rumors and ignorance have created a world of myths and legends about dangerous dogs.
Some of the features that "supposedly" share all dangerous dogs and we have all heard of it are:
* Dogs of breeds with strong prey drive: rottweiler, german shepherd, pitbull, Belgian shepherd malinois, etc..
* Dogs of breeds of dogs bred for fighting or hunting: pitbull, dogo argentino, american bulldog, tosa Inu, etc..
* Short-haired dogs. Strange as it sounds this is in some regulations on breeding and possession of dangerous dogs. ....................
* Dogs eyes. Supposedly, this is an indicator of emotional instability of the dog.
* Dogs big and powerful race.
* Dogs head wide and flattened snout.
The above list may not ever finish when you consider all the myths and legends that exist around the dangerous dogs, however, that list is enough to realize that all these dogs are only dangerous myths, and not are indicative of anything.
The objections of these features are:
* Thousands of dogs with strong prey drive are used to contribute to society, either as rescue dogs, therapy dogs, assistance dogs for the disabled and why not, dogs allowed
* The above is true for the breeds were originally bred for fighting and hunting. Unfortunately, there are still fighting dogs and that helps to maintain this myth
* The subject of dogs associated with short-haired dog is a dangerous stupidity or phobia of some legislators to the short-haired dogs
* The myth on the eyes and dangerous dogs has spread because some trainers and canine behaviourists, not knowing enough about genetics and animal behavior, have spread that idea based on incorrect interpretations on standards of race. There are hundreds of thousands of dogs with eyes that are not aggressive
* The bite of a large breed dog is obviously more powerful and harmful than that of a small race. However, dogs big and powerful does not necessarily bite more often. This depends on the education and socialization of the dog. Unfortunately, the bites of small dogs are often not reported and this has helped to propagate the idea that dogs are only dangerous in big races
* The head wide and flattened and the snout is not synonymous with dangerous dogs. Any responsible breeder of boxer will tell you that these dogs are extremely affectionate and playful, especially with the little ones at home.
Leaving aside the myths about the dangerous dogs, there is a real characteristic shared by all dogs dangerous irresponsible owners.
A poorly socialized dog, and without any education or training a dog is dangerous, regardless of race, size, eye color or other physical characteristic. Similarly, a mistreated dog may react aggressively out of fear, and must be handled with care.
It is therefore important that, before adopting or buying a dog, you reports on the psychological needs of this and carry out a good socialization and good training. Do not worry about existing myths are just that: myths.
Cesar Millan is a world-renowned dog behavior specialist, known for his uncanny ability to walk large packs of dogs at a time. Not only that but, from poodles to pit bulls, these now well-behaved canines have each been rehabilitated, rescued from a wide range of extreme behavior issues - anything from insecurity to severe 'red zone' aggression! ........................
Born and raised in Mexico, his blessed gift - a primal communion with nature - always came naturally to him, but his unique connection to canines became most noticeable around the age of 13. Everywhere Cesar went, there always seemed to be a swirl of dogs surrounding him. The locals gave him a nickname, "El Perrero" - Spanish for "The Dogman".
Cesar embraced this gift whole-heartedly, and he came to America to pursue his dream of becoming the greatest dog trainer in the world. He soon realized, though, that he was searching for something rather more profound than teaching dogs basic commands.
Heeding his grandfather's advice to 'never work against Mother Nature', Cesar acquired yet another pack of dogs. He passionately studied books on dog psychology, but it was through his own observation, awareness, and first hand experience that Cesar distilled his own formulas that clearly kept dogs balanced, calm, and submissive.
Cesar first captured the national spotlight when his National Geographic Channel series Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan premiered in 2004.
What are pet food pantries? They are places for pet owners to go where they can receive low or no cost food and supplies. The pantries owners will encourage or request recipients to donate time and/or skills to help out. It’s a win-win, owners are able to keep their beloved pets and give back to the community at the same time.
We have a local pantry, Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen, that was recently interviewed about what they do, and the difference their services can make.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (MyFOX ATLANTA) - Many pet owners facing tough times have been forced to give up their beloved animals because they can’t afford to care for them. One Metro Atlanta non-profit group is offering a helping hand to those in need by giving away free pet food.
The tough economic times are taking a toll on man’s best friend. The rising gas and food prices coupled with the high rate of foreclosures in Georgia are having a direct affect on pets.
More people are looking for ways to cut corners and some have been forced to give up their beloved pets.
Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen is trying to help owners struggling to feed their cats and dogs by providing free pet food.
Donations of food and other pet supplies poured into a warehouse on Oakland Industrial Court in Lawrenceville Saturday afternoon.
Daffy’s, part of the SOS Club of Georgia, is spearheading the program.
“We normally would have to drive to [people's homes] to try to meet them, assist them. Now, we can get people coming in off the street. We can help 10 times the people we’ve been helping before,” said Wargo.
Through their efforts, Wargo said he hoped fewer people would be forced to give up their pets to get by.
“Keep more pets home with their families where they belong,” Wargo said.
Daffy’s is in the process of expanding their operations, they are about to open a third kitchen, and are looking to start five more pantries in the metro area. Another local pet pantry is Meals “FUR” Pets, they even have a “Pet Meals on Wheels” program. It assists qualifying individuals with loving pets in need. Elderly individuals with pets, disabled shut-ins with pets who are not able to feed their furry family members. Over 25,000 pounds of pet food passed thru Meals “FUR” Pets organization in 2007.
The two pet food pantries I’ve mentioned are both located in Georgia, but you can find one near you too. Sometimes it take a bit of searching, until recently there have been no national pet food pantry resources, just individual sites. Now there are two groups that are working on changing that, Save Our Pets Food Banks and the HSUS are working on compiling a national list of pet food banks. If anyone has a food pantry or knows of one, both sites have a place to add the name to their lists.
