I'm interested in helping people that has those little furry loved ones that we call our pets but we know better.They are more our kids than our animals.I am here to help provide with tips on how to keep our loved pets happy and healthy.
Hey Everybody,It's Blogging Time... Welcome back.We are glad to have you here...
Today's Topic:
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Bite.
One of the most common misconceptions people have is that their own dogs won't bite. While everybody feels some level of respect for a big, growling dog we are becoming too nonchalant about our own dogs. How confident are you that your dog will never bite anyone?
Do the words - Wouldn't hurt a fly come to mind? We all think that our own dogs are gentle natured until they prove us otherwise. Dog owners often claim their dogs are completely comfortable with children. I myself was bitten as a child it happens often and even usually mild mannered dogs can snap. Children are a little more vulnerable and a little snap that wouldn't injure an adult can have dire consequences for a well-meaning child.
Dogs can inflict potentially life threatening injuries. Luckily my injuries were only superficial. Some corrective surgery and a few years of healing and the physical evidence have all but gone. Many are not as fortunate.
Tragically for the most part, these kinds of bites are completely avoidable. Dogs don't bite people without provocation right? Not quite. It's true it does take some provoking to get a usually mild mannered dog to bite the triggers aren't as obvious as you would think.
So why do dogs bite? Experts still disagree as to whether dogs bite because of human provocation or breeding. While it is indisputable that certain breeds of dogs do bite more than others it's also hard to argue with thousands of year’s worth of domestication. People have been trying to breed the aggressive out of the dog for the most part anyway.
There are some human behaviors that can provoke even docile dogs:
-Fiddling with their food: don't disturb your dog (or any dog) while they are eating. -Sudden movements can upset dogs, if a strange dog is growling at you its best to back away slowly. -The old saying let sleeping dogs lie is true. Don't startle a dog that is sleeping. -Dogs have a powerful sense of territory, and may become upset when someone unfamiliar threatens their space. -Don't try to disrupt a dog fight. -Dogs have strong maternal instincts and if there are puppies you should be careful not to startle the mother (or any adult dog the area). -Dogs can be confused about the cause of their own illness or pain; they might think it was the owner who caused the pain and bite. -Dogs become afraid just like humans any dog can bite if it feels it is in danger. -All dogs experience some form of possessiveness. Tread carefully if a dog is growling at you chances are you’re on his turf. -Looking a dog in the eyes is seen as a challenging of dominance. If a dog is growling at you lower your eyes and back away slowly.
Preventing dog bites starts with the owner. If you have a dog you can reduce the risk that your dog might attack someone with some of these suggestions . -Have your dog spayed or neutered. Not only does it prevent many kinds of health problems later in life, it drastically reduces the aggression levels in male and female dogs. -Start socializing your puppy at a young age. Get your puppy used to being in a busy and unfamiliar environment as soon as he is vaccinated. -Invest in some kind of formal training program. This will give you an immense faith in your dog and strengthen the relationship between you two. -Take your dog to the vet regularly and make sure all his vaccinations are always up to date. Get your dog licensed and keep up to date on all his paperwork. -Never let your dog wander freely. Your dog should be contained on your property and you should be able to control his access to the street.
By following these very few and common sense steps you can reduce an attack or bites by a wide margin. Be a responsible owner and start working with your puppy or dog today.
Well Baby Boy,Do you have anything for our viewers Today? (Nitro):Yes dad and they will really like it.Prepare to laugh!
Hey Everybody,(Nitro here) and It's Blogging time.My Dad and I are back with new tips and information on how to keep your pets safe,happy and healthy.So today we will discuss something that you should be aware of.Hopefully you won't ever have to face anything like this,but it is always good to be prepared for.Okay let's get started...
Today's Topic:
An Introduction to Canine Hip Dysplasia.
Canine Hip Dysplasia is not a death sentence.Learn the symptoms and treatments available for your dog.
What is Hip Dysplasia? The hip joint consists of a “ball” on the femoral bone, and a “socket” on the hip bone. Canine hip dysplasia simply defined is when a dog’s hips do not develop normally and the ball does not fit snugly into the socket.
What Causes Hip Dysplasia? While there is no “conclusive proof” of the cause of hip dysplasia, there are 2 general schools of thought about its cause – 1) genetic or 2) environmental
These two differing viewpoints often place the dog breeders at odds with the dog owners, causing each to blame the other for the problem. Genetic: The puppy is born with the problem Environmental: The puppy is too heavy resulting in excessive growth and/or over or under exercising a puppy during its growth phase resulting in developmental problems.
