GRRRRR... Democrats Plan to tax DOGS!!!!

State Republicans are howling mad over yet another tax hike being slipped through the Legislature that would slap an annual $3 state surcharge on municipal licensing fees canine owners pay for their pet pooches.

Philosophically, being a left wing liberal is being against responsible dog ownership. In the left wing, you have nanny state types who want to control everything you do including what you do with your dog; animal rights advocates (Obama supports animal rights and so does his "czar" Cass Susstein) who oppose domestic animal breeding and ownership; those who are against self defense so they will write laws to ban guard dogs and protecting yourself with a dog; those who are environmental wackos who will ban dogs from natural areas and for hunting purposes; and those who are anti-capitalist so they will tax everything to death including those who own dogs. This article is more proof.

I keep repeating: read the Declaration of Independence. Look at the values there, and if you support them, how can you vote Democrat???!!!

Dog Ownership & Relationship Deal Breakers

Have you ever defined your Relationship Deal Breakers? Have you ever tried to define those non-negotiable criteria you must have before entering into a marriage relationship? Life has its ups and downs. It’s easy to find “fair weather friends”, but it’s another to find good, loyal, loving, true friends. There are good and bad people. A bad act is harming someone else on purpose. A bad person is someone who makes a practice of harming others, having a track record of crossing forbidden boundaries and a genuine lack of feeling remorse, and little or no desire or commitment to change. If you own a dog, then it is important to evaluate the nature of the person you are going to marry, otherwise you are heading for a world of problems. I have my own list of these deal breakers. Mine is pretty much as follows

Toxic Foods For Dogs

Here's a partial list:

1. Chocolate - deadly
2. Sugar Free Candy or Gum with Xylitol (even regular candy isn't good for your dog, but not deadly) - deadly
3. Walnuts & Macadamia Nuts - deadly
4. Avacados - deadly
5. Onions - deadly
6. Grapes and Raisins - deadly
7. Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen - deadly
8. Chicken or Pork Bones - deadly

For the complete article, go HERE

Coping With The Grief And Guilt Of Euthanasia

When a pet dies, it is often just as intense as if a friend or family member dies. But, yet, it is different because a lot of the time, we are putting our dogs to death at the veterinarian's office instead of letting the dog suffer and die a natural death.

A natural death would most likely either be one where the animal would suffer alone until it was over, or the sick animal would be attacked by a predator and killed instantly. Euthanasia requires us to play God and make the kill ourselves.

It is always hard to make that decision, and sometimes we end up prolonging the suffering of our dogs to avoid our own emotional suffering.

Read the rest of the article HERE

Dog Ownership & The Health Care Debate

Dog bites account for one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims. The average cost of dog bite claims was $24,461 in 2008. "The rise in dog bite claims over the course of the past five years can be attributable to the increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements, judgments and jury awards which have risen well above inflation in recent years" More than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs annually, and nearly 900,000 of those--half of them children. The I.I.I. advises homeowners to consider purchasing a personal excess liability policy.

Whoa, that's a pretty big number. Notice that it is the cost of health care, and the cost of lawsuits, that is driving up the cost... not the breed of dog or anything to do with normal dog ownership or risks. So, this whole health care debate in the US affects dog owners, too. I have a lot to say about health care costs, but the bottom line is that if we socialize medicine, then these costs are NOT going to go down, but up. And if we don't reign in the cost of lawsuits, then it's going to get to the point where it is impossible to own a dog because of the liability. Freedom, competition, free markets are the answer. They always have been and always will be. And such freedom will preserve your right to responsibly own a dog of any breed. Think on that next time you hear some fancy speech from a politician. Vote Pro Dog. That means, vote for free market solutions.

Puggle Aggression?

If you are having aggression problems with your Puggle, I'll bet the causes are one or more of the following (based upon my experience with Puggles, Beagles and Pugs):

a.) Spoiling. Spoiling isn't the same thing as loving a dog, or taking extra good care of your dog. Spoiling is when you relate to your dog in such a way that you upset the desired leadership role you should be having with your dog, and your dog starts biting.
b.) Defensive / Fearful Biting. Have you been rough on your dog? If so, then your dog will bite you. How's the house training coming along? How is the destructive chewing coming along? How are the kids with your dog? If you've gotten rough on your dog regarding these matters, then it is no wonder that your dog is biting.
c.) Food Possession. Does your dog guard food or toys? Most likely with Puggles, it's going to be food.

What can you do about these behaviors? Hire a professional trainer to help you sort this stuff out. Stop trying to do it on your own. Stop trying to mimic Cesar Milan. Get professional help.

Cass Sustein... Will Your Dog Will Be Next On The Agenda?

The number of animals and plants protected by the federal Endangered Species Act is about to increase dramatically. For Cass Sunstein, radical animal-rights activist and nominee for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) Administrator job, that means he will be better positioned than ever to make livestock farming a thing of the past.

This is what animal rights nuts have wanted for years... legitimate power to impose their ridiculous morals on the rest of the world. Well... they've gotten their wish. What are YOU going to do about it? Animal rights nuts don't believe in pet ownership. Stop this stuff now, or it's going to get to be like China where they banned all dogs altogether.

See all those links on the sidebar of this blog? Not all have to do with dog ownership directly. But, those laws and regulations that affect other domesticated animals does affect dogs.

China Killing Dogs Again... Dog Beating Squads Again

Media reports from China indicate another citywide dog cull will begin Thursday in a district of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province near Beijing. Dogs that are not registered and vaccinated will reportedly be killed, along with stray animals. Residents with dogs over one foot in height or with those which are considered to be "dangerous breeds" are being asked to kill their own dogs by September 10(th). If these animals are not killed, police will then form dog-beating squads, combing the district and killing all such dogs. Owners will then be fined for the killing.

Horrible.

This Isn't Right

A 32-year-old man in southern Sweden found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend has been granted a lower than usual sentence because of the suffering caused when he was bitten in the testicles by the woman's Rottweiler.

So, the guy attacks his girlfriend with a knife, the dog bites him to protect her, he gets sentenced by the court... but his sentence is reduced because the dog bit him? The dog did the right thing, period.

This shows how messed up society gets when it can't distinguish between right and wrong, between criminal actions and self defense. This is another example of the social rot in Europe, and why we don't want it here in the US.

Dog Haters - Another Attack On A Barking Dog

Incessant barking is being blamed for a dispute between neighbours which led to a vicious attack on a dog that knocked out at least four of the animal's teeth.

I have warned against this over and over again. Dog haters hate barking dogs.

I recommend the following to all dog owners: You must be very vigilant to protect your dog from psychopaths. They will take the law into their own hands. People who have no conscience will do whatever they want to get what they want. Dog haters are a danger to society, not just your dog.

