Dogs used for dog fighting

[INVSTOR]

Just a quick awareness warning about dogs.

Nine years ago I had a dog that was very overprotective of my daughter. It wouldn't like my daughters friends touching her toys. When I had a new baby I felt uncomfortable that it may hurt the new baby. The dog had come from an animal shelter so it had an unknown history and I had quickly jumped into purchasing it after waking up to find a woman/criminal inside my house. We owned the dog for two years, and I called the animal shelter to see if they would take it back. They told me off for being an irresponsible dog owner. I advertised him for free in the paper. A lady with one child came around and said she was picking him up for her brother and wife and they had no kids so I thought things would work out well. After some months my husband started saying he had a bad feeling that our dog was used for dog fights. Then I started reading in the media about dog carcusses that had been obviously used for dog fighting were being found dumped in the same outer suburbs of Perth that our dog was destined for and same breed as our dog. If I had my time again, I would have had him put down. i wasn't aware that dog fighting existed. I'm living in Brisbane at the moment and a man attempted to steal my new dog across the road from my house last week. I was seeing some friends off and she had wandered across the road. She is a very unique looking dog. A man was walking towards her and holding his hand out and calling her. She barked at him. I appologised to him. He said, "oh is that your dog. I thought my dog got out". and turned around and walked off. Surely being a meter away he would have known it wasn't his dog!! I was kinda shocked and googled 'why do people steal dogs' and 'dog fighting' came up. I just wanted to warn people who may be a bit naive like me. I'm sure it would happen everywhere in Australia! My first dog was a staffy x greyhound x kelpie. My current dog is staffy x cattle dog x jack russel terrier.

 

[investor2009]

Dog fighting discusts me. And the only reason those poor breeds are good at it is because they are eager to please their owners. Taken from pups they will be whatever you train them to be. Soft and gentle to all out monsters.

It discusts me and I wish there were harsher penalties handed out for this.
The lot who creep under the shadows to watch and organise these things are a bunch of cowards.

 

[mary&mat]

Sorry INVSTOR, but I agree with the shelter. How can you give it back when it no longer suits you to have a dog?

Very sad. They're not disposable razors.

Hoping you have a different view towards your current dog & have educated yourself a bit more with regard to how much time, energy & commitment is needed to own a dog.

Wish more people would consider the suitability of breed for their lifestyle before adopting.

When you gave it away, did you advise the new owners of its propensity for protectiveness? Or did you just think 'problem solved'?

(Know this sounds harsh & I'm sure you're a nice person in other regards, but it really makes my blood boil when pets don't suit peoples' lifestyles or show problem behaviour & the owner simply gives it away with no warning to the new owner & no guilt for their own lack of responsibility & committment to the animal.)

 

[INVSTOR]

Sorry INVSTOR, but I agree with the shelter. How can you give it back when it no longer suits you to have a dog?

Very sad. They're not disposable razors.

Hoping you have a different view towards your current dog & have educated yourself a bit more with regard to how much time, energy & commitment is needed to own a dog.

Wish more people would consider the suitability of breed for their lifestyle before adopting.

When you gave it away, did you advise the new owners of its propensity for protectiveness? Or did you just think 'problem solved'?

(Know this sounds harsh & I'm sure you're a nice person in other regards, but it really makes my blood boil when pets don't suit peoples' lifestyles or show problem behaviour & the owner simply gives it away with no warning to the new owner & no guilt for their own lack of responsibility & committment to the animal.)

I knew I'd get hammered over this! Yes I definately warned enquiries - which was only two people. I basically interviewed them and wasn't going to give him to just anyone and we discussed future family plans, if they had, kids, grandchildren, etc. Size of property. The lady that came to meet me acted like a nice, family lady - and I got sucked in. yes, spent many hours researching dog breeds. I also think it was irresponsible of the shelter to not discuss if the dog was suitable to our situation before they sold it to us.

 

[mary&mat]

True.

I think the shelter bears some of the responsibility. They should have temperament tested the dog a bit more.

They should have interviewed you & your family & your particular needs as well. Perhaps they didn't match you with the dog very well.

Good to know you interviewed the propspective owners. I guess those sorts of people can be quite coniving & convincing & you can only do so much.

What a world where people derive amusement from dogs fighting.

 

[Deena]

Dog fighting disgusts me to, but dog shelters...............

I think all animals should be sterilised, no pet shops, no dog farms.

