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Original poster

Can't visit friend as her dog is racist

483 replies

CaliforniaCookie · 31/05/2024 19:15

I was making plans to visit one of my best friends.
She is white and I'm mixed race.

She told me she was concerned as her new dog who i haven't met, is racist.

Anytime he sees a person who is not white he goes mental.

This is honestly not a fake post.

Not sure how to respond. Advice welcome.

OP posts:
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6
HappiestSleeping · 31/05/2024 22:39

Janedoe82 · 31/05/2024 22:17

My lab has had nothing bad happen to her! She just had never seen a black person before and went nuts!

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That doesn't make her racist. Would have potentially been the same if she'd never seen a green person before and saw one.

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 31/05/2024 22:36

LivingDeadGirlUK · 31/05/2024 20:08

Guide dogs were looking for people with tattoos and beards to help socialise the dogs.

https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/blog/bearded-and-tattooed-volunteers-helping-to-socialise-the-next-generation-of

Interesting article

Shade17 · 31/05/2024 22:35

It’s not just people though, there are quite a few dogs who hate black dogs for no apparent reason. Maybe it’s something to do with the way they see darker colours?

AliceOlive · 31/05/2024 22:31

Janedoe82 · 31/05/2024 22:27

That’s so funny!

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And her momma was a black lab!

Doihavetogotoworkdotcom1 · 31/05/2024 22:30

We’ve had the same problem when the dog has walked past someone with a burka on.

Louise303 · 31/05/2024 22:28

therealcookiemonster · 31/05/2024 22:00

chihuahuas are generally very aggressive /easily riled dogs in any situation

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Frenchies and pugs also we had a workman in today and it sounded like they were being tortured. High pitch screeching they hate anything different in there routine they notice everything. They cried and made a fuss when we got a new sofa haven't a clue why.

Janedoe82 · 31/05/2024 22:27

AliceOlive · 31/05/2024 22:25

Our old girl, a yellow lab, just would not recognize other dogs unless they were also yellow labs. Occasionally she’d notice another yellow dog, but she just ignored all dogs that were not at least yellow.

That’s so funny!

AliceOlive · 31/05/2024 22:25

Our old girl, a yellow lab, just would not recognize other dogs unless they were also yellow labs. Occasionally she’d notice another yellow dog, but she just ignored all dogs that were not at least yellow.

Mirabai · 31/05/2024 22:25

My dog has a thing about fake tan.

(I don’t have a dog)

JoniBlue · 31/05/2024 22:25

I wouldn't have a dog who had those feelings against my best friend, how would my friend and I do anything with her dog around.

TemuSpecialBuy · 31/05/2024 22:21

It’s not uncommon.

our Dd (dickhead dog) goes wild with my best friend who is Indian and our black next door neighbours…

my friend told me it’s to do with their vision (not sure how true this is but he is crazy smart… so maybe?)
we worked around it with him using conditioning. He gives our dog super nice treats now she still barks initially but tolerates him

Louise303 · 31/05/2024 22:20

I have seen this in one dog only she used to snarl and she was normally very gentle. Our girl goes crazy if she sees any man wearing a hat but passes no heed of children wearing them.

Janedoe82 · 31/05/2024 22:17

HappiestSleeping · 31/05/2024 19:23

Dogs are not and cannot be racist. As a PP said, something has happened to the dog in the past that means it is either afraid or confused.

It can be trained out, but the owner needs to put in some effort, possibly with your help OP?

My lab has had nothing bad happen to her! She just had never seen a black person before and went nuts!

Allthehorsesintheworld · 31/05/2024 22:14

It’s probably to do with dogs perception of faces. Remember dogs don’t see all colours and they possibly see a dark skinned face as a face with no features.

I’ve met a few owners of black Labrador’s who’ve said the same thing — other dogs will bark loudly at them — they cannot distinguish any features and see a moving black mass.

Best thing to do is to meet outside the house and walk, alongside each other but not too close. That is less threatening to the dog. Dog should be on the lead. You and friend talk and walk, both ignoring the dog. After time owner passes the dog to her other side so the dog is between you. Keep walking, keep chatting and if all is ok you take the lead. Keep walking together.
Do this a few times and the dog will associate your voice with you and a calm, non threatening atmosphere.

DBSFstupid · 31/05/2024 22:13

LakeTiticaca · 31/05/2024 22:03

My cat despises everyone, regardless of race

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😂

fairymary87 · 31/05/2024 22:13

My dog barked at white blonde haired people allllll the time

Yousay55 · 31/05/2024 22:12

My dog barks and barks at people that are not white. It’s absolutely awful. She doesn’t generally bark at all.

AliceOlive · 31/05/2024 22:11

Spudthespanner · 31/05/2024 21:58

@AliceOlive

It’s fascinating when people get so invested in something they care nothing about. Especially when they already knows everything and are certain everyone else is an idiot.

You "care" about this? That's pretty much my whole point.

I don’t get it. 🤷‍♀️

Do you even have a dog?

Sameagainagain567 · 31/05/2024 22:10

time2changeCharlieBrown · 31/05/2024 19:24

My dog hates anyone in a high viz vest!!!
my mums dog hated collies
and I have a friend that says her dog is racist too!! Bizarre! Wonder if it’s to do with the socuialisation period when pups

Our two are besotted by high vis people. Especially the bin men and the post lady. The bin men have to get out of the truck and come and say hello as they refuse to move

DBSFstupid · 31/05/2024 22:10

StormingNorman · 31/05/2024 19:20

Is this a wind up and you’re all in on it?

😂

RomanRoysSearchHistory · 31/05/2024 22:08

My dog also hates men, which is handy because so do I 😅

Cassimin · 31/05/2024 22:07

My dog always went crazy when we crossed the road with the lollipop man. He said it was quite common as they were wary of the bright coat and lollipop.

LilacK · 31/05/2024 22:06

We had a dog that hated hats. Any hat, flat cap, baseball cap, bobble hat, Easter bonnet. Hated them.

RomanRoysSearchHistory · 31/05/2024 22:05

There's a thing about dogs not liking black dogs because they can't properly see their eyes and it throws them off. Trying to word this correctly to not cause offence but perhaps this happens when they see certain humans too. Maybe take lots of treats and a ball/toy, all dogs love treats and squeaky toys x

YetAnotherSpartacus · 31/05/2024 22:05

My cat despises everyone, regardless of race

I was just coming on here to say the same.