Sensory Deprivation and Puppy Mill Rescue Dogs

From time to time someone asks me what type of dog takes the longest to train. They expect the answer to be a specific breed. But the truth is that the most difficult dog to train is not a breed, but a group.

That group is breeding dogs that have been rescued from puppy mills.
Puppy mills are the equivalent of the sweat shops of the early industrial age.

Their goal is to turn out lots of puppies at the lowest possible cost. The way they do it is appalling.

Breeding dogs are selected and kept until they are about five years old. Then they are discarded and either destroyed or rescued by one of the rescue organizations.

A lot of people think that all these dogs need is love and occasionally it is just that simple. But most of the time it is not.

These dogs are normally kept in very small cages. They have had no meaningful contact with humans and minimal contact with other dogs. As a result they simply have no idea how to live or even survive outside of the crate or cage.

All dogs come in for an assessment before I train them. The primary reason is so that my client understands what I do and how I do it. But by looking at the dog before the owners decide to train with me, can figure out what the greatest needs are. We start by having you drop the dog’s leash as soon as you walk in the door.

What I want to see is a dog with enough confidence to leave your side, enough curiosity to explore the center, and a little bit of caution since the dog does not know who or what may be in here. With the puppy mill rescue what I usually see is a dog that just stands there with its head and back lowered.

The dog not only cannot make a decision, it literally does not know how to gather information to make decisions. It has had so little sensory input, that even an empty center with only its owners and I in the room, it does not know how to find out what it needs to know to do anything.

And so begins a very long period of working the dog to just get ready to train. I know that with time we can have a confident dog, but the problem is going to be the owner’s expectations. If they are going to train with me they will need to invest a lot of time and effort before they see much improvement.

The first thing we must do is give the dog time to learn to watch and figure out how this new world works. At the same time we cannot put any pressure on the dog. So I put the dog on a line attached to the wall. The line is a form of security and often dogs will lean against the wall to reassure themselves. Then I put a calming collar on the dog knowing that the collar puts pressure on the pressure points in its neck, calming and reassuring the dog. Finally since the dog has spent its whole life watching through a cage, I put an exercise pen in a large semi circle around the dog.

Then we just let the dog be there while I work with other dogs. Other than an occasional “you’re fine” told to the dog by its owners and myself, there is no inter action with the dog.

I ask the owner to come in with the dog whenever we have our Neighborhood Pack Sessions or on weekends when I have lots of trainings. I can never predict how long it will take to stimulate interest.

The first sign of interest in what is going on is when the puppy mill dog starts watching the other dogs and people. At first it is only an occasional glance, but gradually it begins to take an interest in what is going on. Maybe for the first time in its life, the dog is gathering information.

I know we are getting close when the dog sits and watches the entire time it is here. The dog is learning how to learn.

We wait for the magic moment when the dog barks. It is the first step into the world. Now the training can begin.

The dog is worked in short periods. All we are looking for is just a little progress. There are still weeks if not months to go, but the dog is now on its way to being normal.

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Testing Dogs DNA

In the last year or so, the cost of DNA tests for mixed breed dogs has gone down to the point where I am seeing more and more clients test their dogs. The results are almost always surprising.

I’ve found out that more often than not, a mixed breed dog is not what the owner was told. The exception of course, is a dog that you get from someone who owned both the parents. But almost every other mixed breed is not what the client was told.

Shelters and rescue groups often make an educated guess. They base the guess on the dog’s looks and sometimes its behavior. But on those dogs where my client has done a DNA test, the rule of thumb is that the guess only accurately gets one of the breeds.

Such groups also tend not to guess any of the breeds who are generally (and inaccurately) described as difficult or mean. I don’t think I’ve ever had a guesstimate mention bull terrier, even though the head shape gives that away.

But for the record, I don’t do much better. I rarely get more than one foundation breed right. And I tend to balance looks with behavior to make my guess.

I’ll give you some good examples. (Names have been changed to protect the innocent but these are dogs I have worked with.) The first is Kirby. He is obviously German Sheppard. His coat texture, coloring, and head give that away. But he is also very, very verbal. He tends to be grumpy and standoffish. And his torso is low slung. His bark is more of a baying than the sharp bark of a GSD. So I guessed he was part beagle,

I got that one wrong. He is German Sheppard, Labrador Retriever, Border Collie and at least five ancestors whose lineage is mixed to the point it cannot be determined by that type of DNA testing. That DNA test goes back three generations, the parents (2 dogs), the grandparents (4 dogs) and the great grandparents (8 dogs). Most of the DNA tests I have seen go that far back.

Another was Franklin. His owners bought him from a trainer and puppy seller notorious for selling dogs that are aggressive. He seems to make them that way to get you to keep coming back for more training until you run out of time, money, patience, or all three. When they got Franklin they were told he was a terrier mix.

Based on his color, his coat, and his size, I thought he was a Blue Kerry mix. However behaviorally he just was not right for a terrier. His aggression was always a bluff. And terriers rarely bluff.

When his DNA came in there was no terrier dominant. He was Schipperke, Papillion, Labrador along with the usual number of unknowns. The Schipperke explained the tough guy image. Schipperke is a non sporting breed that is a ratter on European river barges. This explains the terrier like traits. The Papillion, a toy, explains the worry about safety behavior. And the Lab explained the poor impulse decisions.

While its not necessary for you or the trainer to know what breeds are in your mix, it is a nice to have piece of information. At least you can get an idea where the behaviors come from.

By the way, when someone tells me they have their DNA results I don’t let them tell me what they are. Instead I have them bring it to the next Neighborhood Pack (my group) session so all of us can guess before we find out for sure.

So far no one had gotten more than one breed right.

Doug

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Fear of Other Dogs in the Elivator

I am down here in Pompano Beach for the winter from my farm in upstate New York.  We are renting a great condo in a high rise on the beach.  The problem is that my dog is scared to go in the elevator whenever there is another dog there.  This is a “very pet friendly” building.  I am not walking up and down twenty flights of stairs every time I need to take him out.  What can I do?

Let me tell you one thing for sure.  You dont want to force your dog into a situation where he is placed in a fight or flight mode in a confined environment (like an elevator). 

You dont want to let the other dog in the elevator and do something like move to the corner and hold him on a very tight leash or pick him up and firmly hold him.  When you are doing these things, you are placing your dog in an unsafe situation.

As the person who is responsible for your dog’s wellbeing, you never want to put him in a situation where he feels unsafe and feels that you don’t have the ability to provide him security.  You are now "telling" your dog that you are a bad leader and dont have the ability to keep him safe.  This means that he will step up to be the leader and will take a more aggressive stance in the elevator (bad!).

