I have never seen an instance where a herder was justly labeled aggressive, and I’d argue they’re at more risk in public than Blue, who was also erroneously labeled – but via presumption. The herder usually gets the title.
The overall consensus among non-dog people can be seen in the misleading phrase “I just want to pet all the dogs.”
So do the dog people. But we don’t because some of them don’t consent. And dogs who don’t consent may bite which is something humans tend to take very personally.
We the dog people check first. Every dog. No matter what they “look like.” And we do this by … drumroll … letting the dog come to us without the threat of our hand.
The handsy people judge first on appearance and that’s what makes Blue safer than the cute-faced, motion sensitive Aussie in the public.
The handsy people see that dog and EXPECT that because he’s so cute, he’s also “nice.” And because they have to “pet them all” this dog’s getting some too.
Not Blue. Blue intimidates them with his appearance and therefore they judge and don’t want to touch him. He doesn’t have to bite because they can respect him.
But in they go for the Aussie. You can say “don’t put your hand out – he’ll bite. And you know what they do? THEY PUT THEIR HAND OUT AND ARE APPALLED THE DOG BIT! I’m not kidding! They test with provocation and then blame; sometimes they even come running -with no warning – to invade our space. The dog has no idea that human is speeding for affection, or with the intention to shove onto him “love”. He doesn’t care nor want it. He doesn’t consent.
So he uses his only voice — his body language— and to those of us who can see — he’s screaming.
The threat continues. It disregards the communication.
He responds instinctually. Nips it back to a safe distance.
That’s his job.
And it worked. It moved the threat.
The threat calls him aggressive.
Come and try to feel me up without my consent and see how that goes over….
Wishing to the stars that Fury finds in his furever a human an advocate …. Maybe someone like Mary…