These resources are there for a reason, no one should ever feel ashamed asking for help. At one time or another everyone needs help, the only shame is not asking.
I want to thank Dogster member Christy for barking to me about pet food pantries, suggesting I help get the word out to those who may not know about this option. Christy’s niece is associated with For The Love Of A Pet food pantry and boutique. It’s a great organization located on Cape Cod and is hoping to eventually expand throughout Massachusetts.
Best Friends is a rescue organization dedicated to helping animals that are from mills, unwanted, abused, etc. About a month or so ago Whispering Oaks Kennels in West Virginia surrendered close to 1000 dogs, mostly dachshunds and Best Friends came to the rescue. Please read this post to learn about why we should never buy from animals from pet stores, online, and most breeders. Please do not support mills (which means pet stores, most people do not know that) and adopt!
Parker is one in a thousand—literally. Our little brown Dachshund was one of nearly that many dogs and puppies surrendered by Whispering Oaks Kennel in Parkersburg, West Virginia last week. Until he was rescued, Parker lived in a rabbit hutch with three other dogs; it’s likely he never left that cage. Ever.
I first met Parker last Sunday, when I was on a team of three whose job it was to go cage by cage and put an ID band on each and every dog. My volunteer partner Travis called the ID bands “the ticket out of here.” He and I went along methodically along with Deputy Shanna Modesitt to make sure we had tagged every dog in every cage, and then teams came along behind us and loaded the dogs in crates so they could be taken to the staging area where an army of rescue workers and volunteers waited. Parker was in a free-standing rabbit hutch-type cage outside. All the cages looked like they’d been slapped together with whatever scrap material the breeder could find. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to live in that cage every single day, with nowhere to get out of the sweltering heat, and nothing but a plywood box with no bedding to curl up in during the freezing winter.
Before we loaded him into a travel crate on our van to come home to Utah, the only experience I’d had with Parker was taking him out of his cage at the puppy mill. But his personality soon presented itself—and what a personality he has! We stopped every few hours to get the dogs out of their cages, since we’d had to really pack them in to fit everyone in the van. My biggest fear was that we’d lose a dog, considering that they’d never ever been walked on a leash before, and probably hadn’t ever walked on the ground before. But little Parker handled it like a pro. He got so excited when we came to his travel crate, he’d SMILE with that crazy mug! Many dogs smile when they’re excited, wrinkling their noses and showing their teeth in a big grin. On Parker, that smile was quite a sight to behold. But what a great little guy.
Soon he was walking on the leash pretty well, sniffing the grass, and going potty outside like a good boy.
After nearly forty hours on the road, we finally arrived at the sanctuary where everyone got to meet Parker for the first time. I can’t wait to watch him blossom here with the care and love that he has deserved, but has been denied until now.
For more information about Best Friends Animal Society please visit their website, http://www.bestfriends.org
Please educate people on the terrible attrocities that happen at puppy mills. We can stop this by not purchasing dogs but adopting instead. Please remember that for every dog that is purchased one dies in a shelter.
Hello everyone. Just wanted to apologize to anyone who visited animaloverdose over the last couple of days. We were unfortunately victims of a absolute scumbag who thought it would be clever to hack our site and change our homepage to some anti bush profanities. We have taken measures to try and prevent this happening again. We can only hope you understand!
Thought i’d share this picture with you to cheer you up! Please leave your captions in the comments box
Each year, the American Kennel Club compiles a list of the year’s most desired breeds. For 2008, I am happy to announce that the “top dog” (and reigning champ for the last 18 years) happens to be the breed closest to my heart: The Labrador Retriever:
The Labrador Retriever is the breed my family has chosen my entire life, so I can speak first hand about their ease with children, playful attitude, and loyalty. My nephews are toddlers and are quite fond of tail pulling, sitting on a sleeping dog, and ear tugging. My Labs take all the confusing displays of affection in stride, though their eyes sometimes indicate they are thinking, “Uh, can someone help me out here?” All joking aside, Labradors are well know as a family dog and are great around young children. In my experience, they also adapt very well to the other pets in a new home, which makes them a great addition to most household situations.
The Labrador is defined by its eagerness to please its owner which makes it an incredibly obedient dog, as well as a great student. They are easy to train and are extremely intelligent. What most people don’t know is that the Lab is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States. Their intelligence makes them fantastic guide dogs for the blind, a great asset to police forces, and a much needed team member for many search-and-rescue teams. However, as the name indicates, they are best know for their talent of retreiving. That said, you are sure to find a new hunting buddy or fellow fisherman in this breed.
Now, without further ado…here are the remaining top 10:
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Bulldog
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu
In the first paragraph, I linked to the AKC’s descriptive entry on this great animal. I have also included links to descriptions for the other top 9 dogs. However, should you like to share your joyful experience with your own pup’s breed, comment away! There are plenty of breeds out there , and we’d love to hear great stories about all of them.
Many people will tell you that it's a very bad habit to let your dogs get
into your bed. They say that it allows them to feel that they're the boss
and makes them push. Or they say that it's just bad manners.
However, it's a great way to lower your heating bills! Eskimos frequently
sleep with their dogs to keep warm. In fact, when the Eskimos want to call
a particular night really cold, they call it a "Three dog night!" meaning
that it takes three dogs to keep them warm!
There is some truth however, in the sayings of those who advise owners not
to let their dogs sleep with them. It really depends on the relationship
between owner and dog. Anxious, or neurotic dogs are spoiled by allowing
them on the bed at night, and in other cases, it may be just fine.
There's considerable debate over this issue, with some claiming that close
contact with pets is hazardous, and others claiming that it boosts your
immune system. My personal opinion is towards the latter, but you can never
tell how others are going to react.
As long as you know who is in charge!
