What kind of dog do you want?

Thu 2 Sep 2010 by Sue McCabe

It was a delightful surprise this week when two clients with very young puppies explained they were putting into place a really varied and exciting socialisation programme for their dogs. They had planned, made lists of suitable places to visit and were already taking puppy to locations where as an adult, they would be regularly expected to relax, behave and enjoy. One owner was taking her puppy to work in a gym, another driving out of the city to allow puppy to explore crop fields. This is great news! These clients had decided that the type of pet they wanted was one who could be a true companion and accompany them wherever they went as adult dogs.

My puppies come everywhere with me, even before they have completed their vaccination programme. I consider socialisation, vaccination against the human world. Every year more dogs are put to sleep because of behaviour problems resulting from lack of socialisation than ever die of the horrible diseases such as parvo virus or distemper. Don’t misunderstand me, these diseases still exist and puppies are vulnerable to catching all kinds of nasty bugs prior to completing their course of vaccinations. But there are plenty of places where you can sensibly socialise your puppy prior to their vaccination programme being complete and the sooner you get them out and about during this crucial time, the better.

I bring puppy in my arms to shops, supermarket lobbies, the vets (many, many times where only positive things such as treat giving happens). I walk along the high street, stop and chat to neighbours, I take the bus with puppy on my lap. I visit friends who have well adjusted adult dogs who are fully vaccinated, friends who have cats and rabbits. I carry puppy to my local stables and allow him to sniff the wonderful smell of horses, to kiss their noses and enjoy their first experience of horse pooh (always a favourite). My puppies have explored our local fields well before they have finished their vaccination programme. We have driven to the airport and railway station, met countless well behaved and calm children who are invited to my home to throw balls, feed treats and gently allow puppy to sit for cuddles on their laps.

Someone somewhere came up with the hundred person rule, that your puppy should meet at least one hundred people before they are 14 weeks old. I try so hard to add one hundred different locations, animals and experiences to this rule also.

I want a dog who can accept any situation I put him into, without stress, worry or anxiety. I want a dog who loves life, who enjoys being around all aspects of the human world. Only through achieving this, can I truly bring my dog anywhere I go and know he’ll be accepted by all and loved by many more. If only more new puppy owners asked themselves ‘what kind of dog do I want’ and planned a socialisation programme that included all aspects of the human world?

Every wanted to get involved and let your thoughts be known?

Thu 8 Jul 2010 by Sue McCabe

Now is the time to act. Now is the time to pressure the government to repeal the Dangerous Dogs Act, a law which it has been proved doesn't work.

Never think 'This doesn't effect me because I don't own that breed of dog'. This could be any of our dogs. Imagine someone telling you you can't keep your beloved, because of the length of their muzzle or the shape of their legs. BSL is allowing exactly this to happen all over the UK, where family pets are seized because of how they look, not how they act.

All the major rescue organisations including Dog's Trust, RSPCA, the British Veterinary Association and the majority of professional training bodies (Including the APDT) are against Breed Specific Legislation, so why does the government think it knows better?

Act now. Let them know how you feel about their decisions. For the sake of your family pet, regardless of the breed......Punish the deed, not the breed.

http://dangerousdogsact.blogspot.com/2010/07/take-part-in-not-guilty-letter-campaign.html

Does removing loving family dogs from their home really make our world a safer place?

Tue 22 Jun 2010 by Sue McCabe

Imagine council officials coming to your home and measuring your dog with a tape measure. Because of the results, your dog is taken away from you. Taken to a location you are not informed of. Taken with no further access to seeing him, hugging him, explaining to him why he’s no longer at home with you. This is my nightmare and one which is a reality in the UK because of Breed Specific Legislation. This, regardless of whether your dog is breed type specified or not. Simply because a jobs-worth in the council think they know your dog better than you do. It looks a particular way, therefore it must be dangerous!

Lennox is a case in point. He was an 8 week old puppy when his owners brought him home to live with their Boxer, their Yorkshire Terrier and their family (including kids). His mum was an American Bulldog and his father a lab X Staffie. The family knew all this. Lennox has lived a great life for the past 5 years, though living in Belfast city means he’s always walked on leash and because of other people’s perception of him, he’s muzzled in public. This is a responsible decision his owners have taken.

In May of this year Lennox was seized and since then, his owners have had their world turned upside down. How does this help with removing genuinely dangerous dogs from the streets or from doing harm? How does this help with gangs using dogs of all breeds as weapons to threaten, main and potentially kill? How does the seizing of Lennox really help with ensuring responsible dog ownership? The simple answer of course is that it does not. And this is the main reason why Breed Specific Legislation cannot and does not work. It simply results in heart ache for the responsible owners and their dogs who regardless of their breed, have done no wrong except to look a particular way. Meanwhile those who wish to train their dog to act aggressively and look the part, continue to do so with any breed they see fit.

Read more about Lennox’s story on http://www.savelennox.co.uk/