Dogs

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Hello, my first post here on this forum.
I am 16 years and am doing some more this school year to try to manage my asperger.
I'm from the Netherlands.

I really don't know where to post this topic, so tell me if I'm wrong.

Now where this topic is about:
What do you think about dogs?

Personally I am afraid of dogs. But on forums I also read about many people who love them. I wonder what prevails. And: dogs sometimes exhibit weird behavior when they see me, dogs that are never agressive (or just want to play) sometimes become agressive when they see me. Is it just me or ...? And who has the idea that dogs "feel" that you have autism or at least realize that your are "different"? I'm curious.

appelmuisjes (or in English: apple mices )

ps. Sorry for my eventually bad English

EDIT - removed some bad English I recognized, next time I'll not use google translate anymore

Last edited by appelmuisjes on 07 Dec 2009, 1:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I voted that I am fond of them, but I think that's a lie. I love dogs and any animal who isn't human. I don't think that dogs sense you have autism, they sense if you're afraid. Fear is a great tool for hunting in the animal kingdom, so his immediate reaction is to pounce (this isn't all dogs, though, each one is an individual and exhibit different behaviors; my dog only shows aggressive behavior when she's provoked). Horses are the same way. They know that if you're afraid you're not in control, and then they can act awry. You have to hold your ground with animals just like how you do with people, it's just that animals are easier to break the barrier once the ritual of meeting someone new is complete. Animals are a lot smarter than we give them credit for, they just don't always think far enough ahead to think of possible consequences, and don't realize they are charging at YOU and not potential food.

This is going to sound way easier than it probably is, but the next time you see a dog, just don't be afraid. I might be wrong; it's just a hypothesis. If you get attacked, I'll take the blame. Practice walking up to smaller dogs (Shetland Sheepdogs, Boarder Collies, even Collies or English Sheepdogs even though they are very big dogs)--sheep dogs are usually very friendly, and since they are herding dogs, if anything they'll probably just want to round you up with the neighborhood kids, but will likely not jump on you. Dogs are individuals just like humans, and they can sense if you don't trust them, and honestly I think a lot of them will feel offended.

Anyway, good luck!

I love dogs but I believe that a dog you don't know is just that: an unknown. Sorta like an unknown human - "do not disturb."

I posted twice by accident.

Last edited by LostAlien on 06 Dec 2009, 6:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I think you need more options on your poll (please, because some people won't answer if there is no option for their answer). The easiest option to add is: Other, specified in post below. It will give you more information about what you want to know.

I like dogs well enough but I'm a cat person, there's a difference between not caring about dogs or fearing them and simply liking another animal better. I will pet nice dogs and had one as a pet as a child.

It's a fact--most animals can sense fear, probably by smell, and some can become quite aggressive as a result.

Of course, telling someone who is afraid of dogs not to be afraid sounds a bit silly, but there is a truth in it--dogs might not be so aggressive toward you if you can conquer your fear of them.

And I don't think that dogs can sense autism. Cats, maybe, but not dogs.

P.S. Your English is much better than my Dutch, of which I know only one word: Buizenversterker (I hope I spelled that right).

Dogs sometimes act wierd around me too but I don't really fear them much (with the exception of scary dogs).

I love animals of any sort. I've heard dogs can detect an epileptic seizure before it happens and let the epileptic know, and that they can detect a low blood sugar in a diabetic before symptoms occur, so I wouldn't be surprised if they could tell you're an aspie.

Your english is great, by the way.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Not unless we smell differently than NTs, I suspect. It's possible, I'll grant.

Some dogs can sniff cancers too, apparently. Look it up.

Man's best friend, indeed!

I love all animals and dogs rank near, if not at, the top. I have always got along with animals much better than with people.

I have a border collie, so I am quite fond of dogs. Their herding instincts are most often comforting. I've had reason to fear dogs. A pit bull charged at me once. But by that point i already had my Travis and knew why Jake, the pit bull, had done so. I wish dogs had longer lifespans.

That's why I'll never have another one. His death tore me apart.

People can die (e.g., my mother) and I'll feel bad for a while, but I can't deal with losing another dog. I'd rather spend the rest of my life alone.

do you have a dog yourself? when i was little i was terrified of dogs, i was convinced that they'll bite me even if i don't provoke them. we got our own dog when i was 11 and i've loved dogs ever since. not all dogs love me though, i regret to say, but no dog minds sniffing my fist and most lets me pat their heads.

People should be taught how to "speak dog" - for example, don't stare, that's aggression. I was walking my mini-poodle and a 10yo boy came over, assumed a stance that was pure aggression and said, "Can I pat your dog?" Before I could answer, my dog barked. So I said No and walked away.

Of all the things they teach children, why don't they teach them simple things like that?

I like dogs. I used to be afraid of them, but my family has owned dogs, which helped me learn how to interact with dogs and read their body language.

Hello, and welcome

What is it about dogs that you fear? Do you fear all dogs?

I don't think dogs can "feel" you have autism, but I do think they can sense though your posture and facial expressions and sense whether you're fearful, relaxed, tense...etc. Perhaps you appear relaxed for one reason or another and that gives them the invitation to play?

I like all animals...better than people. I can read a cat or dog's disposition far quicker and easier than a human's.