Media's new plaything - Dog attacks

[Jesterarts]

Just been reading all of the recent stories about dog attacks and I have to say I'm a bit over it.

Essentially the stories always place the blame on the dogs, as does the law apparently since it's the animals that get put down.

Now, this is bullshit in my opinion since the dog doesn't know that it bites someone it will result in it being executed. Lets not sugar coat it by saying "put down" because it's an execution for a crime.

The other issue is branding animals as dangerous by breed. This is a massive load of shit because while genetics play a part in behavioural tendancies, the final say is upbringing. If this wasn't the case then we wouldn't have dogs because man would have never domesticated wolves to start with.

Now, latest article I read was this:
Another dog attack in Melbourne

Now, this muppet had it coming. Who in their right mind calls over a strange dog to pat it? As far as I'm concerned this was the dog acting in self defence.

Basic rules around animals, don't pat them unless you know them AND the owner is around AND you ask permission. This used to piss me off all the time when we had the Rotti. Most people where not retards and if they so desperately wanted a pat they would ask, ensure the dog was aware of them, give a hand for a sniff and then if the dog didn't show any signs of tension go for it. But on several occasions we had people walk up to the dog abd start patting it out of the blue.

The dog was surprised and so was I. Shit if someone came up to me and started patting my head without warning I was clock them one.

We even had a woman once actually squat down so her face was level with the dogs. This is a Rottiweiler she did not know. WTF?

Luckily, the dog had been raised properly and while somewhat confused he didn't react.

Anyway, moral of that rant is that people are ####ing stupid when it comes to dogs.

Then, I was reading this:
Council shocked as dog owners offer pit bulls for death

I was disgusted to heard all those dogs have been put down. THEY HAVEN"T DONE ANYTHING WRONG.

Should be start executing people because they come from a family that has a criminal or violent history? Or because they look dangerous?

The ONLY thing I agreed with in that article was that dog attacks will potentially become a criminal offence. Love it, owners need to be responsible for their animals.

BUT, so long as it's equalo punishment for all. If some yappy white mop bites someone the punishment should be the same as if a "dangerous" dog bites someone or another dog.

Because it's usually the little yappy shits that are the most aggressive.

Another situation; I was walking our Rotti and some old timers with a mop on one of those retractable leash things were walking the other way. I tightened my grip on the leash of my dog and gave the oldies some space. They did nothing. Their little white mop ran over to my dog and attacked it. My dog refrained from reaction until the mop bit him on the leg. At this point he basically picked up the mop and tossed it about 2 meters. Damage to the mop was minimal, it got off lightely because my dog would have been more than capable of ripping it in half (A cat that got into our backyward can vouch for this... err... rather not). Then the oldies had a go at me because my dog was vicious, etc.

Err? What? If I punch someone in the face I can expect to be punched back in self defence. Technically, as far as I'm concerned, the mop should have been put down because it was a vicious dog.

I'm going to end on this article, which backs my "blame the owner not the dog" view:
Blame owners, not pit bull breed: dog behaviour specialist

Sorry for the morning rant but I'm a bit over this sort of bullshit.

[Rufys]

Bottom line here is it's the OWNER'S fault 100% for having a vicious or out of control dog. I feel sorry for the dogs as they know no better.

If you raise, train and love ANY breed of dog properly, they will be a devoted and loyal companion, and you will have control over them 100% of the time. The only time they could possibly cause harm is when defending themselves, or their owner.

The government should also "put down" any owner that is irresponsible enough to have a dog that's a threat to anyone. I mean, have a look at the sort of people they are - the world would be a better place.

End of argument!

[GAMBLR]

Totally agree, you don't hear in how many of those stories how the people provoked the dogs. And not just to cause an attack, how many years of torment has that dog had to put up with from these individuals before they snap.
And who in their right mind would leave a child alone with any dog, considering children make up a significant number of victims?

Yes the upbringing of the dog needs to be taken into account, but for example, my mum's slipper is a great little dog, great temprament, playful. But once it was mauled (somewhat lovingly) by our baby cousins, and since then will not go near young children. Gets very upset and angry, and we've learnt to keep an eye on him around kids.

Most dogs are not vicious and angry by nature; the people who surround it are responsible for how the dog turns out. Whether that's owners or total strangers, we're responsible for what a dog does, not the dog itself.

[Rufys]

Yes the upbringing of the dog needs to be taken into account, but for example, my mum's slipper is a great little dog, great temprament, playful. But once it was mauled (somewhat lovingly) by our baby cousins, and since then will not go near young children. Gets very upset and angry, and we've learnt to keep an eye on him around kids.

Completely 100% NOT the dog's fault. Feral kids need to be controlled by their parents more than dogs. Dogs are NOT fluffy toys!!! Jesus!!!

[Jesterarts]

Something else that pisses me off, I saw this in one of the articles:

Restricted breeds include pit bulls and pit bull-cross breeds that match a visual standard guideline released by the state government last week.

Anyone hear about or been able to find these guidelines?

