dogs. I think it's more a desire not to judge by appearance.
It's undoubtedly difficult, and I can't deny having done it myself countless times when I've spotted a muscular molosser-type dog in the distance.
But here it is also important to meet the world with an open mind - or at least with dialogue. It has helped to broaden my own horizons significantly, and therefore also this call to others. Because I must frankly admit that it broke my heart when Asco turned 5-6 months old, and suddenly there were many on our way who did not dare to greet him anymore. Some even dared hardly pass him. This has caused us problems later on, because Asco has also become unsure of himself as a result of some people turning around at the sight of him.
However, this should not be understood as an appeal to let all dogs greet each other, as there can be a big difference in whether dogs actually perceive this as a nice experience. Asco does not always do this, but simply training to pass other dogs has been difficult, as many have not wanted to pass us. I am therefore now trying, based on these experiences, to meet other people and their concerns: because I understand it quite well. I just think we could create many nice moments if we became better at talking to each other.
Therefore, this article is a call for dialogue and the ability to maintain an open mind across breeds. The most important thing, after all, is that we have one big thing in common: our love for our dogs.
This blog is written by
Sanne Rath Madsen is currently studying to become a veterinarian at the University of Copenhagen.
Dog mother and owner of the German Shepherd, Asco. Trains daily in the German Shepherd Club in districts 3 (Ballerup) and 84 (Skovbo) and runs the small photography company SRM Photography.