Time To Piss Off Dog Owners

[mayaknife]

I have never run into (figuratively, that is) so many dogs as I have since moving here to the semi-boonies. During my time here I have come to a few conclusions about dog owners. Now I'll freely admit that they certainly don't apply to all dog owners. They may not apply much to dog owners in cities. Hell, they may only apply to dog owners living

Comments

[dr_brat]

But if you're not willing to have your dog trained and give it the attention it needs and craves then you're not fit to have a dog. Period.

Amen.

[aquaeri]

Sing it loud.

[dr_brat]

I have to disagree with one thing, actually. I don't think that having a dog trained is good enough. I think people need to learn to train and handle their dog themselves, which is a very different thing. My tenants are shocked when their puppy obeys me after ignoring them. Well, yeah: in the limited contact I've had with him, he's learned that I will enforce what I've said. Dogs are smart.

[mayaknife]

Yup. And I should also point out that I don't think that only professionals should train dogs. I think that it's relatively easy for anyone to learn how to train properly and probably better for the animal if its family does so. But it does require some investment of time, energy and patience, and you have to be able to recognize if it's not working and be willing to turn it over to a pro.

[la_penguinita]

Well said!

I can't see how you've pissed off any responsible dog owners/lovers. What you've said is (what I would have thought as) common sense and shows respect for dogs that many lack.

[mayaknife]

I've found that many (I won't even say 'most' this time) dog owners are like a lot of parents in that they brook no criticism of their dog's behaviour and even less of their rearing skills.

Actually I think we should do away with the term "owner" altogether, where pets are concerned. If you have a pet you're its caretaker or perhaps custodian. And don't get me started on how much "Master" bothers me. What, do people secretly pine for the days of Sunday outings to the slave market?

[janetmk]

I've encountered the attitude in a devoted dog-lover that training a dog to be totally obedient is akin to breaking its spirit. (This person chaffs at authority so it may be a matter of projection.)

It's rather terrifying to be out in public with a dog who is aggressive to other dogs.

irresponsible dog owners

[pir_anha]

i chafe at authority in a big way, and i agree that there _are_ ways to train dogs that break their spirit, but just like it's possible to raise a child without ever raising a hand to it and crippling it emotionally, it's possible with dogs. and it's not even hard. also, not training it but punishing it whenever it's not magically obedient is supposed to be good for its spirit? we don't live in the wilderness with our dogs; for them to get along well in human and other pet company they need to be socialized, just like humans themselves.

one's got to be willing to learn how to behave oneself towards a dog first, though. most people never bother.

selfish bastards.