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How are dogs so trusting in the world we live in?

Rach91

hi so today I just felt so yuck and I went for a walk to clear my head. I went to my local park and a greyhound came running over for a fuss. I chatted to the owner and she said her dog was an ex racer and when it came to retirement the previous owner tried hitting the dog over the head with a shovel. The dog survived obviously but got brain injury that affected his eye sight. The dog after being forced to race and was abused by his previous owner was so trusting and loved meeting new people. I’m sorry but if that was me I wouldn’t trust another person for a long time. I two abusive relationships and it makes it hard for me to trust me I do have male friends but if they try to touch me or hug me I flinch I only have one male friend that can actually touch me and I let him hug me but it took a long time to get there. How’s are dogs so trusting of people after being abused in the past? It’s a really nice thing i just wish I was like that. 

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  • in reply to Number

    There was a multi-generational experiment with foxes. They were selectively bred solely on the grounds of being friendly towards and handleable by humans. Within a few generations, these foxes, selected only on their disposition, developed shorter jaws, novel coat colours and patterns, less erect ears and curled tails. Sound familiar?

  • in reply to Peter

    Hmmmmm....With every human, and with every dog, I NEVER choose to judge by the cover.....personally.  Moreover, your proposed "rule of thumb" above, certainly doesn't correspond with my experience of dogs IRL.  The character and behaviour of a dog does not correspond to its appearance, although it's physical prowess DOES normally correspond in the way you suggest.

  • in reply to Number

    I've never even heard of those breeds. But I have noticed the less 'bread' a dog looks the less stupid it seems to be ... and also ironicly often less agressive. Generaly if a dog has pointy ears, a long snout and is 'normal' size it tends to be better behaved and less interested in humans it doesn't know.

  • in reply to Peter

    Yes, and my point is that not all (by any means) dogs have been bred for the purpose of being docile and pliable.  Have you met a Malinois or Malamute?.....these are different "thinkers."

  • in reply to Number

    My point is if you took humans and subjected them to generations of breeding to make them dossile and pliable you might find they were rather trusting too ... and probably brain damaged by medical standards.