Bush dog Barney bites reporter

Well, that's not how you pet a DOG! particularly a dog on a leash! You let the dog smell your hand first and get down to the dog's level and THEN if tail is wagging, you approach doggie.

Aw, poor Barney.

Don't blame Barney....I think most of the republican party would like to bite the "liberal" media.

The guy just tried to pet that dog normally and he bit him - why poor Barney? Poor reporter!

That's not how you pet a dog, the reporter was asking to get bit that way.

And, there's a liberal media? ...where?

Sic 'em Barney!!!!!!

Barney is NOT happy about a new puppy moving into the White House!

The WH doc should've given that reporter anti-idiot pills. Anyone with half-a-brain knows that isn't how you pet a strange dog.

Good job, boy!

Just remember: dogs are only human.

But: if your dog bites you, it's time for a long talk.

Mr. Decker doesn't seem to know anything about how to approach a dog that doesn't know him.
Never, ever approach a dog's head from top downwards. Always approach at or below head level, don't get too close, and allow the dog to approach you.
Barney was simply defending himself.

I say the reporter should sue Bush. Obviously Bush is harboring a vicious animal, and the reporter may lose the use of his hand for YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS. And then there's the mental anguish, the pain and suffering, the humiliation.....

Barney will have to under-go a series of tetnus shots now for biting scum !

I don't blame the dog.If I saw that person coming at me or reaching for me,I would bite him too.
And hard.

Attaboy Barney!

Hopefully those taking the side of the reporter are being facetious. You do not approach a strange dog exhibiting that body language with your hand without the dog smelling you first. That's his fault. Didnt he say a family member of his owned a Scottie? Well, he should know better. Having owned many Scotties, they can be that way. Poor Barney.

You dont come at a dog with your palm towards the dog! You show the dog the back of your hand and you let them smell you first. The way the reporter came at the dog was a attack posture. Totally wrong on the reporters part. He obviously doesnt have any pets.

How is this even news?

We are two Maltese dogs and we would just like to say that of course Barney is cranky. First of all, this reporter came at his head and while he had good intentions a doggy can't always tell from the angle down below. Also, Barney is having to move out of the big white house where he has his own cook. Maybe his humans aren't so good in the kitchen and Barney is bummed about going back to the usual dinner. Your Insightful PaLs, LuLu and LoLLy, www.luluandlolly.com

After the treatment that Bush has received by the press, Barney was only speaking out for them. Call it Karma.

I have a 4 yr old scotty and I'm well acquainted with their temperments.

It's clear by his ears and stance that Barney was intimidated by the cameras and cables and the like. The reporter's aggressive approach put the wee-laddie into defensive mode. The rest is history.

go barney go!!!

I didn't see anybody else writing on the side of the reporter, so I'm going to assume "SR516" is aiming his post at me -- and, OF COURSE, I'm being facetious. I couldn't be prouder of Barney, unless he'd taken a chunk out of the reporter's leg, or at least peed on it. I've acted as companion and frequent flunkie to several dogs over a nearly-30-year period and would NEVER approach an unfamiliar dog in that way. This was totally the reporter's fault.

I own Scotties. The demeanor of Barney in this video is that he is either threatened, or not feeling well. Tail down, head down, walking slow - not a happy dog at that moment. You don't approach a dog aggressively and then force yourself upon him when he's got a dejected demeanor. The reporter did not ask permission from the handlers to pet the dog. He just barged in. That is not Barney's fault, and it is not the handlers; fault. The guy is an idiot, and he deserved what he got.

Barney is not such a "Nice Doggie " . Not a very Nice White House Doggie . No..No

I think it is time to put Barney to sleep. He is obviously a miserable mutt.

Oh no! Must be one of those Pit Scotties.

Barney should be trained to a higher standard than your own personal dogs. A therapy dog learns to accept all types of approaches and takes their ques from their owners. Any dog that is so high profile should be trained to be relaxed in social situations or not be placed where he/she could cause physical harm. Keep Barney away from all strangers or we'll hear some more stories like this.

I hope Barney has his shots, you never know what diseas reporters carry.

As a long-time foster parent for Racing Home Greyhound Adoption, I can say that the clip Barney's behavior is one of extreme stress. Second, the reporter reaches out unexpectedly overhead and invades the privacy zone of the dog. Third, the reporter doesn't even follow the rule parents teach their kids: ask whether you may before petting. It is clear that none of the parties involved had a clue about dog behavior. And as to a post above, therapy dogs are hand-picked and tested to see whether they can be trained to handle the tasks imposed on them. Only one every 10 dogs is suitable for therapy tasks.

Good job, Barney!