[dezertblu]

If someone taunts or teases a dog..of course they will bark when they see them.....they are trying to allert the pack that the trouble maker is about. I have a unique situation with my neighbors....Sassy as I have said is a talker....she will bark at a stranger and it's not to warn them away its to tell them..hey come here, come pet me, get to know me. She has a completely different bark for warning people off or sounding the alarm.Well the neighbors on the connected half of our semi detatched house has a little girl, she is the sweetest kindest gal...but we found out when we moved in 2 years ago..this little girl had been mauled ny a german shepherd, which is similar to how Sassy Looks except she is black and white , the shape is very close as is the size.I made a point of telling the girl, Sassy would not hurt her, and was the friendliest puppy in a grown dog body, cause she is.I explained to her Sassy barks to speak and try to get folks attention and pats..and I also promised the little girl I would do my best to keep Sassy's barking down and that I would bring her inside if the girl was playing outside. I respected the feelings the little girl might have about a similar sized dog next door barking at her.The little girl is still afraid of Teddy and Sassy even after 2 years, but the break through is...she has shown great interrest in LiL Moe! Maybe Moe will gain her trust back in the dog world.