Just just to confirm, in human terms this would be on par with racial discrimination. So why is it not acceptable for people but fine for animals?

Dog hasn't done anything wrong but it looks like it might.

[some_guy]

I plan on getting a rotti. And I know that if it bites someone, that is a direct relation to how I have raised it and I will take full responsiblity. None if this, "it was the dogs fault, it wasn't me who raised him to be agressive towards people and neglect to inforce proper discipline". Bloody rediculous how some peoples minds work. Bunch of muppets

[pjdm1980]

Animals are animals and you can never predict what they are going to do 100% of the time just as you cannot predict what a human will do 100% of the time, but if you train your animal obviously reduce the chance of a attack.
As for the laws if you cannot contain or control your animal then you should loose it.

[discomat]

I love how the first two post's agree but completely contradict each other. The first poster believes it's sometimes the owners fault, but often the victims fault for being so stupid. Then the second post says yep, 100% owners fault lol. However both are correct. Common sense and caution are needed for some (not all) victims, and people who buy potentially 'dangerous' dogs because they are masculine are often unaware of the attention and training these dogs require.

[nathanVY]

Surely there are bigger issues going on! This entire thing is a 100% waste of time.

How narrow minded and thick have we become if we are bitching on national media about each other's dogs.
When I was a kid if you played up, you didn't get rewarded for it, and definitely didn't get attention for it.

The media in this country is like a set of really bad (or should I say unintelligent) parents.

People playing up are now deciding to bitch and moan about it AND are being given the time of day and all the attention they so desire.
It's been getting worse and worse, I think it's safe to say that the average maturity level has dropped - some people have gone backwards.


Let's take jesters scenario for example and consider two outcomes.


Idiot person decides to come over and start molesting his dog without warning or introduction.
Idiot person gets bitten / attacked
Idiot person has a whinge, decides to kill all dogs of that breed, etc etc.
Media publicises this persons rant, people jump on the bandwagon and start worry about things that will never happen.
Childish mindset is adopted. Repeat.

OR

Idiot person decides to come over and start molesting his dog without warning or introduction.
Idiot person gets bitten / attacked
Idiot person learns from the experience and moves on.


Has anyone noticed that the news is almost 100% negative? There is barely ever a shred of encouragement or positivity in the media - perhaps this is partially to blame for the media's current state. I'm not saying we should sugarcoat everything far from it - imagine if the media changed its perspective and introduced this foreign concept known as balance - how rapidly would the world change I wonder...

[monkeys437]

I think the owner should be held criminally responsible if their dog attacks a person. This would strongly encourage owners of potentially dangerous dogs to train them properly, keep them in an appropriate environment at home etc.

[elmaso]

agreed about the smally granny dogs being vicious, those little fluff bastard would attack before a pit bull/staffy/rotti would.

my sister has a staffy/american pit pull cross, its a lovable dog, it even take little kids pulling on it ears and tail, its a good family dog.
i think theres two main factors to this
1. c'mon, its a ####ing dog, it attacks when provoked, they get what they deserve (in most cases)
2. how the dog was bought up/trained, most people don't train their dogs properly. alot of people don't want to take time from their day just to train a pet, or they think they don't have to reward the dog when it does something right. the dog doesn't have to listen, that's why you need to give them treats! haha

some dogs are harder to train, take great danes for example, i swear, mine is ####ing retarded sometimes. hahaha

[Jesterarts]

Animals are animals and you can never predict what they are going to do 100% of the time just as you cannot predict what a human will do 100% of the time, but if you train your animal obviously reduce the chance of a attack.
As for the laws if you cannot contain or control your animal then you should loose it.

Partially agree. Because in this situation the loser is the animal which inevitably gets put down. Even if the owner loses the animal and it's in a pound for adoption, the chances are the animal will have behavioural issues because it wasn't raised right and no one will adopt it.

The laws should be that BEFORE you get a dog or any animal, you have to go through a te4sting process to see if you are able to keep a dog. Both from a location/logistical perspective and also from a "does this person have the mental capacity to keep an animal" perspective.

Dogs are pack animals. The owner needs to be able to display they are the pack leader mentally adn physically for the dog to actually listen to them.

If a Rotti has an owner who is a dumb shit string bean it's going to be extremely difficult for that animal to respect or listen to the owner because the dog will know it's smarter and stronger.

[some_guy]

Jest.

The system you describe above allbeit wonderful.

I find it hard to believe that you would ever gain the backing to run/maintain it.
This being because you would have a run in with the minority who think having certain things is a right not a privellage I.e. a license.

I deffenitely agree though that ina perfect world if a dog ownership licensing system could be developed that would in turn allow legal punishment to be dished out easier.

I can't stress how important it is that this would take alot if effort to set up. Effort that unfortunately I think noone is willing to give.