If you are a dog hater, here's my advice: There is NO justification for busting up someone else's dog. If you hate the barking, then call the cops and let them handle it. That is what you do in a civilized society... you don't abuse or kill a dog. And... check yourself into a mental hospital if you have the urge to do this kind of thing to a dog. Better that than to end up in prison, wreck your life and your family and your finances over a barking dog.

This Guy Deserves Prison... And A Long Stay In The Rubber Room

William Campbell set his fighting pit bull-cross on an old dog he snatched to use as bait while a friend videoed the mauling to put on the internet. Campbell, 25, of Porirua, said he knew his dog Dukes would savage 14-year-old Lincoln, who was found later injured, bleeding and hiding in a toilet block

Not only do I believe this guy deserves prison if convicted, I believe he is probably a psychopath who should be locked up for life. I'm big on giving people a second chance, but some folks are just plain nuts and we all deserve to be protected from them.

Smallest Dog Dies

A 14-ounce Maltese puppy who may have been the smallest dog in the world died this week after a tragic accident. The 6-month-old New Zealand pooch became seriously ill after jumping from the hands of his owners and breaking his leg,

Many people want a "teacup" dog, not knowing that they have very fragile health. Breeding a dog to have a freaky size or characteristic typically results in a dog that is unhealthy or has temperament problems. I think it is inhumane to breed a dog that has health problems just for the sake of appearance.

Definition Of A Vicious Dog

Murfreesboro police dog gets loose, bites girl.

So, this dog got loose and bit someone. Many times, after a dog bites someone, the dog is put to death. Does this mean the dog is vicious? Is this dog vicious? No, probably not. Many times when a dog biting incident happens, we blame the dog, when in fact, the dog is perfectly normal, but put in a situation that we wished hadn't happened. This dog got loose and did what a protection dog does by nature... bites. All police dogs would do this... does that mean that all police dogs are vicious? Should the police officer go to prison for this? No. But, if it was OUR dog, in many cities... we might be facing killing our dog and going to prison. Is that just?

A vicious dog is one that is mentally unbalanced, unpredictable (this bite would be considered predictable... let the dog loose and it will bite what it sees as a trespasser... perfectly normal behavior for a protection dog), and one that can't be fixed or trusted.

Biting does not equal "vicious". We put down many dogs that don't deserve it.

It's Come To This... Euthanasia For Innocent Puppies

The SPCA is appalled the Invercargill City Council killed six "harmless" rottweiler puppies yesterday because of their breed, while the dogs' aggressive mother was returned to its owners for a fee. The pups were given a lethal injection by animal control yesterday because the council considered rottweilers dangerous, Mr King said, despite them only being six weeks old... the dogs were impounded last Tuesday after the mother was found barking at school childen in Elles Rd as the pups wandered around unchecked... It was also the opinion of the council's animal rangers that the puppies owners were not good owners

So... NO ONE WAS INJURED OR HURT, but the authorities decided to kill the puppies and fine the owners. THE DOGS DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG!!! This is awful.

Don’t Deceive Yourself About Your Dog’s Problems

Part of being a good dog trainer is being a good detective. I tell students that when I am working with them and their dogs, I put on my proverbial “Sherlock Holmes” hat, raise one eyebrow, and I then proceed to question everything everyone says and believes.

If your dog is having problems, then hire a professional. Don't let it go on and on.

Dog Friendly Insurance Companies

There are companies out there who are still open minded and insure breeds on a case-by-case basis, like State Farm. State Farm has taken the stance that there are good and bad dogs within each breed, just as there are responsible and irresponsible dog owners. Therefore, they will offer insurance to any breed in any state, with the exception of Ohio where pit bulls have been ruled vicious dogs.

OK... got to hand it to State Farm! Hey pro-dog people, start sending your business their way!!!

Dogs Left Alone & Neglected for SEVEN months?!!!

Four dogs have been kept in a fenced kennel outside a foreclosed house in Monticello, Indiana for over seven months with no one to care for them.

A lot of people let these dogs down. There are numerous dog rescue groups out there, formal and informal, to help in situations like this. You can bet that criminal charges are going to be filed... but what about those neighbors, animal control officers, and others who knew what was going on and didn't do more? If the facts in this case prove this out to be what it appears, then there needs to be some consequences. Don't you hate it when people pass the buck?

Euthanasia?

Would it be ethical to euthanize an otherwise healthy dog for peeing or pooping in the home?

No.

This is a training issue. When dogs soil the home, it is a PEOPLE problem, not a dog problem. A good dog trainer can help you with this kind of thing. In fact, it isn't even right to get angry with such a dog or to punish them. They are doing what YOU have either taught them to do or not do. It is your fault.

Don't Leave Barking Dogs Unattended!

A company director battered his neighbour's dog to death with a garden hoe after repeatedly complaining about its 'yapping', a court heard today.

A barking dog doesn't deserve the death penalty. I've written numerous posts about this. Some people go absolutely nuts when hearing a barking dog. They will kill your dog. These people are mentally unbalanced. There's probably one of these in every neighborhood in the world. You are being foolish if you don't protect your dogs and keep them from barking.

Adding A New Dog To Your "Family"

There are ways for a man to evaluate a wife when deciding whether to marry. There is a lot to consider, not just physical attraction, or mutual interests, but the entire character and makeup of the person. If you make the wrong choice in picking a spouse, you'll pay for it for a very long time.

I thought of this topic today after considering the murder story of Jasmine Fiore by Ryan Jenkins. These two people were heading for a train wreck, if you look at what the accounts say of their personal lives. Maybe no one could have ever anticipated that murder / suicide would be the end result, but I see nothing in this story to indicate that either one was a person of good character.

I wrote an article, called "Buying A Dog / Choosing A Breeder", because I saw so many people adding the wrong dog to their families, and ending up with a lot of problems, and sometimes tragedy. You have to view adding a new dog to the family the same as if you were adding a new person to your family... and be just as picky. Getting a cute puppy from the window of the local pet store, or from some guy in a parking lot, is a formula for a lot of heartache. Now, of course, people aren't dogs and dogs aren't people... [though some men act like dogs, and some women act like bitches...] but when getting a dog, you ARE getting a new family member, and you should be very thoughtful about what you are about to do. Better to stay "single" (don't get a dog) than to get "married" (get a dog) to the wrong one.

A lot of people are too careless as to who they let be a part of their inner circle. Look, I can speak from personal experience. Been married and divorced before. And gotten the wrong dog for my home before. And I've learned some hard lessons along the way, and I'm passing this along to you so you don't experience the heartaches that I've experienced. When it comes to dogs, I find many people are too careless when getting a dog, not considering that a dog will pretty much be a part of their family and could cause them just as much trouble. If you don't get the right dog for your situation, then your dog could even hurt someone else. In fact, here's a story which says a dog got loose, attacked an elderly woman, the woman died, and now the owners could be charged with a crime that could land them in prison.

So, think carefully when choosing a new family member... human or dog. There's a lot more to it than just how you "feel" about them.

