Is Larry David Right? Can Dogs be "Racist"? This is a Job for Cesar Millan

While my best friend "Redford" is a happy-go-lucky, super-social, tail-wagging, progressive-minded, equal-opportunity pooch, he's deathly afraid of security guards and has taken an unexpected nip or two at the outstretched, friendly hands of homeless people. And he almost always growls at them. How does he even know they're "bums," who are generally just nice gents who want to pet him? And why doesn't he like them? It's embarrassing, and, if he were ever to bite one, dangerous.

Then, there's the common urban myth -- or truth? -- about dogs and African-Americans. Some say that dogs can't see darker faces as well, and so act nervous or hostile. In any case, search "racist dog" on YouTube, as I just did, so as to find the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode below that my friend Lindsey and I watched last night (and that sparked the posting of this question), and you'll find hundreds of videos. So something's going on here.

My question is, what?

And how do we teach our confused furry pals that security guards, homeless gentlemen or African-Americans aren't anything to be afraid of? This is a (strange) job for Cesar Millan, my idol.

Bonus: Cesar Millan, in action.

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Comments

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Way - I love Redford

I love Redford

I love Redford

Ed

[Bethab]

My huskies...who love everyone...do not like African Americans. I have no idea why and it is SO embarrassing...

[hibiscuscottage]

Pierre' the Black Poodle (former abuse name Shadow) hates hispanics. He was abused and poisoned by his former owner's husband.

When we are in the car he can sense them even if I am unable to see anyone around. Horribly embarassing. If I attempt to introduce the dog to anyone hispanic he turns around and makes them look at his butt.

He's old and has cataracts. I have given up.

[mlaiuppa]

My dog is the classic "hate the mailman" dog. They guy is nice, I speak with him, no threat whatsoever. However the dog is convinced he is a serial killer set to return and murder us in our sleep. And it doesn't matter if it's the white mailman or the asian mailman, he is an equal opportunity mailman hater.

My dog also hates the local chihuahuas. Now, that's racist.....right?

[Waylon Lewis - Huffpost Blogger]

Chihuahuas? That might count as dog on dog racism. Breedism?

[Kiri Westby - Huffpost Blogger]

Maybe dogs pick up on social fear, like the collective fear people have of the homeless or racial difference?

My dog is Mexican and recently relocated to Boulder...she barks at men with wide brim hats or sombreros and goes ballistic at people with brooms or on bicycles (which is challenging in Boulder :)

Do you really idolize Cesar Millan?

Nice post,

Kiri

[Waylon Lewis - Huffpost Blogger]

Oh, I do idolize Cesar. Netflixing Dog Whisperer after reading about him in the New Yorker, I've learned a lot about how to have a good relationship with my first dog. He's great at teaching me how to be firm yet relaxed, a real leader.

[PatA]

I had a greyhound that was hassled by the garbage collectors. Two were black and one was white. Forever after that, he would bark and carry on when he saw a black man. I did a lot of apologizing for Tiger.

[BassMonk]

It sounds like his owner has not taught him how to behave in social situations.

And, if you want a well-behaved dog, do not take advice from Cesar Millan.

[Waylon Lewis - Huffpost Blogger]

You talking about Larry David, or me? Thanks for your comment, BassMonk.

[Buck Bannister]

I hate to say it, but my German Shepherd was racist - despite us having a number of African-American friends! She was always very protective and territorial, but when it came to African-Americans she would go ballistic even if they were on the other side of the street. I have no idea why that was. None of our other dogs did that! Maybe it was just her already somewhat aggressive personality (despite being very loving with people she knew well - unless they were dark skinned), who knows? But I spent a LOT of time apologizing for her!