Our last dog we got from a dog shelter, temperment tested, she is a cross staffy, cross what? Lovely girl, but I do understand returning dog shelter animals, as you say you have no idea of thier history. Our girl was so timid when we got her, she has come out of her shell immensly, but she obviously had a terrible start to life, she is petrified of the vacumn cleaner, using the broom, raised voices, you name it sends her in to a shaking blithering mess. We will not surrender her, she is with us for life, but gee her temperment, bless her can be "trying" to live with at times.

My girlfriend also got her dog which had been temperment tested from a dog shelter. Her dog was a "one" person dog, which is always dangerous as you can not predict thier behaviour when that person is not around. Her dog savaged and killed one of her cats, she immediately had the dog put down.

 

[INVSTOR]

Dog fighting disgusts me to, but dog shelters...............

I think all animals should be sterilised, no pet shops, no dog farms.

Our last dog we got from a dog shelter, temperment tested, she is a cross staffy, cross what? Lovely girl, but I do understand returning dog shelter animals, as you say you have no idea of thier history. Our girl was so timid when we got her, she has come out of her shell immensly, but she obviously had a terrible start to life, she is petrified of the vacumn cleaner, using the broom, raised voices, you name it sends her in to a shaking blithering mess. We will not surrender her, she is with us for life, but gee her temperment, bless her can be "trying" to live with at times.

My girlfriend also got her dog which had been temperment tested from a dog shelter. Her dog was a "one" person dog, which is always dangerous as you can not predict thier behaviour when that person is not around. Her dog savaged and killed one of her cats, she immediately had the dog put down.

Have you tried anxiety tablets for your dog? One of my current dogs is trying at times, much like you described and she is currently on them and we've had her for 4 years. I've seen a huge improvement.

I've had friends also who have had rescue dogs that have eventually been put down from aggression or worked with a dog phsyc to try to cure them. I have known other people with designer or pedigree dogs to have problems also. My sister's fluffy Bichon Fris cross Poodle that was a gift from a friend from a pet shop has left a scar on my hand. It was jumping up and nipping my sons neck and I smacked it and it bit me. I think their is a slightly higher rate of aggression from shelter dogs. The dog I had 9 year ago, once I was walking him and an approx ten year boy that we walked past punched it in the head. My dog cowered. I used to feel a bit disguisted that shelters existed. I realise now that most dogs can be unpredictable and they have different experiences all the time that can change them. I agree that pet shops should be banned.

 

[Deena]

Funny you should mention anti anxiety drugs, and good to hear it has improved your dog. We recently had a particulary bad thunder storm, poor Lexie was shaking so badly I was concerned she was going to have a cardiac event. When she has her next immunisation I think I will mention it to the vet.

 

[artemis]

i have a german shepherd puppy and take him to a fenced off lead park in bulleen.. some macho man with his aggressive boxer lets his dog off the lead, knowing very well that his dog will target mine.. my shepherd was knocked to the ground and started to wail.. the macho guy's response: it's a f&%^n shepherd, it should fight back.. this has happened once too many times.. now when he comes, we just leave..

this guy is notorious for bringing his dog to the park and watching his boxer attack other dogs..

macho idiots still prevail in our communities

 

[Jamie M]

It's amazing what some idiots let their dogs get away with in dog parks. That's why I'm thankful they've segregated our local park to cater for big and small dogs.

Cheers

Jamie

 

[redwing]

One Good Dog

Slightly off topic, but I had a bit of a break recently and chanced upon a book called "One Good Dog" by Susan Wilson. The book had been discussed at a family gathering by someone prior, so it stood out as I browsed the store and the purchase was made

Well worth the read...

Its a stunning New york Times bestseller about a hard-nosed businessman who fought his way to the top of the ladder then finds himself alone, unemployed and forced to work at a homeless centre

It's also a story about a dog born in a cellar and bred to fight in a dark vicious world

Two Lives - Two second chances

Resonated with me

If you get a chance to read it, I'd be interested in your feedback here also

 

[kathryn d]

Yesterday I signed up at the SPCA to be a foster mom, when we are home in Canada every summer..starting next May.
We babysat my daughter's b/f kitten...and it made me decide this was a good option for us.
Looking on the SPCA's website, it needs foster homes for nursing cat w/kittens that are too young for adoption, as they take up valuable space at the center. I also told them that any cat that also needed some "family" time is welcome too.

 

[INVSTOR]

Slightly off topic, but I had a bit of a break recently and chanced upon a book called "One Good Dog" by Susan Wilson. The book had been discussed at a family gathering by someone prior, so it stood out as I browsed the store and the purchase was made

Well worth the read...