Can Michael Vick Change His Behavior?

In my opinion, the guy is a psychopath. I don’t think he felt any qualms about killing those dogs. But how much of his personality is genetic, and how much could be attributed to growing up in a public housing project in a crime-ridden neighborhood called “Bad Newz”? Are there any tiny seeds of empathy inside him that could be nourished?

Very disturbing profile of a convicted dog abuser / killer / fighter. I'm very concerned, and wonder if he's the next OJ Simpson...

Dog Aggression In The Red Zone

Cesar Milan has popularized a term he calls "the red zone", meaning when a dog is acting dangerously aggressive. I hate this term, because it is not quantifiable, doesn't conform to any known scientific definition of aggression that I have ever seen, and isn't really useful in terms of defining what is going on or what to do about it.

One of my problems with Cesar Milan is that you have to translate "Cesar" into English, taking terms he has invented or borrowed and then picking them apart to determine exactly what he's referring to. I see a lot of novices using Cesar's methods and terminology and getting themselves in trouble when trying to deal with biting in their own dogs.

If your dog is having biting, fear, or aggression issues, then you should hire a local expert to help you. In my opinion, Cesar's books and TV shows are going to be of little use to you. I've met people who were severely bitten by their own dogs when trying to implement solutions they've seen on his TV show.

Family Teamwork

"To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others." - Pope John Paul II

Many times, the reason a family is having problems with their dog is because the family is having problems with one another. Selfishness has no place in a family, and is detrimental to dog ownership.

Quote of the Day

"He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant

Thinking About Michael Vick Today

“The consequences of our crimes long survive their commission, and, like the ghosts of the murdered, forever haunt the steps of the malefactor” - Sir Walter Scott

Something to ponder when doing anything in life. Do it with integrity. That goes for life. That even goes for raising, training, and owning a dog. That goes for anything you're dealing with.

Michael Vick will always have an asterisk after his name about his involvement in dog fighting.

Moving On

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” - Alexander Graham Bell

A family member of mine had a best friend who died of polio. It was her best friend, and she was truly a wonderful person. But, the tragedy was that the parents of this girl could never get past the passing of their only daughter. Whenever I would meet them... and this was 20 years after her death... the conversation would inevitably steer towards talking about her. Even as a kid, I could tell this was unhealthy.

As I get older, I know more, feel more, understand more. And with age comes an ever increasing ability to plumb the depths of the meaning of life. You also know that you can't let yourself get stuck in the past, or you'll die there, too. A self-inflicted mental kill.

I have had some great dogs, been around some great dogs. Some died. Some were dogs I knew and belonged to others, but now are not a part of my life any more. And I miss them all. But, I also know that when one dog leaves your life, it opens the door for a new dog. It's that way with people in your life, too. Mourning the loss or death of another person, a great love, a significant relationship, or pet is a necessary, yet tragic, part of life. I have some terrible regrets, things I wished had gone differently in my life and in the lives of others, and I have felt unbelievable pain at times when going through these times. Yet, there is also the new day approaching. And a choice to see the glass as half full or half empty. And having the will to survive and love again.

Life is that way. Nothing is static. At some point, you have to accept and go through the grieving, then put away the past, pick yourself up, and move on to a new future. Try looking up the phrase, "Remember Lot's wife." Sometimes what is behind can destroy you if you look back and long for it. But, you never really forget the past, if it was meaningful, you just try to remember the good, and try to learn life's lessons, too. If you lost a pet, get a new one. The new one won't replace the old dog, but it will fill the hole and you'll find new joys. The same thing will be true with all of these types of life changes that are thrust upon us... you'll get another chance in life.

I know it is painful to lose something or someone valuable in your life. I've been there. I understand.

Dog Flu Vaccine?

Veterinarians are recommending a new vaccine for dog flu (H3N8). The vaccine is a series of two shots, two weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster. Statistics reveal about 80 percent of dogs that come in contact with the H3N8 virus will get sick, but only 10 to 20 percent will get seriously ill.

Hmmm... not sure how I feel about this new vaccine. On the one hand, no one wants their dog to get sick and die from dog flu. On the other hand, new vaccines can have unintended consequences. I had a customer who gave their dog the rattlesnake vaccine and the dog had an adverse reaction. I'd be asking a lot of questions before I agreed to have my dog vaccinated. I'd then weigh the risks vs. the benefits and make a reasoned decision.

If you have experience with this new vaccine, I'd appreciate your feedback.

Socialism And Your Dog

Raising dogs was banned under the rule of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a bourgeois pastime, but with China's growing affluence and pursuit of Western trends, greater numbers of middle-class families have become avid pet owners in a booming social trend. On July 1, city authorities implemented the "one-dog policy" seen as a crackdown on the estimated 100,000 unregistered dogs in Guangzhou ahead of the Asian Games in the city next year. But so far, many outraged pet owners in the sprawling metropolis have chosen to ignore, or dodge, the new laws. "I'll definitely not give up on my dogs because they're a part of my life," said an office worker surnamed Chen with six dogs in a leafy neighborhood in downtown Guangzhou.

You think this is just a problem in China? Think again. Laws are passed regularly in the US regulating how many dogs a person can own. Yes, anything can be abused. No one person can keep 600 dogs in a single family residence and ensure the health and welfare of the dogs. Then again, why should we be regulated as to how many dogs we can own? In some cities, you can only own 3 dogs. In some public housing, they ban dogs altogether. Breeders are told how many dogs they can own and breed at any one time. There has to be a balance. It's a shame that people are so willing to use the law to meddle with the lives of other people. And a shame that the few who do abuse dogs trigger politicians to implement draconian laws that impede on the freedoms of the rest of us. The scary thing is when an ideology is also attached to these laws, such as Mao's no dog policy. What reason do you use to justify all the regulations we have regarding dog ownership? Sometimes, it's good to step back and see if things are becoming ridiculous.

What Did This Accomplish?

A dogowner was fined for being too slow to pick up his pet's mess. Christopher Lindsay, 49, was stopped by 'over-zealous' dog wardens as he walked just five yards to his car to fetch a plastic bag to clean up after his dog, Bono. Although Mr Lindsay explained what he was doing, the officials ruled he spent too long and so handed him a £75 fine.

Seriously. When law enforcement does this kind of thing, it makes a mockery of the laws and causes people to disrespect and challenge authority. I'm all for law and order, but not this kind of thing. The power of the state must be used wisely. When they become busybodies, then it enslaves us all.

Vick on Dog Fighting

Here's the first interview of Michael Vick regarding his conviction regarding his involvement in pit fighting and the deaths and torture of dogs: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5240826n

Sorry, but I don't believe him. All the visual and verbal cues say the opposite of the words.

Do you believe he's turned his life around? Let's ask first, what is Repentance? "Almost all agree that repentance requires five elements: recognition of one's sins as sins, remorse, desisting from sin, restitution where possible, and confession." I'm not sure all elements are there in this case.

