Ah, for the days of blissful ignorance as a child running through the fields and woods with my Labrador/Beagle mix, Major. Life was a simple pleasure then not weighed down with worries about the declining rights of dog owners. Legislation is not discriminating these days regarding the rights of responsible dog owners vs. the rights of irresponsible dog owners. They are the same with the laws banning breeds, muzzling breeds, limits on number of dogs owned, eliminating parks for leashed dogs, and making off leash access almost non existent.
In 2003 professional dog enthusiast Internet boards were talking about the legislation trend sweeping many nations, including our own states. Many thought the alarmists were Henny Penny types. Many dog enthusiasts could not believe the sky was actually falling or to continue would continue it's fall. Instead it was believed that these isolated trends would soon go away. Unfortunately, the fallout from this has not stabilized into more reasoned actions or stopped altogether the way many hoped it would.
Some examples of this:
· September 2010 Worcester Massachusetts City Council members approve legislation requiring the so-called "pit bull" breed to be muzzled outside of their homes and/or property. The specifics are to general to list, and the actual new ordinance is not out there in public yet. April 1st of 2011 is when this new rule will take affect.
· Worcester Massachusetts does not allow dogs in parks leashed or not. (Paragraph 14 and unless a service dog)
· The infamous HEART legislation of Albuquerque New Mexico. Your dog must be on an eight-foot leash in this city any time you are not in your house OR in your own fenced in yard. Yard doesn't have a fence? Dog gets to enjoy time on 8' leash in your own yard. Not a long line or flexi, but at the most 8'of fun.
· Pawtucket Rhode Island has banned the so-called "pit bull" breed.
· Ontario Canada not only bans breeds, but it is totally okay for the dog warden on his authority alone to confiscate and kill dogs.
· No dogs on many if not all New Hampshire State parks leashed or not.
Here is the bottom line, the hysteria and continued deluge of animal legislation and banning of breeds is not slowing down nor will it in the near future. That is, unless dog owners, citizens, victims of irresponsible dog owners, and legislators really start to get a clue. The individuals following the example of Henny Penny were NOT wrong. Sky still continues to rain down on the rights of responsible dog owners. The warnings went largely unheeded and still are not paid attention to by the dog owning contingent, unless it crops up in their community or affects their breed. The trick would be to be proactive and block this kind of legislation and make the legislation seem very silly to introduce in the first place. A proactive approach has been started but needs to be encouraged in the dog community to expand beyond the professionals in the dog field.
Here are some contributors to the current climate in dog law legislation:
· Dog owners who do not really want dogs, and do not care for their dogs and the surrounding environment properly.
o Do not pick up their dog's waste.
o Allow their dog to roam the neighborhood freely.
o Do not properly train or socialize their dog.
o Neglect their dog.
o Excuse or deny issues that they are having with their dogs until something happens. Sometimes not even then.
o Allow their dog to indiscriminately run up to humans or dogs that may not want their attentions.
o Allows their dog to create noise pollution in the neighborhood.
o Do not spend time with and/or exercise their dog on a regular basis.
o Does not allow their dogs to be mentally challenged.
· A climate of "science" (not so much, and not what general public would assume it to be) in dog training, veterinarian practice, and animal behavior professionals that no longer recognizes dogs as individual in temperament, size, strength, age, and prior experience. The art of dog training to a reliable standard where a shared communication develops the relationship of trust and partnership is slowly and surely being lost, when it is needed the most.
· Irresponsible dog ownership that threatens the safety and well being of the public as well as family members.
· The diminishing of areas where dogs can go to socialize makes it guaranteed that fewer dogs would be socialized. Keep in mind what correct socialization really is.
· Dog owners, who own large "power breeds", who do not recognize their duty and responsibility to be the best ambassador possible for their pure or mixed breed.
Here are some actions that may help protect our rights if implemented in a careful and knowledgeable way:
· Dangerous dog legislation needs to put management steps for the handling or disposal of the dog and keeping them safe within the environment. However irresponsible dog owners or custodians need to be fined, penalized, or jailed as well. So many irresponsible people could either care less that their dog may be put to death or may be a danger unchecked to others alive, untrained, and unsupervised. Real consequences to the owner would, hopefully, in the place and reduce the likelihood of an irresponsible owner choosing to get a canine in the first place.
