CNN

[...] on the latest political news from the campaign trail.Download (4.1 MB, PC only) New in the Ticker First Dog takes a bite at White House reporter POLITICAL HOT TOPICS: Friday Nov. 7th, 2008 First Dog takes a bite at White House reporter Palin [...]

Sorta sums up the whole presidency.............

Doh ... do some checking on dog behavior. NEVER approach from above with hand extended. Barney was simply acting like a dog being threatened. Try getting down on one knee, to the dog's level, then extending a closed hand, not to pet but to let the dog sniff. And did he ask the handler if it was OK to pet the dog? Don't blame Barney ... he was just doing what dogs do!

Apparently, more than the GOP are a little bitter about all the election results.

It's about time a Republican take on the main stream media.

Goodluck, President Bush!! God bless president Obama and his beautiful family!!

the reporter deserved it

Leave poor Barney alone. Any nit-wit who approaches a dog who doesn't know them is just asking for trouble. That goes for Republican or Democratic dogs. Decker got what he deserved.

.....Guess some Republicans (two-legged and four-legged) are bitter sore losers. LOL

Hillarious.

I saw the video the news man was really cool about it. You can tell he likes dogs and was very light hearted about it all. That is a good reporter!

Good for the dog

Now that is hilarious. He must have asked a condescending question.

I'm sure it couldn't have happened to a nicer profession.

Decker must be a democrat! I'd bite him too!

I am NO dog whisperer but the signs were obvious here. If you watched the video the dog was in no mood to receive the attention they were showering on him... no tail wagging, no recognition of their presence there... not to mention you put your hand down AWAY from the dog and let him approach you to smell... you never go in to just pet a dog that is not yours.

Way to go Barney… maybe next time they will just leave you the heck along to do your business.

I wonder why Barney wasn't put in a 10 day quarrentine or what a state requirement is on a dog bite. As far as I know if a dog bites regardless of circumstances, it is to be kept caged at the owners home or vet.

hahahahaha
yeah, he's to'd that mccain lost

Sad story CNN, sad.

I agree with the statement that you never, never approach a dog, large or small from above, and certainly not to quickly. Another common mistake is to bend down at face level. Animal lovers immediately want to say "Oh how cute" but every animal has it's own personality. Barney really should have been hands off to any reporter, he's just a dog with animal instincts, leave the dogs alone, talk to the staff instead!

Most dogs I know have better character than most people I know. Good boy, Barney!!!!!!!

Good! Deserves them right the way they bend and skew the truth just to get ratings. I hate the media. What happened to reporting the real news?

Pffft...Had that been someone's pitbull in a city or town somewhere it would have been put down.

Finally! Some news I freaking care about!

Interesting, any other dog would have been put down. Now even animals of important people get special privileges.

Decker should never reach that fast for any dog. Barney was on his "home turf" and stood his ground. You normally take that slow, so Barney knows you are coming, Decker. Thanks Barney for protecting your homeland!

Wow the reporters need to watch themselves.

Decker didn't let the dog come to him..never force your attention on any dog whether they look friendly or not. Anyway, glad he kept a sense of humor about it.

Well maybe Barney figured out most reporters are usless talking heads spouting their own agenda vs actually investigating a story and then writing about their findings.

Animals can sense how their master is emotionally.

Nice to see someone in Bush's entourage actually try something and do it right..

HA! Good for Barney. Enough is enough he says. He's being evicted and no one cares. Poor little guy. They have feelings too you know.Glad the reporter isn't raising cane about it. We all need to releave our post election tensions.

When approaching a dog you don't know, first ask the owner if it is OK to pet the dog. Then SLOWLY move your hand foward and let the dog sniff it. If the dog seems comfortable, then gently pet it.

Here, the audio indicates that the dog had just woken up from a nap and was tired. The reporter nearly LUNGED at the dog, from a position above, jabbing his hand in the dog's face. The dog reacted instinctively and nipped him and jumped back defensively.

It was the reporter's fault, period.

After watching the video--no wonder the reporter got bit! You NEVER quickly approach a dog that doesn't know you with a hand held over the dog's head. Of course he'll protect himself by biting you! Always slowly approach a dog with your open hand held out in front of them so they can sniff your scent and then, AND ONLY THEN, the dog will let you know if it is okay to pet them UNDER their lower jaw-NOT ON TOP OF THEIR HEAD!

LOL! was that a gop dog comment about the media?

I am pretty sure Barrack's dog won't bite reporters....

Don't try to pet a dog that you don't know.. IDIOT..

Shame on Mr. Decker. Didn't your momma teach you not to try to pet strange dogs?

Wow. Barney should be declared a dangerous dog and put down. That's what happens to regular folks. Why should a lame-duck president be any different?

Barney was protecting himself. A lifelong animal lover and at this time have two dogs – you NEVER come down at a dog like that as that Journalist did. Barney thought he was being attacked – but then Journalists are some of the dumbest people I've ever listened to.
A dog of Barney's size looks up at a stranger that appears trwice the size of an elephant would appear in size t o us ! Get the point?
Joanne Buck
Minnesota

He shouldn't have broken the news to Barney that fast, he is definately not ready to go back to the ranch..