Its a stunning New york Times bestseller about a hard-nosed businessman who fought his way to the top of the ladder then finds himself alone, unemployed and forced to work at a homeless centre

It's also a story about a dog born in a cellar and bred to fight in a dark vicious world

Two Lives - Two second chances

Resonated with me

If you get a chance to read it, I'd be interested in your feedback here also

It sounds good! I'll check out my library this week.

 

[Spades]

Can Attack Dogs Be Rehabilitated?

Heres a link:Bite me

As per redwings suggested read "One Good Dog" by Susan Wilson.
That should be made into a movie maybe starring Steve Carell as lead.
Loved the movie Evan Almighty.

On the other end of the lead,anyone seen the movie based on a true story-red dog?

 

[redwing]

It sounds good! I'll check out my library this week.

Did you ever check it out?

“One Good Dog is a wonderful novel: a moving, tender, and brilliantly crafted story about two fighters—one a man, one a dog— hoping to leave the fight behind, who ultimately find their salvation in each other.

Susan Wilson’s clear and unflinching style is perfectly suited for her story that strips away the trappings and toys we all hide behind, and exposes our essential need to give and accept love in order to thrive.”

—Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

Adam March is a self-made “Master of the Universe.” He has it all: the beautiful wife, the high-powered job, the glittering circle of friends. But there is a price to be paid for all these trappings, and the pressure is mounting—until the day Adam makes a fatal mistake. His assistant leaves him a message with three words: your sister called. What no one knows is that Adam’s sister has been missing for decades. That she represents the excruciatingly painful past he has left behind. And that her absence has secretly tormented him all these years. When his assistant brushes off his request for an explanation in favor of her more pressing personal call, Adam loses it. And all hell breaks loose.

Adam is escorted from the building. He loses his job. He loses his wife. He loses the life he’s worked so hard to achieve. He doesn’t believe it is possible to sink any lower when he is assigned to work in a soup kitchen as a form of community service. But unbeknownst to Adam, this is where his life will intersect with Chance.

Chance is a mixed breed Pit Bull. He’s been born and raised to fight and seldom leaves the dirty basement where he is kept between fights. But Chance is not a victim or a monster. It is Chance’s unique spirit that helps him escape and puts him in the path of Adam.
What transpires is the story of one man, one dog, and how they save each other—in ways they never could have expected.

Source

I noticed whilst in Big W she has a new book out called "The Dog Who Danced", not sure what it's like but I enjoyed the first book whilst on some R&R

 

[Shaneelastic]

What was the breed investor...just curious Thx

 

[bump]

We recently had a particulary bad thunder storm, poor Lexie was shaking so badly I was concerned she was going to have a cardiac event.

Tell your dog to harden up or you will take her to the dog shelter. This needs to be done with a stern tone of voice so she understands you mean business. None of these anti anxiety pills or prozac for dogs will cut the mustard better than this method.

 

[lizzie]

I got my dog from the RSPCA 10 years ago ... she also was timid and would cower if you got up from your chair too quickly. Hairbrushes and hoses were a no go. She was thin and mangey and so neglected that it broke my heart.

Lots of love and reassurance and within 12 months she was normal - still quivers at thunderstorms and the vets.

She is the most beautiful temperament dog, great with kids, super friendly to everyone and loves other dogs - getting a bit old now at 13-ish but still has her inner puppy.

Not all shelter dogs are bad - and I would definately get my next one from there too. Sometimes it's more about the breed (certain breeds attract certain types of original "no so good" owners) than the dog itself.

I get all my cats from the RSPCA and am on the lookout for a new kitten in a month or so.

Muska dog in a coat made by my young daughter from the sewing scraps:

 

[BayView]

The frickin' owners should get in the ring and try to kill each other. A few less dumb bogans around.

Interesting how most dog attacks are by dogs typically owned by dopey, low-end bogans and the dogs are the "muscle dogs" to give the owner the feeling they are tough. pffft

Moi farkin beast is tuff, orroit?

It's the owners that need to be vetted.

Yeah; I know yer yappy nanna fluffball can take a piece out of you too, but I can't remember the last time a fluffball attacked and killed a pitbull/rottweiler/bogan mutt, or followed someone into their house and killed a 4 year old girl..

 

[BayView]

Tell your dog to harden up or you will take her to the dog shelter. This needs to be done with a stern tone of voice so she understands you mean business. None of these anti anxiety pills or prozac for dogs will cut the mustard better than this method.

No surf today?

You're a crack up.