Trained Dog Fights
In the early winter of 2004, we found our beagle, Biscuit, with her one remaining puppy near a creek outside of our property line. Biscuit had managed to keep her tiny black puppy alive for four weeks in spite of bitter cold temperatures.
We fostered this puppy until she was about eight weeks old at which time we gave her to the family next door. They have a young daughter, so we thought we were doing a good thing.
They named the puppy Dixie. I offered to have Dixie spayed but they declined. Looking back, I would have done things so much differently, but I learned many valuable lessons.
By this time, rumors had abounded throughout our neighborhood that the man next door was making money by fighting dogs. People claimed that late at night he was below his property in the light of a bonfire and that the screams of dogs could plainly be heard. Though no hard evidence has been presented by anyone to date, the entire neighborhood, and a few members of our police department are convinced this is true.
The remaining puppies, plus three of the four adult dogs this family keeps frequently came to our house. At first, I believed it was to visit, since we love animals and we welcome other peoples pets onto our property, within reason.
The other seven, however were always dirty, neglected and hungry.
A few days prior to this writing, two of the puppies, Teddy Bear and Rudy followed my daughter to our home right after school. This was fine until they got into a fight. In trying to stop the fight, my daughter was bit.
I yelled at my son to get inside and had him call 911. I remained with the dogs and a broom. I was not successful in stopping this fight.
Rudy somehow managed to get up and go home.
I explained what happened, explained that my daughter had been bitten by one of his dogs on our property and that I was concerned that since dogs are not born with this type of fighting in him, that the neighbors suspicions that he in fact was fighting dogs might be true.
Had this been his daughter, and had my dog been the one on his property, my dog would be gone right now and I’d be cooling my heels in jail. That’s how this man operates. He and his young daughter love to threaten to sue everyone for the smallest of infractions, but when it comes time to take responsibility, they are the very first to say we’re all telling lies and that they are going to sue.
Again, while I have no proof that these dogs were trained to fight, these are my suspicions as to why they are:
Were this man as innocent as he claimed, he would have immediately offered an apology for what happened, asked if my daughter was O.K. and then immediately took steps to ensure it would not happen again. Instead, he went into his house and the dogs remained free to wander at will.
All of the dogs are skittish. Dixie was not skittish for many months, but now she shies away from even us at times. Dogs that aren’t socialized are skittish, afraid and can become aggressive without warning in some situations.
Dogs that are caged for long periods of time build up energy. Many people will chain their hunting dogs up until it’s time to hunt. The more energy the dog has to burn, the more aggressive they are when they hunt. This same principle applies to the fighting of dogs.
The same holds true for trained fighting dogs. Either the owner will kill the dog or another dog will. All the dog knows is fighting, aggression, and anger and it won’t rest until it kills again or it goes insane.
I wonder something, though. How many more people will have to be hurt before the police do their job? Not only was my daughter bit by one of his dogs, I was also bit last summer. I still have the nerve damage to show for it. Moreover, the police did not say a word about placing Teddy Bear in quarantine to check for rabies after he bit my daughter.
If you are a dog fighter, or know someone who is, please ask them two questions:
It is my opinion that in the end, when it comes to dog fighting, no one emerges as a winner.
She writes frequently on issues of child abuse, mental health and animal issues.
Pet Care: Dogs
The benefits we can reap from having a pet can be thoroughly rewarding. Dogs are known as “Man’s best friend” for their unconditional love, loyalty and friendship. Dog lovers can return the favour by taking good care of their pet.
It might sound like a lot of work at first but caring for your dog, after the puppy days, is relatively easy and most of the chores can fit neatly into your daily routine.
This article talks about some of the essentials you need to know about dog care.
Collar and ID Tag: The first thing you want to do for a new dog is give it a proper collar and an ID tag with your name, address and contact information. This greatly increases the chances of having your dog returned to you if they get separated from you.