Glad he is being a good sport about it and not making it that huge of a deal. I saw the clip though and could see that Barney wasn't in that great of a mood and looked uncomfortable. But still, I am glad that Decker is being a good sport. I agree with Connecticut Yankee, glad to have some light hearted comic relief.

Its a shame that this Scottie, Barney was paired with the worst president in our history. No wonder he bit the reporter.

Remember Fallah and FDR!

Is Barney OK?

Barney is the cutest dog!

Dangerous dog,....put the little guy down!

Give the dog a break. The guy lurched at him. What would you do.

It seems that Barney is the only honest one in the bunch. He doesn't like the stories about his master. and what has happened to the republican party (mostly BECAUSE of his master.)

Dangerous dog,.... put the little guy down!

which one is the Barney in the photo?

Dogs know when a person is good or bad, here you have it...

Barney doesn't want to move out of his home and is being a bit testy!

Barney does not want to be replaced so he is hopping mad. I hope the reporter got a tetanus shot and that his insurance policy covered it.

maybe Barney needs the dog whipserer, Cesar Milan to teach his owner how to be the pack leader. On second thought, maybe Cesar should have went to the white house 8 years ago to teach George how to handle his pit-bull, Dick Chaney.

WISH I THOUGHT OF THAT. Where can I send Barney a biscuit?

I suspect it isn't really Decker's fault. Scottish terriers can be quite protective and wary of strangers. Clearly Barney just didn't like the look of Decker. Or the... smell, perhaps.

Doggone It!!

The president's dog biting back at the media.
Imagine that.

haha!

Watched the video. Decker obviously has no clue or knowledge about dog behavior. He approached the dog in a very agressive manner. The dog did exactly what would be expected. It was no surprise to anyone who actually knows anything about dogs.

Poor doggie.

Imagine if you will– You're a dog. There's your family, the people who take care of you, okay. Then there's literally hundreds of thousands of strange people who all smell weird coming around, petting you and generally invading your territory. You'd be stressed too.

Word from the wise– No matter how friendly that strange dog looks, don't pet it. Yes, even the President's dog.

Most people know when you go to pet a strange dog, you go palm up under the jaw. He deserved what he got.

Too bad it wasn't Sarah!!

It's all her fault we lost the election
Sincerely,
John McCain

You have to be careful with the dog you don't know. Take it from a snapping dog owner! But I do hope that the Obama's consider adopting a rescue dog or a mutt from the shelters. There are plenty than are non-allergic, so the girls won't have to worry and will have a ball playing with their new best friend! And I can easily picture the pup on Barack's lap during a serious cabinet meeting.
Good luck to the Obama's and may God watch over you!

He Doesnt want to leave the Whitehouse He is Doggone Mad hahahahah

I'd be grumpy if GWB was my master too.

This is hilarious!

What kind of stuff has Barney been rolling in to require that kind of medication and follow-up for such a small bite? Sick puppy.

Seriously, why is this news?

Funniest thing I've read in days. Barney is clearly having some election issues of his own.

Actually, it was Decker's fault. Barney let him know that he was afraid by trying to move away, and then Decker came at him with his palm down, which looks hostile to a scared dog. I feel badly for the dog.

good boy!

I guess Barney was never the same after he was dropped by the leader of the free world.

And talk about trying to get in another Republican scandal at the last minute.

NOT NEWS.

Don't condemn Barney for snapping at the reporter. All dogs have a defense built in against strangers. Everyone who owns a dog knows that the reporter should have let Barney smell his hand before he reached to pet him. I am on Barney's side. I have had a dog for the majority of my years on earth and I know that you don't make instant friends with strange dogs.

I would be ornery too if W was my leader. Oh wait, he is, and I am!

Will people ever learn that you have to respect a dog's space. You can't just walk up to a dog, any dog, but especially a strange dog and just bend down to pet it. Give the dog a chance to check you out first, then usually the wag of the tail is a good sign of permission to pet 'em.

He needed to bite the owner.

Is the dog OK?

I did notice that he approached the dog over the top of its head which can be seen as threatening from a dog's perspective. When he did this the dog backed away, which was a warning sign. However, a dog with good bite inhibition would not have broken the skin on the reporter's hand!

good for barney! by the way, why is this a news story?

Good Dog!

I own a Scottish Terrier and they are a breed that is not comfortable around any group of strangers. Read any web site on this breed and you will find out that they are comfortable with one or two people (their owners) and not a good pet to have around groups of people; they become stressed out, frightened, and yes, at times protective of their owners. They are loyal, brave, and independent "thinkers". I am amazed that the President actually brings Barney into large groups!

If this had been a pit bull, we'd never hear the end of it...

It's all good. As long as Decker isn't to upset about it, there is no need to make a big deal out of it. Just chalk it up to "eviction jitters" on Barney's part.

Barney is a loyal Republican who blames the Elite Liberal Media for his party's election defeat.

Not a news story worthy of the TIcker. BUt, we've seen other silly stuff on here.
Joe the PLumber for example, or Lipstick on a Pig as another example.

