When It Isn't Okay to Smooch...

There is a news story circulating about an anchorwoman that was bitten in the face by a mastiff on-air.  It is very unfortunate that the incident happened, but this is a good time to spread the messages of reading dog behavior.  The story can be read here: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/cutline/rescued-dog-bites-nbc-anchor-face-during-feel-141755422.html

As a dog owner and trainer, I hear a lot of people say, "I don't know what happened, the dog just snapped."  The majority of the time, this isn't the case.  There are clear signs that your dog might snap, you just need to be aware of them.  You might have the cutest lab, Maltese, GSD, min pin, etc. and they might be the most gentle, kind dog most of the time, but it only takes one instance where they feel threatened for them to snap or bite or growl.  This goes for any breed of dog.

Lili Chin (Doggiedrawings.net) makes amazing drawings that show various dog signals.  Here is her drawing of how to correctly approach a dog:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilita/4455993339/

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, be proud to know when it isn't okay to smooch a dog.  Be proud to show off your dog from a distance and be the example to show others how to approach dogs that they don't know.