I've given this guy a lot of chance for repentance. I believe in that for everyone, because none of us is perfect. All of us are told to "go and sin no more" because good people, wise people, know their own secret sins. But, whatever my sins, it doesn't justify his.

Truly, now. I'm wary. I wanted to hear it from him. Forgiveness is my job. Repentance is his job. Forgiveness without repentance is worthless for everyone involved.

Why do people keep repeating evil / bad things? "As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly." No true repentance... they really just don't care. Deep down, they either don't feel they did wrong, or they find a way to blame others so they don't have to take the blame, or they want the bad thing so much that they find ways to justify doing wrong. No real change. Yes, we can forgive, but that doesn't mean we have to trust or to continue to do business with them as usual. The prisons are full of people like that. We can and should love them, but sometimes we just have to separate ourselves from them. Truly a sad state of affairs.

"You Develop Only By Doing Your Best" - John Wooden

I work with a lot of people. I coach a lot of people to be successful with their dogs. Obviously, those who put in their best effort get the best behaved dogs.

Best Effort is a direct result of good character. Many people lack good character. No coach, parent, teacher, preacher, leader, or politician can make you into someone with the traits that will make you successful in life. You have to choose that path in order to benefit from good teaching and leadership.

When choosing members of a sports team, coaches will scour the land seeking not only talented players, but those with the character necessary to be good team players. If you read books on famous coaches... Lombardi, Wooden, etc., you'll note that they spent considerable time seeking the right kind of people before they invested time in teaching them how to be great players. Leaders in time of war have also had the same issues... Lincoln, Churchill, Roosevelt. Generals had to be replaced until those of the top caliber were found to do the job properly. If you have ever noticed, our top performing military generals are pretty amazing guys. A lot of people have talent. We see that in Hollywood all the time. Great talent, no character... and their lives become train wrecks. Too many people focus on developing their skills, and focusing on their talents, than on first becoming good and decent people.

Weak character choices in life result in self pity, lack of self control, excuses instead of excusable reasons, sloppiness, emotionalism, laziness, a tendency to quit in tough times, an eagerness to leave and betray others when a better offer comes along, disloyalty, cheating, lying, whining, complaining, and a Machiavellian outlook on life. Weak character is a lack of self respect, and a lack of respect for others.

I can't get very far when I'm coaching people that don't have good character. They don't do the lessons. Day after day, I show up and they haven't done their homework, gotten the necessary equipment, or put in any meaningful effort. They don't have compassion for others. Many people will say they love their dogs, but we all know that character is what you do, not just what you say. I've seen them blame others for not doing the work that they should be doing, including other family members, the dog, their boss, even me. I've seen them fight with their spouses, kids, parents, neighbors, and so forth. Look, I'm a pretty darned good teacher. I explain, demonstrate, give the student plenty of practice and time, and do good follow up to ensure that each detail is understood and working properly. I love teaching, and I love working with people and dogs. Yet, over and over again, when I'm working with people of good character, I see amazing results. And when I'm not, the results are always less than the dog's potential.

Do you have what it takes to make the best of your human - dog relationship? If you want the best, then you are going to have to develop your character. It's not just about operant conditioning, classical conditioning, leashes, collars, treats, timing, and practice. It's deeper than that. It's going to require you making changes in how you deal with other people, how you manage yourself, and how you deal with your dog. Top performance, leading to success (meaning here, to get your dog to behave and be enjoyable as possible), is going to involve making changes in who you are, meaning what things you value in life.

Animal Rights is Wrong
by Loretta Baughan

It always amazes me to see how many people fall prey to the slick photos of puppies and kittens national animal rights groups use to solicit donations. Too often, people who support these organizations are misled into thinking they are actually helping animals or their local humane societies. Despite having a name that suggests an active role in overseeing or operating local humane societies, in reality the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is little more than a $200-million dollar lobbying organization tirelessly working to ramrod their anti-animal, anti-people agenda into law. On occasions where cases of animal abuse or neglect become the focus of media attention, HSUS often sweeps into town to hog the spotlight while soliciting donations from the unsuspecting public. Like a thief in the night, HSUS packs up and exits - along with the public's donations - as soon as the media's attention fades, leaving struggling, underfunded local animal shelters and rescue groups bearing the financial burden of care for the confiscated animals.

Pig Dog

Pig Dog

What is a "pig dog?" A pig dog is a boar hunting dog, doing much the same work that bulldogs were originally created for. Here is a description:

1. Mixed Bred Dog: These dogs are usually a mix of greyhounds, wolfhounds, mastiffs, bulldogs (there are many bulldog breeds), Boxer, Great Dane, pointer, and/or Catahoula. They are used, and have behavioral traits and genetics, much like earlier versions of other breeds of dog we now know: Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, etc. In fact, the Dogo Argentino is pretty much what a "pig dog" is today, we now just give it a breed name.

2. Working Hunting Dog: In the old days, these types of dogs have always been mixed bred dogs that have been created to capture wild boars. Different mixes are created for more specialized roles in the hunt. They hunt by scent (ground and air) and/or sight and/or on command. These dogs do very dangerous work, and you'll often seen them covered in scars. They typically are going to grab the boar about the head and pin it in a specific place for the hunter. They are taught to leave other game alone, such as deer or cattle or kangaroo.

3. They are hunting dogs. They are typically bred to be people-friendly and can be pets in the home. These are hunting dogs with a very strong desire to chase game. There are many wild boar around the world. These boars were let into the wild for the specific purpose of creating game for hunting. Hunters often don't even have limits on how many they can capture, and in many areas the boars are considered an environmental nuisance, and a danger to farmer's crops, and the governments want them either controlled or eradicated. The meat of the boar is then used for food, and the heads displayed as trophies.

4. What They Are Not: These are not guard dogs or personal protection dogs. These are also not pit fighting dogs. They are supposed to run in packs for hunting wild boar. In some parts of the world, dogs like this have also been used to hunt for bear and big cats. You don't want a dog like this to not be good with people, because they have to work around other hunters. You also don't want a dog like this to be a dog fighter, because that would defeat the purpose of them running in packs to find game. The dogs don't kill the game, just capture it for the hunter (who usually shoots the captured boar).

I've never had the chance to work with a "pig dog". The closest I've gotten is to train a few Dogo Argentinos. Interesting breed, but not a breed for everyone. The dog really needs a job to do, like hunting for game. It is NOT a protection dog, or a pit fighting dog. Loud and annoying bark. Super strong prey drive, visual especially, for other animals, which makes the obedience training a challenge. There are restrictions on owning pig dogs in some countries, so you'd better do your homework before getting one. I really don't think these dogs would be any fun as urban pets... they are specialized hunters for a specific type of lifestyle, terrain and game.

