[Archived] Tragic news

[otto man]

It's a bit like America with guns, too many people in the U.K. In denial about dogs.

Really? You are of course aware that the idiot owner got this dog in a pub only a few months before?( The height of stupidity, as he had no way of assessing it's temperament or the training given by the previous owner) As you appear to have researched this subject thoroughly, you will no doubt be aware that dogs were first domesticated over 12,000 years ago and have continued to provide man with much needed attributes such as loyalty,companionship and a natural ability to act as a guard, they are also a source of food in some countries as well as being used as a beast of burden. The dog in question is in fact an Alaskan Malamut( Not a "Devil dog" at all. In fact they are classed temperament wise as, loyal, friendly and affectionate) There are too many people in the UK who have little or no understanding of these fantastic animals and as such treat them wholly inappropriately through ignorance or shear stupidity. Like I said before. No such thing as a bad dog. Only bad owners!

(50 years a Dog owner. 22 years British Army dog handler)

Rant over!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

You've just made my point. It reminds me of the parents at school with their kids, they're too close to recognise the problem. You're just using the same arguments as Steve. Guns don't hurt people, only the owners. How long will it be before the next kiddy gets mauled to death ? Not long I'd say if the number of recent cases is any guide. I don't expect dogs will be banned and I wouldn't expect that but more controls would be appropriate. It's time more dogs were muzzled in public for a start.

As for Malamut's they're not that wise. My old M.D. had one, his son had asthma and had left his inhaler lying around. The dog decided to bite into the inhaler, burst the container and consumed the contents. Not the sort of thing you do twice.

[Audax]

I don't know for certain but I believe our friend Tyrone was saying something a bit in jest, levity lightens things up.

But as for me, at around 10-ish years old, we went to some people's home and their mother German Shepherd took a swipe at my wrist, wasn't serious but still indicative of dogs, I witnessed once some dogs attack a rabbit compound where they were held as pets.

You see things like this and you may like dogs, you just know they have their nature just like humans do and you have to use some caution with them.

I've even seen, funny as it is, a chihuahua dog chase a dog probably 3 times bigger by acting fierce, I have also read of some of the more "gentle" dogs like a Labrador Retriever killing a child.

To that Daily Mail article, it's very clear you should be careful. No way would I think of Malamutes as being one of your more docile breeds and not that that is an excuse to begin with.

On the other hand, there are many stories where dogs are very heroic.

Gee, there's already a lot of human beings you don't trust to be alone with children never-mind ignorant beasts.

[ABBEY]

You've just made my point. It reminds me of the parents at school with their kids, they're too close to recognise the problem. You're just using the same arguments as Steve. Guns don't hurt people, only the owners. How long will it be before the next kiddy gets mauled to death ? Not long I'd say if the number of recent cases is any guide. I don't expect dogs will be banned and I wouldn't expect that but more controls would be appropriate. It's time more dogs were muzzled in public for a start.

As for Malamut's they're not that wise. My old M.D. had one, his son had asthma and had left his inhaler lying around. The dog decided to bite into the inhaler, burst the container and consumed the contents. Not the sort of thing you do twice.

Your argument is ban human life as humans kill each other ?

[jim mk2]

Just look at the photos of the kids in this link. Until these aggressive, nasty dogs are banned this will continue to happen.

http://www.ukandspain.com/dangerous-dogs/

[Mike E]

I don't know for certain but I believe our friend Tyrone was saying something a bit in jest, levity lightens things up.

But as for me, at around 10-ish years old, we went to some people's home and their mother German Shepherd took a swipe at my wrist, wasn't serious but still indicative of dogs, I witnessed once some dogs attack a rabbit compound where they were held as pets.

You see things like this and you may like dogs, you just know they have their nature just like humans do and you have to use some caution with them.

I've even seen, funny as it is, a chihuahua dog chase a dog probably 3 times bigger by acting fierce, I have also read of some of the more "gentle" dogs like a Labrador Retriever killing a child.

To that Daily Mail article, it's very clear you should be careful. No way would I think of Malamutes as being one of your more docile breeds and not that that is an excuse to begin with.

On the other hand, there are many stories where dogs are very heroic.

Gee, there's already a lot of human beings you don't trust to be alone with children never-mind ignorant beasts.

One of the more hilarious sites was my girlfriend's Labrador retriever being chased by a cat.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Your argument is ban human life as humans kill each other ?

Yeah, you've got it in one. How is it you're the only one who got the point of my post ? You must be really smart - or a moron.