We must understand that as the protector (i.e. parent), it is our biggest responsibility to keep our dog safe.  Sometimes, the best way to maintain safety is to avoid unsafe situations.  This is not "running away", it is simply good management.  With this in mind, here are my suggestions for the elevator situation.

• If you are about to enter the elevator and you see that there is another dog in the elevator, do not enter.  Mention that your is a little fearful of dogs in the elevator and you want to wait for the next one.  This, again will show that you are a responsible dog owner to your neighbors and that you are a good leader and care giver to your dog.
• If you are in the elevator and someone with a dog starts to enter, politely mention that your dog is a little fearful of other dogs when in the elevator.  Since you dont want an incident in such a closed space, could they please wait for the next elevator.  If they agree, thank them.  If they still step into the elevator, excuse yourself and get out of the elevator.  If there are other people in the elevator, they will see that you are a responsible dog owner, no matter which outcome occurred.  You will also show Wolfie that you are keeping him safe.

Yes, I know that it might take you a few more minutes to go up and down the elevator, but the extra few minutes will do wonders in building your relationship with your dog and your neighbors.  If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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Dog Training Tips to Eliminate Your Dog’s Boredom and Bad Behavior

Minimize your dog’s bad behavior because he is bored

I was at a training session in Plantation yesterday and they were telling me that their dog just can’t sit still and is always bugging them.  I asked my client what was going on before this bad behavior began and he said, “Nothing, I might be working on my computer for a while and my dog is over in the corner.  He seems fine, just staring at me or looking out the window.  All of a sudden, he gets up and starts nudging me and whining.”

The reason that I am bringing this up in my blog today is because it is a situation that I have heard many times over my years of dog training.  Let’s not focus on the obvious issue of bad behavior, but why your dog started that bad behavior.  He was sitting by himself with nothing to do for a long time and finally said, “This is enough”.  Without anything else to engage, he comes to you to break his boredom.

If you are busy, you don’t have the time to work on that bond.  You must think of another way to eliminate that boredom that eventually causes the inappropriate situation requiring action that you cannot supply at the time.  You must set up a scenario where the boredom does not have a chance to become established.

Here are some suggestions for keeping your canine companion entertained and out of mischief.

•  Empty 12 Oz. Water Bottle:  These are the greatest.  The next time you finish with some bottled water, don’t throw the bottle away.  Take off the cap, the ring around the cap, and the paper.  Give it your dog.  They love the tactile feel of crunching the bottle and the sound that it makes.  The sound isn’t that loud, so it won’t bother you and it isn’t heavy, so it won’t hurt the walls if your dog bounces it off a wall or window.  Most dogs will play with the water bottle for yours.  When it starts to get a little worn out, simply switch bottles.  Free, quick, and easy!
• Scatter Feeding: Turn feeding into a treasure hunt. Scatter a variety of foods (such as whole carrots, peas, broccoli, beans, celery, and apples) around an area. This gives your dog something to forage for as well as some nutritious food to chew on (rather than your furniture. Please remember that you shouldn’t use raisins or grapes because these are very harmful to your dog.  Please check out our Dog Poisons for more information.
• Buster Cube: This award-winning dog toy is a great distraction. Fill the toy with dry kibble or other goodies. As your dog rolls it around on the ground, the kibble falls out from multiple compartments. This motivates your dog work for his food, keeping a brain-active dog busy for hours.
• Kong Toys: This durable rubber toy has a hollow center that can be stuffed with goodies such as kibble, dried liver, cheese, or peanut butter. I recommend that you use unsalted peanut butter.  Cover the Kong Toy hole without filling the entire toy.  Your dog won’t be able to get the food all the way in the back and may become frustrated.  Now, freeze the toy. Your dog now has a “Kongsicle”.  Get several Kongs so you can simply rotate them from your dog to the freezer.  One more note, Kong Toys are all made in the USA.  No part from any of their toys is made in China.

All you have done here is to proactively give your dog something to do to eliminate or extend the time before he becomes bored.  This allows you to get the things you need to accomplish in peace and quiet.  Please remember that this is not a replacement for play time with you.  To maintain your relationship, interactive play time is very important also.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in Plantation and South Florida.

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Pit Bull Surprise

Well, its been proven now that Jades training, learning how to be less defensive with other dogs, has paid off, in a big way!  Yesterday, we had a pit bull surprise.  Jade and I were walking from the car into a grocery store, when suddenly from under the porch of the grocery store, a pit comes running toward us, and stops short to give Jade a good sniffing.  I couldnt believe my eyes! A pit bull, without a leash, hanging out in front of the grocery store, coming up to bother a working dog, a service dog!!! What the hell has this town come to!?  Where the hell was the owner of this beast!?

Jades training has definitely paid off, as she performed exactly as a service dog should in such an unwelcome situation. She stopped and let the beast sniff her, taking her away from her job and her attention off of me. This kind of thing makes me SICK! I am so sick and tired of these irresponsible pit bull owners and they just continue to show that they cannot be trusted to be responsible with their beasts!!!  Nevertheless, Jade stood there and let the dog sniff, and I kept trying to pull her forward, thinking if we just kept moving that the darn pit bull would just give up the sniff and walk away....and I didnt know when the beast would suddenly decide that Jade would taste better than she smells, and its DNA would kick in, and it would perform its best gripping behavior on my girl! But the more I tried to pull her away and keep moving, the more she planted her feet and wouldnt move.  I think she thought it was best to stay still for the moment.

I thought that Jade might turn to her defensive behavior and start growling and defending herself, and then the beast would attempt to kill her....at which point I would have had to brutally kill the damn thing right there in front of the grocery store, in front of about 30 people! But she didnt.  Jade behaved like a perfect service dog.  Standing there, letting it sniff, while I was yelling, "Whos damn dog is this!? Get your damned dog! My dog is working here!" I began reaching in my purse for my weapon, as I was afraid, and didnt know what would happen, when suddenly a lady came out of the story with a shopping cart and aimed for the pit bull.  She acted like she was going to hit the pit bull with the shopping cart and shouted, "Hey, get outta here!" And the pit bull went back to his place under the porch of the store! So we moved along and went into the store.

When we went into the store, I got on one of the shopping cart buggies, with Jade at my side, and realized I was shaking so hard I could barely function.  Jade stood there looking at me, and I had to sit down and just stop, and breathe.  I really couldnt do anything because I was just too upset.  Im really sick and tired of running into loose dogs in this town, with my working, service dog, especially pit bulls, the most inherently dangerous and vicious types of dogs out there! I am afraid of pit bulls and I have a damn good reason to be! If youre not afraid of pit bulls, then your lacking information on them! My dogs been attacked by a pit bull, pets, service dogs, and children and adults have been attacked and killed by pit bulls, and that, if you ask me, is a damn good reason to fear them! Theyve attacked, injured, and killed many a service dog in situations as these.