The most common theory is that hip dysplasia is indeed genetic. Most breeders have their breeding dogs’ hips rated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (Penn-HIP), or various other international orthopedic groups.
We could discuss the merits of both theories, but it doesn’t change the facts. If your dog has hip dysplasia, you need to deal with it. You may be deciding what to do next, or you may have already decided, and want to know what to expect.
When Does a Dog Get Hip Dysplasia? If you subscribe to the theory that it is genetic, they are born with it. Dogs that have severe hip dysplasia often begin to have problems as puppies. Sometimes, the hip dysplasia does not cause pain for the dog, so they do not show signs of it until they develop arthritis in their hip joints. Some dogs that are not as severe can live out their entire lives with few, if any symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia? There are a number of symptoms of hip dysplasia. Some dog owners only say that their dog didn’t walk right. Others will say they saw no symptoms at all, or just that their dog began to limp. Following is a list of common symptoms, of which your dog may have a couple and not have hip dysplasia.
Bunny Hopping: The dog tends to use both hind legs together, rather than one at a time. This occurs when the dog is running, or going up stairs.
Side Sit: Also called lazy sit, slouch or frog sit. When the dog sits, its legs are not positioned bent and close to the body. They can be loose and off to one side, or one or both legs may be straight out in front.
Sway Walk: Also called a loose walk. When the dog is walking, the back end sways back and forth because the hips are loose.
Unusual Laying Position: Legs are straight out and off to the side when the dog is laying on its stomach or legs are straight out behind the dog. (All dogs lay with their legs behind them on occasion, many dogs with hip dysplasia lay like this all the time.)
Limping: The dog may favor one hind leg or the other, and may alternate legs that it is favoring.
Quiet Puppy: Puppies who are already in pain from hip dysplasia tend to be very good puppies. They do not rough house the way that normal puppies do. They also tend to sleep for a long time after playing or going for a walk. Some owners describe their puppy with hip dysplasia as the best puppy they’ve ever had.
Dog Doesn’t Jump: Not only do they not jump on you, they seem to pull themselves up by their front end onto furniture as opposed to jumping up.
Underdeveloped Hind Quarters and Overdeveloped Chest: This is caused by the failure to use the hind legs normally and jump. The dog also may actually be shifting weight forward.
Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia The only way to diagnose hip dysplasia is with x-rays. However, I must note here that you should treat the dog and not the x-rays. Some dogs with seemingly mild hip dysplasia are in a lot of pain, while other dogs with apparent severe hip dysplasia do not display symptoms.
What Can Be Done for My Dog? If you have had x-rays taken of your dog’s hips at your regular vet, you may have been referred to an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon is going to recommend various surgical options for your dog. I am going to give you a very brief overview of these surgeries. You will need to discuss your dog’s options with the surgeon. They will provide the details of each surgical option. Some people are able to treat their dog with nutritional supplements and avoid surgery. Ultimately, it will be your decision to determine the best treatment for your dog.
Surgical Options: Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) - This surgery is performed on puppies under 20 weeks of age, generally when the puppy is neutered or spayed. It shows great promise as a preventive measure, by altering the pelvic growth. This surgery has a short recovery period, but is generally done before a puppy can be diagnosed. However, once you’ve lived with hip dysplasia, it may prove to be worthwhile for a puppy considered at risk for developing hip dysplasia.
Dorsal Acetabular Rim (DAR) – This surgery consists of bone grafts being taken from other areas of the pelvis to build up the rim on the hip socket (cup). The idea is for the femoral head to have a deeper socket to fit into. It's relatively new, so there is some question as to how a dog will do into old age - there aren't many older dogs that have had it done.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) - This surgery involves cutting the bone around the hip socket and repositioning the socket for a better fit with the femoral head. The bones are plated back together so they heal in the correct alignment. This surgery is performed on young dogs before they have finished growing.
Total Hip Replacement (THR) – This surgery consists of replacing the hip joint similar to a human hip replacement. A new cup is usually attached to the hip bone, and the femoral head is cut off the leg bone and an implant is inserted into the leg bone. This surgery is done on more mature dogs that have finished growing. Due to the size of the implants, this surgery is done on larger dogs. Previously, all artificial hip components were cemented in place. More recently, cementless hip replacements are being performed.