Good to know the Presidents dog makes mistakes too. I had a neighbor who was very afraid of dogs living in a highly populated dog neighborhood. She screamed and waved her arms around when she saw my dog and he ended up biting her to the tune of her suing me for $1700.00 and that was less than the $4000.00 she wanted. My dog is a Corgi and just had to do some herding and protecting I guess!

Leave it up to a dog to recognize the enemy!! Hope he got a good bite !

The droppings don't fall far from the dog.

The reporter should have had the better judgment not to quickly approach a dog like that, any dog that he was new to. It drives me crazy when people are ignorant towards an animals reaction, startle it and blame it on the dog,

reporter got what he deserved. Finally something with guts.

Way to go Barney...if someone doesn't know the proper approach to a dog...well, now you know what you can get. Being a dog trainer and handler I am so surprise by the number of people who do not know how to properly address a dog – especially when you are on their turf.

Kind of the fitting end to his presidency. He got the country into two wars without end, added untold billions to the national debt, the economy went in the toilet, damaged America's relations with other countries, failed to help Hurricane Katrina victims... oh, and his dog bit a reporter.

I doubt there was ever a president more anxious to see the end of his own administration.

I heard he once bit Bush and then threw up for a week.

YES! This is exactly what we needed throughout the campaign for President., an army or dogs going after the media. It is so appropriate.

gosh, the ticker is not nearly as interesting without presidential candidates goofing everyday.

Gigi's not the only one that bites strangers while out on a walk...

The reporter must have been a Democrat!

Good. I can think of a number of journalists I would like to bite.
Journalism died in 2008. Instead of reporting BOTH sides of the issues, journalists became partisian political hacks for Obama.

How would you like to find reporters outside your house when you want to take a nice quiet walk outside? He's had a long week.

I think Barnie the first dog is showing the present mood of Bush government.

Hi Barnie, do not fear.

Barnie, you will surely have a royal place in Texas ranch.

Bye, Bye, Barnie – bite as much as you want in Texas.

Much worse is the big bite the dog's owner consistently took out the American economy and budget over the past 8 years! He should have been caged years ago!

I guess living with George Bush just makes you very aggressive.

He probably didn't like the election results, but don't forget, there will come new elections.

Barney is perhaps angry since he now knows that he will soon be losing his status as the first dog., and what better way to vent his anger and frustration than sinking his canine teeth into a member of the paparazzi. Even animals have emotions which can sometimes run deep.

barney is full of crap

Funny..........nice after the negative campaign.

Now we are moving forward!

Good doggie!!!!!!!!!

NEVER move fast to pet a dog not familiar with you. Always reach with your hand turned palm up. Dogs do bite.

Barney has a 'handler'?!?!? The Bushies can't even take care of their own dog?!?! And the way the Republicans waste money, I'm sure the 'handler' is making more in a week than most Americans do in a month! Can't wait to get these incompetent crooks out of the White House and for Obama to start his 'janitorial duties' cleaning up the mess these cretins are leaving behind.

perhaps Mr. Decker will think twice before petting the first dog without premision. I think if the president could get away with bitting the press, he would do it.

funny story.

Sweet revenge

Emanuel served on the board of freddie mac during the scandal in 2000 and 2001

If that isn't poetic justice I don't know what is...the President's dog bites the media! Touche! That's a great one....a taste of their own medicine! You go Barney!

You never pet a dog whose ears are back.If you watch the video closely , Barney's ears are back when the reporter approaches him.I suggest President elect Obama gets a labrador for his family.Maybe Barney thought that his master has been treated disrespectfully over these eight years by many in the media.I did not agree with President Bush on many issues but .the office should be respected, some in the media were "downright mean."I guess Barney thought, Bite Back Atcha!

Yep. Just like his owner. Attack without a legitimate cause............................

It must have been a liberal media reporter as Barney has been taught to hate and fear them.

Kind of sums up the entire Bush administration. Bite first, ask questions later.

Good dog, Barney!

It's ok. It's just left over anger from the election.

Heard Decker on POTUS XM this morning. He was very good natured about the incident. Nice to have some light hearted comic relief.

Now that dog is a MAVERICK!!!!!!!!

Too bad Chris Mathews and Keith Oberman weren't there and Barney wasn't a Pit Bull.......with or without lipstick

By the way, I hear Chris and Keith have asked if they can wash Obamas car for him........I mean dog

It appears that Barney and his master both serve the people. Barney was only reacting to and doing to the media what most of us would like to do.

Im Just glad its the dog doing the biting and not Bush.... I hear he's been stressed lately also.

Poor Barney – I hope he got all his shots.

Does anyone know where Nancy Grace was at the time?

barney is soooooooooooooo cute.

i do not even like dogs but i love him
smart too

If you saw the video of this "major incident" you would clearly see why Barney bit him- he surprised him and didn't at all approach him like a person with any dog sense would. This is another lame attempt and attacking Bush- get a life. What a manly man.... crying over a litle nip from a dog. I say good job Barney- about time someone in the family bit back at the media.

Even the dog knows there's nothing to lose now. Back to the ranch Barney.

If my dog bit someone, they would make me put my dog down... where is the fairness in this country?

I'll bet that dog isn't the only angry republican that wants to bite a reporter! Sometimes they get what they deserve...lol!!

That lil dog is just too cute!

