A Biting Dog and Culture

The Danish dog Thor has savaged another dog and by Danish statute Thor risks to be put down.

Now German tourists worry about their safety of their dogs when coming to Denmark.

German and Danish Legislation

But the fact is that German and Danish legislation on dogs are very similar. For example every dog must be marked and registered. If it harms a person or another animal and therefore can be presumed dangerous some measures must be met.

German Legislation

Danish Legislation

The dog must be leashed and/or muzzled

The dog must be leashed and/or muzzled

must be walked only by pers. over 18 yrs

must be walked only by pers. over 18 yrs

can be put down

can be put down

Understand Your Own Culture

Why are German tourists afraid, when the legislations are alike? The answer might be culture. In the culture, to which we belong, we feel safe and this culture is number one. However, if we look at it neutrally, we will sometimes see that the differences are not that big. If the German tourists had looked at the two legislations objectively, they would not have reacted as seen. This is, nonetheless, easier said than done.

The same goes for international negotiations and communication. To succeed in intercultural communication you must learn to see your own culture through more objective glasses.