Two Is Coincidence, Three Is A Trend

[Pedersen]

So, if I've got four, I've got a pattern, right? *sigh* I think this might qualify as the weirdest thing I've ever done for a dog. You see, I now have to grow a goatee.

No, you did not read that wrong. I really did say that I have to grow a goatee for my dog.

I have a sweet dog, fun to play with, has managed to pretty well break out of her shell of fear, and deals well with almost everybody now. Almost everybody. A few specific people she has issues with. I've tried to figure out why, and been pretty well entirely unsuccessful until today.

We went to the grocery store. Wife went in, I sat outside with dog on a bench. Something about the way she was watching and acting around the guy collecting the shopping carts made me think that something bad would happen. I hate being right about such things. Fortunately, no contact was made, and the guy didn't even know she snapped at him. I like to think that's because I had her on a nice short leash right then.

After thinking about it, I realized that he has a goatee, as do the other three people that she seems to have issues with (and, so far as I could determine, that was the only physical trait they all shared). So, in order to correct her behavior, I have to grow a goatee so that I can teach her that, contrary to Hollywood stereotypes, goatees do not mean evil madmen bent on world domination (hey, at least I'm not evil, okay?).

I'm growing a goatee for my dog. I don't think I could ever have words enough to describe how weird that statement sounds.

“It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.”

[BookstoreEscapee]

OK, that's cute.

I would be very interested in knowing her reaction. What kind of doggie, anyway?

[Pedersen]

Oh, she's a mutt. German Shepherd/Collie mix. Same one I mentioned in this thread roughly two eons ago.

Still the sweet and lovable thing. We got some help from a local trainer, and learned what we were doing wrong. Never did figure out this one thing, though.

As for her reaction? Well, I'll share it after I manage to grow this. Since I've only ever had a mustache, and that since high school, I have no clue how long this will take. Once done, I'll see if there are any stories to share

[Evil Queen]

O.o

I can't picture you with mud on your chin.

[dalesys]

O.o

I can't picture you with mud on your chin.

Just imagine armpit on face. (What my beard looks like for the first three months or so)

[TheSHAD0W]

Hey, at least it's not a mullet...

[cinema guy]

contrary to Hollywood stereotypes, goatees do not mean evil madmen bent on world domination

Or you come from a mirror universe.

Instead of growing one you could try this Mirror Spock Goatee.

[Megg]

You are a good doggy-dad. If I had to guess, I would say your poor pup was abused by a goatee'd weirdo. Poor puppy - good luck!

[Magpie]

Might not help. I know of dogs that hate people in hats. Except for their owner.

[Evil Queen]

Just imagine armpit on face. (What my beard looks like for the first three months or so)

Oh crap, you're a dude? Dude... I'm sorry...

[Merriweather]

After thinking about it, I realized that he has a goatee, as do the other three people that she seems to have issues with (and, so far as I could determine, that was the only physical trait they all shared).

With my little Yorkie, it was men in hats (she was ok with DH in his uniform hat, but no others). And of course, she reacted by barking her little head off when she saw a man in a hat. Which was distinctly embarrasing when driving thru tiny little villages and she would go ballistic when she spotted the village Bobby.......

[BookstoreEscapee]

With my little Yorkie, it was men in hats (she was ok with DH in his uniform hat, but no others).

So she preferred Men Without Hats, then?

[Jester]

...contrary to Hollywood stereotypes, goatees do not mean evil madmen bent on world domination.

I have a goatee, and....oh, hell. Nevermind. Your dog is smarter than you think.

With my little Yorkie...she reacted by barking her little head off when she saw a man in a hat.

And how is that different than the way a Yorkie reacts to every other living thing?

[Merriweather]

I
And how is that different than the way a Yorkie reacts to every other living thing?

that does describe a lot of them, doesn't it? Luckily, ours was more selective than most, especially when out and about. Now if it invaded "her" territory, that was a different matter.

[Jester]

that does describe a lot of them, doesn't it?

A lot of them, yes. If by "a lot" you mean "every single damn one I've ever encountered on this planet."