Come on guys! this is NOT news... this is crap!

Well good thing he doesn't have a pitbull or else everyone would be demanding that the ferocious dog be put down...funny how these double standards work.

How ironic, even the Republican dog is angry. I heard that Pitbull Sarah had overspent her budget for clothing and Todd Palin spent over $40K on his clothing.

Anyways it is time to put this all aside and work together. We need it in these times...

Barney: as intolerant and agressive as his owners... good thing they are moving out Jan 20.

Hey Barack and Michelle, scratch this breed. Emanuel's enough of an "attack dog" for any house much less the White House.

Hope the reporter gave the mutt a drop kick and tell Goldfarb to get a life!

Good boy.

Dog probably just didn't like something looming over him reaching down towards hims, god knows I wouldn't.

i know why how obama get win because of alot black pick cry baby obama.. that is freakin cheating.... we don't want freaking a black of the president hell no way... get out obama and idiot john biden too......
we want john mccain back to the president and sarah palin back to the vice president period...
remember that the president always follow the rules of white of the president. the president cannot allow to have the black to become the president remember that follow the rules.. president can't broke the rules for the black become the president period... remember the paper of "god we trust " that for only white of the president.....
please would you put the add of newspaper to let everyone to know what is all about black cheating........ thanks

Did anyone treat Barney for reporter germs?

Maybe it was the republican debacle? D-bag. Nice work Barney!!

Well of course Barney bit him. Barney can smell a "Liberal Media" type a mile away!

that dog should be waterboarded!

Looks like Barney decided to become part of the resistance as well. This was his way of showing how pathetic journalism has become. Just yesterday Chris Matthews, a supposed journalist, said that he will do everything he can to make Obama a successful President. Now, we all knew Matthews was a hack and clearly a partisan journalist but this is just amazing. His job as a journalist is not to make the President successful but to report things in an impartial way! They have a word for journalism that seeks only to present the President in a positive way and try to make him successful: PROPOGANDA. Why didn't Matthews try to make Bush a successful President? We all know the answer. Matthews is the least reputable and trustworthy journalist now that he made these asinine comments.

See how it says "President Bush" in the caption of the picture. That's right, Obama is NOT the president yet, so for all of those Obama supporters calling him "President Obama," in case you didn't know, he isn't the president yet. Not until January. So respect our current president and call him Sen. Obama for now, because that is still his job.

Probably should put the dog down. What if that was a child?

The dog knows and senses bad people. Since CNN does not report anything negative about Obama, I just want to say.......I hope everyone that voted for Obama get what they deserve. Just as we have seen with the Stock Market, investors and businesses have no confidence in Obama..........it is going to be a rough 4 years. We are already planning layoffs in light of the election results.......higher Taxes for business (campain promises)........that will really get the economy going.

Watch the video. The dog was already stressed (watch the body language) and the reporter just stuck his hand near the dog's face and tried to pet him on the top of his head. Anyone who knows anything about dogs knows that's not how you approach a strange dog, and certainly not a dog that's already stressed.

From what I saw of the video showing the reporter being bitten by Barney, Barney's handler had his leash casually looped around Barney's neck and Barney looked very overwhelmed by the activity around him. His head was down and he moved back when the reporter reached toward him. It is the handler who should apologize to the reporter, not Barney. Give the dog a break!

Who cares? I want to address Campbell Browns article about Pailn. The first thing is McCain tried to lie to the American people that she was ready, she had all the experience necessary to be "President". And then you had the entire GOP going out and standing up for her. Well thank God the smart majority of the American people didn't buy it. WE knew she wasn't ready, we also knew (as women) that McCain used Pailn to try to get the votes from Hillary supporter. So don't cry me a river over Pailn. If she is the so called "Pit Bull with Lip stick " she should have stood her ground and refused to play along with the good oh boys like she claim she did in Alaska. Pailn is a nut but more than that McCain is crazy as hell for picking her. Pailn lied abused her power and spent all that money on a make over and now there is more money showned that she spent. McCain has yet to come out and say anything on Pailns behalf not one thing. So he didn't like her from the beginning but he refused to be a reformer a maverick a hero and pick the most qualified. The republican party is a big joke they are angry at each other, at McCain and now there female pit bull with lipstick ignorant no brain having PAILN.

Poor little Barney...even his last days at the White House are shrouded in controversary. LOL

Good stuff! Chalk this up to a dog's intuition, taking a bite out of bias.

I guess he's bummed to be going back to Crawford. Can't blame him.

No, you lunged at the dog, and the dog lunged back. And why is CNN posting this on the ticker. Perezhilton talks about this stuff.

The melding of CNN and Perez.

By the way, did you hear Brokaw the other day on Obama. "He is a creepy cult of personality", "we do not know where he stands, like on China, we do not know who is advising him"

Way to vett before the election. I hope he can do everything he says, but, I am concerned!

I have a scottie who's name is wallace. They do sometimes get in a snit. My dog doesn't like it when you approach him with something in your hand. Maybe he felt fear. They really are very good dogs...................

Good dog...good dog...you get a cookie...

So, literally, CNN is leading off the news this morning with the headline "Dog Bites Man." Nice.