Femoral Head & Neck Ostectomy (FHO) – This surgery consists of removing the femoral head of the leg bone to eliminate the pain of hip dysplasia. The dog’s body will then develop scar tissue to create an artificial hip joint. Long considered only appropriate for smaller dogs or as a salvage operation for a failed THR, it has become increasingly popular for larger dogs.
Non-Surgical or Conservative Management Option Many people choose to have surgery performed on their dog only as a last resort. Some are able to manage their dog’s hip dysplasia with supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic care, exercise and weight management. Sometimes, the puppy will show signs of pain from hip dysplasia, and once it is done growing and the muscles are fully developed, they seem to “go into remission”, developing signs of hip problems again as the dog ages. Surgical options are still available to you if the conservative path is unsuccessful.
For additional information on hip dysplasia, please visit mypoordog.com
(Nitro): Now for the best part of this article.My video of the Day!This is so funny!!!
(Nitro):I told You it was funny!!!
(Nitro):Okay Everybody.Until next time.Take Care...
Oh!By the way,don't tell my dad who did this article...
Hey Everybody,It's Blogging Time! Back with more tips and Info for Our Furry Little Friends...
Today's Topics:
American Pit Bull Dog Obedience Training
The Pit Bull terrier is an amazing dog and is extremely energetic and can certainly prove to be a handful if not properly trained. American Pit Bulls are extremely loyal and when a relationship is formed, it lasts forever. If you're a new Pit Bull owner, you really need to understand how demanding these dogs can be and realize that they need a lot of attention and training in order to recognize their full potential as pets. Pits are very intelligent dogs and this will work to your advantage as you're going through the training process.
Because of their high intelligence, Pit Bulls can have stubborn streak in them but don't let this scare you when it comes to obedience training time. You as the owner must remember that there will be times when you ask him to do something and he’s not going to obey, even though he knows what you are expecting him to do. Remember to remain patient in these times and don't get frustrated. The earlier you being training your Pit, the better. At 8 weeks of age, you can begin basic training and socializing your Pit Bull puppy. Remember, make sure to keep the training activities fun and use positive reinforcements to encourage desired behavior.
Socialization is one of the key areas of focus for Pit Bull training. Pits can be extremely friendly and affectionate animals but they can be dog aggressive if not properly socialized. The best way to socialize your pup is to enroll in training classes. Training classes allow your Pit to be trained side by side with other dogs.
When your Pit Bull puppy reaches the age of 13-16 weeks, you can begin a more serious training routine. During this age, your Pit will likely test his boundries with you and explore the area of dominance. He may nip and try to assume the alpha dog role. It is important to be strong during this time and maintain the dominant role in the relationship.
Pit Bulls are genuinely lovable family dogs that if properly trained, make a great pet for anyone. They are excellent dogs that love being around their "people". Be sure to train your Pit Bull as early as possible and remember to stay consistent.
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American Pit Bull Terrier: Is It The Right Dog Breed For You?
Unfortunately it is very difficult for many dogs to find a second home in the event that their owners “change their minds” and decide they don’t want a dog after all. The situ...
If you’re thinking about owning a Pit Bull terrier, it is important to understand the characteristics of the breed as well as your current lifestyle. Caring for a Pit Bull is a long-term commitment that needs to be taken seriously, not just a simple hobby that you participate in when time permits.
Unfortunately it is very difficult for many dogs to find a second home in the event that their owners “change their minds” and decide they don’t want a dog after all. The situation is even worse for Pit Bulls due to their reputation in today’s society.
Do you have the time and the energy to commit to a high energy breed such as a Pit Bull? Pit Bull terriers have very high exercise requirements and are happiest when they get plenty of play time.
If you are interested in owning a Pit Bull, you should possess a similar sense of adventure. A day at the beach, a park, or just playing frisbee in the backyard are all excellent things to do with your four-legged friend. These activities will also strengthen the bond between you and your dog and make ownership even more rewarding.
If you’re more of an inside person however and don’t enjoy exercising daily, you should seriously rethink your idea of Pit Bull ownership. There are many other excellent dog breeds that will probably be more suitable to your lifestyle and it isn't fair to penalize your dog simply because you are too selfish to get an alternative breed.
If you still are set on owning a Pit Bull, it is important that you begin training your dog as soon as you bring him home. Pit Bulls who aren’t properly trained can become more than a handful. On the other hand, a well-trained Pit can regularly impress others with good behavior.