This town really needs to do something about the pit bull problem.  There are way too many of them, they are over populated, over bred, and overly vicious! The shelters in this town are full of those dogs, which I dont get! If these pit bull lovers love these dogs as much as they claim, then why are there so many of them in the shelters!? Why are they always roaming the streets with no owners? Why isnt this problem getting taken care of?!

Anyway...I have to say that I was VERY proud of my girl, Jade for doing exactly what she was trained to do....be a GREAT SERVICE DOG! It took me a while to calm down, and luckily I have a great group of supportive, encouraging, empathic friends to talk to about these things, which helps me immensely! And I have my amazing service dog to help me with anxiety, depression, and my physical disabilities.

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Training dogs by e mail

When I opened Pikes Peak Manners In Minutes in 2006 and started training dogs professionally, I thought I had everything figured out about what I would be doing.  Now 6 1/2 years later I find myself doing a lot of things I never thought of originally.

Neighborhood Pack started out as just a way to give my clients some extra time to work with me on their dogs.  Today it is a major part of my training.

I had never even thought about training a deaf dog.  But each year I train a couple of deaf dogs.  I also didn’t realize that this blog and a Facebook page would be in the mix.

But the biggest surprise is that I find myself training a couple of dogs each year by e mail. 

It started out, like so many things, simply enough.  A Lakeland breeder I know asked me to contact the owner of one of her dogs.  The owner was having a couple of problems that just needed some knowhow to get through.  The word got out and pretty soon I was getting regular requests from that breeder or others to help one of their dogs out in pet owners homes.

Then I was contacted by a Lakeland owner for some help.  The problem was easily cleared up.  But the dog owner was so impressed that she asked if I could help her train the dog in the entire Manners in Minutes system.

What resulted was a series of e mails.  I would explain how to train a command.  She would start working the dog in the command and as questions came up she would e mail and I would answer.

Wisely I kept all the e mails.  Last fall when I found myself going to Williamsburg VA for seminars those e mails became the basis of my new workbook.

And now when I train a dog by e mail, I have a workbook to guide the owner to the dog they want.

The one downside, I only get to see pictures of the dog.

 

Doug

 

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PIT BULLS AND OTHER DANGEROUS DOGS KEEP ON KILLING

http://www.optuszoo.com.au/news/top/news-com-au/guide-dog-killed-in-pit-bull-attack/750059

ANOTHER innocent Guide dog killed in yet ANOTHER vicious pit bull attack.  When are pit bull owners finally going to understand that their dogs are dangerous; they pose a huge danger to society!

Pit bulls are mauling, maiming and killing people, pets, and service/guide dogs at a rate UNMATCHED by any other type of dog, and WE ARE SICK OF IT!!!!

I dont really care whos at fault, whether its the dogs or the owners; it makes no difference to me. The fact is that pit bulls are dangerous, and a lot of times, so are their owners. So dont bother with your comments about who is at fault, and comment about that "its the owners fault."  I DONT CARE!!!! The FACT is, PIT BULLS CONTINUE TO MAUL, MAIM AND KILL AND IT NEEDS TO STOP, by whatever means necessary! If the damn dogs have to be removed as pets, then so be it.  This guide dog, and NO guide or service dogs, or family pets, or children, or adults deserve to be mauled to death or eaten alive by some aggressive dog, just because its owner thinks he/she has the RIGHT to own whatever dog they want.  Well, guess what....WE HAVE RIGHTS TOO!!!! WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO FEEL AND TO BE SAFE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS! 
And were DAMNED TIRED of your vicious dogs harassing, threatening, mauling and attacking, and even KILLING our family members, our pets, and our service and guide dogs! 

It used to be easy for you who own pit bulls, but not anymore! We are going to FIGHT you! And we WILL NOT STOP until these vicious dogs are off of our city streets and are NO longer in homes as pets.  WE WILL FIGHT until its done; until we can live safer, and in more peace in our neighborhoods and can walk down the street with our children, or our dogs and guide/service dogs, without the fear of being mauled to death by your inherently vicious pit bull type dog! 

If you dont want the fight, THEN CONTROL YOUR VICIOUS ANIMALS! Put up an adequate fence, get a stronger leash, train your dogs, put them in a locked pen....do whatever you have to do to MAKE THIS STOP, or youre going to have the fight of your life on your hands! We are gathering an army of support, most of them victims, and we WILL fight you! 


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2186433/Dog-bite-hospital-admissions-rise--especially-children.html

"In the UK it is illegal to breed or own Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brazilieros. They were bred as aggressive fighting dogs.

It is also an offence for an owner to allow a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control in a public place.

The Government has recognised that dog attacks is a growing problem. In 2011 police seized 1,512 illegal dogs – up from just 27 five years earlier. Meanwhile attacks on guide dogs were now running at the rate of seven a month."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2186433/Dog-bite-hospital-admissions-rise--especially-children.html#ixzz23AkD4Eoa

You CANNOT argue the FACT that pit bulls and their mixes, were bred to fight and kill, EVERYONE seems to know that except the owners of these dogs! 

These attacks are inexcusable! Unacceptable! And completely PREVENTABLE! 

You wonder why people like us want BSL?   THIS IS WHY! Because YOU pit bull owners, and owners of DANGEROUS DOGS cant seem to keep your damn killing machines under control! 

Have you ANY idea what it takes to train a service or guide dog? Have you any idea how much it costs? Do you know what kind of a bond a handler has with his/her service/guide dog?  DO YOU EVEN GIVE A DAMN?????


We Will be quiet NO MORE!!!!!!!

Join us to Walk For Victims of Pit Bulls and Other Dangerous Dogs

October 27th, 2012

12 noon- 7pm

Lincoln Park, Tucson, AZ 

ITS TIME FOR THE VOICES OF THE VICTIMS TO BE HEARD!!!

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Jade Gets Certified!!

Today, my Jade took her Certification Exam with the field trainer and the Head Trainer.  SHE PASSED!!! I knew she would; shes a great dog, and has come such a long way since beginning training!  She skipped the Level 1 beginning class, went into the Level II class, and acquired her Canine Good Citizen Certificate.