As I have mentioned before, I am not against hunting, but I am against "trophy hunting". I believe that you should eat what you kill, not kill for no other purpose than looking at a stuffed animal on your wall. I believe hunting is a natural behavior, even for humans. Many animals eat other animals. People eat animals... go to McDonald's sometime. Wild boar were planted in many parts around the world over the centuries as a food source. They are there for the hunting, the captured boar are killed quickly and humanely, and people eat them as food. I'm also not opposed to using dogs for hunting. That's what they've been used for from the beginning of their domestication, and many of these wild boar are in remote areas where this kind of thing is a normal part of life. The work is dangerous, but that doesn't disqualify it from being an activity that should be done with dogs. A lot of work is dangerous for dogs: guide dogs, hunting, police work, home protection, etc.

LUA Dalmatians

They make wonderful pets and firm friends but sadly, for many dalmatians, their medical records are somewhat spotty. Around a quarter of the beloved animals - or 25.25 in every 101 - will suffer serious health problems during their lives, leaving them in agonising pain and facing an early death. Now, with a little bit of cross-breeding, a healthy 'new' dalmatian, free from the defective gene that causes high levels of uric acid in their blood, has been created.

This is terrific. The breeders have created a "low uric acid" Dalmatian (LUA). This is what we SHOULD be doing about all the genetic problems that crop up over time when breeding dogs, instead of just medicating them with drugs and special diets and allowing generation after generation of dogs and dog owners to suffer. Many of the vet bills we pay for dogs could be eliminated if the breeders were allowed to do their jobs... meaning, having the ability to remove the genes that cause the genetic problems. There needs to be a change in mentality by the breed clubs. It is INHUMANE to continue to breed dogs, decade after decade, that you KNOW have genetic problems.

For example, blindness is a serious problem with Collies. Heart problems are rampant in the Dobermans. Why not selectively breed these dogs to eliminate these health problems?

AS a side note: In the 1950's, the Bull Terrier breeders decided they didn't want to have to crop the ears of their dogs. So, the breed club got together and decided to selectively breed for a triangular ear. We now are banning tail docking and ear cropping for a number of breeds, such as Dobermans and Rottweilers. Why not selectively breed for the trait you want?

Are you a TWIT?

WE'VE had WAGS, yuppies and metrosexuals; now meet our newest social phenomenon, TWITs. The TWITs are "Teenage Women In Their Thirties". Just like men with Peter Pan-syndrome who are not ready to grow up, TWITs are putting serious relationships and parenthood on hold, instead choosing to continue partying and enjoying the freedoms they discovered in their teens.

Isn't that pathetic? Another result of the "Me Generation". Let's call them what they are: selfish flakes. At one time we valued virtue, honor, maturity, hard work, being responsible, and so forth. Now, we see this phenomenon where it is OK to be a loser. Your behaviors AREN'T special and wonderful when you accept being a quitter, irresponsible, lazy, have an inflated self worth based on nothing, and thinking you are entitled to anything good in life. The real world is a meritocracy.

I've met women who were Twits, who were also raising their daughters to be Twits. And they are all a mess. And woe to the men who get involved with Twits, because they will be left holding the bag for this woman's problems. The excuse given by Twits is "If I found the right man I would settle down and have kids, but I am not going to sit around at home waiting." Yeah, right. If you weren't responsible before the guy met you, then you aren't going to be that after you are married and have kids. You'll still choose to be a flake because you don't have your values in the right place. What character trait do you feel it is OK to eliminate in a friend, spouse, wife, girlfriend, or daughter? What character traits do you feel are unnecessary to a successful life? Honesty, faithfulness, diligence, perseverance, courage, ability to be a team player, ability to be a leader, loving, responsibility, self respect, honor, resilience, etc.? Why would someone willingly sabotage their lives by reverting to acting like a child when they are an adult?

If you were a TWIT, and in a moment of reflection, asked me what I'd recommend, I'd say to you that I expect better of you, that you are better than this, and that this kind of selfish lifestyle leads to a very unhappy life.

A good life is made, not handed to you. It requires a solid work ethic, which takes years and years to hone and develop.

Flaky people abound in this modern world. In the old days, you couldn't be a flake because it was survival of the fittest. You either worked and made a life or you starved out.

How does this relate to dog ownership? It relates because flakes shouldn't get a dog or be made responsible over a dog. I wouldn't sell or give a dog to a flake. And I wouldn't let a flake take care of my dog. And I wouldn't marry someone who was a flake if I had a dog, because those selfish desires would not only ultimately tank the relationship, the dog might then end up with no home once the divorce was over and the money had been all consumed fulfilling the selfish desires of this Twit.

There are good and responsible women out there. Women of character. Let's hold these women in high esteem, because they've earned it. Character is the will in action. Good character takes continuous effort and is a choice to be responsible. Bad character takes no effort at all, and is a choice to be irresponsible.

Just my humble opinion.

New Testimonial -- Sam The Dog Trainer

"I was ready for a new dog. I visited the Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue website and after a lengthy application, a site visit, and a personal interview, they had a dog for me. When Grady first arrived, I wasn’t sure I should say Yes. He was hyperactive, pulled on the leash, seemed aloof, and definitely wasn’t into cuddling on the couch.


But then Sam Basso entered our lives. Sam was the best dog trainer we had ever worked with. We opted for the full monty. Sam would spend about three weeks at our house training not just the dog, but John and me as well. But about one week into training, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, and waiting until we were done with training was not an option. So after only one week of fairly basic stuff, we put dog training on hold, and got to work on my recovery. "

Wow.

Hey, go to Jenny's web page. Hope For Horses does horse rescue in the Seattle area.

Michael Vick - Where To Go From Here?

The path is clear for ex-National Football League quarterback Michael Vick to take snaps once again, with his reinstatement on a conditional basis today by league commissioner Roger Goodell.

As most dog activists know, Michael Vick went to prison for being involved with dog fighting and for inhumane treatment of his dogs. Now, he is out of prison and trying to get back to playing professional football. I hear from many dog activists that he should be banned from football and harassed for life for what he did. I disagree. I think once someone has paid their time in prison, it is time to give that person a chance to rebuild their lives. They have already paid their price to society. If not, then we should demand harsher sentences in the courts. However, this is what society has deemed sufficient punishment for what he was convicted of.

It's no longer our job to be judge and jury and jailer of this man. The sentence has been fulfilled.

And if you are so righteous in who you are, then let me ask you what you did about all of this? Morally, this is what you should have done regarding Michael Vick: you should have gone to him, or talked or corresponded with him. How is your shunning of this man going to make him a better man? Is your unending punishment any less cruel that what he did? And what price are you going to be willing to pay for the hardness of your hearts and the harm you are going to inflict on him. I say, it is time to move on. You had your chance to make a relationship with this man, and now you've blown that opportunity.

