My Response To Eric Zorn Of The Chicago Tribune

My response to Eric Zorn’s column on banning pit bulls in Chicago:

Breed-specific legislation (BSL), which restricts or bans certain dog breeds based on perceived risk, has been debated in various communities as a approach to public safety. From an ethological perspective, canine behavior arises from a complex interplay of genetic predispositions, environmental factors, individual development, and human management—principles explored in Niko Tinbergen's foundational analysis of behavioral causation, ontogeny, function, and evolution. While concerns about severe incidents involving dogs are valid and warrant careful consideration, evidence on the efficacy of BSL remains mixed, with many professional observations suggesting it may not address root contributors to incidents. This article reviews trends in BSL outcomes, alternative strategies, and insights from behavioral science to inform responsible ownership and community policies.
Historical implementations of BSL, such as restrictions on breeds associated with higher reported bite severity, aimed to reduce risks. However, studies indicate limited long-term effectiveness in lowering overall bite incidents or fatalities. For example, analyses of regions with bans show that severe attacks persist, often involving other breeds or mixes, as owners adapt through crossbreeding or misidentification. Professional experience in companion dog training aligns with this, noting that behavioral issues frequently tie to socialization deficits, management practices, or contextual triggers rather than breed alone.
Contributing factors to canine-related incidents often include environmental and social elements, such as inadequate supervision, lack of early enrichment, or associations with high-risk activities. Ethologically informed approaches emphasize addressing these through education on innate drives and contingency-based learning, promoting stable outcomes without overgeneralizing risks to entire breed groups.
Alternatives supported by behavioral experts include:

• Comprehensive owner education on responsible management and training.
• Enforcement of existing laws on dangerous dogs, regardless of breed.
• Community programs for accessible sterilization, socialization resources, and behavioral assessments.
• Focus on individual temperament evaluations over blanket restrictions.

In conclusion, while public safety is paramount, strategies grounded in behavioral science and practical observations suggest targeted, evidence-based interventions yield more sustainable results. For communities considering policies or owners navigating concerns, consulting certified professionals provides tailored guidance aligned with canine welfare.
This article incorporates AI-assisted drafting based on the BASSO METHOD framework and has been reviewed for accuracy, alignment with ethological principles, and adherence to these parameters.Bibliography

1. Tinbergen, N. (1963). On aims and methods of ethology. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie, 20(4), 410–433. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0310.1963.tb01161.x (Framework for analyzing behavioral causation and function).
2. Patronek, G. J., Slater, M., & Marder, A. (2010). Use of a number-needed-to-ban calculation to illustrate limitations of breed-specific legislation in decreasing the risk of dog bite-related injury. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 237(7), 788–792. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.237.7.788 (Analysis of BSL effectiveness).
3. SamTheDogTrainer.com. (n.d.). BASSO METHOD core documents (e.g., behavioral assessments and ethological applications). Retrieved from https://samthedogtrainer.com [Internal reference for practical alternatives].

ALEVE ALMOST KILLED MY DOG!

Have you ever considered how you store medications in your home? Many of them are lethal if your dog swallows them. My dog almost died after swallowing an Aleve. He was in the hospital for 3 days, coughing up, and defecating blood. It severely ulcerated his stomach, and he could have bled to death internally. I now am very careful to quarantine all my medications in locked containers in my bathroom. They aren’t left on counters or tables, anywhere in my home, period. I almost lost my dog, and I won’t let it happen again.

UPDATE: Fatal Dog Attack Will Not Result In Criminal Charges Against Owner

“The Milam County sheriff says charges are not likely against the owner of six dogs that killed a Thorndale woman… The dogs involved in the attack were more than 2-feet-tall each. They were inside a three-foot gate, with the door open.”

OK, here is the update on this dog attack. A 3 foot fence is NOT adequate for containing a dog. No wonder the dogs got out. Even though it appears the owner will not be charged with a crime, this attack, in my opinion, assuming the facts of the case are as they appear in the news, should have resulted in charges against the owner.

But, also, the city involved might also be at fault. In some cities and communities, it is illegal to put up a 6 foot fence in your yard. Those types of laws need to be repealed.

Only PROBATION? For Beating A Dog With A Baseball Bat? I AM OUTRAGED!

Man gets probation for beating dog
Posted: Tuesday, Nov 29, 2005 - 11:25:36 am CST
By Jen Scherer
Daily News staff writer

A Beloit man who severely beat a dog with a baseball bat will serve probation, and cannot own pets for three years, as a result of the crime.

Join The Dog Holocaust Forum!

Do you want to be notified of the latest news concerning breed bans, and work with others to coordinate their defeat? Then you need to join the Dog Holocaust forum.