Laws
Check with your local animal shelter, veterinarian or humane society to find out what vaccinations your dog needs and be aware of dog fouling laws!
Spay or Neuter
If you are not planning on breeding dogs, help reduce the number of unwanted and stray dogs and improve the health of your pet by having them spay or neutered.
Training
Whether you purchase a book on dog training and teach them the basics at home or enrol in a class, having your dog learn basic commands will have a positive benefit on their behaviour and safety.
Register with a Vet: Regular visits to the vet will ensure your dog’s health and avoid future issues. If you need help locating a good veterinarian, check with a local shelter, breeder or get a recommendation from a fellow dog owner.
Your Dog at Home: Give your dog a proper place to live. Dogs love to get out and run around, but need extended time out of the elements. Guard your dog from exposure to extreme weather. A big yard with a dog house is wonderful, but spending time with your dog inside and having a comfortable place to sleep, like a dog bed, is essential.
Dog Diets: Feed your dog a nutritionally balanced diet and make fresh water available to it at all times. Consult your vet for information on the type of food and amount to feed them in proportion to their size and age.
Dog Leads: A good, strong lead is a must-have item. Follow the simple rule of, if your dog is off of your property, the lead is on. Always ensure your pet is under control at home AND out in public.
Exercising your Dog: Dogs of all sizes and breeds have one thing in common. They love to run around and play. A fit dog is a happy dog, so spend time together with toys, balls, games and by taking walks. Exercising a few times a day is great for both of you and goes a long way in building a bond.
Groom your Dog: A clean dog is a well cared for. Sure dogs like to play outdoors and run around, and there are few things better for their health, and your relationship, than to give their coats a regular dog shampoo bath, trim hair if necessary and groom them with brushes and combs. Dog clothes like coats, hats and boots are also increasingly popular, and can help shield your dog from extreme weather.
Dogs like Companionship: Any relationship is a two-way street. If you are loyal, patient and faithful to your dog, you will have yourself a companion that brings love and joy into your life.
These are just the basics of dog care and picking up a book about dogs is highly recommended. Choose a book that discusses various breeds, traits and care.
Looking After Your Pet Dog
In this article we look at 10 ways to care for your dog so that you can develop a healthy, happy and rewarding relationship with them.
Tip 1 Make sure that your dogs collar has attached to it an identification tag that shows their name, your name and your contact details. Generally it is best if you just place a phone number on it which you can be contacted. By including this on your dogs collar you are increasing the chances of him or her being returned to you if they get lost or runaway.
Tip 2 You need to find out what the laws are regards to registering your dog and having them vaccinated. Today it is a legal requirement that all animals that are kept as pets are fitted with a microchip. This can be done by your vet and is generally placed between the shoulder blades and costs around $50. There are some microchips which just provide an identification number, whilst others are designed to actually read the animals temperature as well. Once the information is entered into a database and should your dog get lost they will be returned to you a lot quicker.
Tip 3 Whenever you are taking you dog for a walk it is important that they are always on a leash. Also check with your local authorities because you may find that certain breeds are classed as dangerous dogs and may be required to be muzzled when out in public.
Tip 4 Although you dog may be inside most of the time, when they are still make sure that they have adequate shelter, especially if you intend to leave them there for a while. Although they may be kept outside you should also spend time with them as well and these are pack animals and so they like to be with others.
Tip 5 You should make sure that you arrange for your dog to be checked over regularly by your vet. This way if anything unusual is noted they will be able to treat it much more quickly and which could save you on your vet bills in the future.
Tip 6 Unless you are intending to breed, it is important that you have them spayed or neutered. Many dogs after having this routine surgery carried out tend to live much longer and tend to be much healthier and have far less behavioural problems.