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Today's Topic is for the Horse Lovers Out There.
This is great tidbits of information.
American Saddlebred
The American Saddlebred is a breed of horse developed in the state of Kentucky. Today they are featured in many showring competitions, and they are also used for racing, parades, and hunting. These horses have a disposition which make them good for virtually any task in which they are needed. They are well known for their stamina and the ability to learn quickly.
The Saddlebread is very alert and keen. It is flashy and steps high, and they are referred to as the "peacocks of the horse show world." The preferred Saddlebred is one that has excellent proportions and is beautiful. They have large eyes which are sharp and ears which have an excellent shape. The Saddlebred is known for having a head which is well proportioned to its body. These horses are also known for their prominent withers and muscular shoulders.
Saddlebreds are also known for being five gaited, and this is a trait which was passed down from their ancestors. This breed was first developed in the 18th century by Americans who bred the Thoroughbred with the Narragansett Pacer. The Pacer was a well known breed at the time, though many people have not heard of it today. Many people who lived on plantations enjoyed using these horses because they were comfortable and also had an excellent gait. It would go on to become a very stylish horse. These horses are very popular in the state of Kentucky.
Saddlbreds work well with harnesses and have enough strength to perform work on a farm. They are also fast enough to be used in certain types of races. By the middle of the 18th century, the genes from the Morgan horse breeds were added to give the Saddlebred more power and speed. It was this combined with the Thoroughbred that allowed the American Saddlebred to be developed. These horses begin to become very popular after 1940. A stallion named Denmark was born in 1939, and about 60% of all American Saddlebreds today are descendants of this horse.
Saddlbreds are some of the most popular breeds of horses in the world, and have been owned by presidents, generals, and other prominent people. They have also been featured in many movies. These horses are well known for competing in show horse tournaments. American Saddlebreds are one of the most well known and popular breeds in the US. The looks and personality have made them sought after by many horse enthusiasts.
Hey Everybody,It's Blogging Time... Welcome Back and Thanks for Dropping In. Back with More Info and Tips on Our Furry Friends.
Today's Topic:
Allergies Can Be A Real Pet Peeve
As many owners will confirm, pets are more than animals living in their house. They are part of the family. For allergy sufferers, this bond often means that it will take more than a stuffy nose and sneezing to separate them from their favorite Fido or feline.
An estimated 10 percent of the population is allergic to pets. But because more than 70 percent of U.S. households have a dog or cat, these pet allergy sufferers may frequently come in contact with animals, and sometimes even have pets living in their own homes.
"I work with lots of families who have allergies and chose to live with a pet anyway," said Dr. Jeff Werber, a practicing Los Angeles veterinarian and Emmy Award-winning pet health reporter. "Most people view their pets as beloved members of the family, and parting with them because of allergies is not an option."
Understanding Pet Allergies
Although most people think it is hair or feathers that cause allergic reactions, it is actually the saliva and proteins in animals' dander that trigger symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion. Surveys have found that sufferers consider nasal congestion to be the most bothersome allergy symptom. Bathing and brushing your pets regularly will help remove allergens from their bodies.
"Soap is not necessary and can dry out your pet's skin," said Dr. Werber. "Bathing with water alone is fine."
A common myth about dog allergies is some breeds cause less severe allergic reactions than other breeds. All dogs have dander, which means they all can cause an allergic reaction.
Household Tips
• Try keeping your pet in rooms that don't have carpeting or upholstered furniture, such as the kitchen.
• Train your four-legged friend to stay off of the bed and to rest in a separate room from where you sleep. Pets' dander and saliva can trigger symptoms all night.
• Minimize the time a pet spends outdoors on days with high pollen counts. Pets also can bring outdoor allergens like pollen from grass and weeds into the home.
• Visit www.nasal-allergies.com to check the allergy forecast for your area before going out to throw a Frisbee or take a long walk.
• Vacuum floors and upholstered furniture frequently to remove pet dander. Surfaces like hardwood or tile floors are preferred over carpeting for allergy sufferers as dander can easily be removed from them.
• Have a nonallergic person clean your pet's cage, preferably outdoors.
Symptom Control
Rather than enduring symptoms, visit your doctor to discuss your allergies. Your physician can help properly diagnose your condition and prescribe medicine to help treat, or even prevent, your symptoms.
