iamthecreaturefromuranus

Dancing on the head of a pin.

Deancm_MKII

Whatever.

BadgeIsBack

That's what really worries me about dangerous dogs!

geordiebloke

Like I've already said, if you actually read what people post, I don't own a pitbull or staffy, never have done and don't intend to.
However, keeping the dog that I do own on a leash and keeping my garden secure, means that the only people ever likely to be on the receiving end of my dog turning rabid are within my household and maybe any burglars who wish to chance their arm.
As my dog is well socialized with people and other animals and has a very gentle nature, I do not have any undue worry that we are likely to come under attack any time soon, but regardless, I can guarantee you and your family are safe from my dog due to the aforementioned safeguards.
Now, can I assume all of your lifestyle choices ie choose of vehicle etc etc, do not increase other peoples risk unnecessarily?

iamthecreaturefromuranus

I drive a Hummer with Boadicea style wheel trims.

bourbon-biscuit

I think that ^^^ should be the last word on the matter

I've been reading this thread with interest because we have a dog from the SPCA as a pup who clearly has some staffie in her and I must admit I was initially anxious about that. We researched staffies before we took her on and decided they seem fine, albeit smart and needing firm training. She's had the puppy classes and we've done a fair job on training her and she is a real darling of a dog, particularly with the children

Having said that I have noticed with her that although she never starts a ruck with another dog and always approaches other dogs in (boisterous) good humour, if they start on her she doesn't run off with her tail wrapped round her arse like my old dog did, she stands her ground. This has only happened once or twice but it has been enough to make me decide that I only exercise her on-leash and off-leash only when there are no other dogs around. My husband has no such issue with her because he only has to call her and no matter what she is doing she returns to him. She has also never been defensive toward another dog in just his presence. From this I conclude that I am not as effective a dog owner as he is, but also that she is not the sort of dog that should be in the hands of the feckless or those with ill-intent. It makes me sad to think of where she could have ended up- her desire to please is enormous, she is utterly fearless and would be very easy to train to do badness. My first dog, a whippet cross, was completely different, so it's not just me.

As a dog owner I think ALL dogs should be on-leash unless they're in dog exercise areas and if they're not so great with other dogs they should be permanently on-leash. I also think, and I know this is controversial, that there shouldn't be second chances for aggressive dogs and there should be heavier punishments for owners of dogs who are aggressive and are not kept under tight control. I don't think we should ban a breed, but only because I think it would be pointless and the measures I've mentioned would be more effective. We have a ridiculous number of dog attacks here in NZ.

iamthecreaturefromuranus

Some of that is impractical if you want to maintain the health of your dog, but I absolutely see where you are coming from.

Personally I think some breeds should be banned. Other people would disagree. How would you feel about these becoming a regular sight down the High Street?

Deancm_MKII

What a load of rubbish. So you are one of those owners that want's to let there dog off the lead irrespective of other people and other dogs.

All dogs irrespective of breed should be on the lead, period. The only exception to this would be in an area specifically for dog socialisation.

Don't be lazy, get off your arse and take your Vizsla for a 5k run. There's no reason to take it off the lead. You might get fit too.

Deancm_MKII

She sees your husband as the leader of the pack.

koalakim

He looks a real softie!

Thought it was a bit cruel putting the collar around his neck and not a harness, he could have choked and he would have pulled it better from the chest!

Well done to Bourbon-Biscuit for recognising her dogs personality and taking action. I think some of the problems with the dogs in discussion is that owners don't always consider that other dog owners or the public may be afraid of their dogs. With todays "lets sue for anything" culture if I had a dog that showed any aggression or scared people then I'd keep it on the lead at all times as I wouldn't want to end up in court if it did anything!

iamthecreaturefromuranus

It can run at 30mph and weigh in at 90Kg. Looks less of a softie in this one.

Deancm_MKII

What has this dog got to do with Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

iamthecreaturefromuranus

Nothing at all. It's just an extreme example of a potentially dangerous dog.

I assume you would be happy with those trotting round the neighbourhood on a leash as well?
With a responsible owner of course.

bourbon-biscuit

Not for us it isn't because we have off leash exercise areas locally and I study from home so can access them at times when empty and she LOVES to fetch a ball (though I can't throw so use one of those arm throwers!). Plus my husband runs a couple of times a week with her on-leash, generally about 10km a time Dogs are such a massive committment aren't they?!!

I know And I do know why and what I should/could do to become =top dog, but I'm only ever 80% effective for many reasons. For example I find all my staffie's talking hysterical, an absolute hoot, whilst my husband thinks it's dominating and only lets her woowoo at him when he invites her to.

I must make a concerted effort; my failing!

bourbon-biscuit

Haha, what did he get on his hand that needed washing off?! Eww!!!

Did you think those dogs were looking vicious toward each other?