Soon after we started training; after her first class, she then skipped a class and went straight into service dog training. Once she got her CGC and headed off to service dog training she got her Blue Vest.  She began going everywhere with me in order to expose her to all kinds of environments, people, noises, sights, smells, etc.  She did great, but at this point still had an issue with loud noises making her very anxious and still was somewhat reactive when other dogs got in her face to sniff her.  I was discouraged about these two issues, as they were really her only issues.  Other than that, she was becoming a wonderful service dog and learning her tasks very well. If youve read my blog, you know how hard we worked on these two issues to get her where she is today.

She completed one service dog training class, skipped the Level II Service Dog class, and went straight into Field Training.   Thats when she got her Red Vest.  This meant "Service Dog In Training" and stated so on the vest. We worked hard together, getting her past her issues with loud noises and getting her past her reactivity to other dogs who got in her face.  Its noteworthy to add here, that we soon learned that Jades reactivity had a lot to do with her being viciously attacked by a roaming pit bull at the park, which she found very hard to get passed. We also learned that once she was passed it, I was not. Her reactivity was then a result of MY reaction when another dog got close to her or got in her face.  Once we had that down, it was a green light.  I began to change MY behavior in these situations, and hers followed.   Its also noteworthy to mention here that when a service dog is working (on duty) other dogs SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO GET IN HER FACE!! Nevertheless, there will ALWAYS be irresponsible and ignorant dog owners out there, who just either dont know what a service dog is, dont understand that letting their dog get in your service dogs face while its working is a complete and total distraction for the service dog, or simply dont care. I know this to be a FACT, because in the short amount of time that Jades been a service dog, MANY dog owners have let their dogs approach her and get in her face, sniff her, etc.  I now use this as an opportunity to educate people, if I have time; otherwise, we turn around and leave.

My field trainer and I worked hard on her reactivity issue and mine as well, and soon she was working alongside another service dog, and with the field trainers Rottweiler. Once this was going well, the field trainer informed me that she felt Jade was ready to take her certification exam.  A week later, thats what we did.  That was today.

 The test was pretty easy for Jade at this point, just because wed worked so hard and pushed her far beyond what the test requires.  I thanked the field trainer for that, because it got her through today with flying colors! So Jade has now acquired her Teal/Green Vest, which states that shes now a Certified Service Dog.









The Head trainer accompanied us once we reached the exam destination, and the field trainer came along as well. The Head trainer carried her clipboard, and marked things off as we did them. Just the fact that the dog is able to maneuver through the establishment with the appropriate service dog etiquette is a major requirement. This means, the dog has to be next to the handler at all times, no sniffing merchandise or people, no soliciting pets from people, and the dogs focus must always be on the handler. This requirement is first and foremost. Then we went through the checklist, which included things like coping well with loud noises and being able to recover quickly, performing down/stay with handler in sight and out of sight, tolerating a step-over by a stranger, petting by children, sit/stay with other dogs walking past/getting close, handler recall off leash, performing a front/wait at the cash register, performing leave it when food is left on the floor, or dropped, performing a follow the handler (walking behind the handler when necessary in tight spaces), performing an under (quietly lying under the table while the handler sits/eats/talks, etc for at least 15 min), proper bathroom etiquette (sit and wait quietly) and of course performing her tasks when cued, or when not cued. There were some other things that I cant think of right now, as its been a long day and Im wiped out.  The entire exam took about 2 and 1/2 hours, but it was mentally exhausting, and for someone that is disabled and finds it difficult just to get out and around, its tiring.

Jade was a SUPERSTAR!!! I am SO VERY proud of her for accomplishing what she has, and yeah, Ill say it....Im proud of myself too for working so hard on this, and for training her so well.

Jade is completely Certified now, but the training doesnt stop. It never stops.  A service dog must always be up to the standard that it can always pass the Certification exam.  So, her certification will expire in one year and at that time, she will take the test again. AFter that, it will expire after 2 years, and at that time, she will take the test once again.  This is done to ensure that the service dog team doesnt start slacking on the dogs requirements, and behavior/etiquette, etc.  I think this is great! Its important to make sure that the service dog teams out there are always being monitored.

The agency we Certified with told me that the ADA requirements may change soon, and that Certification by a professional trainer or agency may soon be a requirement for all service dogs. Frankly, I hope thats the case, because in my opinion, there are far too many service dogs out there that are NOT up to par, and could never pass the public access test, even though theyre out there in the public all the time.

Jade now has her Teal/Green Vest, is a completely Certified Service Dog, and will also soon be issued an I.D. card with our photo and names on it.  I couldnt be happier, or more proud of her!

GREAT JOB, JADE!!!!

Jade at 11 weeks, when I first brought her home. 

Jade at work in her Blue Vest
                                                                          

Pretty girl!

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The top 6 dog training mistakes you make these mistakes when training dogs

Training dogs is really very simple, if you do not make any errors. The error in the training of dogs is usually because of frustration or just forgetful. You have to do any of these mistakes and efforts to train your dog?

1. Use a different word or clues Command - When you train the dog you should always use the same word or "prompt" in training. The use of a number of different words can confuse your dog and he would not know what it is you want him.

2. Physically punish your dog in the dog training - you hit or slap your dog, he or she will not require you to do or what not to accept it? Physically punish your dog is not only causing your dog is afraid of you or your dog can lead to be aggressive.

3. Cry during training, or - if you want to cry or your dog training efforts at the same time, you defeat the purpose of all together. You want your dog to obey your orders, in your quiet voice. Through yelling, you will only cause confusion for the dog you always get your order or clues in your normal, calm voice. Use a different tone of voice is not the same, or loud shouting.

4. Courses lasting longer than 10-15 minutes - your dogs training should be for 1 0-1 5 minutes. Your dog will not continue his or her attention to you than a longer period of time. You need the training was useful ideas, your dog will be full of great importance for a long time look like a three-year-old child sitting in one place more than 5 minutes.

5. Forget the praise or the treatment of your dog every time he or she follows orders or appropriate behavior - you have to keep in mind, let your dog praise or treatment every time he or she follows orders or agent of the way, you look forward to .

6. Training in a bad mood - if you want to train your dog when you are in a bad mood, a bad day or uncomfortable, your dog will not fully benefit from your efforts and this could lead to the deterioration of you. It can also be confusing your dog always wait for your dogs training very good state of mind.

Training your dog has never been so simple! With SitStayFetch, you can avoid mistakes, it is easy to make and keep on the right track to train your dog. Reviews Web site, visit the dog training - review of the S itStayFetch.

Police dog training is an important and critical part of your dogs life. A specially trained dog is a happy, healthy and safe.