I always knew it's a dog's life. Now we know the dog has a temper.

Maybe the dog sensed that Decker was jealous because Scottish terriers have great hair.

SNAP!

Ok, seriously, the media demeans itself by covering garbage like this.

rofl.. poetic justice

Go Barney!...lol...protect your turf!

Anybody else's dog bites someone and that dog gets put to sleep. I'd say time for Barney to have a long nap.

Is there any better example of the Bush presidency?

Typical of the Shrub, an unprovoked attack on Freedom of the Press. Didn't his dog work at Abu Garib at one time?

The reporter, a stranger to the dog, approached the dog with his the palm of his hand down and the hand above the dog's head. You don't do it that way, you bring the hand down to the dog's level and slowly offer the back of the hand to the dog. That works every time.

First Dog Barney is reflecting how Americans are feeling these days!

Those of us that HAVE are buying guns at record rates!

The have not's elected into office a Left Wing Nut Job wearing Training pants who plans on building up a Domestic Army!

Those of us that HAVE are preparing ourselves for Civil War II!

In the words of an Early American just before the Revolutionary War

"Keep your cellar stocked and your powder dry!"

A truly sad time for this great nation!

We needed an American Hero but received an Anti-American Marxist!

The reporter needs to learn that when approaching an unknown dog, you should extend your hand palm up, and allow the dog to come to you, rather than trying to put your hand on top of his head. That is Barney's way of saying don't invade my space!! In the video, you see Barney trying to back away, and he just kept coming.

Dogs are smarter than you think.

good poochie!!

Maybe President Bush should have made Barney his press secretary several years ago. He knows how to handle reporters and he is a lot more loyal than Scott McClellan.

Good... the dog has more brains that half of the people in the coutnry.

they should put the dog down

must be a democrat

Barney 1 Press 0

The bush and repulican anger have reflected in their dog. Obama beware of dog in your visit to the white house on monday, did i forget to say beware of "W" too.

LOL LOL LOL that is totally funny!!!

The dog is just mad because he has to leave the Whitehouse and his master W has been one of the worst presidents of all time.

Finally – something we all can laugh about!

I saw the video of the "attack". Anyone should know how NOT to approach strange dog...except this reporter apparently who did exactly the wrong thing. Don't evolutionists call this Natural Selection?

Even dogs hate Reuters.

You scared him with so many people around vying for his attention!

...every dog owner knows you don't approach a strange dog that quickly. You extend your hand and let the dog make the first move by letting him sniff first. Then, if everything's OK, you "could" try petting him. Never reach out to pet a strange dog so quickly.

As a dog owner, you should have known this yourself!

Heck, Barney was probably still cranky about the election results!

This is funny!

First of all – you don't go up to a dog that doesn't really know you and try to pet him. I understand that the reporter asked the handler if he could pet Barney and the handler said "Of Course". The reporter then proceeded to pet Barney on top of his head – his hand going over him. Being a small dog, Barney, of course, was startled. Thinking of his own safety, he lashed out at the unknown. What the reporter should have done was gotten down to Barney's level, hold out his hand – palm up – and let Barney "sniff" him. If Barney had accepted the reported, then he could have petted the dog. When will people learn! YOU GO BARNEY!!!

Well, maybe he is mad because of the elections results.

i wanna see bush's barney and obama's puppy are biting in the white house

It's time for the Bush Mentality, to go whether in George Bush case, to shoot first and ask questions later. In Barney's case bite first and bark later.

I saw the video from this on TV. Looks like the reporter does not know how to approach the dog. Best to approach palm up and let them sniff you. The reporter's gesture probably looked aggressive to the dog.

Call out PETA! Reuters feeds more poisoned press to dogs! How come no one is reporting on what the vet had to do to treat the dog for ingesting made-up, biased news?

I HOPE THE REPUBLICANS LEARNED FROM THE DEMS THIS ELECTION. THEY HAVE 4 YEARS TO PROMOTE EVERY YOUNG VOTER, HOMELESS VOTER, AND DEVELOP A REPUBLICAN ACORN GROUP.

WHOEVER THE NEXT REPUBLICAN PICK IS FOR PRESIDENT NEEDS TO BE YOUNG, GOOD LOOKING, GIVES A GOOD SPEECH, AND PROMISE THE WORLD.

THAT WAY HE OR SHE CAN COMPETE WITH OBAMA.

THE NEW WAY OF LIFE HAS BEGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even the dog has sour grapes.

Bad MOJO, Bad MOJO

Barney was not feeling well. Something is wrong with him and it was obvious when they were talking to him before he snapped that he was not a happy scot. Maybe the White House Vet should check him out?

Nothing dogmatic about Barney!

Bill – Chicago

Bad late night joke possibility: What's the difference between Barney and Palin? Barney's had his shots! .... yeah. Boy, it's just not as funny anymore -- thank goodness!!

"He approached very quickly, and from above. His hand came downward from up high. And that can be very frightening for a dog, especially a small one."

I can relate 100% to this statement because that's exactly what makes my small dog bite. If he had crouched down and held out his hand for a sniff he would have got a much nicer reception. Please people, learn and teach your kids the proper way to meet and greet dogs!