· An irresponsible dog owner liable under legislative fines, penalties, or jail time needs to be defined thoroughly but carefully.
· Off leash access should be given to responsible dog owners who can demonstrate their training work with their dog to a certain standard. Also, the dog and owner should be able to pass temperament tests before off leash access is given. Perhaps also a written exam to test whether owners know when off leash would be acceptable in a common sense way and not acceptable by use of common sense. In this way, dog owners who are want to or are responsible can regain their right and privilege back.
· Related to above, insist on standards being able to be demonstrated and proven in the dog training industry. If certification and licensing is later needed, insist that the traditional obedience (off lead) tests that have been available through the AKC for very many years are the measure to which a professional dog trainer is held. Dog trainers should be held to a higher standard than a simple Canine Good Citizen, Rally, or Therapy Dog Certificate.
· As a dog owner, always take the responsible and right action. Keep in mind of the surrounding people, and give them no real reason to fear your dog. The less ammunition out there the better. Prepare and train your dog to be calm and sure of themselves in all public areas.
There are probably more points I could make on the causes and possible solutions of the not-dog-friendly legislation that is sweeping the world like wildfire. Hopefully, this is enough for dog owners present and future to consider.
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MAINE DOG TRAINING SERVICING DOG TRAINING NEEDS IN MAINE AND BEYOND. www.maindogtrainer.com
Showing posts with label BSL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BSL. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Unfriendly Canine Legislation Trends
Monday, December 12, 2011
Part 1-Waterville Maine Thinking About Breed Specific Legislation or Size Canine Legislation-Yipes!
First dear readers, here is what is happening in Waterville Maine. If you have a large breed dog, you may soon find your rights of dog ownership to be impeded upon depending on the size or breed of your dog. If Waterville Maine starts limiting what breeds can be owned (without regard to any other measures), it will be sure to crop up in other cities and towns in Maine.
http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/police-chieffired-up-overdog-attacks_2011-12-02.html
http://bangordailynews.com/2011/09/12/news/waterville/waterville-police-chief-wants-bad-dogs-away-from-kids/
http://www.ohmidog.com/2011/09/13/police-chief-in-maine-suggests-breed-ban/
http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/action-alert-for-waterville-me-residents/
http://www.keepmecurrent.com/american_journal/opinion/editorials/editorial-dog-laws-should-target-owners-first/article_93e7badc-e9e4-11e0-a20d-001cc4c002e0.html
I personally find it appalling when a human adult or child is attacked by a dog. I find it appalling when a child is put in any number of dangerous situations, quite frankly. When I have a training situation that involves the safety of a child, I pull no punches. I may not take on the client because they sound like they are endangering their child or family members. I can't be involved with that sort of liability, and I make it clear to the client what I think about it.
My definition of endangering others is already having multiple incidents happen to people without any action on the part of the human to keep others safe. Usually they are contacting me in order to have someone else say their dog is safe or wave a magic wand at the situation. Chillingly enough, sometimes these people are calling from a daycare situation, and want their dog to be handled by their dog with a previous bite history at will despite their dog clearly not being okay with that.
People have unrealistic expectations of dogs as some sort of stuffed animal that they take out only when they are interested in them. Obviously, large breeds of dogs have bigger teeth and more strength than a toy breed. It is therefore more likely that if a dog is put in an inappropriate situation or if warning signs of a bad temperament are simply ignored, the more serious injury will be given by a larger dog. Also if a dog has not had socialization or training done, that dog can misinterpret a situation on go on the defense due to lack of experience and usually supervision.
