About two summers ago Blackberry and I were on the beach enjoying a beautiful day. 

I have always been very cautious when people want to pet him, especially children.  I always ask them to let him sniff their hands and let him smell them before they pet him. 

All of a sudden, a family with a 7 year old child came onto the beach to just admire the scenery and the girl ran up behind Blackberry and gave him a hug.  I was really worried, and she did it two more times, despite me asking her not to.  The third time, Blackberry jerked back, and his teeth scraped the side of the girl's face.  The parents were very awesome, and told me that they had warned her many times that she should not ever approach a dog like that, even if she knows the animal.  They were glad she wasn't hurt and hoped she learned a lesson.  I was mortified and felt so terrible and gave them my info, just in case...Before they left, she tried it again, and I was ready to scream!

I haven't really come into such a situation since, and most people whose children come near, I calmly ask them not to pet him, unless they let him sniff them first.  Usually people are understanding, and some people are rude about it.  There are also some kids who totally ask and know what to do, and laugh at me when I ask them to let him sniff first.

But, today we had a yard sale with some other neighbors, and a man walked through with his daschund.  The dog walked around a fan and tied his leash around it, and the man freaked out and screamed at the dog.  Blackberry was on his leash, but nipped at the man's behind!  The man screamed at me, and yelled that he would kill my dog!  I was so upset about the whole thing.  I have looked online about fear nipping, and just wanted to get some ideas and thoughts from you all about what I should do.

FYI...he is  a rescue and had been abused by a bearded man in the past.  It took some work and training to get him to learn to love my father(as he has a beard and moustache).  However, if a furry man has dogs, he does not mind.  He also had a harness grow into him as well when he was little.

I welcome your thoughts and ideas!  Anything that you think may help!

Hey snow...

My older dog is afraid of tall skinny people with glasses. To the point that when he sees one he expresses his anal glands. He can't help it. He is also afraid of brooms. He came from a rescue too. So it sounds like Blackberry did it out of fear. Just keep him focused and I'm sure having your dad reassure him helps. Also give Frank a jingle he could shed some light on the situation.
 A fellow BD club member (lol)

I rescued both of my dogs from people that didn't care and they both have fears. My little one Peke is part pappilon & terrier. His mom died 2 wks. after giving birth. They we're going to put him down (drown) because they didn't want to mess with him. He is a snippy little one and when I tell people not to touch him, I mean don't touch. I am not a rude person, I try to be nice but when it comes to my baby I put my foot down. He will bite little fingers.

Our girl was rescued from a garage sale that I was attending. The owner was in the process of putting her down for good. But I won't let that kind of stuff happen, I'll go to jail first. I took her and left and he custed me but didn't stop me. Shes terrified of guns, loud noises and you don't want to startle her. Shes a good girl but she has to get to know you or she will get lippy. People should respect you and listen to you. But it seems theirs always that one who thinks they know it all. But who gets blamed if they get bit, the dog. That's not right. My husband only tells them once and he says if you mess around and get bit, I'll kick your butt for giving them germs. If only people would listen.

Just say DON"T TOUGH!! and if that doesn't work belt them.

I also have a dog that was rescued so I know how you feel. My dog has a habit of nipping at people he doesn't know too well. My son has the tendency to tease him and mess with me to which my dog doesn't care for too much. He has never attacked my son but nips at his hand from time to time. We believe he was abused before he went to the shelter so I'm thinking maybe rescued dogs have issues with people for a while.