Woman wonders if family dog is racist

Dear Amy: I have been with my husband for three years. He is White and I am Black. His parents are wonderful to me.

Unfortunately, theyhave a dog,“Danny,” whois “mean.”

There are five other dogs that live in that house and they all love and enjoy the attention I give to them, but Danny has always beenwary of me.

I tried giving him treats and approaching him the way they recommended, but he avoidsmeor barks at me.

I thought he was just mean, until Iwent to pick up my son, aged 4, who was at their house.

When I arrived, my son was hugging the dog like an old friend.

Danny bit me when I put my hand out for him to sniff.

My feelings are hurt and I’m not comfortable over there anymore. Is this dog racist?— Bit

Dear Bit: I shared your question with Katherine Houpt, Ph.D.: veterinarian, behavioral biologist, and emeritus professor of behavioral medicine at the College of VeterinaryMedicine Cornell University:

“Dogs can certainly tell the difference in people by race, but they should not bite people based on race. ‘Danny’ probably does not like any visitors, and the more ‘unusual’ they look to him, the more aggressive he will be.

“Your in-laws mentioned he was ‘mean,’ so you have not beenDanny’s only victim.

“You were bitten in part because you stretched out your hand, whichhemayhave interpreted as a threat. You should keep your hands to your sides, and don’t look directly.

Your in-laws should find a good trainer who uses positive methods to train the dog. Meanwhile, youcan ask that he be put in another room.”

Dr. Houpt and I are both concerned about your son. Hugging a dog is often the trigger for aggression.