Not all dogs have great temperaments, but treated with respect and supervised not a danger generally to the public. Some dogs are dangerous and this always comes with having a flawed temperament (at least for living as a domesticated pet) or in very rare cases a serious medical issue has not been found. However, it is extremely rare that a dangerous dog would be able to exit the shelter system alive or be purchased from a reputable breeder. These dangerous temperaments are uncommon to a large degree. They are perhaps more common in a segment of the population that values a guard dog (not talking about a trained well temperamented guard dog here) type of mentality in their dog. There are some people that feel it "machos" them up to have a dog that may decide to protect or guard them with their teeth. Unfortunately, these dogs can not tell the difference from kids, domestic animals, ET that are not threats. Often they are owned by people that have little to no interest in training these dogs to be safe and supervised, and they have in fact through neglect and lack of socialization trained them to be viscious. People like this are prone to valuing a badly temperamented dog whether it came that way or was created to be that way. It would be better that these people had no dogs at all, never mind what kind of breed of dog it is or what temperament it began with. If you penalize the breed by size or actual breed class, these people will find something else with which, and it may even be a smaller dog now that is more feral in nature, that they can neglect and use as a weapon against people. Will this now become that breeds fault? If so, hamsters will someday be an illegal pet (okay I am exaggerating there but you get the picture).
So if people that have properly cared for their dogs are penalized and in the same boat as those that have irresponsibly cared for (and this includes ignoring dangerous situations and acting upon them to include realizing they may need to destroy a dangerous dog), what does this change? Well it will put a large population of people that love their dogs and care for their dogs in an impossible and tragic predicament. The irresponsible population will either hide the fact that they own these animals, put them to sleep and pick something else to neglect, or if they are interested in protection find another way to "protect" themselves in an irresponsible way.
It is real easy to pick on a breed (or minority) in an effort to feel control (humans do it to themselves all the time). Death and serious injury are life altering events. Humans want to be able to control death itself. Of course we do, it effects us and the people we love. We have a mind numbing lack of control when it comes to this. We can not control all irresponsible human behavior or mechanical failure on inanimate objects. When we find something we think we can control, often we wish to do this fast, now, and in very illogical and non helpful ways. The fall out of this is controlling, often, the people who are acting responsibly, and not effecting so much the irresponsible parties as intended.
(This is Part 1-To Be Continued)
http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/
http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/police-chieffired-up-overdog-attacks_2011-12-02.html
http://bangordailynews.com/2011/09/12/news/waterville/waterville-police-chief-wants-bad-dogs-away-from-kids/
http://www.ohmidog.com/2011/09/13/police-chief-in-maine-suggests-breed-ban/
http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/action-alert-for-waterville-me-residents/
http://www.keepmecurrent.com/american_journal/opinion/editorials/editorial-dog-laws-should-target-owners-first/article_93e7badc-e9e4-11e0-a20d-001cc4c002e0.html
I personally find it appalling when a human adult or child is attacked by a dog. I find it appalling when a child is put in any number of dangerous situations, quite frankly. When I have a training situation that involves the safety of a child, I pull no punches. I may not take on the client because they sound like they are endangering their child or family members. I can't be involved with that sort of liability, and I make it clear to the client what I think about it.
My definition of endangering others is already having multiple incidents happen to people without any action on the part of the human to keep others safe. Usually they are contacting me in order to have someone else say their dog is safe or wave a magic wand at the situation. Chillingly enough, sometimes these people are calling from a daycare situation, and want their dog to be handled by their dog with a previous bite history at will despite their dog clearly not being okay with that.
People have unrealistic expectations of dogs as some sort of stuffed animal that they take out only when they are interested in them. Obviously, large breeds of dogs have bigger teeth and more strength than a toy breed. It is therefore more likely that if a dog is put in an inappropriate situation or if warning signs of a bad temperament are simply ignored, the more serious injury will be given by a larger dog. Also if a dog has not had socialization or training done, that dog can misinterpret a situation on go on the defense due to lack of experience and usually supervision.