Tip 7 It is important that you provide your dog with a well balanced nutritional diet and make sure they have easy access to fresh water. This is especially important if you intend to feed your dog only dried food. When it comes to which food to give your dog as there are so many different kinds available it may be advisable to discuss the issue with your vet first. Certainly many owners today prefer to feed dried dog food simply because it is must easier and also contains the right balance of nutrients, minerals and vitamins that dogs need. You could also prepare fresh meals for your dog which you can then freeze and give to them each day.
Tip 8 If you have never owned a dog before then it is worth your while enrolling them in some obedience training classes. This way you can learn the most humane and safe ways to control your dog, this provides you with a chance to bond much more closely with your animal. Your vet should be able to recommend a class for you, plus there are plenty who advertise in local newspapers and dog magazines. Before joining such classes go along and check them out first and speak with other dog owners who attend them.
Tip 9 Although your dog may have the garden to run around in, it is worth actually taking them for much longer walks as well. It provides them with the opportunity to explore new areas so not only are they getting the physical exercise they need but the mental as well. Ideally you should be trying to walk your dog at least twice a day. However, this may differ from breed to breed and if you are unsure how much exercise your dog needs then speak to your vet.
Tip 10 It is important that you groom you dog regularly, especially if you own a large dog or a dog with a long coat. As you are grooming them you can actually carry out some simple health checks as well. It is best to start at the head and work your way down. You need to check their eyes, ears, nose and mouth to make sure that they are all clean, clear and bright. If you notice any discharge or foul smells then arrange for your vet to carry out a more thorough inspection. After checking them over then it is a good idea to bath and then groom your dog. As well as getting rid of any unwanted guests on their body you are also helping to remove any loose hair.
Above we have shown you 10 ways to care for your dog. If you keep the above tips in mind then you will find that not only does your dog remain healthy, but they will be much happier too.
Best breeds for guard dogs
Please read the warnings in this article if you an ordinary family looking for a guard dog or thinking of buying a particular breed to be a guard dog to guard your family. They could save your life or those of your children. (If you are looking for a guard dog for a security firm, you are unlikely to be reading this article for advice!) You also should be aware of the difference between a watchdog and a guard dog.
If you train your family pet dog to be a guard dog or if you buy a breed known to be aggressive you could end up with unintended consequences. The same thing applies if you train your dog to be vicious – it could easily turn on you or your children. See for example http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/eng land/merseyside/6226565.stm, the story of a five year old girl mauled to death by a family pet.
In this case the breed was a pit bull, which is a prohibited breed in the UK, but which is claimed elsewhere to be a great breed to have as a guard dog. The reasons the dog attacked the young girl and killed her are unclear, and possibly nothing to do with the breed, but if you have children, why take risks? Whatever the breed, never ever leave a child alone with a dog, no matter how friendly the dog appears to be with the kids.
There are many, many similar stories of attacks or near-fatal attacks. Even dogs that have not been bought or trained as guard dogs can inexplicably attack people. See http://www.smh.com.au/news/sci ence/worlds-first-face-transpl ant/2005/12/01/1133422052431.h tml for instance, for the story of a French woman whose face was bitten off by her own pet labrador out of the blue. (She had the world’s first face transplant.)
The moral of the story is: if you want a dog as a guard dog, be careful because guard dogs are by definition trained or bred to be agressive. Be especially careful with any dogs around children, and never be cruel to any dog, regardless of the breed, or they might just turn and bite you one day (and it will serve you right). Dogs can be dangerous, especially if ill treated.
The best guard dog for a family is therefore one that is loved and is part of the family. If you treat a dog well it will be your best friend, and part of friendship is looking after you and your family. Most dogs will act as watchdogs, alerting you to dangers or intruders, quite naturally. When people say they want a guard dog, most often it is actually a watchdog they want. Many small, excitable breeds that bark a lot, such as terriers, or even the tiny chihuahua, make particularly excellent watchdogs.
If it’s really a guard dog you are after, and if you are aware of the dangers,and if you know what you are doing in training the dog, then of course some breeds are better as guard dogs than others. Some dogs have a special aptitude for guarding or have been bred especially to be guarding dogs.
