Normally, there are no people at the particular clearing where we (literally) unleash the dogs.

Today, a man came awalkin'.

Lexi, our amstaff, immediately assuming he was as eager to play as she was, starting jumping him by way of greeting.

The man said something akin to "get this stupid fucking dog off me."

Hm. I'm thinking, hey, that's not a very nice thing to say.

Apparently she had nipped at his jacket and he said "she bit me!"

I said "if she had bitten you, you'd be in serious pain right now."

What you need to understand about amstaff is that they have way more energy than they know what to do with. They only have two modes of operation: play, and sleep.

But the WAY they play makes most people think they are dangerous. They make dangerous-sounding noises. Snarling, whatnot. It's just how they are.

People who have had dogs, but not specifically amstaff, they will assume you can just train this sort of behavior out of them. The jumping and all that. You CAN train it out of them, but it's very difficult, especially in the early years.

Amstaff are in theory like other dogs, but they are just so much more intense in everything they do. Most dogs will lick your face, but amstaff will climb onto your shoulders and give you a beating with their tongues. Apparently they are supposed to become very calm when they're older, but I don't see that happening any time soon for Lexi.

A lot of times when you're out walking your dogs, you just wish that other people would get it. Most people don't. Most people think amstaff are a "dangerous" breed when they are really the sweetest dogs imaginable. They're illegal in Denmark. If you are "discovered" then the police will show up and shoot it. If you have thought about getting a dog, consider an amstaff. You won't find a more loyal dog, or anything that is more full of life. They're amazing and will become a true family member.

Dogs are a real part of society and I think it would be helpful if schools taught kids how to behave around them.

I can understand that man's reaction. He's probably never owned an amstaff. He doesn't get it. Oh well, what can you do?

I don't know. Write about it on your blog, I guess. Then move on with your damn life.

Oh, by the way, the correct way to act if you ever get jumped by an amstaff or another dog is to ignore it. Turn your back to it and ignore it. If you TRULY ignore it, which most people don't, then they will stop. (Most people turn their back but they're still jumpy and look over their shoulder and keep turning around etc. That's not ignoring it. You have to stop sending energy the dog's way.)

So there's my little public service announcement.

In other news, you are currently missing the broadcast of the 4th ever Sunday Morning Marketing Dispatch at http://radicalanimal.com.

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Picture is of Lexi, chillin'. She managed to find the only spot of warm sunlight coming through the living room window.