[Al]

You've just made my point. It reminds me of the parents at school with their kids, they're too close to recognise the problem. You're just using the same arguments as Steve. Guns don't hurt people, only the owners. How long will it be before the next kiddy gets mauled to death ? Not long I'd say if the number of recent cases is any guide. I don't expect dogs will be banned and I wouldn't expect that but more controls would be appropriate. It's time more dogs were muzzled in public for a start.

As for Malamut's they're not that wise. My old M.D. had one, his son had asthma and had left his inhaler lying around. The dog decided to bite into the inhaler, burst the container and consumed the contents. Not the sort of thing you do twice.

Way, way over the top. Just face it you hate dogs and don't want anyone to have the pleasure of owning one.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

What's over the top about wanting dangerous dogs being subject to sensible controls ? There was a case in my local paper a week or two back. Nice friendly little dog out for a walk in a local park with it's lady owner. Trophy dog comes along complete with Trophy owner and rips the little dog to pieces. Tears from owner of little dog. Trophy dog and owner wander off into the sunset Maybe you need this to happen to you before you wise up.

[Steve Moss]

What's over the top about wanting dangerous dogs being subject to sensible controls ?

There is a lot of wiggle room in how one might define "dangerous dogs" and "sensible controls".

[thenodrog]

Any dog can turn and prove dangerous to small children. Jack Russells, Healers etc are all terriers and as such adept killing machines. It's what they have been bred to do ffs. As I have said before people need to learn and think like a dog cos a dog simply can't be expected to think like a human..... and that really is the issue. Unfortunately most people will not ever be able to grasp the fact that their cuddly and faithful family pet is controlled by instincts formed thousands of years ago.

[Mike E]

Any dog can turn and prove dangerous to small children. Jack Russells, Healers etc are all terriers and as such adept killing machines. It's what they have been bred to do ffs. As I have said before people need to learn and think like a dog cos a dog simply can't be expected to think like a human..... and that really is the issue. Unfortunately most people will not ever be able to grasp the fact that their cuddly and faithful family pet is controlled by instincts formed thousands of years ago.

Some girls in Darwen ought to understand the same about their boyfriends

[ABBEY]

Yeah, you've got it in one. How is it you're the only one who got the point of my post ? You must be really smart - or a moron.

blimy ..bit harsh!

[Audax]

Really? You are of course aware that the idiot owner got this dog in a pub only a few months before?( The height of stupidity, as he had no way of assessing it's temperament or the training given by the previous owner) As you appear to have researched this subject thoroughly, you will no doubt be aware that dogs were first domesticated over 12,000 years ago and have continued to provide man with much needed attributes such as loyalty,companionship and a natural ability to act as a guard, they are also a source of food in some countries as well as being used as a beast of burden. The dog in question is in fact an Alaskan Malamut( Not a "Devil dog" at all. In fact they are classed temperament wise as, loyal, friendly and affectionate) There are too many people in the UK who have little or no understanding of these fantastic animals and as such treat them wholly inappropriately through ignorance or shear stupidity. Like I said before. No such thing as a bad dog. Only bad owners!

(50 years a Dog owner. 22 years British Army dog handler)

Rant over!

Since obviously you have a lot of experience with our canine friends, I have a question and anyone can answer but you seem to have some expertise at this.

Simply put, if one is confronted with a hostile dog, is it really important not to look into its eyes?? It seems one can read or hear not look into their eyes as that might convey a fear or maybe it is for other reasons.

[otto man]

Since obviously you have a lot of experience with our canine friends, I have a question and anyone can answer but you seem to have some expertise at this.

Simply put, if one is confronted with a hostile dog, is it really important not to look into its eyes?? It seems one can read or hear not look into their eyes as that might convey a fear or maybe it is for other reasons.

Hi Audax.

Staring at a dog is a sign of aggression. This is something they do naturally to assert dominance within pack. Please do NOT ever do it with a mutt you don't know or with a dog who's temperament you are unsure of as it could result in a nasty bite.

[Stuart]

dogs were first domesticated over 12,000 years ago and have continued to provide man with much needed attributes such as loyalty,companionship and a natural ability to act as a guard, they are also a source of food

not much loyalty from the human side of the deal!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

You're confronted by a hostile dog and you need to get past the dog to go on your way. Will the dog be able to differentiate between me staring at the dog or me keeping a wary eye on the dog to keep the @#/? from biting me.

More important question- why am I being confronted by a hostile dog ?