"If a patient is complaining of itchy eyes and throat, I'd suggest a nonsedating antihistamine. For the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms, including congestion, a prescription nasal-inhaled steroid is often recommended," said Dr. Matthew Clarke, Associate Director of the Occupational Health Center at North Shore University Hospital at Forest Hills in Forest Hills, New York. Nasal-inhaled steroids, which are available for adults and children, include NASONEX® (mometasone furoate monohydrate) Nasal Spray, 50 mcg (calculated on the anhydrous basis).
"I see patients who think they only need to use their medication when they are experiencing symptoms," said Dr. Clarke. "By following some simple steps at home and using medication daily, year-round, allergy sufferers and their pets can live comfortably together."
NASONEX® is the only once-daily prescription nasal-inhaled steroid approved to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, in adults and children 12 years of age and older when NASONEX is started 2 to 4 weeks prior to allergy season, and the only nasal-inhaled steroid approved to treat nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, in patients as young as 2 years of age. Take regularly, as effectiveness depends upon regular use. Maximum treatment effect is generally reached after 1 to 2 weeks. NASONEX also is the only nasal-inhaled steroid approved for the treatment of nasal polyps in adults 18 years of age and older. Side effects were generally mild and included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nosebleeds, and coughing. Please see accompanying full prescribing information.
Hope This Helps You Out!
(Dad):Hey Baby Boy,Do you have anything for our Readers Today?
(Nitro):Yes Dad I do.Hey Everybody,Hope Ya'll Like This.This will be Funny!Here Goes!!!
Hey Everybody,It's Blogging Time... Welcome Back and Enjoy Our New Tips & Info.
Today's Topic: Advice To Using Positive Reinforcement And Rewards To Train Your Dog...
Training dogs using positive reinforcement and reward training has long been recognized as both highly effective for the owner and a positive experience for the dog. Positive reinforcement training is so important that it is the only method used to train dangerous animals like lions and tigers for work in circuses and in the movie and television industry.
Proponents of positive reinforcement swear by the effectiveness of their techniques, and it is true that the vast majority of dogs respond well to these training methods.
One reason that positive reinforcement training is so effective is that is uses rewards to teach the dog what is expected of it. When the dog performs the desired behavior, he is provided with a reward, most often in the form of a food treat, but it could be a scratch behind the ears, a rub under the chin or a pat on the head as well. The important thing is that the dog is rewarded consistently for doing the right thing.
Reward training has become increasingly popular in recent years, but chances are some sort of reward training between humans and dogs has been going on for hundreds if not thousands of years.
When understanding what makes reward training so effective, some knowledge of the history of humans and dogs is very helpful. The earliest dogs were probably wolf pups that were tamed and used by early humans for protection from predators, as alarm systems and later for guarding and herding livestock.
It is possible that the wolf pups that made the best companions were the most easily trained, or it is possible that these early dogs were orphaned or abandoned wolf pups. Whatever their origin, there is little doubt today that the vast variety of dogs we see today have their origin in the humble wolf.
Wolf packs, like packs of wild dogs, operate on a strict pack hierarchy. Since wolf and dog packs hunt as a group, this type of hierarchy, and the cooperation it brings, is essential to the survival of the species. Every dog in the pack knows his or her place in the pack, and except in the event of death or injury, the hierarchy, once established, rarely changes.
Every dog, therefore, is hard wired by nature to look to the pack leader for guidance. The basis of all good dog training, including reward based training, is for the handler to set him or herself up as the pack leader. The pack leader is more than just the dominant dog, or the one who tells all the subordinates what to do. More importantly, the pack leader provides leadership and protection, and his or her leadership is vital to the success and survival of the pack.
It is important for the dog to see itself as part of a pack, to recognize the human as the leader of that pack, and to respect his or her authority. Some dogs are much easier to dominate than others. If you watch a group of puppies playing for a little while, you will quickly recognize the dominant and submissive personalities.
A dog with a more submissive personality will generally be easier to train using positive reinforcement, since he or she will not want to challenge the handler for leadership. Even dominant dogs, however, respond very well to positive reinforcement. There are, in fact, few dogs that do not respond well to positive reinforcement, also known as reward training.
Positive reinforcement is also the best way to retrain a dog that has behavior problems, especially one that has been abused in the past. Getting the respect and trust of an abused dog can be very difficult, and positive reinforcement is better than any other training method at creating this important bond.
No matter what type of dog you are working with, chances are it can be helped with positive reinforcement training methods. Based training methods on respect and trust, rather than on intimidation and fear, is the best way to get the most from any dog.
