March 17, 2009PowerPhrase of the Week ~ How would I know that?
I’m pretty easy about the dogs I meet on my hiking trails, but every now and then, one rushes me in a way that makes me nervous. The owners are quick to insist that their dogs are friendly. My reply is:
- How would I know that?
Their dog just charged me barking and growling, and I’m supposed to know that it’s friendly? How do I dial back my adrenaline rush, now that they reassured me?
It’s the same question I would have given Priscilla Presley to ask Elvis after he wrote the song, “You were always on my mind” for her.
- How would I know that?
And if actions don’t tell, what good are the words?
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As a dog owner who also hikes with my furry friend off leash, I would have the same reaction. Any dog that comes at you barking, etc is warning you that he is nervous and unsure.
When walking at the park, my dog often goes into a low, stalking-type walk when we are approaching oncoming dogs. I know that she is just sizing-up her new friend and never really understood the other owner’s apprehension. Then I finally learned how menacing she looks in this position when she came in my direction while stalking birds once. If I didn’t know her, I would have been scared too! Now when she goes into the stalking position, I am sure to correct her and assure others that she is social.
Comment by Kim — March 18, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
I tried this phrase yesterday when a dog owner told me his dog was friendly. He snapped back “Because I told you.” How frustrating! Next time I’ll use a statement instead of a question – something like “well your dog’s not acting friendly”.
This is a BIG issue for me because I live near a beach where dogs aren’t even allowed, in a city which requires dogs to always be on leash, yet they run free and scare me regularly. I’d appreciate any more ideas you have.
Comment by Suzan — March 27, 2009 @ 10:53 am