I've not really got a downer on dogs but I do a lot of walking and I'm coming across this situation more often than I should be

[Al]

You are over the top because you don't distinguish between aggressive breeds and non aggressive ones. I would be the first to ban pit bulls, Staffies, Dobermans etc but muzzling Cavaliers and Shih Tzus in public is way over the top. You are a dog hater whether you admit it or not Tyrone.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

You are over the top because you don't distinguish between aggressive breeds and non aggressive ones. I would be the first to ban pit bulls, Staffies, Dobermans etc but muzzling Cavaliers and Shih Tzus in public is way over the top. You are a dog hater whether you admit it or not Tyrone.

I don't hate dogs Al, I just hate having my rights to walk around infringed by somebodies pet. I was on my way to work the other day. I usually walk up a ginnel near school. I just turned around the corner to enter the ginnel and at the other end of the ginnel about 20 yards away stood a bulldog. It didn't bark or growl, it just stood there eyeing me, blocking my way.

The ginnel is narrow, about 5ft wide. Do I go on and take a chance the dog isn't aggressive? Well I didn't. I went the long way around that put 5 minutes on my journey time.

[thenodrog]

I don't hate dogs Al, I just hate having my rights to walk around infringed by somebodies pet. I was on my way to work the other day. I usually walk up a ginnel near school. I just turned around the corner to enter the ginnel and at the other end of the ginnel about 20 yards away stood a bulldog. It didn't bark or growl, it just stood there eyeing me, blocking my way.

The ginnel is narrow, about 5ft wide. Do I go on and take a chance the dog/human isn't aggressive? Well I didn't. I went the long way around that put 5 minutes on my journey time.

Quite probably what the dog was thinking... you prob saved it making it's mind up.

[koi]

You are over the top because you don't distinguish between aggressive breeds and non aggressive ones. I would be the first to ban pit bulls, Staffies, Dobermans etc but muzzling Cavaliers and Shih Tzus in public is way over the top. You are a dog hater whether you admit it or not Tyrone.

Why Staffies?

[jim mk2]

Staring at a dog is a sign of aggression. This is something they do naturally to assert dominance within pack. Please do NOT ever do it with a mutt you don't know or with a dog who's temperament you are unsure of as it could result in a nasty bite.

Thank you finally for admitting that any dog is potentially dangerous and that the problem is not with the owners as you previously stated but with the dog itself. For the record I've got a Jack Russell and I love him to bits but I wouldn't let him anywhere near a small child.

Why Staffies?

Come on. Staffies are lovely dogs but I wouldn't like to have one in the house.

[thenodrog]

Why Staffies?

Why any of them? All dogs have the capability to attack / defend (just as they have to protect their 'pack/ family'). The only difference is how successfully you can defend yourself against them. A Jack Russell cam easily turn on you but having an Alsation or a Rottweiller doing so is a different matter entirely. It's like tackling a black bear.

Personally I like most dogs but I don't care for Alsations. I can never read their intentions.

[otto man]

I don't hate dogs Al, I just hate having my rights to walk around infringed by somebodies pet. I was on my way to work the other day. I usually walk up a ginnel near school. I just turned around the corner to enter the ginnel and at the other end of the ginnel about 20 yards away stood a bulldog. It didn't bark or growl, it just stood there eyeing me, blocking my way.

The ginnel is narrow, about 5ft wide. Do I go on and take a chance the dog isn't aggressive? Well I didn't. I went the long way around that put 5 minutes on my journey time.

To answer your earlier question re eye contact. Think back to when you were at school and eye to eye with the lad who was giving you a hard time (Supposing it ever happened of course) that's the kind of eye contact to avoid with a dog. As to your other point above. So the dog made NO aggressive moves or noise and yet you felt you couldn't walk past? There's only one thing you need to do in this situation............. Man up!

[otto man]

Thank you finally for admitting that any dog is potentially dangerous and that the problem is not with the owners as you previously stated but with the dog itself. For the record I've got a Jack Russell and I love him to bits but I wouldn't let him anywhere near a small child.

When did I say NO dog was potentially dangerous? READ MY POSTS AGAIN. Now try and get your head around this. Your dog will be what you make it. If you condition it to be aggressive around people and other animals IT WILL BE (Shock! Horror! surprise surprise!) If you mistreat it the likelihood is........ IT WILL BE AGGRESSIVE. If however you condition it to be calm, obedient, playful and of a balanced nature IT WILL BE. Got it ? Capachice? understand now? Hence BAD OWNERS/GOOD OWNERS. As for not letting your JR socialise with Kids you really shouldn't own a dog as you obviously have no understanding of them at all.

(The irony of your post is that it's owners like yourself with little or no understanding of their dogs that cause problems for the rest of us)

NOTE. Use of caps lock is not shouting. Simply highlighting the salient points for the hard of reading/understanding.