Posted on 08/27/2011 7:19:13 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
Former Vice President Dick Cheney recounts an amusing tale in his soon-to-be released autobiography about how his dog, Dave, was banned from the main lodge at Camp David for attacking the president’s dog, Barney.
A source provided The Daily Caller with a copy of the passage in Cheney’s book, “In My Time.”
In the text, Cheney writes that Dave, his one-hundred-pound yellow Labrador, often joined him on trips to Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland.
But Dave got himself into some trouble one particular morning when Cheney brought him along to breakfast at Laurel, the lodge where most official meals and meetings take place.
“No sooner had we walked inside did Dave catch sight of the president’s dog Barney,” Cheney writes. A “hot pursuit” then ensued.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailycaller.com ...
Oh no, it couldn’t be a Labrador. They never do anything wrong. (I know there are or will be posts saying this is impossible).
I saw an episode of the Dog Whisperer in which the subject was a very mean and aggressive Labrador. They do exist.
I was right - basically everyone’s blaming the Scottie.
Yes, I remember that nasty pix of him - I would’ve punched him - but don’t assume that instance is the rule, or the rule with dogs.
My old dog was very dominant (nicely so - she mostly just pushed dogs if needed or took things rather than growling and biting) but she would never behave with people as she did with dogs. She was tough but didn’t ever do anything “nasty” or impertinent with humans. Dogs, however, would know who is boss. That includes little dogs!
Cheney's response: "Ask George if he and Barney would like to go quail hunting this afternoon..."
My dad had a big male German shepherd that was one of the nicest dogs in the world around people. Unfortunately, he was definitely an Alpha male.
One day my sister and brother-in-law made the mistake of bringing their stupid, cutesy little Lhasa Apso (sp?)over to the house. Dad's dog must have mistook it for a chew toy.......LOL!
The only 1 I’ve known was our last neighbors. They had litter-brother Labs. The dopey 1 was chocolate; the “dog-aggressive” brother was yellow and was never outside, so he couldn’t run after other dogs. He also was clearly more serious all around - he would bark across the street at people at OUR door when they’d ring. (Meanwhile, my defective German Shepherd IN the house couldn’t care less.) I don’t know how the yellow was generally - she never let him out; just said he was “dog-aggressive”.
A golden lab once attacked my Irish Wolfhound, unprovoked. Big mistake - IWs were breed to run-down and kill wolves in one-on-one fights and although they are now the friendliest dog you'll ever meet, the potential for mayhem is still there. Once the IW regained his balance, he instantly overpowered the lab. Within about 5 seconds from the initial sneak attack, the lab was on its back in complete submission with the IW standing over him with bared teeth and the most threatening, rumbling growl you'll ever hear. I told people to understand the turnaround, imagine walking up to Mike Tyson in the mid-80s and sucker punching him.
Someone told me that it’s the females who train puppies to behave, and so they are prone to be bossy always to other dogs.
My sister’s bossy little dachshund, BTW, gives wide berth to my 11-year-old, 9.5-pound cat, who is afraid of no dog, no matter how big.
Am I just uninformed about the docility of Labs, then?
Loved your description of the event, BTW. Well written.
Cairns are wonderful dogs... I adore mine. They are a strange lot with almost a double personality. Most adore children. They absolutely love kids of all sizes and are very tolerant of their antics. They are loving, loyal and protective. They also have “little dog syndrome” and will go after rabbits, squirrels, critters of all sizes... and don’t take kindly to another dog challenging their “dominance”. We had a few “rough patches” for a bit of time till the Cairn and Shepherd figured out that things were more peaceful when the Cairn was the Alpha. (both neutered males). I think in the future, I would have a male Cairn and female other dogs just so I wouldn’t have to relive the “alpha wars”. LOL!
My vet says that “dogs don’t see size... it is all about their attitude”. Not sure if I believe that 100% but I will say that many small dogs assume they are Mastiffs. It is a “short man syndrome” in a way.. they are trying to prove something. I like to think they are a “Big dog trapped in a little dog’s body”. LOL!
My two males just don’t challenge the little female Cairn. They won’t even go out the door if she’s standing in front of it. Now, she’ll go after them every once in a while if she thinks they need an attitude readjustment, but they never retaliate. She’s got them completely whipped into shape.
Females have the tendency to rule “the males”. The boys are letting her rule since she is now the alpha-female. What will be interesting is how the boys decide who is the alpha-male? (Unless they figure she is the supreme ruler of everything and just would rather listen to her) LOL!
“Big dog trapped in a little dog’s body”.
&&
:)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.