Dogs, Breeds, Aggression, and Stupid Humans

[fureverywhere]

Just some random thoughts with that horrible headline still in the news. With any dog of any breed it's about training. The woman involved with the dog attack obviously had some much darker issues than merely being a lax owner. But I see dogs all the time who have their people trained...and not in a good way.

The owners at the dog park who are calling, then begging, then demanding, then just whining, to get their dog to follow them out of the yard. Any breed and any size that should not be. If there was an emergency of some kind you don't have time to argue with your pup if he's going to follow you or not. It needs to be one of the first lessons they learn.

The store I work in welcomes dogs. Often they're pint sized breeds that fit in the basket. But some of them will be little Napoleon complexes. Growling and showing teeth, that is bad manners. If you saw my dog do that in public you would run for your life. Because yours weighs ten pounds it's still definitely not "cute".

I feel that being a responsible dog owner means having a well trained pup in public. For your own sake, your pup's safety and for everyone around you. My dogs know I'm often a person of few words. When we take a walk there is a sound "EEH!". If either dog hears me make that sound they drop their heads and come stand at my feet instantly.

They know that means I'm serious and they better cease and desist whatever they might even be thinking of. They respect me. I'm not harsh, in fact I spoil them rotten. But they know I am the all powerful food giver person and they want to keep me happy. That's important no matter a poodle or a mastiff.

 

[Kadee]

Not really sure if Judge Judy is a "show" or for real ?? There always appears to be plenty of irresponsible dog owners on her " show"...
We live close to beach which is very popular with tourists in peak times ( the caravan parks are right on the beach)
Many think it's quite funny to let their dog run right up to you , I m a little afraid of big dogs especially if your not really sure of them just running up to you ..im also cautious when it comes to toy size dogs some of them can give a nasty nip as well

 

[WhatInThe]

In the recent headline there was also a picture of someone trying to put a chain leash on the dogs. Last time I saw chain collars or leashes was neighborhoods known for dog fighting. Were these ex or training fighting dogs.

 

[NancyNGA]

One thing I'd never do is allow a baby or a toddler around a dog (or a cat), close up I mean. Any dog, even my own, even well trained. A child might do something or make an odd move that the dog has never seen before, and it might get spooked. What are your opinions on that? Do you think a dog could be trained that well?

Just asking cause I've never been around dogs much. ( Not trying to start a fight or anything.)

 

[fureverywhere]

Actually that's a good question Nancy. I know there are lots of people who have raised children and dogs together. We didn't get our first dog until the youngest was ten. Here again it depends on the dog and the child. We're expecting the first grandbaby and Sophie will never meet him or her. She's always been timid with humans and has a nasty prey drive. I would never trust any child with her. My daughter is older and knows how to behave around her.

Callie is so bomb proof he could be a therapy dog. Our local library has a program where children can come in and read to a dog. I've often thought of volunteering him for that. A nice soft carpet and a quiet room, people making a fuss over him kissing and petting. He'd lay there happy as a lark. He adores children and attention. A few years ago there was a Halloween party at the park.

I dressed him in a hot dog costume and off we went. He liked the other dogs and made friends with any passing strangers. I'm sure he changed more than a few people's perception of pit bulls that day. My daughter wanted to go to the playground. I sat on a bench while she played. Callie laid down at my feet, he was tired. Children from the party would call out " There's Callie!!!" and come over to hug him. Their parents could see Callie for what he is...a happy, gentle, giant in a hot dog costume.

 

[Debby]

One thing I'd never do is allow a baby or a toddler around a dog (or a cat), close up I mean. Any dog, even my own, even well trained. A child might do something or make an odd move that the dog has never seen before, and it might get spooked. What are your opinions on that? Do you think a dog could be trained that well?

Just asking cause I've never been around dogs much. ( Not trying to start a fight or anything.)

You've made an excellent point Nancy. My one little dog is all of four pounds and when our grandkids were toddlers and just beginning to explore, if they headed for the dogs, I always made a point of sitting right there beside and being ready to intervene at the slightest sign of discomfort from the dogs. They aren't used to little kids so it was my responsibility to protect both.

Then there are other dogs that are completely comfortable with children. Friends had a Standard Poodle who was one of those. Babies could pull on her, lay on her, climb all over her and she just soaked it up. She was a fabulous dog and even though she wasn't mine, I cried when she finally died of cancer.

 

[RadishRose]

Fureverywhere,

I wish some of the dog owners I've known were as responsible as you!

I love dogs.

They deserve the best pack leaders there can be, after what we've done to them by way of certain breeding practices over the eons past and sadly, even recent years.

Mine is a small 14 pounder, as sweet and obedient as any, but I too and extremely cautious when she meets a small child. So far, so good as doggie seems to really enjoy children but I agree......we must be extra watchful where small children are concerned.