Well That's It For Now!
Until Next Time,Take Care!!!
Oh My Baby Boy is Off Today,he'll Be Back Next Week...
I ran across this article i had in my files.It is a very interesting article.I think you should really read it,especially if you are thinking of getting a pitbull..
Dear Adam:
I purchased your book about 5 months ago, and I was hoping that might would "entitle" me to some advice. First, let me say that I'm very satisfied with my purchase. Not only does it give advice on specific techniques, but, more importantly, it explains the foundation of all training--timing, motivation, consistency--allowing the dog owner to better understand the training process. Also, it does a very good job of explaining that dogs are pack animals--and will test the alpha's leadership at various times (in my case, all the time)--and how that factors into training. Finally, I like your common sense approach, e.g., "stay" is a double command, if the dog's not supposed to break a sit or down without the release command, why do we need to tell it to stay.
My question is not about dog training, however, but about breeds of dogs. Specifically, APBTs [American Pit Bull Terriers] and AmStaffs [American Staffordshire Terriers]. The AKC does not recognize the APBT as a breed, however, many dog fanciers recognize the two as separate breeds even though they share a common origin and look very similar. Or, if not separate breeds, two "strains" of the same breed, the AmStaff being bred for "show" and the APBT being bred for "performance" - meaning the gameness of the original dogs has largely been bred out of AmStaffs, but still remains in APBTs. I'd like to hear your take on this subject since you own and have owned APBTs or mixes thereof.
The reason I ask is that I'm considering getting an AmStaff or a Staff Bull Terrier. My wife and I currently own a Dalmatian, however, so I'm a bit concerned about the two getting along, especially when I'm not around. Should I stay away from these breeds? I've had one breeder tell me they should be fine if the Staff is introduced as a puppy, while another told me never to leave them together alone. What would be your recommendation (I realize all dogs are individuals and may possess different traits than others of the same breed)?
Thanks, Ryan Fehlig
Dear Ryan:
Thanks for the kind words. You've asked an excellent question!
I love the bull breeds, personally. And while everything you've stated is pretty much "right on the money," ... I would suggest that if you decide to adopt one of these breeds you make sure that:
1. The dog you're adopting is the opposite sex of the dog you already own.
2. If the new dog is a male, then neuter him before he hits sexual maturity. (Before 1 year of age.)
3. If the other dog is a male, then definitely neuter him. (Although this will not be a "cure-all" it may help somewhat.)
It's true... many of the dogs in this breed seem to have a genetic basis for dog aggression. I don't think that they come out of the womb being dog aggressive, but rather that they have temperament characteristics that tend to make them more dog aggressive. (i.e., dominance and a strong defensive nature).
As for the difference between the APBT and the AmStaff, the difference is largely one of registration. (AKC vs. UKC). And yes, the AKC version has been bred with more of an emphasis on conformation (like all AKC breeds).
If I were to adopt another bull breed, it would likely be the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (the smallest of the "pit bull" breeds). I like the idea of having a big dog in a small package. But to be honest, I'm really tired of the media stigma that this breed has received. And in real life terms, this means having a dog that you can never really take off leash at a park - not because the dog is dangerous or untrained - but rather because people are so darn afraid of what the media has led them to believe about this breed, that they snatch up their children and run screaming from the park.
On the upside, this stigma can work in your favor, too. Most criminals know that a "pit bull" is the type of dog that you don't want living in the house that you're about to rob.
On a personal note, there was a character who let his Rottweiler run off leash at the park I used to train at. This dog had a bad attitude and was a very dominant-aggressive dog. The owner was under the impression that his dog was trained. He'd give multiple commands, such as, 'Ranger come, come, come, come,'... but all Ranger would do is engage my clients' dogs and try to initiate a dog fight.
Well, after I adopted Forbes (an APBT-mix that looks like one big muscle and is about as wide as a Mack truck) and started keeping him in a down-stay while I worked with my clients' dogs... Ranger's owner suddenly started keeping their dog on a much shorter leash. If he didn't attach his dog to a leash as soon as he saw me enter the park, then he'd definitely run to grab his dog THE VERY INSTANT that he saw that Ranger wasn't going to immediately turn and come when called.
I guess that's what you call motivation, eh?
Yes... it's probably a macho thing. But IF there is a stigma, then you might as well use it to your advantage to encourage reckless dog owners with untrained dogs to keep their mutts on-leash.
Hey Everybody,It's Blogging Time...