[pjdm1980]

I'd say having a "pack mentality" would do jack all when your 100Kg dog decides to go ape shit on your/someone else's arse.
The way I see it if you can't control the animal in all situations then you shouldn't have it to start off with, big dogs are only good for two reason intimidation and the look at me factor which I'm all for as long as your look at me factor can't harm others.
I should add that as long as your look at me factor is secured from the public go nuts!
And I am a proud/responsible dog owner before some of you start calling me a animal hater, Roxy 12 years old (red), Bailey 11 (black). Roxy is getting on now and can get a little crabby so when unfamiliar children are around they get put in the laundry to avoid the possibility of nasty confrontation.

[Jesterarts]

I'd say having a "pack mentality" would do jack all when your 100Kg dog decides to go ape shit on your/someone else's arse.The way I see it if you can't control the animal in all situations then you shouldn't have it to start off with, big dogs are only good for two reason intimidation and the look at me factor which I'm all for as long as your look at me factor can't harm others.

You would be surprised. In our family the Rotti was most obediant for mum. He was scared of her, if she raised her voice at him in anger he would piss himself and cower like a pup even though she had never done anything to him.

He never dared challenge mum in any way. That would be directly due to pack mentality.

He knew exactly who the boss of the house was.

Though I completely agree with your comment on "if you can't control it, you shouldn't have it". And control is both mental and physical.

[Rufys]

big dogs are only good for two reason intimidation and the look at me factor

What a bloody ridiculous comment to make. I have a 6 month old Great Dane that's already bigger than most dogs. While I know the size is one of the most recognizable features of the breed, it has absolutely no bearing on one of your two reasons for having the dog. He is NOT intimidating and we certainly didn't get him so other people would look at us.

Great Danes are one of the most loyal & loving breeds of dog available and I have never met one that has a mean or aggressive bone in their body. They aren't even aware of their own size and I have never seen one try to intimidate anyone or any other animals because they're bigger. They just want to play with other dogs. Our boy even plays with the two cats we have - he's such a gentle giant.

Most common, idiotic misconception about people owning big dogs is they want them to be intimidating or to attract attention. NOT true.

[pjdm1980]

Not intimidating to you.

[Rufys]

Not intimidating to you.

No no no... Not intimidating. Period. It's just not in the breed!

[Stressball]

Not intimidating to you.

That just proves that people can be afraid of anything.. A lapdog can be intimidating if it keeps nipping at you. Same logic applies.

[Grennan]

These laws scare me.

I have a staffy, its well trained but it doesnt like little dogs. We know this and dont let her off the leash where there may be a small yappy thing. A little over a year ago now, my dog was taken from me by the council because of a complaint. Walking my dog, small white mop comes up to mine, no leash and i told the.owner to get it away. She laughed it off, again i warned her and the dog got closer. My dog started walking behind me and growling then she bit the mop on the tail. She madea big fuss and it was just a bit of fluff. I told the lady she was a ######## and went home.

Long story short, 2 weeks my dog was at the rspca under "dangerous dog" when my dog did absolutely nothing wrong.

When the council come got her they claimed it was a vicious pitbull... Yeah right. Theyve got no ####ing idea and its knee jerk at its finest.

[ClairBear]

I have a maltese shi-tzu (a white mop.) Cute, fluffy and adorable. However try to put on his winter jumper (I have him clipped and he shakes with the cold) or put on his walking harness and your will cop a bite from a angry dog. A while back he had a cut on his paw and the vet said to change the dressing daily - yer right! Soon as he saw me or my sons with the bandages he would start to snarl.

The next clipping/bath is going to be interesting with the groomer as he has nipped him twice when being picked up to be placed in the bathing area, last time he had to muzzle him first, but now he knows he is going to be muzzled I guess he will react.

He is placid and fun until you do something he doesn't like.

Next time I will buy a larger less agressive dog.

[328FTW]

Media thrives on hatred and despair. Time to turn off the tv.

[Jesterarts]

These laws scare me.

I have a staffy, its well trained but it doesnt like little dogs. We know this and dont let her off the leash where there may be a small yappy thing. A little over a year ago now, my dog was taken from me by the council because of a complaint. Walking my dog, small white mop comes up to line, no leash and i told the.owner to get it away. She laughed it off, again i warned her and the dog got closer. My dog started walking behind me and growling then she bit the mop on the tail. She madea big fuss and it was just a bit of fluff. I told the lady she was a ######## and went home.

Long story short, 2 weeks my dog was at the rspca under "dangerous dog" when my dog did absolutely nothing wrong.

When the council come got her they claimed it was a vicious pitbull... Yeah right. Theyve got no ####ing idea and its knee jerk at its finest.

Exactly. This is exactly what annoys me so much.

Some mop acts agressive towards someone or another dog and it's "cute" and everyone has a good laugh. But then you have a dog that actually looks like a dog display the exact same behaviour and all of a sudden its all a big fuss.

Double standards much?

[commoVT]

I realise that it should be the owners responsibility when it comes to making sure the dog doesnt attack, but what we have to remember is that the rotties, pitbulls, ect were bred to kill. If these dogs are bred to attack pigs or whatever, what chance does a small kid have? IMO i dont care how these dogs are bought up, they will always have that instinct in them...

[pjdm1980]

Double standards! I've never seen a child rag dolled by a toy poodle, have you?