Not all dogs have great temperaments, but treated with respect and supervised not a danger generally to the public. Some dogs are dangerous and this always comes with having a flawed temperament (at least for living as a domesticated pet) or in very rare cases a serious medical issue has not been found. However, it is extremely rare that a dangerous dog would be able to exit the shelter system alive or be purchased from a reputable breeder. These dangerous temperaments are uncommon to a large degree. They are perhaps more common in a segment of the population that values a guard dog (not talking about a trained well temperamented guard dog here) type of mentality in their dog. There are some people that feel it "machos" them up to have a dog that may decide to protect or guard them with their teeth. Unfortunately, these dogs can not tell the difference from kids, domestic animals, ET that are not threats. Often they are owned by people that have little to no interest in training these dogs to be safe and supervised, and they have in fact through neglect and lack of socialization trained them to be viscious. People like this are prone to valuing a badly temperamented dog whether it came that way or was created to be that way. It would be better that these people had no dogs at all, never mind what kind of breed of dog it is or what temperament it began with. If you penalize the breed by size or actual breed class, these people will find something else with which, and it may even be a smaller dog now that is more feral in nature, that they can neglect and use as a weapon against people. Will this now become that breeds fault? If so, hamsters will someday be an illegal pet (okay I am exaggerating there but you get the picture).
So if people that have properly cared for their dogs are penalized and in the same boat as those that have irresponsibly cared for (and this includes ignoring dangerous situations and acting upon them to include realizing they may need to destroy a dangerous dog), what does this change? Well it will put a large population of people that love their dogs and care for their dogs in an impossible and tragic predicament. The irresponsible population will either hide the fact that they own these animals, put them to sleep and pick something else to neglect, or if they are interested in protection find another way to "protect" themselves in an irresponsible way.
It is real easy to pick on a breed (or minority) in an effort to feel control (humans do it to themselves all the time). Death and serious injury are life altering events. Humans want to be able to control death itself. Of course we do, it effects us and the people we love. We have a mind numbing lack of control when it comes to this. We can not control all irresponsible human behavior or mechanical failure on inanimate objects. When we find something we think we can control, often we wish to do this fast, now, and in very illogical and non helpful ways. The fall out of this is controlling, often, the people who are acting responsibly, and not effecting so much the irresponsible parties as intended.
(This is Part 1-To Be Continued)
http://www.mannerlymutts.com/
http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 30, 2010
International Fugitive Tommy Has Arrived Safe and Sound
So one may be wondering as my other dog professional friends have asked, how is it that you intake a strange dog in the middle of the night with other dog guests? Regardless of the temperament of the dog reported, you do this carefully. Remember that Tommy just had a long international flight, and has been recently exposed to all sorts of things he just has not been prepared for yet. You can't get mad at a dog for having the appropriate reaction to a situation. You can not expect that they will know the situation or who you are on the very first day. Tommy has zero reason to trust me or the dogs that are here. So here is the plan in action:
Today is going well with Tommy. He is concerned and nervous. He is interested in dogs. He wants to play. He would like a little getting to know time first (or that is going to be what works best for him). It's less than a day, so I am not even close to knowing Tommy. However, it's been a good day and a good start.
A lot of people start out by just expecting too much from a dog in this situation. They do not stack the odds in favor of the dogs success. Sometimes people get a little too upset about dog communication (barks, growls, looks) and too anxious. (I should probably go a bit more into what I really mean by this in another article, as it's pretty important) That combined with no boundaries or limitations is a dangerous combination even with the nicest dogs. It's so easy for rough play to be misinterpreted by another dog who does not know that dog. Then what happens is a totally unnecessary fight, because of a misunderstanding of intent.
Tommy is definitely enjoying himself today, and I will write more about the challenges of managing a dog;s first day, including the getting to know part. Dogs all have different signals and sounds, and if you don't know the dog they can either sound more alarming than they are or less alarming than you should take them. It's all about learning the dog as you develop your relationship and communication structure. Canines learn this themselves as well. That is why it is sometimes very easy for a misunderstanding to occur. One dog's play signal may be another dog's "I'm a gonna get you" signal.
 |
| Whatcha writing about me? |
The flight was on time last night, and going through customs went as the transport company had predicted. So Tommy arrived at our house just a little past midnight last night. All in all, this actually worked in our favor as he was pretty tired and very quickly fell to sleep in our bedroom. Our bedroom was occupied with four other dogs last night.