Here's what I use to judge your behavior towards him:

Matthew 25: 31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

The Helicopter

Some call it the helicopter. You hoist a dog off the ground by a choke chain and leash, then spin together. The airborne dog, revolving around you, fears for survival. North Tampa dog trainer Clarke Inghram uses the move to establish dominance, saying it subdues even the most hostile animal. But the American Humane Association and Association of Pet Dog Trainers have decried the practice as cruel. Inghram landed in Hillsborough County Court last year defending the maneuver after he used it on a Labrador. A judge found he did not violate animal cruelty ordinances. The complaint was one of several lodged against Inghram by Hillsborough County Animal Services, at odds with his Sit 'N Stay Dog Academy since April 2004, seven months after it opened. In the last five years, the department pursued animal cruelty charges on four occasions.

I believe the "helicopter" to be cruel and inhumane. I would not use a dog trainer that did this to dogs. And just because this court said it did not violate animal cruelty ordinances... well, let's just say that I don't think this would be the case in many cities around the country. I predict you'd be the one getting the helicopter treatment by the courts if you try this one yourself and get caught.

Leadership vs Teamwork

We talk a lot about leadership these days. And for many years, all of us, including myself, have studied how to be a leader. We not only talk about leadership, regarding people, we talk about leadership regarding dog training.

We are still living in the "Me" generation, when people think too much about themselves and what they want, how they are going to stand out from the rest, what they are going to do for themselves, and telling others what to do. That's not leadership. Parents spoil children by teaching them this kind of thinking, and lead them into all sorts of temptations and tribulations. Husbands neglect and hurt their wives, and wives disrespect and cheat on their husbands with this kind of thinking. Teachers bully or overindulge students with this kind of thinking, and students don't reach their potential. Managers wreck and politicize companies with this kind of thinking. Proper leadership requires team building and guidance. Not everyone on the team is the leader, and in productive teams they work together, not as a group of individuals all thinking of themselves as so-called leaders.

Selfish thinking destroys teams, businesses, relationships, marriages, and families. Selfish thinking is NOT leadership because it rebels against leadership, and prevents the very results that these people want out of their lives and need from the relationships they have... and they don't understand why.

People don't much understand what it means to be a leader, whether it is leading people or leading dogs. Here's my article on Being A Dog's Pack Leader. I'll have more to say on this, so stay tuned...

Your thoughts?

Man Or Dog?

THEY used to be man's best friend - but now it's single women whose lives have gone to the dogs. Australia's single women are turning their backs on men and opting for a much more loyal and reliable companion - a dog.

This is a sad commentary on the state of society, isn't it? I love dogs. Enjoy having them around. However, this mentality of treating dogs as people wrecks many dogs. There have been untold numbers of dogs given up to shelters or put down because they were spoiled (treated as humans) and had become behavioral messes.

Relationships with people require practicing the Golden Rule, and many people just don't have it in them to do that, and would be better off if they never got married in the first place. I have learned it takes consistent practice of good character to be in a healthy relationship: sacrifice, teamwork, love, commitment, forgiveness, integrity, drive, faithfulness, doing the right thing, helpfulness, respect, effort, having a higher purpose than yourself, putting the marriage first, selflessness yet being true to yourself, etc. Good relationship with your dog also requires a lot of love and effort, yet also an understanding that dogs are just animals and not furry little babies. Likewise, a good relationship with your dog requires a lot of personal commitment and good character, and many people don't have it in them to do that, and would be better off if they never got a dog at all.

A dog is no substitute for a spouse. A dog is no substitute for a child. And if you treat your spouse like a dog, then all you'll end up with is an empty home and your dog.

PetSmart Considering New Business Model

PetSmart Inc., the largest U.S. pet- store chain, is considering expansion into in-home services including dog walking, backyard clean-up and aquarium set-up to distinguish itself from retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. PetSmart currently offers grooming, training and kenneling at many of its 1,137 stores, he said. “In-home services are a big opportunity, but we have a lot of work to do before we determine how to make that work,” Moran said in a July 15 telephone interview. “It becomes a competitive advantage if we can break the code on how to provide that.” Wal-Mart is targeting the $45.4 billion market for pet goods, putting pressure on PetSmart as shoppers consolidate buying trips, according to David Strasser, an analyst with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC. Wal-Mart competes in about 20 percent of the items carried by PetSmart, he said in a report last month.

Interesting. But, I don't think they can make this strategy profitable. The article indicates, indirectly, that PetSmart is having trouble going head-to-head with Wal-Mart because consumers are increasingly cost conscious because of commuting costs. These things, like dog walking and backyard cleanup are low margin businesses. I have other ideas, but hey, no one is asking (or paying) for my advice.

Leonberger

The German breed has webbed feet. A Leonberg councilman gave the dogs to royalty in the 19th century to promote the town and his new breed. After World War I, 30 Leonbergers were tracked down and a breeding program was started with six males and six females.

If I was looking to get a giant breed of dog for a family situation, this is one of the first dogs I'd be looking at. This is the most amazing breed! Great with kids, natural guard but good with people, likes to swim, affectionate, etc. I was totally impressed with this breed the first time I saw them at a rare breed dog show about a decade ago. I don't praise breeds all that much, but this is one that made a very good impression. Obviously, you want to choose a good breeder, and at my web page, www.SamTheDogTrainer.com, I have suggestions on how to screen breeders. But, combine a good breeder with this breed, and you are going to be mighty happy!

All Pet Airline? Stay Tuned...

Binder and Wiesel used their consulting backgrounds and business savvy to start Pet Airways in 2005. The last four years have been spent designing their fleet of five planes according to new four-legged requirements, dealing with FAA regulations and setting up airport schedules. The two say they're overwhelmed with the response. Flights on Pet Airways are already booked up for the next two months. Pet Airways will fly a pet between five major cities—New York, Washington, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles. The $250 one-way fare is comparable to pet fees at the largest U.S. airlines.

Keep an eye on this one. Airlines are typically meant to fly people not pets, and that's why I avoid flying dogs if at all possible. This new airline might just fit the bill. Do you have any experience with Pet Airways and what is your opinion of them (please be polite and factual).

Criminal Charges? That's Criminal!

Corky and Koo-Boosh are the convicted law breakers, but it's northeast Phoenix homeowner Renee Maurer who was criminally charged for her two vocal dogs. Maurer's predicament mirrors similar barking-dog conflicts across the Valley: Anxious or lonely dogs bark incessantly, causing tempers to flare and neighbors to use city noise ordinances.

This is another example of a silly, overkill dog law. Dog barking violations shouldn't be prosecuted criminally. Sorry. That's a miscarriage of justice and abuse of police powers. There are huge issues here, including Constitutional problems with this kind of thing. Someday, Phoenix will be the one sued... and they will lose... a LOT of money. In the meantime, control your barking dog and move out to the suburbs.