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BSL and Service Dogs

I have a really bad feeling that any city, county, state or country that has enacted, or will enact BSL  (Breed Specific Legislation) in the future, will start seeing a huge increase in "service dogs," and theyre gonna be pit bulls! Besides being morally corrupt, and completely disgraceful, its also against the law and a HUGE federal violation to impersonate a disabled person for the purpose of having a service dog; nevertheless, I think I can speak for many, many people in saying that there are A LOT of people in this country, and others, that fit this description.  Many more cities, and counties are learning more and more about pit bulls.  Not to mention the fact that they continue to maul, maim and kill more people and other animals than all other dog breeds combined.  Legislators are learning, and the people are getting tired of it.   More and more places are starting to discuss and enact BSL, which is leading those morally corrupt and disgraceful people to look for new ways to get around the law.  Yup, the perfect way to keep your pit bull, is to impersonate a disabled person and try to get your dog certified as a "service dog." Cmon pit bull owners, we know what youre doing. We may be disabled, but were NOT stupid!!!  Be advised, you morally corrupt and disgraceful people, the ADA and the Federal Government are also not stupid and are well aware of it....and there will SOON come a time when you all will be outed.  There will soon be a Federal Law enacted that will prohibit you from doing what youre doing! As it stands, the ADA is there for the purpose of protecting the disabled, and you, who try to FAKE your dogs certification as a "service dog" will soon pay the price.  Make no mistake!

Heres a quote I found online in regards to this topic. Frightening, isnt it?!

"As far as Im concerned, this is a loophole! Im planning on having all the BSL breeds in our rescue CGC and TDI certified. By federal law, no one is allowed to ask you for proof that the dog you have it a therapy dog. If they do you can sue them under ADA law. And all you need is a doctor willing to say you get stressed in public and need your dog to help you relax. That makes your dog a therapy dog. Done.


And now according to federal law, no city or state is allowed to ban your dog, regardless of breed, if its a therapy dog!!   Take that you brainless BSL supporting morons!!"


I wont go into why this person is a complete idiot, and totally ignorant of the law....well keep that between us.  If you know the law, you know why this will NOT work for this person.  She eventually decides to actually read the ADA regs and figures out why this wont work, but rest assured, there are many morally corrupt, disgraceful scumbags out there impersonating the disabled for this very reason. Watch out for them, and when you see them, REPORT THEM!!!

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Dumb dogs

When I first speak with someone about training their dog, I ask a lot of questions. Now it is impossible to figure out everything that is going on with a dog without seeing the dog. But owners can usually give me a head start on deciding what issues have to be dealt with by talking about their dog.

There is one thing almost everyone does. They start describing the problems and then suddenly pause. They then tell me that their dog is either very intelligent or very smart.


They are telling me something I already know. Thousands of years of breeding dogs to do jobs insured that only the smartest and most capable dogs descended from their wolf ancestors

A dog can be intense, funny, obnoxious, high strung, and a host of other things.


But there are no dumb dogs. If you do meet a dog that someone thinks is dumb, you have just met a dog that has figured out acting stupid pays well at his house.



Doug

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Pit Bulls Killing Guide and Service Dogs Continued

Posted: May 07, 2012 1:12 PM MSTUpdated: May 07, 2012 1:13 PM MST

 

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office says it has closed its investigation into an incident that a blind man said caused his guide dog to die.

It happened March 19 when Bruce Cole was out walking with his guide dog, "Quincy."

According to Cole, three dogs attacked Quincy. 

"I could feel the dogs hitting her," he said. "Then they came up and slammed her [to the ground]."

Over the next couple of weeks, Cole said Quincys health began deteriorating. She died on Friday.

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office confirmed in an e-mail to FOX 13 News that they were conducting a vicious dog investigation. The e-mail said "there were no documented injuries to Quincy, which the vet confirmed" and that "she developed an internal infection from stress."

The sheriffs office said it cited the dogs owners for letting them run loose and not having them properly licensed.

They said there were no other reports against the dogs, and with no other bites or complaints on file, they closed the investigation.

Cole said he has already started the process of getting a replacement for Quincy, but that it could take upwards of one year. 

    NOW  HERES THE REAL STORY

BRUCE COLE, A LEGALLY BLIND RESIDENT OF SARASOTA, WAS WALKING WITH HIS GUIDE DOG QUINCY ON MARCH 19, WHEN ACCORDING TO AN EYEWITNESS...........

                         2 PIT BULLS

BEGAN JUMPING ON QUINCY.  MR. COLE, HAVING WORKED WITH QUINCY FOR 7 YEARS WAS SENSITIVE TO HER MINUTEST MOVEMENTS THROUGH THE HARNESS THE DOG WORE AND KNEW THAT DOGS WERE HITTING AND PROBABLY BITING QUINCY.

BRUCE CALLED 911.  THE OWNER OF THE PIT BULLS CAME FROM HIS HOUSE AND HEARD BRUCE SAYING THAT HIS GUIDE DOG HAD BEEN ATTACKED  AND  HE CALLED HIM.....

                  "A (EXPLETIVE) LIAR"

WHICH CAN BE HEARD ON THE 911 TAPE.

TWO DEPUTIES FROM THE SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE ARRIVED BUT QUICKLY TURNED THE MATTER OVER TO AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER.  THIS OFFICER COULD DETECT NO BITES ON QUINCY BUT FOUND DROOL ON HER SHOULDER AND NECK, A COMMON SIGN OF BITING AND CHEWING.  THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER ISSUED CITATIONS TO THE OWNER FOR NOT KEEPING HIS DOGS UNDER CONTROL AND NOT HAVING PROOF OF SHOTS FOR EITHER DOG.  THE OWNER SAID......

"IM HAVING ISSUES WITH MY FRONT DOOR AND I NEED TO FIX IT."

QUINCY DID NOT EXHIBIT ANY SYMPTOMS FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT SEEMED TO BE SHAKEN.  MR COLE SPOKE WITH A VET BUT THEY AGREED HE SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR HER CONDITION.  THEN SHE BEGAN TO WOBBLE WHEN WALKING AND MR. COLE REALIZED QUINCY WAS LOSING THE USE OF HER HIND LEGS.  HE TOOK HER TO BENEVA ANIMAL HOSPITAL ON APRIL 9.

TESTS REVEALED THAT QUINCY HAD 2 FRACTURED VERTEBRAE AND A BACTERIAL INFECTION, THE CAUSE OF WHICH, GIVEN THE ABSENCE OF ANY OTHER TRAUMA, WAS LIKELY A PUNCTURE WOUND SUFFERED DURING  THE PIT BULL ATTACK.