So one may be wondering as my other dog professional friends have asked, how is it that you intake a strange dog in the middle of the night with other dog guests? Regardless of the temperament of the dog reported, you do this carefully. Remember that Tommy just had a long international flight, and has been recently exposed to all sorts of things he just has not been prepared for yet. You can't get mad at a dog for having the appropriate reaction to a situation. You can not expect that they will know the situation or who you are on the very first day. Tommy has zero reason to trust me or the dogs that are here. So here is the plan in action:
- Number one, I inform the husband of the plan repeatedly. Husbands take far more repetition than dogs to learn things:) Most important thing I let him know, is do not let any dogs out of the places I put them--no matter what and for any reason. I will take care of that.
- I have a closed off place, actually a very large family room, to keep the four dogs in. Even though they (except puppy Boris) are used to this very sort of thing, Tommy is not. There is no reason to expose anyone to a potentially overly stressful situation.
- In the other part of the house, I have access to leashes and outdoor area for bathroom.
- When the car comes in, I grab the leash and meet drop off person outside. Tommy gets to walk around and pee first, plus check me out, before the transfer is made.
- I greet very calmly and do not force myself on a dog. Often just taking the end of the leash is fine, and entering the house.
- Once in the house, doors are made sure to be firmly closed or locked to the outside (and gates closed in the outdoor pee/poop area) so there are no unfortunate incidents.
- Longe line is ready to let Tommy out into chicken wire enclosed dog peeing and pooping area. This is just to make sure Tommy is not one to try to break out or even jump over the fence. Again on first meeting there is no reason to take risks.
- Once that is done, I settled Tommy into prepared crate in the bedroom near my bed.
- Then the four other dogs are let upstairs.
- In this instance, everyone pretty much crashed with little fanfare. Boris was quite alarmed to find a dog and crate suddenly "appeared" in the bedroom. Tommy took this etiquette lapse gracefully. Roxy, Harley, and Leon were thinking "oh hi there, another one to break in"
and just went to their sleeping places.
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| Hey lady, I don't know you, but you seem nice enough. |
I watched tv with my chair near Tommy for a little while. When I saw his head start to almost hit the floor a few times, I figured that he was going to be out cold and he was. This worked out well because we all got the sleep that we needed, Tommy got to get used to his new companions' smells, and I could hear if Tommy suddenly needed to go to the bathroom. If I keep a dog in a different room, I have a baby monitor too, but sometimes the movements of discomfort of the dog does not register as a need to go out. Whereas if I can see the dog right there, it is pretty obvious. Tommy did not need to go out, and slept like a rock.
 |
| Who is this vision of loveliness? (Answer: Bella) |
A lot of people start out by just expecting too much from a dog in this situation. They do not stack the odds in favor of the dogs success. Sometimes people get a little too upset about dog communication (barks, growls, looks) and too anxious. (I should probably go a bit more into what I really mean by this in another article, as it's pretty important) That combined with no boundaries or limitations is a dangerous combination even with the nicest dogs. It's so easy for rough play to be misinterpreted by another dog who does not know that dog. Then what happens is a totally unnecessary fight, because of a misunderstanding of intent.
 |
| Will you be my BFF? |
 |
| Roxy and Harley are daycare dogs, and also board here frequently. |
Tommy looks like he is probably big into play. I think he will most likely be a wild man about exercise and play LOL. Today is just about some quiet introductions and absorbing the behaviors of his new companions.
MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINER
MANNERLY MUTTS DOG TRAINING BLOG
E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tommy Comes Flying "Home"
At your left, Tommy is scheduled to meet a plane from overseas to his previous geographical home of Maine shortly. Air Animal provides this door to door service for their clients. In this economy, many people are happy to have their jobs, and therefore relocate in order to perform their duties in other countries. Maybe it does not even have to do with the economy for that individual. They may enjoy the travel and excitement that comes from travelling. Being able to take their canine companion with them probably sweetens the pot.
However, many people are still unaware of the far reaching affects of canine legislation and in specific BSL, breed specific legislation. Overseas, it is just if not more prevalent than in the United States.
Certainly, Tommy is totally unaware that he went into a country as a sort of "illegal immigrant". Tommy is something mixed with lab that has the appearance of a dog in the "pit bull category". He probably is indeed mixed with the many breeds that can be lumped in this category, and these classifications all differ depending where you go.