Ozzy Osbourne's Dog Eaten By Coyote

ROCKER Ozzy Osbourne's favourite pet dog has been eaten by a coyote inside the grounds of his mansion in Los Angeles. The Osbournes now have 18 dogs at their sprawling home. Mrs Osbourne is a regular at the Los Angeles stray dog home and often gives homeless dogs a new home.

Really too bad. Many people underestimate the cunning and ferocity of wild animals. They think their pets can escape, or fight back... and they can't. I've always figured Ozzy's a good guy. Really sorry this happened.

Aggressive Puggle

I keep hearing from people who have aggressive Puggles (Pug / Beagle mix bred dog). This confirms what I predicted a couple of years ago regarding this new breed. People are buying this designer dog not considering the training needs of the dog, and making tons of mistakes. It's not the dog's fault! If you are having problems, or better yet want to prevent problems, then you need to hire a professional trainer. Simple as that.

I've met a number of very nice Puggles. It's not the breed, it's the unrealistic expectations of new dog owners, and them not hiring a professional to help them as problems arise.

The Kids Should Go To Jail... But, What About The Dog?

Four children between the ages of 11 and 15 used a pit bull to attack two women in SeaTac on Sunday evening after one of the victims questioned the group's treatment of the dog.

There's something seriously wrong with a bunch of kids that would command a dog to attack an innocent woman. These aren't "children", they are thugs! These fools, if convicted, should go to jail of some sort, and be forced to do counseling and community service. But, what of the dog? It is now being held by Animal Control. The dog was being abused, was taunted by the kids to the point it was ready to attack, and then it bit an innocent person. The dog is innocent, and unless the dog has been wrecked by abuse and is now vicious, it should be given to a good home. We'll see what the courts do with this dog.

Dog & Cat Bites

Dog and cat bites make up about 1 percent of emergency room visits in the United States.

Some facts presented in the journal:

* Women and the elderly are most at risk of being bitten by a cat.
* Men in general and those aged under 20 of both sexes are most likely to be injured.
* Most bite exposures occur in young children, involve unrestrained dogs on the owner's property, and about 20 percent involve a non-neutered dog.
* Risk is highest in young boys aged 5 to 9 years, due to their small size and lack of understanding of provocative behavior.

Severe infections can occur in about 20 percent of all cases, the researchers state, and are caused by Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, and Capnocytophaga bacteria from the animal's mouth, plus possibly other pathogens from the human's skin.

In other words... don't do things that will cause an animal to bite you. or someone else Too often we blame the animal, when instead, we should look at what we are doing to the animal.

Three Dog Rule At Off Leash Parks?

Six months after the city passed a law limiting each person to three dogs at its nine off-leash dog parks, scores of dog walkers far exceed their legal mutt max.

How many dogs should you be allowed to take to an off leash park at any one time? I think this is an interesting question. I think this is a question that must balance freedom, reasonableness and legal liability. The freedom argument would say that you'd be able to do whatever you wanted to, wherever you wanted to. For the most part, I'm a live and let live kind of guy: be responsible and take care of your own business so it doesn't affect others, and leave me alone so I can do my life. Then again, I'm an experience dog trainer and behaviorist. I have worked as head trainer at a doggie daycare, and at a certain point, you get to the point where you need a reasonable dog handler-to-dogs ratio in order to ensure the safety of the dogs. In daycare for kids, you need a certain number of supervising adults per child. There isn't any similar kind of regulation for doggie daycares or kennels, but common sense tells you that at some point, one individual can't supervise an unlimited amount of dogs. I have seen a number of homes with 5 or more dogs, and the management of the dogs gets pretty difficult at that point. I can't imagine taking 32 dogs, from different homes, to an off leash park. Lastly, there is the issue of liability. The more dogs you have to supervise, the more potential that something could go wrong in an unregulated environment. I think that the 3 dog per handler rule is a good balance. I am of the opinion that these dog walkers are using the off leash parks as a kind of doggie daycare, where they get use of the premises for free, and are transfering most of the cost and risk to the public. It is therefore unreasonable and isn't what these parks were created for.

BEING A DOG’S PACK LEADER

I’ve seen, heard and read a lot written about being the pack leader of your dog.

Most of popular dog training literature is wrong on leadership.

Memorial Day

Fort MacArthur: The facility is where the first military dogs were trained nearly 70 years ago. "This is a fitting tribute," Acosta said. "These dogs deserve it. They contributed to people who wanted to serve their country." Ayana estimated that 100,000 men and women owe their lives to the dogs, which were used as sentries, bomb sniffers, booby-trap finders and scouts. "If a scout dog didn't catch a trip wire, the dog and the handler both blew up. They saved GIs that were left in battle. Those dogs found them."

For those who died,
For those who fight,
And for our country:
NEVER Forget 9/11

SHE Was Surprised?

A Texas mother of twins got the shock of her life when doctors revealed that her 11-month-old boys do not have the same father.

What about the shock of the father? She knew what the heck she was doing.

This happens with street dogs all the time. Oh, I'm talking about the canine type...

Is the Dog-o-Matic an owner's best friend?

I think this is animal cruelty. This is an automated dog washing machine. If you look at the dog in the photo, it is clearly afraid. I think this device should be outlawed.

Good Decision

A 4-year-old girl was transported to a local hospital after she was bitten by a dog Sunday night in south Phoenix. According to the dog's owners, the girl was in her own backyard when she stuck her arm through the fence and the dog, a rottweiler-pit bull mix, bit her. The dog's owners told ABC15 News that they have children and they've never had problems in the past. They also said that they've had problems with their neighbor's children taunting the dog in the past. Police said they do not plan to issue citations to the dog's owners.

Amazing. Many times, the owners are still charged with a crime and the dog is put down. At some point, people, regardless of their ages, have to be responsible for what they do. And parents have to be responsible for what their kids do, and live with the consequences. I am not happy that a kid got bitten, however. This wouldn't happen in an ideal world, but we don't live in an ideal world.

Foods Dogs Shouldn't Eat

Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., recommends that pets stay away from the following edible items that are toxic to them: chocolate, grapes and raisins, walnuts, onions, mushrooms and macadamia nuts. For a complete list, go to the American Animal Hospital Association Web site, www.healthypet.com, and search for "prevent poisoning."

Every dog owner should know these things... and I also recommend every dog owner should have a dog first aid book to treat their dogs in cases of emergency poisoning.

Puppy Mill Legislation

A SPATE of law-enforcement raids on local dog breeders in January uncovered horrific conditions as well as the news that Washington had no statewide law to crack down on puppy mills. State lawmakers corrected this oversight with a strong bill passed by the Legislature this week. The bill prohibits breeders from possessing more than 50 non-neutered dogs older than 6 months at one time. It sets standards for kennel size, exercise and sanitary conditions. The bill's language is a clarion call for basic humane treatment of dogs. Breeders will have to provide clean food and water, keep cages clean and allow dogs to leave their cages for at least an hour a day. Violators could be charged with a gross misdemeanor.