“On 9 July 2000, in response to a quickly approaching deadline (at which time Germany was to begin euthanizing innocent pets) dee dee Andersson of the United States, Anne Griffin of the United Kingdom and Catherine Walker of Austria joined together to found the DogHolocaust International Mailing List. They had a clear goal - stop breed specific laws (BSL) from being written or enforced. DogHolocaust evolved and became a strong statement for anti-breed-specific legislation. DogHolocaust is totally independent of any other organization and welcomes responsible input from dog registry services around the globe or responsible media articles pertinent to the battle against BSL. From its inception the DogHolocaust effort has never wavered from its mission. Rational letter writing, petition signing and friendly demonstrations of protest are encouraged. DogHolocaust is earning and will continue to earn respect and cooperation in the worldwide dog community and from those persons in positions to effect quality changes in legislation that would, indeed, punish the deed and NOT the breed.”

Prong Collars

“There's no doubt the collar is effective when used correctly, especially on strong dogs with well-muscled necks. But because of its appearance, the pinch collar often draws nasty looks and comments on its apparent cruelty. In a way, this is unfortunate. For despite its looks, the pinch collar can be less cruel than the more popular choke-chain collar, especially in the hands of people who don't know how to use the latter. That's because a properly fitted pinch collar cannot be tightened beyond the point of pushing the prongs against the skin, unlike the choke collar, which has no limits -- the harder you or the dog pulls, the tighter it gets. The pinch collar is easier to put on properly, will not tighten beyond a predetermined point and gets the message across efficiently to even the strongest dog. All of which makes it a good choice for some dogs and some owners, as well as a more humane choice than an incorrectly used choke collar. “

Horrific Animal Abuse In China

Sir Paul McCartney has vowed never to perform in China after seeing horrific undercover footage of dogs and cats being killed for their fur. The former Beatle also said he would boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics after viewing the footage taken in a fur market in Guangzhou, southern China. The film shows animals being thrown from a bus, and into boiling water. A Chinese official said boycotts were not justified, and blamed US and European consumers for buying the fur. In the film, dogs and cats packed by the dozen into wire cages little bigger than lobster pots are pictured being thrown from the top deck of a converted bus onto concrete pavements. The screaming animals, many with their paws now smashed from the fall, are then lifted out with long metal tongs and thrown over a seven foot fence. They are then killed and skinned for their fur.

China has a long way to go to prove to me that they are not a brutal nation. They are dangerous. They are communist wackos. They are a rival to the West, and possibly a direct enemy.

List Of Anti-Dog Legislators

Here is a list of Federal legislators ENDORSED by animal rights organizations. I know I won’t be voting for any one of them if I have the chance!

Analysis of Fatal Texas Dog Attack

“Texas Woman Mauled to Death by Six Dogs
Nov 27 2:52 PM US/Eastern
THORNDALE, Texas
A pack of six dogs mauled a 76-year-old woman to death as she worked in her yard, authorities said. Lillian Loraine Stiles was riding on a lawn mower in her front yard Saturday when she was confronted by the dogs, described as pit bull- Rottweiler mixed breeds, said Milam County Sheriff Charlie West. Investigators think Stiles was attacked when she got off the mower and headed into her house. Stiles had severe bites over her entire body, and a man who tried to help her was bitten on one leg, authorities said.”

ANALYSIS

Ok, let’s assume that this story is complete and accurately tells what happened in this dog bite case. How should this kind of incident be evaluated? I have a questionnaire for evaluating such cases:

1.) Was this legitimate self defense? No. The dogs were not being threatened by this woman, though the dogs might have felt threatened by the sounds and motion of her lawn mower. I do not feel that socialized and well adjusted dogs feel threatened by the sounds of a lawn mower. A police dog, which is a dog that has been bred and trained to attack, has to work around all sorts of machinery. A police dog that became aggressive at the sound of machinery would be removed from the K9 patrol. Such behavior would be considered the result of faulty temperament, regardless of the breed or mix of breeds.

2.) Was this defense of territory? Yes. The dogs were owned by a neighbor. What we consider our property, and what dogs consider their territory, don’t always match up. Dogs typically guard a much larger territory than just our property boundaries. It is normal dog behavior to confront, and sometimes attack, territorial intruders.

3.) Was this defense of pack (including family and family pets)? No. There is no indication that any dog of this pack or the owner were being threatened by the victim.

4.) Was this a result of the establishment of a reasonable pack order within the home? No. This woman was not part of the household.

5.) Was this puppy mouthing (which is not the same as being aggressive)? No. This was an attack.