I saw the video. The reporter, a total stranger to the dog, reached at him way too quickly. Reporter's fault.

This is emblematic of his entire presidency!!

Must have been something about him. Scotties are cute dogs. My sister's neighbor used to have one. When I would go to visit her he would come to visit me. I never knew the dog but he would always show up bumping on the door to get in.

I had to chuckle though I am Sorry you were bitten Decker.....but you gotta admit dog is mans best friend and the media really messed with his best friend (President Bush)....lol.... Next time, let him smell you first, then pet him..

Maybe President Bush should have made Barney press secretary several years ago.

He must be trained to bite those not sympathetic to Dubya,and process servers.

and this is news, how?...

I wonder if Bush got Cesar Milan to train the dog to bite, but it mixed up the reporter with Barack who will be visiting the White House soon.

barney's mad because he's gotta move outta the white house and having such a dumb owner!!!

Perhaps the first dog is feeling a little anxiety, knowing he will have to leave the white house soon.

Let the video of this incident be a lesson to all. You do NOT reach from overhead down to a dog that you don't know!!!

Anyone with half a brain knows that is interpreted as a hostile move and a dog has every right to protect itself. With a strange dog, or even a known dog if he/she's not expecting it, you go slow and at an even level or from below. Make sure the dog sees your hand coming – he or she will signal if you're welcome to continue. 90% of people bit by dogs did something stupid like this reporter to instigate the incident – whether intentional or not.

Good Boy!

Kinda reminds me of the way the Bush administration took a bite out of our lives and left us all bleeding.

Even the republican dog is crazy, that comes from being around the crazy republicans. Obama please go to work now we don't have time to waste, like the republicans. We are taking this time to also
invite you and your family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. we have all witnessed the victory of positive change. Let's get busy Now. WE will all work with you, just keep talking and communicating with us every time you can.
Don't stop coming on the Micheal Basinden show, we need to hear from you often.

President of the United States of America
Obama 08'............................................................................

Hmm. Most people that have the misfortune of their dog biting someone have charges filed, and can be forced to have the dog put down. Will any of this happen to the president?

The reporter probably deserved it.

As does the main steam media as a whole in this country for their BIASED coverage of the past election.

Journalism in this country is DEAD.

Oh poor Barney's just upset that he's going to be moving out of the White House pretty soon...That's all...LOL...{:o)

Oh my, the punnage.

Barney was quite tense in the video. Goldfarb was quite accurate about why he attacked. Still, the video is funny as hell. Barney, the best thing about the Bush Administration. At least he had teeth and bit only for the RIGHT REASON unlike Bush.

Barney was probably just sticking up for George by biting the "evil drive-by media" dude. You go Barney

Thanks Barney!!!! Thats what we need to do to today's self appointed expert mediots!!!! Love you!!

Why wouldn't Barney be a little grumpy.
In just a few weeks it will be no more lush lawns, nor more silver dog dish with cooks finely trimmed raw cubed beef, and when he takes a walk he'll have to dig into gravel, dirt, and brambles while being pursued by rattle snakes and coyote.

Leaving Washington will be hard on Barney.

I wonder if the reporter was a democrat and Barney was just echoing what his master would have done given the opportunity. LOL

Barney's pissed he has to leave that big front lawn in a few months.

Good Boy! Give him a T-Bone! *LOL*

To bad that the dog did not bite his master. It would have been more appropriate. Except that the dog probably would be punished as his master by the looks on his face for the last 8 years has no sympathy for anybody Jim Hall Kansas City Missouri.

Don't know for sure about how much contact Barney ever had with a reporter, but I will make one observation about dogs from personal experience. They are VERY sensitive to hierarchy. It's how they live in the pack. So perhaps Barney senses a change in the air, in which his family's, his pack's, exalted status is now up for grabs. The reporter represents someone down the line, as Barney is undoubtedly in the Bush family. Barney senses that he may be challenged. I would be that the reporters are getting in closer to Bush in his waning days in the White House, that they are getting more familiar with him, by physically coming closer up to him. Barney perceives this as a challenge, and he wants to put things right again. You can be caught off guard by a small dog, but their little hearts can be just as wolfie as the big ones. Reporters: Don't mess with Barney right now. He knows his pack is losing its status and he doesn't like it.

This report seems to me to be a little deceiving. The title refers to "First Dog takes a bite at White House reporter" the first sentence of the report also refers to brak obam's new dog. the rest of the report is a report of a ugly dog with an ugly attitude belong to the Bush family.

as the case of the new president dog has made a news during last few days and the first sentence of this report refers to him; to me the reporter has a hidden agenda to disgrace the appearance of the Barack dog, something that has not yet appeared. This report had nothing to do with the incoming dog or at least the reporter failed to produce a reasonable connection between this report and the new dog. If I am very positive, to me the reporter has no good intention or professional capacity to clearly report what has happened.

Regards,
Joseph

This dog must be put down ... it is obviously dangerous.

Good Dog, I hope someone is going to take care of Barney, he could get blood poisoning from that reporter.

good I hope Barney bites obama next!

haha! funniest thing ever

Laughing out loud! May be it is a form of channeling anger!

After the disgraceful way the media has treated Bush?

Way to go Barney!

