Dog that Bit News Anchor Not at Fault

NEVER, ever, get in a strange dog's face. Even one that seems nice gets really threatened by that sort of behavior from a stranger.

I saw the video and the dog was clearly being defensive. He was wincing as she was holding his chin and then she continued to come forward. Once she got too close he gave her a quick bite to the face, just like any dog would when another dog comes too close. It's a warning that says "Don't get too close." Unfortunately a human being's skin isn't as thick as a dogs. If she were another dog, she probably wouldn't have had a scratch. I don't think he even intended to hurt her. I have a Great Dane and a Mastiff and I take them do the local dog park all the time and watch how they interact with other dogs. Dogs may snap at each other if the other one is too close but they rarely fight or act aggressive if they're given enough space. My Mastiff got into a scrap a few weeks ago and it ended in just a few seconds. Shortly after that she was playing with the other dog like they were best buddies. I would venture to say that this dog has no animosity toward the news anchor and if she sees him again, he'll probably be friendly and perhaps even affectionate as long as she respects his space.

Not only did she bend in to kiss the dog on the nose, she also was holding it's chin and pulled it to her. The dog had no way to retreat, she effectively "cornered" the dog with her actions.

I agree. Hell I know a lot of people who act aggressively if strangers get in their face. The dog was being a dog, and though it is sad, that woman shouldn't have got so close.

I haven't heard anyone blaming the the dog, much less "many" people. It was an unfortunate accident that happened because someone didn't know how to behave around a strange dog. Maybe this high-profile incident will educate a lot more people and something good will come out of it. I hope the reporter gets better quickly without much scarring. It was a painful lesson and she didn't know any better..

It is sad that people don't know how to approach an unknown dog. I totally agree with this article. The dog was not at fault. I do feel bad for the lady but she is the one responsible.

I cannot believe that a seemingly educated adult would put their FACE in the face of a strange dog.

I hope the old gal heals and all that, but it was TOTALLY, 100% her own fault.

Poor pup..trauma after trauma.

I had a doberman pincher for eleven years, One of the best dogs I have ever had. She put up with a lot. But I had taught my daughters that you dont bother a dog while they are sleeping, you dont pull their tails and ears or mess with them while they are eating. but having said that, Misha was my youngest daughter's pillow on movie night, was constantly hugged and loved on by the children in the neighborhood.Even though the children in the neighborhood wanted to play with her in the backyard, I never permitted them to do that while no one was watching. I said she may know you but, that is HER backyard and she guards it. so never come in here alone. I feel for the woman but she should have thought about what she was doing. I hope the poor dog gets better and isnt held responsible for what happened. Let this be a learning experience for every one.

Yeah, no molesto the dogo!

Brava, Tammie Lee! I found great comfort in seeing an avalanche of responses placing the blame for this terrible incident on the ignorant reporter's shoulders. I've never seen a more clueless approach of an unfamiliar (and already traumatized) animal on TV except for demonstrations of what not to do. The station and she owe the owners an apology. I do fault the owner for not thinking through and forcing the station to come to them but I guess the dog's been a docile family working dog pet and they didn't expect this to go so far. Very unfortunate and unusually ignorant. I hope this teaches people to respect space and the animals' (any animals') self defense mechanism.

Great article.

This is a quote of what I said to another headline regarding this incident... Look familiar?

"As unfortunate as this was... There are reasons why we are humans and a dog is an animal. One reason is that humans are of higher intelligence, or are we? The dog has been through severe stress and has probably seen more strangers than he cares to. Throw him on a busy TV set with bright lights and more strangers, then another stranger gets directly in his face. I'm not a dog, but I would also be quite anxious given the same situation. Tip.. Never get in a dog's face, in his mouth or put your hands on it's neck unless he trusts YOU 150 percent! Not the other way around."

We owned a very large rot/dobie/lab mix. We were having him fitted for a harness at a vet's pet store when the presumably "experienced" attendant moved to put her face into is lovable mug. He suddenly and sharply "bumped" her with his muzzle. We were horrified and expected to see blood, lots of it. Instead, he had simply given her the "wet pillow" treatment to get her to keep her distance. We had a new found respect for our dog's intellect in that he had sized up the "threat" accordingly and given her fair warning. I understand that we humans have this "nurturing" gene, but if stupid can't be fixed, these two will do it again. Blaming the dog compounds the stupidity in the human side of the equation.

at least there was one positive aspect of this story... the anchors mouth was sewn shut. lets hope this happens more often

She wont do that again

A rescued dog has baggage of which the new owner may be unaware...
Never ever get in a dog's face... If a dog wants that sort of closeness he or she will initiate it...
This dog is not to blame and I hope he does not suffer any consequences... The reporter was totally responsible for what happened... That having been said, I hope she has a speedy recovery with minimal permanent damage... Ignorance is a dangerous thing and she was obviously ignorant of human - dog interaction safety....

Good luck to Max and I hope he is not vilified for someone else's lack of knowledge.

All of you saying the dog needs to be put down, you first. :)

Sorry to say there are several of us who have gotten in a dog's face, and have the scar to prove it. Usually on the lip. It's a lesson you will never forget!

All that matters is two words; personal responsibility. That and common sense.