6.) Did the victim assume the risk of being bitten while training these dogs? No. She was not training, grooming, or professionally handling/ managing the dogs.

7.) Was this an attack for legitimate police, sport protection (like Schutzhund, French Ring Sport, IPO, KNPV, etc.), and personal security work? No.

8.) Was this biting incident part of a legitimate hunting purpose? No.

9.) Was this an accidental bite? No. The dogs didn’t accidentally maul this woman. The attacking dogs bit with aggression.

10.) Were these dogs in pain and injured, or ill? No. We have no evidence of these dogs being sick or injured.

11.) Is this a false claim (not an attack by the dogs at all)? No. The dogs are implicated in this woman’s death.

12.) Had the victim previously abused these dogs? No. We have no evidence of this.

13.) Was the victim provoking the dog to bite? No. We have no evidence of this.

14.) Was the victim interacting with the dogs without the permission of the owner? No. No evidence of this.

15.) Was the owner present when the attack occurred? No.

16.) Was the victim committing a violent crime when she was attacked? No.

17.) Did someone let these dogs loose to run the neighborhood without the owner’s permission? No. We have no evidence of this. But this needs to be investigated further.

18.) Did the owner take reasonable precautions to contain his dogs when he couldn’t supervise them? We don’t know. We have no evidence of this.

19.) Was this the result of a neighbor dispute gone bad? No. We have no evidence of this.

20.) Have there been previous incidents with these dogs and this owner? No. We have no evidence of this.

CONCLUSIONS

1.) Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. The purpose of this article isn’t to point fingers and judge other people without the facts. Instead, this is a philosophical discussion, using a case study to make a point. We are assuming that the story tells all the known facts of the case. We can be sure that more facts will come out over time which could exonerate both the owner and the dogs. That being said, if the story is 100% accurate as to the circumstances, these are my opinions (in fact, everything written in this blog is my opinion, and stated from these same assumptions). If the story changes, then my opinions might change. However, my philosophy on dog behavior and what constitutes responsible dog ownership remain constant.

2.) The dogs are probably normal dogs, when alone. However, when you let a pack of dogs run loose, they will do things that they would never do individually. This is why we require owner supervision of dogs when off leash, and kennels / fences / crates / closed doors when dogs are unsupervised. Good dogs, in the hands of irresponsible dog owners shouldn’t be put down. Good dogs should be removed from the home and placed with responsible dog owners… even if they attacked someone. If a dog is put in a bad situation, then it is just going to be a dog.

3.) Each dog should be evaluated for viciousness. A vicious dog is an unstable dog that has dangerous and aggressive temperament flaws. Such dogs are often fear biters, not good with children and puppies, and will bite in circumstances that would indicate the dog is unpredictable and dangerous. All vicious dogs should be put down (put to death).

4.) It should be determined how the dogs got loose. If a malicious person let the dogs loose without the owner’s knowledge or consent, then the owner should not be held liable. That malicious person should be punished for the harm caused. If the owner was negligent in managing and containing his dogs, then he should be the one punished. If the person who let the dogs loose was a minor, then the parents of that minor should be held liable.

5.) We might just have one dog that was responsible for this attack, and the other dogs just happened to be there at the wrong time. It is important to identify any vicious dogs and put them down, and not blame the good dogs that just happened to be present at the time of the attack. What if one of the dogs turns out to be a friendly Chihuahua? Should that dog be put down? Of course not.

6.) If the owner is found to have had negligent supervision and containment of these dogs, and no one else is implicated, then this attack should be deemed a crime and the appropriate punishment should be given to the owner.

7.) It is irrelevant what breeds were involved. This could just as easily been a pack of mixed Golden Retrievers, Australian Cattle Dogs, and four Greyhounds. Dogs act differently in a pack than they will alone.

Just because we are pro-dog advocates doesn’t mean we should excuse all dogs and dog owners when an attack happens.

Understand The Philosophy Behind Animal Rights

Have you ever taken the time to evaluate why Animal Rights activists are socialists and communists, and why they tend to vote Democratic in the United States, and socialist/ communist in other countries of the world?

Think about what the Animal Rights activists need to accomplish in order to eliminate all domesticated animals (dogs, cats, cows, birds, sheep… you name it…)

Their literature indicates the following strategies:

1.) Stop the “objectifying” of other animals. To do this, they must control the language we use and the media. Thus, you find the making of certain types of TV shows and movies depicting animals with human characteristics and emotions.

2.) Stop “commodifying” animals. They must stop the sale of all animals. Thus, they are going to be for any kind of regulations that can be dreamt up which make the sale of any animal, or animal by product, more expensive or illegal. This is why they have to take an anti-capitalist, pro-socialist/ communist stance, and why they tend to be on the Far Left.