Even though I prefer no legislation of this type, it is probably inevitable that this kind of law would be proposed. The problem is that once it becomes law, then it will, over time, be amended. And amendments are always more and more restrictive. The number of dogs allowed will be reduced, the standards will get tighter and tighter. And eventually, dog breeding will become pretty much illegal.

Hmmm... Not Sure On This One

The Supreme Court agreed Monday to take up an unusual free-speech case to decide whether the government can make it a crime to sell or own videos portraying dog fighting or other acts of animal cruelty.

I have a problem with these types of laws. Yes, I know they are used to fight child pornography... But, I'm not too happy with restrictions of free speech. I guess it matters what the courts and legislatures will consider animal cruelty. Is a vet cropping dog ears, tails or dewclaws engaging in animal cruelty? In some countries, the law says 'yes'. Is dog training with a chain or prong collar animal cruelty? In some places, the law says 'yes'. Is putting a dog in an airline crate animal cruelty? Possibly. Some cities are passing laws defining the enclosure sizes for animals. So, a lot of the criteria for 'animal cruelty' is pretty arbitrary, and when we are talking about penalties that might include prison, I'm not happy with these types of laws.

Arizona Dog Owners - Be Responsible!

YUMA, Ariz. - The Imperial County Sheriff's Office plans to pursue charges against the owner of the pack of dogs that fatally mauled a man last month near the California-Arizona border.

Look, you need to properly contain and supervise your dogs. There is no more 'one free bite' rule anywhere. There are times when a dog bite is justified, such as if the dog is being teased or the owner is being attacked by a criminal... but otherwise, you are in trouble if your dog bites someone. It is more important than ever these days to properly socialize, train, supervise and manage your dogs.

Celebrity Dog News

Paris Hilton got another dog... a Pomeranian for (reportedly) $10,000!!!

Britney Spears has a private dog washer...

Do you see why I don't do many celebrity dog stories? Boring...

Breeder Received Death Threats Over Joe Biden's Dog??!!

In a remarkable story, the breeder who sold Joe Biden a German Shepherd puppy describes receiving death threats and being harassed by government officials once the public learned of Biden’s purchase. (Apparently Biden has received threats too.)

I hadn't heard this before. Can't people just mind their own business?

Obama's Dog... Purebred or Rescue?

Is Bo a rescued dog or not? Did President Obama keep or break a campaign promise in picking the purebred as the family's new pet?

Who cares? The guy is President of the US. There are bigger issues to be concerned about. The only thing that would give me ulcers would be if he hated dogs... and he doesn't.

Move along...

Need New Procedures

Two medics are being investigated after giving a dying dog painkillers as he sat unable to move in the middle of a street, his owner refusing to leave his side.

I understand why an investigation is warranted. Civilized societies are managed by laws. On the other hand, there is right and wrong, and there isn't always a law to deal with every situation. The medics did the right thing.

Urinating Dog Triggers Multiple Murders

Three Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, police officers were shot to death while responding to a 911 call of a domestic argument triggered by a urinating dog.

This story causes me to ponder a couple of thoughts.

First, it is always best to find ways of not getting in direct strife with people. Direct confrontation leads to hurt feelings, anger, and creates enemies... so it should be used sparingly and for true enemies where you have to defeat and destroy them. We are all guilty of provoking others to strife. We get upset and we go after the other person, or we goad them and goad them until they blow up, or we ignore what is going on with them and don't really bother to find out how they are doing inside. As the old proverb says, "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with." Tact, patience, planning, forgiveness, timing, thoughtfulness, consideration of others... love... all take maturity and self control. People are mostly self centered, thinking of themselves and what they want. They don't consider the other person. I'm convinced that the one thing you'll never really get in any sincere quantity or quality from others is gratitude for what you've done or first consideration of what you need over what the other person wants. And you'll always be thinking of yourself before you think of others. The more self absorbed you are, and the more self absorbed the people around you, the more likely for strife and hurt feelings. Yes, you might be mad that the dog urinated in the home. But, maybe the dog needs training. Maybe the dog's owner needs help. Maybe instead of complaining, you get in there and give the other person a helping hand when they are down.

Second, many people have never been taught to exercise self control. You can influence, and even greatly control, how good or bad you feel and what you are going to focus on. Is the glass half empty or half full? Are you a quitter or a winner? Do you get up again after being knocked down, or are you a loser? I have learned a lot about emotional control from a variety of sources. You learn it if you have to be a salesperson. Your attitude will definitely control whether you make money or not. You learn it if you have to be in business for yourself. There are a lot of people out there who will try to knock you down. You'll learn it if you get married. The hardest things to do when married are to keep putting your best foot forward every day, sharing sacrifice, showing your spouse esteem and preference, supporting them, and not getting in strife. I think the traditional marriage vows are a terrific example of the choices we have to make in order to have a successful marriage: "Do you ___ take ____ to be your husband /wife – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him / her, comfort him / her, honor and keep him / her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him / her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?" Those are all choices about what you are going to do and how you are going to manage how you feel. Spiritual books, self help books, business motivational seminars, and so forth all deal with managing how we feel. When you get down, get distressed... you don't get a gun and start shooting people. Instead, you need to draw upon the character lessons of life, talk to friends, do the right thing regardless of how you feel, and get professional help if necessary.

This Is Good...

A northwest Ohio legislator says her proposal to remove pit bulls from the definition of a vicious dog under state law is a housekeeping item — one a county dog warden says would be a bad move. State Rep. Barbara Sears, a Republican from Lucas County, recently introduced House Bill 79 — a measure that would remove pit bulls from the definition of vicious dog in state law. Sears said she decided to offer the bill because she felt it unfairly categorized pit bulls as vicious without just cause in many cases.

Hopefully, this bill passes. Dogs shouldn't be deemed vicious purely because of breed. Viciousness isn't a trait that can be bred into a dog. And oftentimes what a novice considers vicious is just a dog doing a normal behavior in a situation where the dog has no other choice but to threaten or bite.

Dog Ate My Homework... Or Something Like That

The two year-old greater Swiss mountain dog gobbled up $400 in cash that his owner Kelley Davis had been saving up to deposit--in the bank.

I know of a Dalmatian that ate a stack of $100 bills off its owner's dresser. Best not to leave money out with a dog that is a destructive chewer.

Government Meddling... Again

MANTECA - An ordinance requiring all dogs be spayed or neutered by the time they are 6 months old will come before the City Council at its meeting Tuesday night. It is an expansion of a similar ordinance that pertains only to pit bull breed dogs that was passed by the council in September.

Why is this legal?

Dog Bite Saves Owner!

A man who broke into a Hempfield Township mobile home late Friday night was foiled when a woman and her dog fought back.

These stories happen over and over again. Dogs are a great deterrent to crime, and can even save your life.