Tommy's owners were quite distressed when they realized their predicament. Now what? Luckily Mannerly Mutts can provide long term care and boarding with much freedom until his owners return to the States. Our service was a hard one to locate for Tommy's owners, and other dog boarding set ups would not even consider taking him. Not due to any real issues other than being a dog. In Tommy's honor, I will be detailing the affects of canine legislation as well as the diminishing rights of responsible dog owners. Also proactive steps that can be taken to be an ambassador of your dog, their breed, and dog owner responsibility will be discussed.
In the meantime, I am sure Tommy is enjoying some time being surrounded by his true family members until he comes to his surrogate family. The first week will be filled with Tommy settling in, meeting our dogs, and getting used to the routine.
To find out the status of BSL in your area, click on this link. Any travel in the States or outside the states should involve much research on what you are traveling through and to. A dog may be in danger of being confiscated if you drive through the wrong area. Scary and unbelievable but true.
MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINER
MANNERLY MUTTS DOG TRAINING BLOG
E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS
 |
However, many people are still unaware of the far reaching affects of canine legislation and in specific BSL, breed specific legislation. Overseas, it is just if not more prevalent than in the United States.
Certainly, Tommy is totally unaware that he went into a country as a sort of "illegal immigrant". Tommy is something mixed with lab that has the appearance of a dog in the "pit bull category". He probably is indeed mixed with the many breeds that can be lumped in this category, and these classifications all differ depending where you go.
Tommy's owners were quite distressed when they realized their predicament. Now what? Luckily Mannerly Mutts can provide long term care and boarding with much freedom until his owners return to the States. Our service was a hard one to locate for Tommy's owners, and other dog boarding set ups would not even consider taking him. Not due to any real issues other than being a dog. In Tommy's honor, I will be detailing the affects of canine legislation as well as the diminishing rights of responsible dog owners. Also proactive steps that can be taken to be an ambassador of your dog, their breed, and dog owner responsibility will be discussed.
In the meantime, I am sure Tommy is enjoying some time being surrounded by his true family members until he comes to his surrogate family. The first week will be filled with Tommy settling in, meeting our dogs, and getting used to the routine.
To find out the status of BSL in your area, click on this link. Any travel in the States or outside the states should involve much research on what you are traveling through and to. A dog may be in danger of being confiscated if you drive through the wrong area. Scary and unbelievable but true.
MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINER
MANNERLY MUTTS DOG TRAINING BLOG
E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Canine Legislation Resources
As dog owners (cats do not so much have this problem YET) or in the dog profession, it is wise to be aware and have a plan to act against certain legislation that may come to an area near you!! There are organizations out there compiling the facts for you if you are knowledgeable and looking for them.
The AKC keeps an updated list of actions being taken for canine legislation.
http://www.akc.org/news/sections/legislative_alerts.cfm
Karen Palmer, of the International Association of Professional Dog Trainers and a big part of their Canine Legislative Committee, keeps a running commentary on various legislation efforts on her blog.
http://gooddogowners.blogspot.com/
CPAC, which is the Canine Political Action Corps, also can keep you up to date on legislation for dog trainers and groomers specifically!! In fact, a hot topic of debate lately has been the NY bill that has been proposed.
http://www.caninepac.org/news.asp?article_id=24
CPAC is also giving seminars on this that can be found here:
http://www.caninepac.org/news.asp?article_id=25
The next two places are mostly for Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) but may touch on some other things. Understand-a-bull is a great place to check on places that you may travel through, to be sure that you and your canine won't end up in a tragic situation.
http://defendingdog.com/
http://www.understand-a-bull.com/index.htm
And one about People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, which illustrates why PETA should horrify all members of the animal owning public!!
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/
To belong to an organization that discusses this quite a bit for all dog professionals, consider joining IACP at dogpro.org.
Does your dog need training for real life? Call Maine and Southern New Hampshire's dog trainer, Robin Rubin, at Mannerly Mutts 207-361-4395. Or e-mail at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.
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