3.) Stop consumption of animals. They must make us think it is repulsive to eat animals, by propagating lies such as the food is contaminated, or that we are eating the equivalent of our own children. Again, this is an anti-capitalist agenda.

4.) Stop private ownership of animals as property. Thus, they will fight for laws that eliminate the breeding, housing, transport, ownership, etc. of animals. In very liberal parts of the US, it is practically impossible to legally open and operate a boarding kennel, have a barn, breed an animal, or own multiple pets. This is all part of the agenda of the Animal Rights activists. Thus, when you find your land prices going up, your zoning changing, your homeowner’s regulations tightening, your ability to have a barn on your property taken away, your farm or kennel or home restricted from having any animals on or in them, etc… making it impossible to own a pet or to raise farm animals… look to the animal rights sympathizers on your local city / county / state legislatures and councils. Again, this requires them to take an anti-growth, anti-capitalist, pro-socialist/ communist stance. They will tend to come from the Democratic Party in the US, or the socialist / communist political parties of other countries.

5.) Define animals as equal individuals to humans in the law. Thus, we see the re-defining of pet “ownership” to pet “guardianship”, to elevate the status of animals to that of humans, and to open the door for human welfare laws to apply equally to animals.

It is important to understand the theoretical, philosophical basis for Animal Rights in order to preserve our rights to reasonably own a dog, of any breed.

So, when you see me go off on the collectivists, socialists, and communists in this world… you have to understand that these movements go directly counter to your right to own a dog. This stuff is being taught in your kid’s schools, in universities, and in law schools. It is being implemented every day, in countless ways, in all our laws. Most of the time, it is a hidden agenda and you won't see it. Unless you can spot the trends and what they mean, you won’t know to fight back.

Don't Buy A Puggle For Christmas!

My predictions about the Puggle are coming true. I have been receiving some feedback on owning a Puggle, and owners are confirming that they are hard to housetrain, they are very nose oriented, they don’t obey very well, and act much like a Beagle.

If you wouldn’t want to own a Beagle, you won’t want to own a Puggle. Study Beagles and see if they would work for your home and lifestyle.

Beagles can make great pets, but many families, especially with small kids, have trouble owning Beagles. They are a specialty breed and they aren’t for first time, inexperienced dog owners.

We still don’t know if the adult dogs are going to be healthy or have a ton of expensive medical problems.

Ignore my advice at your own peril... because if this dog doesn't work out for you, you are going to be one of many who drops this poor dog off at a shelter somewhere. It happened when Dalmatians were the fad after the "101 Dalmatians" movie, and then 2 years later the shelters were full of them. It is wrong to get a dog, if you aren't SURE this dog will be with you for the rest of its natural life.

My advice continues to be: DON’T BUY A PUGGLE!

What Should I Feed My Dog?