FINALLY...it took a dog to treat the media to what most of them deserve...we can learn SO MUCH from dogs!!

And this is relevant because? Seriously what has CNN come to when it comes to reporting things that matter and issues people care about. Give me a break. What’s going to be next: Dick Cheney gets bit by an ant.

This story could have been written so much more effectively and intelligently – particularly the first paragraph.

First of all, I can't stand bush, BUT do not blame the wee dog on this one. I saw the video of this reporter's attack on the dog. You should NEVER touch a dog that does not know you without letting him/her make the first move. Until this journalist is trained in how to handle himself with animals, keep him away from the White House and our new First Family.

I hope Barney's rabies shot is up to date.

And thus, the first of the four horseman (of the apocalypse) arrived on our shores..

I'm sure that the dog is a good dog. I wonder if this reporter reached over Decker's head instead of 2 things, first letting him sniff him and then reaching from below the pups head level under his chin. You shouldn't attempt to pet a strange dog(especially when YOU are the stranger, not them) unless you do this first!)

It's the Bush Dogtrine – Bite preemptively even if there's only a slight chance somebody might be a threat.

Bad judgment call by the handler to let them try to pet him. It was very obvious by his body language he was irritated from the start of that video. Unless he has that aggressive posture all the time, the handler really needed to take control of the situation before it got to a bite.

Dogs are very sensitive animals and they understand and are very close to their owners. Perhaps the dog heard too many bad jokes about reporters

Good boy, Barney!! You know a drive-by lib Obamedia hack when you see one.

Dogs typically do take on the personalities of their owners.

I think Barney was wondering were security was, that this guy was able to get so close

Hallelujah! Must have been a Democrat!

Dogs do tend to be good judges of character......

He heard there was a pitbull somewhere. He was just guarding his territory.

Way to go, Barney!!!!!!!

I thought that in Journalism the credo was "If man bites dog, that's news. If dog bites man its not noteworthy."

So why is this news? I didn't read anywhere that the Reuters correspondent bit Barney.

Should the phrase now be amended to "If man bites dog, or dog bites reporter, that's news"?

After seeing the tape a few times, it looks like Barney felt threatened by the papers Decker held in his left hand. Was he ever punished with a rolled up newspaper?

That's Great!! Too bad Bush didn't do the same earlier.

Anyone should know you don't just stick your hand in a dog's face! For pete's sake! No wonder her got bit! I would have bit him too!

Maybe if this guy knew anything about dogs and approaching them he wouldn't have reached right down on top of Barney's head. Barney's got big long eyebrows and likely didn't see anything except this hand suddenly coming down over top of his. Remember from grade school – "let the doggie smell you first". You can't just swoop down from above and pet a dog – you'll get bit.

Being a Scot like Barney, all I can say is: "Well done, Laddie!"

It looks like Barney can inflict more damage than the "pitbull with lipstick".

Maybe it falls into the category of "like Father, like son."

Barney also has feelings of all things happening around him as we all do sometimes. Don't forget, he is also a republican and so, do not expect him to happy with reporters at this time.

Barney just had a bad week too.

"I don't know what he did, but apparently Barney didn't like it,"

PERRFECT!

Just like Bush.

YOU NEVER PUT YOUR OPEN HAND NEAR DOG,S FACE. LET THE DOG SMELL YOUR BACK OF YOUR HAND. AND GO SLOW DON,T BLAME THE DOG! WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF SOMEONE STRANGE PUT HIS HAND NEAR YOUR FACE TO RUB YOU??? POOR DOG GETTING A BAD RAP!!

Look, I realize the election's over, but was it REALLY that slow a news day?

The economy is getting worse.

Gays are rioting in LA (as well they should).

The situation in Afghanistan is reaching crisis proportions.

And we STILL have kids in harm's way in Iraq.

So, please spare us the insipid tale of the friggin' "First Dog."

What're you people, like 12?

Barney is a terrie!. Enough said. The reporter probably didn't know much about terriers.

Even the first dog needs to get beyond these extreme partisan politics.

Maybe he thought the guy was from CNN and knew you guys helped throw the election to Obama.

It's just a reporter, that doesn't really count, does it? It's not like it's a real person, right? Mayby the dog was tired of the press calling his master incompetent?

These guys need The Dog Whisperer. Also some common sense: you don't immediately reach down to pet a dog who isn't familiar with you.

barney is ready to go back to texas. you gotta love these little pets.

This is not about Barney, comments for the Lieberman article already closed.... I cannot believe the hatred and vitriol from the left continues....They are now attacking yet another decent man jsut because he happened to support John McCain. Unbelievable! Hate, Hate, Hate...its all I see from the liberals.... God help us the next four years....and pray that it is ONLY four years.

Bite me, Bush.

I saw the clip. The reporter didn't formally introduce himself to the dog by holding a clenched fist, knuckles up, and letting the dog smell the hand. Besides Barneys ears were down – which is another bad sign. The reporter got clipped – his own fault.

For a person who claims to know terriers, and Scotties in particular, the "victim" demonstrated his cluelessness. No dog likes to be patted on the top of the head by a stranger. Barney showed remarkable restraint in not taking his fool hand off at the elbow.