          QUINCY DIED ON MAY 4




"IT IS A CRIME IN FLORIDA FOR ANYONE TO "PERMIT A DOG THAT HE OR SHE OWNS TO INTERFERE WITH THE USE OF A SERVICE ANIMAL BY OBSTRUCTING, INTIMIDATING OR OTHERWISE JEOPARDIZING THE SAFETY OF THE SERVICE ANIMAL OR ITS USER......" THIS IS A SECOND-DEGREE MISDEMEANOR FOR THE FIRST OFFENSE.  MORE SERIOUS CHARGES CAN BE FILED IF THE CONDITIONS OF THE INTERFERENCE INVOLVES INTENT .........

*************OR THE SERVICE ANIMAL IS KILLED ****************

IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED FILING SUCH A CHARGE, WHICH WOULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

CIVIL LIABILITY IS ALSO POSSIBLE.  SOME STATES NOW APPLY STRICT LIABILITY TO ATTACKS BY PIT BULLS.  WHEN STRICT LIABILITY IS APPLIED, AS IN A CASE DECIDED BY MARYLANDS HIGHEST COURT IN APRIL (TRACEY V. SOLESKY), "IT IS NO DEFENCE THAT A KEEPER EMPLOYED REASONABLE CARE, OR EVEN A HIGH DEGREE OF DILIGENCE TO PREVENT THEIR ESCAPE.  LIABILITY IS INDEPENDENT OF ANY FAULT ON THE PART OF THE OWNER."  STRICT LIABILITY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO LANDLORDS OF TENANTS WITH PIT BULLS.

MANY STATES INCLUDING FLORIDA, HAVE PASSED LAWS IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE SUCH INCIDENTS AND THE RESULTANT COST TO GUIDE DOG USERS, WHO MOST OFTEN WAIT UP TO A YEAR TO GET ANOTHER DOG, AS IS LIKELY TO BE TRUE FOR MR. COLE.

HAVING LAWS ON THE STATUTE BOOKS CANNOT HELP IF AUTHORITIES REMAIN UNAWARE OF THEM OR REGARD THEM AS UNENFORCEABLE.  IT IS HOPED THAT SERVICE ANIMAL INTERFERENCE LAWS, AND INCIDENTS THAT SHOULD BE PROSECUTED UNDER THEM, WILL RECEIVE GREATER ATTENTION FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE PUBLIC, AND THE MEDIA, IN THE FUTURE.

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

ROYAL OAK MI - PIT BULL BREAKS FREE FROM A 10-YEAR-OLD AND ATTACKED A DOG BEING TRAINED BY LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND

Sunday - June 3, 2012 - A   PIT BULL  broke loose from a 10-year-old girl Sunday afternoon and attacked a dog that was being trained by Leader dogs for the Blind. The  Golden Retriever that was attacked was training in the citys downtown with an instructor and a blind client.

The 10-year-old girls mother left her with the Pit bull on the sidewalk cafe of Burgrz Restaurant on South Main.  Lana Louys of Wyandotte, who was dining at the restaurants outdoor area said she heard the girl screeam and looked up to see th Pit Bull scrambling after a seeing-eye dog and a blind man who were passing by....


THE PIT BULL PINNED THE SEEING-EYE DOG TO THE GROUND AND HAD IT BY THE THROAT. ABOUT 10 MEN GOT INVOLVED AND SOMEHOW PRIED THE PIT BULL OFF" THE 18-MONTH-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER.



One of the men held the dog on his leash while others finally found the girls mother about five minutes later.  Police said that neither of the dogs needed medical treatment, though there was a small spot of blood on the golden retrievers neck.  Animal Control is investigating.

A spokeswoman at Leader dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills said it will take another week or two before they are able to determine if the incident will have any lastsing effect on the Golden Retriever and possible end its eligibility as a leader dog.  It had completed 4 months of training and was in its final month, when leader dogs typically work with deaf or blind clients.

Make NO MISTAKE-PIT BULLS ARE KILLERS!!!!!!!

Pit Bull owners are the lowest of the low, most vile, disgusting people Ive ever had the displeasure of interacting with!

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Victims of Pit Bulls and Other Dangerous Dogs

I made this video in honor of all the victims of Pit Bulls and Other Dangerous Dogs, because people need to see what these dogs are doing.  They need to see the impact that their pit bulls are having on families, and communities nationwide.  People need to be aware.

The pit bull zealots have for years refused to see the danger in having pit bulls as pets, and continue to refuse to this day; but just because they wont admit to the facts, doesnt make them untrue. Please watch this video and you would, please share it with as many people as you possibly can.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bMMECgOG-aM

Thank you.

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Your Dog and Your Family The Dynamics

My Uncle and I both got puppies from the same breeder at the same time.  When we got them, they both appeared to be just alike.  Now, my Uncles 1 year old Terrier is as calm as calm can be.  Wolfie, his brother, is just a complete crazy nut.  What happened?

The answer is pretty simple, but sometimes the simple things are the hardest to recognize.  From our experience in training over 2,000 doggies in South Florida, family dynamics has a great deal to do with how they are going to act.

If the family is made up of older adults who are normally calm and lead structured lives, their doggie will normally be calm and sedate.  If the family lives an active lifestyle, has children who love to play and chase them, and are always having friends and neighbors over, they will probably have a more active, social, engaging, and (sometimes) annoying doggie.

Remember the old saying, "You are what you eat"?  Our doggies will often adjust to our environment so they "Are who we are".  Since most people are just fine with their calm, well behaved, and sedate doggies, let me focus on some times for the crazy, annoying doggies:

• Dont go nuts with Wolfie in the house.  He will get used to chasing you, barking, jumping, and stealing things from you in the house all the time.  He doesnt understand that he cant do it all the time and will find the most inopportune time to display these annoying traits (that you actually taught him).
• Be sure to find at least 30 minutes every day to play and go nuts with Wolfie in the back yard or any large, enclosed area.  Throw the Frisbee, toss tennis balls, scatter feed, or do anything else that gets him engaged and drains the adrenaline.  Do not play games that might encourage general bad behavior such as tug-of-war, chase-me chase-me, or jump-on-me with him.
• Have your children pet Wolfie calmly by stroking him from the back of his head to the middle of his neck.  This is a very calming and soothing experience for Wolfie.  It also teaches your kids and Wolfie how they can engage each other without going nuts.
• Ask your guests to ignore Wolfie for the first few minutes when they come over.  Wolfie sees your guests entering the house as "new playmates" and will almost instantly engage them by barking and jumping.  Have them ignore Wolfie so he will understand that his behavior is inappropriate.  After a few minutes after Wolfie has calmed down, they can then engage in calm interaction in the house or they can go outside and play fetch, etc.

