Dogs

[4getmenot]

After reading the horrible article of the baby girl being killed by 2 rottweilers at the weekend I'd like to ask do you think these attacks that are happening more frequently now, are the fault of the owners or the dogs?

[Miss Inquiry]

You did say you wanted to see a poodle as a guard dog sp1814!! Sory about your trousers.

On a more serious note, thanks for posting the question 4getmenot, hearing everyones views on this topic is really interesting especially having had a well trained placid Rotti myself (but always being aware of the danger she could potentially pose). I am going to be guled to the news tonight, something about this story is troubling me.

[4getmenot]

as jedimistres said these dogs were not average domesticated pets. But as admarlow says even those can turn at any time and you can agree on that point lankeela by saying that you think your dogs would protect you. Thats all these dogs were doing it is just unfortunate that the parents left there child in a room that these dogs managed to get access to. But that doesnt make them beasts. God listen to me and I hate dogs. :-)

[4getmenot]

But you know Miss Inquiry how she is with you, but I do think around strangers it is probably best to be wary with any dog, and even more on your toes when children are involved they tend to show no fear and play not knowing how the dog will take it. and I didnt think I'd get as many views as tis but they are all good ones.

[Oneeyedvic]

"Dogs originally were wild animals then hunters and I do think a lot still have the killer instinct, but that is 'normal' to them"

Why not insert the word man into this sentence? Man was originally the sole provider of food in the domicile (cave) - they had a kill or be killed attitude etc.

"all you can say it that your dog has not mauled anyone...yet. You can never say never with an animal "

All I can say to that is that you haven't murdered anyone yet - doesn't mean you are not a murderer - ask Peter Sutcliff's victims.

There are over 6 MILLION dogs in the UK and a small number of attacks a year - yes, it is a terrible, terrible thing, but lets gets a sense of reality here - more children get killed / injured by motor vehicles than get killed / injured by animals (and motor vehicles are licenced)

Incidentally - 4getmenot - you said you have a phobia of dogs - phobia is a term for "IRRATIONAL" fear

[lankeela]

jedimistress, why would you let children corner your dog,
and why would your sister let her children climb all over their dog?

It always amazes me when people say their dogs will let their children do anything to them, why should a dog have to be subjected to having things done to them by unruly children - in these cases I would not blame a dog for growling at a child - although I would not expect it to snap or bite, just give a warning growl which is what they would do to another animal in the same circumstances.

My dogs are not very used to children, but provided the children treat them with respect, I would not hesitate to allow them to approach my dogs and touch them, under supervision.

[4getmenot]

Not really I said I have a phobia of some dogs and I cant see how that is irrational ie.silly, foolish, unreasonable, absurd when I have my own reasons why. So anyway getting back to the question I asked what is your answer I didnt go into how many are killed or mauled compared to other incidents I asked is it the fault of the dog or owners?

[jedimistress]

Yawn.

[lankeela]

Actually you did say you have a phobia of dogs, and then also that you have a phobia of all pets.

I would also question why you allowed your dog to chase a postman on his bike?

[jedimistress]

I believe children have played with family dogs for generations. Who said they were unruly?

I don't allow young children to corner my dog as I know she does not like it. I know her boundaries as she used to live and work in the same Youth Hostel as I did. She'd also sit in the reception area with the kids, shock horror, is that allowed??

[lankeela]

But it was you who said it, saying she would snap at them when they cornered her.

[4getmenot]

No I continued with some dogs and actually put maybe I am wary of all pets because of this. I see you'ere still wanting an arguemnt rather than to carry on with question in general. And the postman got in the garden. Why should he have kicked him in the head is a better question? just like some dogs chase cars my dog chased a bike.

[juddlinski]

Has anyone found out if the baby was actually trying to nick anything?

[4getmenot]

dont worry jedi lankeela thinks this is an arguebank rather than an answerbank

[jedimistress]

It was the maximum extent to which she reacted when felt threatened. She gave warning signs before this happened & I know to watch her again. I was trying to highlight the difference in temprements between animals and how the owners should know those limits. I know my dogs limit, which is less placid than the example of my sisters dog.

[sp1814]

Okay, I think that this is officially the longest thread EVER which didn't mention Muslims...

...oops. There I did it.

[Oneeyedvic]

You ask two questions: "do you think these attacks that are happening more frequently now". No I do not think this - I think that now that we have a 24 hour media, these events get more coverage.

"... the fault of the owners or the dogs" The owners have to take responsibility.

My dog has never threatened to bite anyone - she has given warning growls to another dog (who was getting rough whilst playing) and she has given a warning growl to a child who grabbed her coat.

If she did ever bite anyone (in malice as opposed to accidentally) she would be immediately put down. Love her to bits, but would not tolerate that kind of behaviour.

I for one minute do not think that she would ever do that - and no I can't say that with a 100% certainty, just as I can't say with a 100% certainty that my wife will not kill me in bed tonight!

[-Zorro-]

I hate dogs...put them all down..they are too volatile

[wonderwoman1]

did i just hear right on the news that the grandparents of this baby have been stabbed and the grandmother has died from her injuries?

[sp1814]

wonderwoman...

Eh? Where did you see that?