Guarding or protecting dog breeds are larger (to be more imposing), and breeds recommended for this purpose include German Shepherds, Rotweillers, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, Belgian Shepherds, and Bull Mastiffs. Dark coloured dogs are considered more of a deterrent than lighter coloured dogs.
For most people, especially those with children, a watchdog and a security alarm are a much safer option than a guard dog trained to attack intruders.
Easy, Breezy Potty Training Dog Tips that Work
Training your dog requires a great amount of patience especially when you are teaching it to potty at the right place. A problem with dogs is that they instinctively poop and pee anytime and anywhere they like. With potty training, you can teach your dog to do his or her thing when and where it really should.
Here are some points to consider when potty training your dog. First is confinement. Confining your dogs can sometimes be an ideal way of properly potty training your dog. You can use cages or crates to confine your canine pet. Just make sure to get the largest crate as possible to make sure that your dog can properly move about inside. The reason for confining your dog is to teach him not to potty on the crate or cage. Dogs do not like to potty in areas where they usually stay or sleep, so when nature calls for them, they would normally find a way to get out of the crate to potty.
By then, you can already show your dog where exactly you would want it to potty. Doing this whenever your dog wants to relieve itself will create a pattern that your dog will follow even if you will no longer need the help of a crate.
Second thing you must consider is to always include praise in your training. Try using a leash to control your dog from going around while training or running away. You can also use this to direct your dog to where it should potty. It would also help if you teach your dogs some words that would help him understand what you would want him to do, say for example, ‘go potty’. Use your commands over and over so that your dog will become familiar with it and learn to follow it as well. Always remember to reward your dog by giving him sweet and simple praises or giving him food treats for every correct response that he makes. This will make your dog happy, thus making him easier to train.
Also, you need to have the proper timing as to when you should give your dog the freedom to potty on its own. Some dogs learn potty training fast while there are those that need more time. You must learn to be very patient and observant potty training your dog to see the your pet’s progress.
Be reminded of some signs which dogs usually show when they are about to potty. These signs may include sudden disinterest to play; circling restlessly and running out of the room suddenly. You will learn to familiarize with these signs so you will not have much of a problem in potty training your dog as you go along. By then, you can be confident that your dog will have shown proper potty behavior.
How dog breeds correspond with their owners personalities
Have you ever noticed how some people and their dogs look alike? This has been the subject of some television clips, magazine articles, and talk show commentaries . Just as there is a wide variety of people there is diversity in the many breeds of dogs. Most people who own purebred dogs select them because of certain similar characteristics. Take a look around you at some of the people you know as well as some celebrities to check out if this holds true.
Many times pudgy grumpy people own overweight stodgy dogs such as bulldogs.
Sometimes tall thin people with long faces choose Afghan hounds and other dogs with long thin faces as pets .
Highly strung people sometimes choose miniature breeds with the same personality.
Many times people with long hair choose dogs with long floppy ears.
Larger people tend to select a larger dog.
Active people usually select active sporty dogs.
Many sophisticated people seem to select well mannered dogs that are sleek and fashionable.
Petite people almost always to have small dogs or miniature versions of larger breeds.
Country bumpkins usually own mixed breed dogs.
Those with a large family usually have larger dogs that can withstand playful children.
Sometimes people with wild hairstyles select fluffy haired dogs.
Busy people tend to choose low maintenance dogs.
Rough macho people usually have aggressive dogs they sometimes of adorn with spiked collars and heavy chains.
Many less active and depressed people have a tendency to choose dog that have droopy ears and long faces and like to curl up on the couch for hours at a time .
Some dog owners and their dogs even walk alike.
Many owners who wear quite a bit of jewelry and paint their fingernails have dogs that wear jewel encrusted collars, claw polish, and even various tee shirts , sweaters, coats and accessories.