The main focus here is to manage Wolfies adrenaline through your example.  If you are calm with Wolfie, you will not encourage a spike in his adrenaline that leads to the annoying crazy stuff.

If you have more questions, we would be more than happy to provide additional information.  You can contact us through our web site at South Florida Dog Trainers.

   

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Finding a Dog Trainer

FOREWORD

The original purpose of this blog was to give people considering training with me some insight to how I do things. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was also a good way to blow off some steam.

What I also did not realize was how many people outside Colorado Springs would read this blog. A few weeks ago I got a request to print a blog article from New Zealand. Unfortunately I did not take a picture of how much my head swelled up on that day.

So for those of you in Colorado Springs thinking about training here at Pikes Peak Manners In Minutes read this and apply it to me too. For those of you elsewhere, I hope this helps you pick a trainer.

THE DOG DOESN’T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WANT.

If you look at it analytically, training is getting a dog to do something they already know how to do and can physically perform, when you want them to do it. They know how to sit. You first teach them the word for it and then you teach them that sit is a command to be obeyed. On the other hand since a dog doesn’t have thumbs, you probably can’t teach them to drive.

The key is consistency. If the trainer is not consistent with your dog, or the trainer does not have the time or ability to make you consistent, the training never goes well.

THE OWNER DOESN’T UNDERSTAND WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO DO IT.

The trainer has taught every command, and made it reliable, hundreds or thousands of times. The owner hasn’t. Since the average trainer sees more dogs in a week than the client will own in a lifetime, the trainer is not going to have a problem. But it the trainer fails to teach the owner the what and how of the training system, then the dog will not become reliable.

Some people can train dogs but not people. And I suppose some can train people but not dogs. Find a trainer who trains both.

THE PACE OF THE TRAINING DOESN’T ADAPT TO THE DOG’S NEEDS AND EXPERIENCES.

Dogs can’t be turned out like cookies with a cookie cutter. Different ages, different breeds and different events shape how the dog learns. A six month old retriever who was obtained at six weeks is going to train differently from an eight year old terrier that is at its third home.

If the training system or the trainer cannot adjust the training to meet the dog’s needs, then it will not work.

THE OWNER NEVER LEARNS THE BASICS OF PACK LEADERSHIP.

The pack leader is fair, firm and consistent. If the trainer or the training method fails to teach that to the owner, then the dog will not respect the owner. Without respect, no training method will work reliably.

If the trainer is not fair, firm, and consistent, you will have a hard time being fair, firm and consistent. Both of you may be alpha, but that bullying, not leadership.

THE TRAINING METHOD DOESN’T MAKE SENSE TO THE DOG AND/OR TO THE OWNER.

If doesn’t make sense to one or the other, then it just is not going to work. Some methods make sense to the dog but not the owner. That is the fault of the trainer. Some methods do not make sense to the dog, that is the fault of the system the trainer uses

The trainer has to make a commitment that the dog and the owner will not fail. The training method has to give the owner the ablity to keep that commitment.

YOU AREN’T COMFORTABLE WITH THE TRAINER.

Sometimes people pick trainers because of really good advertising. You call because of the size of the ad or the wording of a website. But all advertising (including mine) is designed to get you in the door. That doesn’t guarantee that what is inside the door is what you want, what you or the dog can do, and most importantly what you feel comfortable with.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows there were over 41000 people who listed themselves as full time animal trainers (all animals, not just dogs) in 2008.

Of course if there was a reliable way of grading them you would have a bell curve distribution. Only a very few will be really, really bad, and only a very few would be very, very good. The greatest number will be okay.

So find someone you are comfortable with. Do your research. Look at everything you can find on them. Take everything, especially testimonials on their website and reviews on lists that don’t have everybody, with a grain of salt.

Go and meet with them. Most aren’t so rich and so famous that they do not have time to spend on you before they sign you up. See their training center. If they have an evaluation, watch how your dog reacts to them and how they react to your dog. Ask if you can sit in on a class. And don’t rely on how their dog acts. It won’t be an average dog.

If you are comfortable with the system and the trainer, you probably found the right match.

Doug

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Pat Muller and Manners in Minutes

I check the stats on this blog on a regular basis along with the stats on my website, www.ppmim.net. Among other things I can see what web pages or articles get looked at and how many people looked at them. I also get the search phrases that found each site.

One of the more common search phrases is Manners in Minutes or Pat Muller Manners in Minutes. I think some people are looking for her rather than me.

So if you came to this site looking for either Pat or her wonderful training system, let me tell you about her.

I met Pat about seven years ago when she gave a seminar in Denver. We had taken Chicklet, our female Lakeland Terrier, to that seminar when a fairly good and very likeable trainer in town here had worked with Chicklet. And unfortunately his training had not helped, it had just made things worse. When I asked my breeder what to do, she sent me to Pat.

I attended a lot of seminars when I was in law enforcement. Most were pretty good, some were excruciatingly bad (usually the subject was okay but the instructor was lousy) and a very few that had an immediate and important impact. When Pat stood up and explained how her system and tools worked, a light bulb went on over my head. This was a system that both the dog and the owner could understand. And this was a system that mimicked how dogs learn when raised in a working pack. And Pat is one of those speakers who leave an indelible impression on you.

A few months later we attended a Lakeland event at Pat’s Quansa Kennels in South Beloit IL. There is a reason I call this blog the Accidental Dog Trainer. Somehow from those two events, without intending for it to happen, I ended up opening a Manners in Minutes training center here in Colorado Springs when I retired.

It did not take me very long, due to the Manners in Minutes system, to start to build a solid reputation as a dog trainer here. And it would be easy for me to get a swollen head. Cops aren’t known for having modest egos. But for the first couple of years I got to go out and train with Pat for a few days each year. And that has kept me humble. It still does.

When each dog finishes in here, it goes out a well trained and well mannered dog. A big part is my experience in using the system, an even bigger part is the system itself. But the biggest reason for that dog and owner’s success is the talent and brilliance of Pat Muller.

So if you got here today because you are looking at training in the Manners in Minutes system, then yes, you should use it to train your dog.

There are a couple of ways to train in this system. Pat does mail order both a book and a DVD on how to train the dog yourself, along with the necessary training equipment. And she has a Yahoo group that supports her system. A few of you may know someone who has trained in the system who can help you. I think it really helps to have someone with experience in the system to work with you, but I know that is not always possible.

Through Pat I know a number of people who are not doing this professionally, but help out with rescue and other organizations.

If however you want to travel where you can work in a training center in this method, at the moment you only have two choices, Pikes Peak Manners In Minutes here in Colorado Springs with me and Quansa Kennels in South Beloit IL with Pat.