You go under the chin and skritch a Scottie's chest and chin–if you value your fingers. Barney's behavior was consistent with the best traditions of the breed, full stop.

He has the same mentor as George Bush....., Dick Cheney!
No question about it, the next first dog will be much nicer.

Barney may feel the added stress in his home environment over the last couple of days. Perhaps he's been feeling this longer, since his owner has been under attack. Perhaps Governor Sarah Palin (who I have utmost respect for) should change her line from "Pitbull in lipstick" to "Scottish Terrier in lipstick". Go Barney. You da mutt.

President Bush's dog bites a reporter – good!

What a great dog! Pity he's too small to go for the throat.

TV reporter may have had bad breath, Barney misses home, need leave alone

Wow!
A reporter ten times the size of the dog practically reached down and slapped the dog with his hand. What was this guy thinking?
He should ask his mother who owns a Scottie if he did the right thing.
I hope she scolds him. The reporter obviously doesn't go home to visit a lot.

When Bush took office 8 yrs ago we were headed into the SAME ditch we are in now.. there were going to be breadlines after

dot.com, enron, worldcom, etc. and 9/11

but his cabinet and GREENSPAN.. pulled rabbits out of the HAT!

gave money away on the streets and

created the ILLUSION that all was well for about 5 to 6 years.

the ILLUSION of GNP and all that.

Thank guys for letting the sore become gangrenous

I'll bet Barney rewarded with a porterhouse steak for supper that night.

Yea ! Great Job Barney!

I think Adam Goldfarb nailed it perfectly....Barney was tense and the reporter reached down from above his head. Offering his hand, palm up, for Barney to sniff and either accept or reject probably would have avoided a snap or bite.

Tiny little Barney is attached to a leash with no way to escape and is tensed up for whatever reason....it's not like Barney could verbally tell the reporter that he was uncomfortable so he communicated the best way he could.

That being said, Barney's handler should be telling people how to approach a dog that doesn't know the person. Barney shouldn't have to.

Since when is "Dog bites man" newsworthy? Now if Decker had bitten Barney ... That's News!

Never aproach a dog to pat him with your hand over his head in an agressive manor, even if you do it all the time to his owner!

Hilarious!

Scottish Terriers are NOT people-friendly dogs. I would never own one. They are not the cutsy dog you think they are, so don't get one if you have kids.

Wow, I guess the current "First Dog" is taking the election results badly. This dog should not blame Mr. Decker for the lost. It was because people saw that McCain was taking his policy orders from Joe the Bummer. At least that's one reason I voted for president elect Hussein. I guess executing Saddam came back to "BITE" the GOP in the rear. From Saddam Hussein to President Hussein. It's a beautiful thing.

Everybody knows you're not supposed to stick you flat hand at a dog's mouth. The reporter deserved what he got.

I saw the film clip. This reporter suddenly bent over, papers in his left hand fluttering (catching the dogs attention) and then touched him with his right hand (startling him). Of course the dog reacted. What a ditz!

I have a black Scottie named Cole. He is friendly to some and not to others. I call him the "Scotch Watch". He has proven to do similar stunts. They are very proud little dogs.

Patty Gossett

It's because ..jr has been kicking him alot lately!!!

A dog is just a dog. Sad news item when articles and news commentary is on a dog. More sadder is me commenting on this. (LOL)

Good dog.

Ha, ha, ha. This is hilarious. Barney says take that all you lying, clearly biased media people. I am STILL first dog so you better recognize. ROAR, or in this case SNIP.

Nasty little dog just like its nasty owner. Now if any of our dogs had bitten anyone there would be an outcry about it and a scream of bad dog and all the AR loonies wanting them on the banned breed lists.

Smart dog! The reporters have done nothing but rip Pres Bush apart for years. Sick em'

Shouldn't Barney be impounded with all the other dogs who have bitten without provocation?

Well had to laugh.....

I rescue animals predominantly dogs and cats (all breeds) and all from some horrible homes and lives and I can say that truly most animals are very much a product of their environment and ONLY G.W. Bush could turn a Scotch terrier raised in luxury into an attack dog ....

Meanwhile I bet 2 years from now a well adjusted puppy raised by the Obamas will great reporters with tact and diplomacy....

Cheers

Amelia

Like dog like Masters; Bush took a bite of our money, jobs and our personal freedom(The Patriot Act) It is seventy-four days unil President-elect Barack Obama will be our new President and he can get things done, We can finally bring our guys home from Iraq. We can get Osama Bin Laden. I Know that there will never be peace in the world, but maybe close to it...

Bless our Country....

Besides Laura, I guess everything "snaps" in the White House sooner or later.

I think it's great.
The stupid reporter shouldn't have put his hand that close
to the dog.
Was he expecting the dog to really say something.

Poor old Barney.

Scottish Terriers Rock!

Lol, poor Barney... good thing this didn't happen in the ghetto, Bush would be preparing for his appearance on Judge Judy and Barney would be in the klink!

typical republican, that dog.....

OMG... OWNED!!!!

At least Bush is more gracious than his dog.

First good news we had all week!

This bite was overdue. A dog can take the liberal media just so long then he just has to sink his teeth into the story. You go, Barney!