Oftentimes the dog you select is a representation of your sociological class. It is not unusual for well to do business people to own popular confidant dog breeds.
Attack dogs most times are owned by aggressive people.
Just as there are many different kinds of people, there are many breeds of dogs to choose from. Some people do not like dogs while others say they’re the best pet in the world. The breed of dog you may select to own is usually an outward representation of your personality. Dogs are companions, and people tend to select their pet dogs with similar personality traits as their own. Many times dogs are considered a member of the family and owners and dogs spend quite a bit of time together. So why wouldn’t someone want their best companion to be like themselves.
These are some sites where you can see photographs of people and their dogs. Take a look to see whether or not they really do look alike.
The site is priceless
http://www.digital-laughter.co m/dogs.htm
An explanation as to why this happens
http://www.maddogproductions.c om/ds_dogs_owners.htm
children who look like their dogs
http://www.all-creatures.org/h umor/kids.html
This site can help you choose the dog according to personality
http://canadogs.com/Choosing_a _Breed.htm
You can even enter a contest by submitting a photo of you and your dog.
http://www.doyoulooklikeyourdo g.com/
Should ownership of dangerous breeds of dogs be banned – Part 2
Dogs, as well as any artifact that any person wishes to augment their lives with, should be added to a household or domicile with care and responsibility. Much like automobiles, some which drive you to church every Sunday and some that make you want to go to church every Sunday, dogs come in assorted breeds, shapes, colors, sizes, and temperaments. Choosing what breed to own requires a total inventory of self so that the dog and owner can exist in the same space happily. Some dog owners are also dog trainers and have the ability to keep aggressive breeds happily in check. Those dogs are very lucky because they can cohabit with humans in a fairly calm atmosphere. When an aggressive dog instinctively understands that it has free reign over the house and owner, all hell breaks loose. The home becomes literally an “animal house.” Dogs that are allowed to reach this level of aggressiveness have to be put in check quickly. Rather than dangerous, aggressive breeds being “banned” the question, consequently, should be reshaped to read, “Should dangerous breeds of dogs be owned?” Banning problems, in this case, dangerous breeds of dogs, does not solve the problem, which many dog behaviorists are quick to point out is usually the inability of the owner to basically train their dog to be sociable. Breeds are deemed “dangerous” when they cannot cohabit with humans because of aggressions that were never addressed. Thus we are stuck with ill bred and ill trained dogs that give a particular breed a bad name. I have read many stories over the years about “Pit Bulls” and Rotweillers who have been involved in horrendous scenarios with equally horrible outcomes for the humans involved. I can strike a generally common thread that connects the stories together: the owners in most instances were the worst possible people to own dogs of this sort. They could not control the behavior of these dogs that instinctively pushed their normally aggressive natures around to control, possess or protect their surroundings. Being around purebred dogs for over 30 years, I understand that herding dogs were developed to be put in charge of a flock and keep them together. Working dogs were also used to haul small loads or protect property. Sporting/hunting dogs have been trained to work in the fields with the human. In these three instances, the two former examples illustrate that dogs from this category are used to being the “boss” and keeping control. This is instinctive. Add to that the urge to protect against any perceived threat and you have a walking “weapon.” In today’s society that is well-settled and occupied dogs of this sort are an anachronism, ill suited to carry out those traits in a crowded world. Hence it is the owner of these dangerous dog breeds who must “deprogram,” with training, all of those nasty reactions that set these dogs part from nice, happy dogs.
Spaying and neutering your animals: Responsible pet care – Part 1
Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Dog
No dog owner should obtain a dog without considering spaying/neutering it. This is a very serious responsibility of pet ownership.
If you think your dog is “perfect” enough to reproduce and make some of the world’s greatest puppies, please read some facts and stats and think again.
