As a veterinarian, and as a lifelong dog lover, one thing I need dog owners to understand and accept is that dogs can be extremely dangerous, especially large ones. Sometimes they don’t even mean to be, but that doesn’t change the fact that they can do serious harm to a human being. They are very powerful animals.
You should not let your dog free-roam. You should not force your dog to accept touch. You should very heavily supervise interactions with children, and with certain dogs, these interactions may never be safe. You must learn to read canine body language. And if a veterinary professional recommends a muzzle or sedatives for vet visits, take these recommendations seriously.
“But I care about my dog more than people” this is in your dog’s best interest. If they maim or kill a person, especially a child, they will be euthanized. You do not want lose them in that traumatic way, ending their life and ruining your own (and those of others) in the process. You do not want to be responsible for the loss of a human life.
Every dog, no matter how sweet, should be muzzle-trained in case they ever need to wear one. Pain and fear can make them act out of character. And if your dog has aggressive tendencies, especially with humans, seek out professional help and take measures to protect both your dog and people.
Signed,
A vet who wants people and dogs to be safe
