Hi all,

So, I have a new girlfriend in my life, we have hit it off very well and
things are going well. Unfortunately she has a dog in her life that we
are both hesitant for me to meet.

I had a few bad dog experiences when I was young and have a sort of low-
level fear of dogs.

Her dog is a pit-bull/lab cross (not sure if it is an actual pit bull or
one of the many breeds folks mix up with pit bulls) It has a very odd
personality and tends to be very aggressive when it sees new people. It
scares neighbors and visitors regularly with it's intense and angry
growling/barking and though it has never bitten anyone, her and her
sister are careful to never let it outside around people or other dogs.

Thing is, she claims that once it warms up to you, it is the greatest
and most gentle dog there is, it is just "afraid" of people. there is
no history of abuse with eth animal, she has had it since a puppy and
the only thing odd is that it was removed from it's mother very early.

Now, I have 2 small children and I am concerned for them as well as
myself when meeting this dog. It tends to forget people quickly she
says and even her regular visitors sometimes get forgotten and have to
readjust to the animal.

Any ideas how I should proceed for maximum positive experience? Should
I exert my dominance and position myself as alpha male? Should I be
quiet and let it remain in control? Should I bring gifts for the dog?

*sighs*

Thanks for your input.