As much as I would like you to come here for training, and I will add that I think it’s prettier with a nicer climate, if you cant come here, go to Quansa.

Listen to Pat, do what she teaches you. You will end up with a wonderful, well mannered and obedient dog.

I did.

Doug

PS The picture is Pat Muller training me at Quansa a couple of years ago. The dogs were fine, I needed some extra work.

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Service Assistant Guide Dogs Attacked

Several service/assistant/guide dogs are being attacked by loose dogs, mostly pit bull type, gripping, fighting breed dogs, and this NEEDS TO STOP!!!  Its bad enough that people own these types of dogs at all, but the fact they seem to be the most irresponsible dog owners out there, always letting their grippers run loose, is reeking havoc on most cities nowadays.

I have previously blogged about this on another page, here in this blog, but it seems this topic needs more and constant attention.  There are service dogs out there that are having to be retired early, and even killed by loose, and aggressive dogs, leaving their handlers devastated, and taking away their handlers independence and freedom. This is just NOT okay.

Yes, as far as the law states now, in many cities, people are able to own their dog of choice (not everywhere though) and if people want to own a vicious breed of dog, that was originally bred for the purpose of fighting and killing, then so be it; but these types of dogs must NOT be allowed to roam the streets injuring people and their dogs.  Mind you, NO dog should be able to roam the streets, loose, becoming a nuisance and even a danger to society, but these fighting breed dogs are causing serious problems, and are impinging on the rights of good citizens to feel and be safe.

The owners of these vicious types of dogs are always screaming out their rights to own these dogs. Fine, then BE RESPONSIBLE! Admit that your dog is capable of killing another dog or person in just a few minutes (sometimes seconds) and do the right thing. Keep them on the sturdiest leash you can find, muzzle it if need be, or just dont take it out in public where it can be a danger to someone.  The owners are always talking about their rights to own these dogs, and that they will fight to the death to keep them from being banned (as they are in several cities, counties and even countries) but if you ask me, theyre are precisely the ones that are causing these bans to get enacted, but they just dont realize it. They are causing it because they are over-breeding these dogs to make a buck, and treating them "just like any other dog," which is certainly NOT the case! They are being completely irresponsible and letting these dogs roam the streets, they have inadequate enclosures for them, and they always "somehow" get out and hurt someone. There are millions, yes millions, of these types of dogs filling up shelters all across the country, yet the owners are always talking about how much they LOVE their vicious dogs.  Im sorry, but if you love your dog, you make it a safe and appropriate enclosure so that it cant get loose and lost, you keep it on a sturdy leash, and you make sure its not consistently hurting people and dogs, as to give it a "bad reputation" therefore ensuring that your type of dog is not consistently in the news causing law makers to have to take action. Get it?

Disabled people and their service dogs have rights too! Everyone does. The right to own a dog, feel safe, be safe, be independent and free, freedom of speech and the like are not rights that are only reserved for those who wish to own the most vicious and dangerous type of dogs out there! Although it seems that these type of dog owners seem to think so.  Can they stop for one minute to think about the rights of others? Just once???

I wonder if they realize the blood, sweat, tears and money that goes into a disabled person acquiring and training an assistance dog? I wonder if they even care? I think its a major problem that the owners of these types of fighting breed dogs wont even admit that their dogs are serious potential danger.  They wont admit the facts about their own dog, which I dont understand. I will freely admit that the breed of dog I have is subject to chasing birds, retrieving things, and is subject to certain types of health concerns, such as hip dysplasia, but the owners of gripping type dogs refuse to accept or admit that their dogs are dangerous.  I just dont get it.  They seem to blame everyone else, especially the victims of their dogs, for their dogs behavior.  I dont understand this way of thinking; it just doesnt make sense.

My trainer often fosters these types of dogs; fighting breed dogs, such as pit bulls (and their cousins) but is willing to accept and admit the truth about them.  She accepts and will tell you that these dogs are a potential danger to people, a lot of people are afraid of them, dont like them, they are prone to violence and prone to attacking other dogs and people too.  She will tell you that these types of dogs have a different body language that is extremely difficult to read, even by other dogs, therefore leading to surprise attacks by these dogs.  She will tell you that these dogs need a special type of training, a special type of enclosure, as they are escape artists, and will tell you that these dogs are NOT for the average dog lover.  They need a special type of care.  I dont see why the owners of these dogs dont admit and accept these facts.  If they would, Im certain there would be a lot less problems with these dogs.  There wouldnt be so much news coverage on them, and there wouldnt be so many attacks and killings perpetrated by these types of dogs.  "Theyre just like any other dog," just isnt getting it done!

Thats my rant, and after all is said and done, who really cares what I say, or how I feel, but the point is that service/assistant/guide dogs, and others, continue to be attacked, mauled, and/or killed by these types of dogs.  So because the owners refuse to accept the facts, refuse to admit the truth about their gripping dogs, dont cry when the law makers have to take over, or step in to keep the public safe from your fighting breed dogs.

I cant imagine what it would be like to be blind, period; and then to be walking down the street, led by your noble guide dog (which cost you $40,000 to acquire and maintain), feeling a great sense of pride and accomplishment, independence and freedom (which took you almost 10 years to accomplish), when suddenly, some irresponsible gripping dogs owner has let their vicious dog out to come and savage your noble guide dog, ripping apart that independence and freedom you have worked so hard to acquire.  Yes, picture it!  What is a blind person to do in this situation?  Ive read that some just let go of their guide dog and offer it the opportunity to defend itself, or scream in terror for help to anyone that might be willing to jump in and save your noble friend.  Service dogs are NOT like any other dog.  They are specially trained, and difficult to acquire and maintain, not to mention expensive.  But why should the owner of a fighting breed dog care about this?

PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOGS ON A LEASH AND THINK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLES RIGHTS TO BE SAFE AND FREE, AND INDEPENDENT.  PLEASE THINK ABOUT WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE DISABLED AND TO TRY TO DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST THIS KIND OF ATTACK.

Great Video about Guide Dogs:

http://explore.org/#!/videos/player/guide-dogs-america

Another guide dog attacked in England....

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/guide_dog_attacked_by_another_dog_in_magdalen_street_norwich_1_1333084

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Service-dog-attacked-Owner-needs-help-with-needed/xDKYZ4kBo06aa7qHw9_WuA.cspx

http://servicedogsawayoflife.blogspot.com/2011/06/news-service-dog-attacked-on-walk-with.html

PLEASE SEE MY PAGE (IN THIS BLOG) ON "SERVICE DOG DANGERS"

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