TFrazier,
You wrote:
Anyone who walks their dog in public should take a little time to study and understand the basics of dog psychology. Read Paul Loeb's book "Smarter than You Think" or watch a few episodes of the dog whisperer with Cesar Millan. Both those guys know what they are talking about, and most of the other non-law enforcement dog handlers and trainers are full of nonsense.
For the average pet owner, do not try to imitate Cesar Milan. I personally have seen people who did not have the skills needed for basic obedience training try to correct a dog in Cesar's way and get hurt. Cesar's show is well edited and a lot is left out (in the interest of time, i'm sure). For a more realistic pet dog trainer, Victoria Stillwell is a better role model.
So you are implying to train a dog one must train with a K-9 handler? Sorry, but there are some very good obedience people/behaviorists out there providing classes for the general public. Patricia McConnel has some of the best books on behavior out there. They are affordable, easy to understand and help people to read their dog's body language. Sarah Kalnajs has some amazing dvd's/seminars on canine aggression and the signals dog's give out prior to 'attacking'. Most people are surprised when they say the dog attacked without any sign or provocation and further conversations reveal that yes, there were signs. There almost always will be a signal that an attack is imminent. It may be as brief as a 1 second freeze of all movement. A hard stare. A barely visible lip curl. A very slight change in tail position.
The information is out there and available to anyone who wishes to learn more about their dogs and behavior. A basic obedience class from a certified pet dog trainer is a must if you have trouble walking your dog on leash or just want to build a better relationship with your dog.
Tass
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Return to “My Dog attacked by Pitbull while wearing my CCW”
- Thu Mar 26, 2009 10:32 am
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: My Dog attacked by Pitbull while wearing my CCW
- Replies: 118
- Views: 14056
- Tue Mar 24, 2009 11:40 am
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: My Dog attacked by Pitbull while wearing my CCW
- Replies: 118
- Views: 14056
canine behavior
Doug,
Dog breeds aside, you would be well served to read an article titled: "He just wants to say 'Hi'" by Suzanne Clothier. (google it, can't find the link)
Your dog, off leash, approached a leashed dog in what the leashed dog perceived as a threatening manner. The leashed dog was well within his/her rights to defend itself. This is precisely the reason off-leash dog parks require all dogs to be unleashed. The leashed dog will often react in a negative manner because the leash is limiting the dogs ability to respond to the signals given by the strange dog.
When walking your dog on-leash, you should never allow your dog to approach another dog without the permission of the other dog owner. To not ask, is RUDE and possibly dangerous. You may run into me walking my dog who is very reactive and has a low threshold for rude dog behavior. I do not allow my dog to 'say hello' when on leash. She is defensive, having been attacked from behind 3x while walking on leash. She does not tolerate pushy, in-your-face behavior. Just this weekend at the vet a customer came in with a poodle (who was accustomed to being fawned over by everyone) on a retractable flexi-lead. The dog kept drifting closer to us (we were as far away from the general waiting area as could be) and I repeatedly told the owner my dog does not want to meet your dog. He kept rolling his eyes and letting the dog drift on the lead until I said loudly, Sir, please get your dog. He then behaved as if I told him his offspring was ugly.
It is your duty as a responsible dog owner to know the laws in your area and to protect your dog. Again, I can't say enough how important it is for you to read this article.
To address shooting a dog, several years ago a neighbor shot a stray dog in the street-rumors were the dog attempted to bite some children-the homeowner was issued a citation for illegal discharge of a firearm. Something to keep in mind.
Tass
Dog breeds aside, you would be well served to read an article titled: "He just wants to say 'Hi'" by Suzanne Clothier. (google it, can't find the link)
Your dog, off leash, approached a leashed dog in what the leashed dog perceived as a threatening manner. The leashed dog was well within his/her rights to defend itself. This is precisely the reason off-leash dog parks require all dogs to be unleashed. The leashed dog will often react in a negative manner because the leash is limiting the dogs ability to respond to the signals given by the strange dog.
When walking your dog on-leash, you should never allow your dog to approach another dog without the permission of the other dog owner. To not ask, is RUDE and possibly dangerous. You may run into me walking my dog who is very reactive and has a low threshold for rude dog behavior. I do not allow my dog to 'say hello' when on leash. She is defensive, having been attacked from behind 3x while walking on leash. She does not tolerate pushy, in-your-face behavior. Just this weekend at the vet a customer came in with a poodle (who was accustomed to being fawned over by everyone) on a retractable flexi-lead. The dog kept drifting closer to us (we were as far away from the general waiting area as could be) and I repeatedly told the owner my dog does not want to meet your dog. He kept rolling his eyes and letting the dog drift on the lead until I said loudly, Sir, please get your dog. He then behaved as if I told him his offspring was ugly.
It is your duty as a responsible dog owner to know the laws in your area and to protect your dog. Again, I can't say enough how important it is for you to read this article.
To address shooting a dog, several years ago a neighbor shot a stray dog in the street-rumors were the dog attempted to bite some children-the homeowner was issued a citation for illegal discharge of a firearm. Something to keep in mind.
Tass