The nutritional choices for companion dogs play a vital role in supporting their physical vitality and behavioral well-being. From an ethological perspective, dogs retain foraging instincts from their evolutionary heritage, as explored in Konrad Lorenz's foundational work on innate behaviors, where scavenging and selective feeding served adaptive survival functions. In modern contexts, informed by real-world professional observations, balanced nutrition helps fulfill these drives while promoting calm, responsive temperaments. This article provides a comprehensive overview of feeding options, drawing on trends and evidence from 2020-2025, with a focus on how dietary practices can integrate with enrichment strategies. Key considerations include life stage, activity level, and individual needs, though specific plans should always be developed with professional input. This discussion is for informational purposes and is not legal or medical advice; owners are encouraged to consult a veterinarian for tailored recommendations.
Commercial diets remain a prevalent choice, formulated to meet standards set by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These include dry kibble, wet canned food, and semi-moist options, often designed for complete and balanced nutrition across life stages. Recent trends show a shift toward functional ingredients, with functional diets featuring prebiotics and probiotics growing 18% for dogs between 2023 and 2024. Pros include convenience, consistency in nutrient profiles, and regulatory oversight ensuring safety. However, some formulations may include fillers or preservatives that could affect palatability or digestion in sensitive individuals. Evidence-based reviews emphasize the importance of high-quality proteins and controlled carbohydrate levels to support sustained energy without excess. 
Raw or biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diets, consisting of uncooked meat, bones, vegetables, and supplements, aim to mimic ancestral feeding patterns. Proponents note potential benefits like improved coat quality and energy, aligned with ethological foraging drives. A 2022 review in Frontiers in Veterinary Science discussed trends in raw feeding, highlighting increased interest amid sustainability concerns, though data on long-term outcomes remains limited. Challenges include risks of bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella) and nutritional imbalances if not properly formulated, as noted in studies from 2020-2025. For those considering raw options, balanced preparation is key to supporting welfare.
Home-prepared diets offer customization, allowing owners to incorporate fresh ingredients tailored to preferences. Trends from 2020-2025 show rising interest in natural, organic components, with sustainable proteins (e.g., insect-based or plant alternatives) gaining traction for environmental reasons. However, ensuring completeness requires careful balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to avoid deficiencies. Professional formulations are advisable to maintain health standards.
Emerging trends in canine nutrition from 2020-2025 emphasize personalized and functional approaches. For example, probiotics for gut health have seen a 91% increase in searches, supporting digestive resilience and potentially reducing stress-related behaviors. Sustainable sourcing, such as alternative proteins, addresses both nutritional and ecological concerns, with market growth projected through 2035. Holistic options incorporating whole foods aim to enhance vitality, aligning with ethological needs for varied stimuli.
Beyond physical health, feeding practices offer behavioral benefits through enrichment. Foraging-based methods, such as scatter feeding or puzzle toys, engage natural seeking behaviors, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Studies show these activities decrease abnormal behaviors and increase positive emotional states, supporting overall welfare. Integrating enrichment into routines fulfills innate drives, potentially improving trainability and reducing issues like boredom.
Factors influencing choices include age (puppies need growth support, seniors easier digestion), activity (working dogs higher calories), and sensitivities (e.g., allergies requiring novel proteins). Trends favor personalized nutrition, with 2025 reports noting surges in gut-health focused options. For complex needs, professional veterinary assessment ensures appropriateness.In conclusion, canine nutrition trends emphasize balance, sustainability, and enrichment to support physical and behavioral health. Thoughtful choices, guided by ethological principles, enhance the human-dog bond. For personalized plans or concerns, owners are encouraged to consult a veterinarian or behavior professional.
This article incorporates AI-assisted drafting based on the BASSO METHOD framework and has been reviewed for accuracy, alignment with ethological principles, and adherence to these parameters.Bibliography

1. Lorenz, K. (1981). The foundations of ethology. Springer-Verlag. (Insights on innate foraging behaviors).
2. Tinbergen, N. (1963). On aims and methods of ethology. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie, 20(4), 410–433. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0310.1963.tb01161.x (Framework for adaptive feeding instincts).
3. Schultheiss, P., Andrist, C. A., Rocchi, M. B. L., & Bütikofer, U. (2022). Trends in intake and outcome data from U.S. animal shelters from 2016 to 2020. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.863990(Contextual trends, though not direct nutrition).
4. Morello, G., Cappelletti, M., Barbiers, L., & Conti, L. (2022). Dead or alive? A review of perinatal factors that determine canine/neonatal viability. Animals, 12(11), 1402. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111402 (Discussion of raw diets in context).
5. Freeman, L. M., Chandler, M. L., Hamper, B. A., & Weeth, L. P. (2013). Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 243(11), 1549–1558. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.243.11.1549 (Evidence on raw vs. commercial diets).
6. PetfoodIndustry. (2025). Report: 4 key trends shaping the pet food industry. PetfoodIndustry. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/pet-food-market/market-trends-and-reports/article/15749123/report-4-key-trends-shaping-the-pet-food-industry (Trends in functional diets).
7. Exploding Topics. (2025). 7 Top Pet Industry Trends (2025 & 2026). Exploding Topics. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/pet-industry-trends (Probiotics and health trends).
8. The Pet Gourmet. (2025). 2025 Pet Food Trends: How to Give Your Dog the Best Nutrition This Year. The Pet Gourmet. https://www.thepetgourmet.com/blogs/pet-owners-tips-and-tricks/%25F0%259F%2590%25BE-2025-pet-food-trends-how-to-give-your-dog-the-best-nutrition-this-year (Sustainable proteins and personalization).
9. Purdue Extension. (n.d.). Implementing Environmental Enrichment for Dogs. Purdue Extension. https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/VA/VA-13-W.pdf (Benefits of enrichment including foraging).
10. Schipper, L. L., Vinke, C. M., Schilder, M. B., & Spruijt, B. M. (2008). The effect of feeding enrichment toys on the behaviour of kennelled dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 114(1-2), 182–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2008.01.001 (Foraging enrichment effects).
11. SamTheDogTrainer.com. (n.d.). BASSO METHOD core documents (e.g., enrichment via feeding in A-F.pdf). Retrieved from https://samthedogtrainer.com [Internal reference for behavioral integration].