You are not cloning a dog; you’re breeding it. You are not going to get “Spot, Jr.” or a miniature of little “Fluffy.” If you do not know at least the past 3 generations of parentage behind both dogs (some recommend 5 or more generations for a more predictable quality of pups), they probably are not the “quality” specimens you think they are. Some dog owners don’t want to put their pets through the “discomfort” of surgery, just as some don’t enjoy having their pets vaccinated, but it is the responsible thing to do.
HEALTH FACTS: Neutering a male dog eliminates the risk of testicular cancer; it reduces the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, if a male dog is neutered before he is 6 months old, there is a near 100% chance he will not get prostate cancer. If you hesitate because of “altering” your male dog’s appearance, there is a “testicular replacement procedure” for those who prefer the “natural look.” Ask your vet for details. Also, neutered males are less prone to anal gland problems.
Spaying a female eliminates the risk of ovarian cancer and pyometra, a life threatening uterine infection, and reduces the risk of mammary cancer. The earlier you have your pet sterilized, the lower the risk. A female does not need to experience a heat before being spayed; in fact, preventing pregnancy during a first heat can be quite difficult. Any bitch may have a difficult, and costly, pregnancy or birth. Why take that risk with your family pet if it is not meant to be bred? Spaying a bitch before a first heat, around 6 months, and neutering a male by 6 months, is recommended, if you are not planning to intentionally breed your dogs.
Some vets are now performing “pediatric” spay/neuters at 8 weeks of age, but not all vets are willing or prepared to do surgery on dogs this young. Ask your vet for his/her recommendation.
BEHAVIOR: Male dogs are less likely to mark territory or fight over a female if they are altered. The sexual urge is a strong drive. An intact dog will try to roam in search of a mate. I have seen a statistic that stated as many as 90% of dogs hit by cars are intact males. If that is accurate,
Choosing the right name for your cat – Part 3
It is not easy choosing a name for your cat. A cat is considered an additional family member and should take after the family too. It should not sound too similar as your family member’s names but have its unique character in it.
For example if you are called Annabelle and your sister is called Tinkerbelle then don’t name the cat Anna, Tinker of belle or anything that includes this. A short and sharp name would be advised. So while commanding you sound serious. Maybe you can consider naming it stitch, Crag, Curd etc.
Remember try not to name your pet over someone else, as it is not appropraite for the cat to have to be a substitute of another person. Cats are like human too, unique and they have a character of their own too.
Short names would be better as cats are not humans afterall they might have problems recognising their names. It would be good to have short names so it would be easier to train cats and when you call a command.
What you need to consider before getting a pet – Part 3
Most don’t consider this; but there can be odor issues to owning a pet indoors. I know, I have two parakeets and 3 finches. More importantly, I have visited in the homes of many pet owners and immediately upon walking in the door…knew there was a pet in the house. My nose told me. So, if you really want to own a pet; but not endure their odors there is a “tool” you can utilize that just plugs in and runs 24 hours a day seven days a week. I started using one in my home after 22 years of marriage when I had had my tenth child just a few months before. My second oldest has asthma and oh how I wish I had found this “tool” 20 years earlier when he was a baby gasping for breath across my legs. I had no idea the pet cat in the house, the wood heat, the old carpeting and likely mold spores flying around were so awful for an asthma sufferer. I had no idea there was technology available to remove all of that 365 days out of the year.
I just read of a man’s pet lovebird dying after 15 years of ownership suddenly and it was until afterwards the man realized the freon leaking in his air conditioning had slowly poisoned the bird over it’s last few days of life. Even he and his wife had begun coughing more during that time. This “tool” would have prevented that. Also, this “tool” has been proven by Kansas State University to remove e.coli, salmonella, staph, candida and many more bacterias off of surfaces 99.9%. I believe that is true due to the lessening of ills in my own family now compared to what we endured as seasons came and went during our first 22 years as a family living in older and newer/remodeled homes. So, if you’re going to own a pet; make sure you plan to remove its odors too.
