How to stop your dog becoming violent

21 Feb 2012 12:16p.m.

Tucker Jenkins wrote:

Does anybody ever stop to question why NZ media can tell us there are more than a 1000 people sent to hospital with serious dog bites every year in NZ and yet despite the fact that we know Labradors are responsible for a sizable portion of those - why there are never any Labrador attacks being printed in media? And if media ever does mention another breed attacking somebody then the story always ends up leading to discussions about Pit Bulls anyway. It is ridiculous. Bob Kerridge does not even have the support of the organisation he represents. His claims about pit bulls over the years have shown more holes than a Swiss cheese - and yet NZ media ALWAYS head back to Bob for his "expert opinion" because they know that he will tell them what they want to hear. How about we get some real scientific evidence that certain dog breeds are inherently dangerous or else drop the hate-mongering and move on to something more productive - like targeting irresponsible owners. To the woman called Rosa, have you EVER stopped to consider that a lot of breeds of dogs were at one point bred for hunting and battling other animals? But because SOME pit bulls - a very very small portion of them - have been bred for battling animals then we single them out and target the whole breed(s)? What would happen if we put these typical middle class breeds in the hands on the same irresponsible owners? We would get the same problem but with different breeds. Heaven forbid we use a little common sense once and a while and lay blame for dog attacks on irresponsible dog ownership - I mean it is only 2012 and all!

10 Feb 2012 08:36p.m.

Arriana Vera wrote:

Hey hey.. This isn't an issue about spelling. This is an issue about our pets(pitbulls specifically) that are being generalized as a threat and the most aggressive dog. I firmly stand against that. I had 3 pitbulls already and all of them are very loving. I guess the ones to be blame are the irresponsible owners of this breed who isn't aware that there are dog aggression and other trainings for their dogs. Was it a hard thing to look for some? Every information can be attained these days. It's only a fingertip away.

26 Jan 2012 08:40p.m.

Rosa wrote:

Of course pit bulls are potentially dangerous, they have been bred for fighting. Do we need them?
So does Nick Smith suggest dogs attend an anger management training course? Like Chris I favour free steralisation as well for pitbulls and their owners, except for shauna who has a very deep sensual relationship with hers.......

26 Jan 2012 01:10p.m.

Tracey wrote:

Hear Hear Stu!!!! I have seen my fair share of aggressive dogs from just about every breed. The whole notion that a breed is to blame is buying into properganderous BS put out by the media. ALL DOGS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS!!! I have been bailed up by labs and foxies and been licked to death by rotties and staffies. Maybe we should classify them for their dangerous tongue. It's not just aggressive people that cause the issue either. It's people who don't understand dog behaviour. Dogs are pack animals. If an owner is a poor pack leader, there WILL be behavioural probelms! I know dogs that are treated so much like babies that the owner lets the dog take food out of her mouth (and no not as a trick). Then she complains that the dog bites her! Those that have good dogs have asserted themselves as the boss in a healthy way that the dog understands. Dogs don't speak human, we have to learn to speak dog. Licence the owners!!!! That will give Animal Control Officers more teeth especially when dealing with the nasty dog owners that own the nasty dogs.

26 Jan 2012 11:57a.m.

Vivienne Keohane wrote:

good start, but feeding of dogs need to be a trained behaviour or there will be problems of dogs competing with children for food. Children can be viewed by dogs as another dog in the pack because of their size.

25 Jan 2012 09:08p.m.

nick a wrote:

actually shauna that might be how they spell in the hood and in the usa but we who live outside these areas spell it correctly...socialising present participle of so·cial·ize (Verb) Verb: 1. Mix socially with others. 2. Make (someone) behave in a way that is acceptable to their society: "newcomers are socialized into our ways".

25 Jan 2012 04:29p.m.

Dale wrote:

I have a pitbull for a service animal she is very sweet and is pleasent with every one.If this spca dummy didn't read pitbulls rated the highest in the temperance test passing golden retrivers. They scored in the high 90's. The only guide dogs I will have are either pits or rotts that's it! They are loyal and friendly when trained and taken care of properly!

24 Jan 2012 09:06p.m.

Chris wrote:

Sorry to get your hackles up Shauna, but I stand by my assertion: If you are a responsible Pit Bull owner from niceville, who presumably has never had an incident with their dog, then thats great, but you represent the minority. The majority of people who choose to own Pit Bulls do so because they want to project a certain image. And it stands to reason that a young alpha male who wants a dog that looks tough, will also want a dog that acts tough.

I appreciate that you are probably sick of the ignorant assumptions of others, but thats life. Just like when you choose to drive a certain type of car, or dress a certain way, if you choose to own a certain type of dog, then you should be prepared for the baggage that comes with it.

24 Jan 2012 02:45p.m.

barbara wrote:

pitbulls are awesome i love them great with children love love love them!!!ban the deed not the breed people!!

24 Jan 2012 02:18p.m.

shauna wrote:

By the way., socializing is the correct spelling. And that's straight from the hood.