'First Dog' Bites Reuters Reporter

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| Print | By | November 7, 2008 9:52 AM

The elections are over, but I still continue to remain an MSNBC addict, eagerly watching for any breaking news about our newly elected President, Barack Obama. This afternoon, I was actually watching to learn if there was anything newsworthy concerning the puppy which the family plans to adopt before moving into the White House after the inauguration. So I must say that the surprising news story I did see, was quite antithetical to an adoption story and rather shocking.

It appears that when the Reuters reporter, Jon Decker reached out a hand in friendship to Barney, the first dog, a Scottish terrier belonging to President and Mrs. Bush, Barney was in no mood for friendship. He snapped at Jon's hand, biting his right index finger, breaking the skin, requiring some medical attention and a course of antibiotics prescribed by the President's personal physician.

I sat there scratching my head wondering what had prompted the usually calm pooch to strike out in such an unforeseen manner. After watching the story and video, it seemed to me that Jon Decker's apparent lack of canine etiquette was responsible for Barney's reaction. He reached out too quickly with the back side of his hand, which may have appeared threatening to Barney.

On the other hand, Barney may just be out of sorts with all the hectic activity around his environment. Sally McDonough, a spokeswoman for First lady Laura Bush, postulated about Barney's reaction, " I think it was his way of saying he was done with the paparazzi."

Do you think that Jon was just a victim to an overwrought Scotty, or that he crossed the canine boundary line? After you watch the video uploaded to YouTube by kherman54, let us know what you think caused Barney to snap at Jon Decker by leaving a comment.

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Diana Bauer November 7, 2008 12:38 PM

The fault is the reporter's. Not only did he come in at Barney overhand (viewed by dogs as an aggressive move), he came in from above (viewed by dogs as threatening). And he came AT the dog, rather than offering his hand and letting the dog come to him.

He's lucky that a) Barney gave a warning nip and not a real bite (notice that the dog is backing away even as he is nipping), and b) that Barney is not a German Shepherd.

Skylark November 7, 2008 12:53 PM

I think that Jon certainly crossed the line of canine manners! He should not have reached out in that manner to a dog who doesn't know him.

The first thing to do when meeting a strange dog is to carefully reach out to let the dog smell the hand; and then, if the dog is amenable to you, he will allow you to touch him. I think a scratch on the chin is much more acceptable to most dogs than bringing the hand down from up over the dog's head. That movement is definitely threatening to most dogs.

I think that Barney must have thought Jon very rude to have approached him in that manner.

Skylark

Vicki November 7, 2008 1:29 PM

I think he should have been more cautious when approaching a strange dog. Perhaps the dog thought he was threatening in some way. Hope he learned a good lesson.

renegade cowgirl November 7, 2008 1:35 PM

Must be a city boy! Ahhh, the poor little boys finger got bit! I see a law suit over that one. LOL! I didn't even watch the video as I am sure it would just make me ill. I think their are times our pets should be protected from the idiots of the world. Being presdent I wouldn't have allowed my dog top be around events that can make a dog and even people nervous about their situation. Please tell this little boy to 'cowboy up'...that means quit your crying and get over it!

renegade cowgirl November 7, 2008 1:39 PM

Okay I watched! The poor dog looks very unhappy! Perhaps Barney doesn't want to be a social doggie. 'Look over here Barney'..yah right. Buzz off or I'll bite you ...I understand Barney! His mood seems very down and that makes me sad! Let's all say a prayer for poor Barney!

Joanne November 7, 2008 2:01 PM

No dog should ever respond to anyone like that. He has aggression issues and sure shouldn't be around kids. I wouldn't have a dog like that and I am a dog person forever. But, I have golden retrievers, the most placid of all breeds. Maybe a trainer would be in order.

BarbH November 7, 2008 2:37 PM

I chalk this one up to human error. Barney was approached way too quickly by a stranger.

My first reaction when I first read the story was that this been an "ordinary" dog, he would have been put in quarantine at the local city animal shelter and possibly even put down as a vicious dog.

Amy November 7, 2008 3:55 PM

Being a pet owner I would NEVER EVER let anyone approach my dog. I am a every day owner and not an elected offical in office, or a reporter. Anyone with a bit of common sense knows you never reach out to pet an animal that you do not know.
This reporter as well as the persons taking care of the dog are both at fault.Exposing the dog to unwanted attention is a foolish mistake. Reaching out and attempting to pet an animal that does not know you is looking for trouble. Shame on the reporter and the dog care givers.

Cheryl G November 7, 2008 9:08 PM

I've never heard Barney being so aggressive before. Being a dog owner, I would NOT let a stranger pet my dog like that, unless I was holding my dog's face area firmly - so the dog couldn't bite. Oh My!!

Rani November 8, 2008 4:33 PM

1, much ado about nothing. It's a band-aid for his boo-boo, for crying out loud.
2, Di is right: all dogs, even celeb's dogs, should be approached with respect. The reporter deserved what he got: a little warning "owie." Next time, don't approach a strange animal like that.
3. That said, the pets and children of politicians are sometimes put on the spot and sometimes they will turn around and act like animals and kids. Owners, like parents, need to be conscientious and not put their charges into stressful situations.

Rani

Pam G October 1, 2009 8:06 PM

Looked like the reporter made a rapid hand movment towards the dog whil swooped down over the dog and possibly also with direct eye contact. all of which dogs find threatening or rude. so, a very minor snap and a minor band aid wound. Of course a SMART owner would have seen this coming and verbally controled the reporter's behavior or used leash to turn dog away from the reporter. Oh, Dawg, what am I saying , "a smart owner" --- well , never mind.

Chelsea B October 1, 2009 8:47 PM

obviously Barney has been spending too much time hanging around with Cheney ! (but at least he didn't get the reporter in the face, maybe just because his legs were too short to reach ?)