Carolk9s

Some random thoughts on the subject.... Regarding pit bulls, though the same applies to other breeds: The media plays a part in the negative image of pit bulls. Irresponsible owners play a part in the negative image of pit bulls. Poor breeding plays a part in the negative image of pit bulls. In my OPINION, breeding dogs to be dog aggressive because it supposedly reduces or eliminates human aggression is not doing a damned thing towards the positive image of pit bulls. The general public is NOT going to understand or believe the distinction between gamebred, i.e. dog aggressive dogs and human aggressive dogs. i.e., Pit bulls have an image problem. I do not see it improving any time soon without some major changes in the breed. No matter how rock solid the temperament of YOUR dog is, the general public impression is that of a potentially dangerous dog. A tiny dog, such as but not to pick on, the Chihuahua, does not present the same mental image in a bite situation as that of a large, powerful dog. I do NOT believe in indiscriminate discrimanation by anyone or any company but companies exist to make money. If they percieve they 'may' lose money because of ANY factors within their control, they will take steps to preserve their dollars. I do not believe in BSL, but the IMAGE of certain dogs that is perpetuated by the reasons above will contribute to it. On a better note, my mom, who lives in MD, said she read that the county she lives in is considering lifting the ban on owning pit bulls.

The door I am about to buy has a steel plate that locks into place for when I am away from home with the dogs. The one I currently have has a skimpy piece of pressboard that is about useless. Ramps would not work for two reasons. Any ramps would prevent me from opening the door itself. Also, with the current door, a ramp would raise the dogs too high and they would have to 'slink' down through the opening. I do have a platform on the back step so that both inside and outside are level with each other. The new door, with it's taller and wider opening, shoud allow him to basically step through. The bottom edge will only be about 4-5 inches up from the floor and with 23 inches of flap area, I am hoping it will solve the problem. I talked to my brother, he is coming down this Saturday to install the new door and install carpet in my hallway, again for Jesse's benefit. Geez he's a good brother, I'll be buying him a steak dinner!

No idea of his history, I saw him when I was there recently. Just thought I'd post his photo here.

Jesse is having big trouble using the existing doggie door now, he is getting weaker in the rear. He used to be able to simply hop through it, some days he can still do so but is having more and more trouble with it. I am wondering if replacing it with a bigger door will make it easier for him. While I am out of work, not a big deal as I let him in and out. I DO hope to go back to work soon and am worried sick about him. The one I have is a large, I am thinking of putting in an extra large. The flap opening is 23 inches top to bottom for the x-large, the current one is about 15. Anyone have a PetSafe Ultimate Doggie Door? If so, any thoughts on it?

[quote name='K']OH Carol....oh dear.... :cry:[/quote] Was it kinda mean of mean to post his photo? 8) Not to worry tho, the Richmond SPCA is a no kill facility so he is in NO danger.

Ludwig is looking for a home! If you know of anyone in the Richmond area who would like a big, lovable St., let them know of him. [img]http://rspca.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/15172.jpg[/img] Have you ever seen a more gorgeous dog? This big guy is Ludwig. He is a purebred St. Bernard and you might not be able to tell from the picture, but he weighs 125 lbs! Don't let his size fool you, he is calm and loving. He loves to sit at your feet and lean into you for comfort. Ludwig is 5 years old, neutered and housetrained. You have to meet this awesome dog!

This site offers some nice dog patterns that you can make stuffed animals with. [url]http://www.rhapsodydolls.com/dog_patterns.htm[/url]

Almost forgot, I saw a German Pinscher at an agility match once. I've seen quite a few Schipperkes, even met an old female on our trip to Michigan. The guy was surpised that I recognized the breed, I walked over with Jesse and said well here is a Belgian 'cousin' as both breeds are Belgian in origin. There is a powder puff Chinese Crested that comes to the dog park along with her Schipp companion. There is also a young female Dutch Shepherd that comes to the park, I really thought she was a Malinios at first glance. She had very little brindling at first but she is darkening up as she matures.

A gal in our agility club has several Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs. Both of my girls think her Gus is the epitiome of studliness and flirt with him every chance they get. I've met a couple of Leonbergers as well as a number of Bernese Mountain Dogs, also a couple of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. I've seen one Anatolian at a show. Some years ago, a woman ran agility with her Swedish Vallhund. Another couple I know from agility has Polish Lowland Sheepdogs. I've seen a few Beaucerons here and there.

My site is: [url]http://members.toast.net/agilk9s/[/url]

While I know that all of todays 'purebred' were mixes at some point, I just don't see the point of mixing Anatolians and Labs. Oh wait, they want to make money right? That clears it up. They are using the term hybrid. I read somewhere a long time ago that a hybrid refers to the mixing of two different species, not just mixing two breeds of the same species. Such as a mating between a horse and a donkey or a horse and a zebra, a lion and a tiger, etc.

I agree that a VERY small amount of human toothpaste swallowed by your dog will most likely do not harm. I believe the biggest threat is an upset stomach. I would opt to use doggie toothpaste, 'TASTES LIKE CHEEKIN!' 8) In addition to the flavor, it has enzymes that human toothpaste does not have, enzymes that are supposed to help break down the plaque and bacteria particular to a dogs mouth. My dogs must be weird, they will push and shove to get closer to me when I bring out the toothbrush and paste. I use a Crest Spinbrush, all 3 accept it quite willingly and love the paste.

[quote name='Kat']Based on the nature of the breed I have to agree that it is a good idea for pits and pit mixes to be kept on leads at dog parks [/quote] Well, actually if the dog park is one area and is designated as an off leash park, I don't feel they should be there PERIOD. If it's an off leash park, and my dogs are off leash, they may just want to visit these dogs that are on leash. USUALLY I can call them away, not always. If it's designed to be an off leash area, I should not have to worry about dogs on leash because they might be aggressive. Candy was quite roughed up by a female pit bull at the park. Not a full out attack but scary enough to her that she submitted like mad and peed on herself. The owner of this dog seemed well versed in pulling her dog away, she calmly walked up, grabbed her dogs hind legs and pulled her off of Candy. I don't feel that dog should have been there at all. Dog wore a leash but owner did not have hold of the leash. Candy ran to me, owner walked her dog over to us and told her dog to 'be nice' to Candy. I was not thrilled about this and said (calmly) 'If your dog attacks her again, she WILL have to deal with ME.' She took both of her dogs and left. There used to be another female pit bull that Candy was a partner in crime with. These two would play run and bump and yak at each other...and that was it. I have not seen that dog in quite some time, perhaps as she matured she became aggressive.

[quote name='K']Sorry to hear your trip was ..well...not good..and that you and poor mom feel unwell...and heres me waiting on rosette and cup pics...oh well..theres always next time!! :D[/quote] Well, if you've really got your heart set, I suppose I could draw some photos for you. I do feel there should have been a certificate for the most comedic performance of a dog/handler team, I think Candy and I would have nailed that one. It was also funny to hear my voice, or lack thereof, trying to call Candy back in. I sounded very much like a seal. Yep, there's gonna be a next time, gotta look forward to that!

What a sweet Golden face! Happy Birthday to Zoe!

Kat, Yes, I will look to the future and work to make our next experience a better one. What is past is past. I feel a bit bad that my Mom did not have a better time but I told her over and over, bring your coat! As Sarahstaff said, this particular org., the United Kennel Club, REQUIRES a dog to wear a flat buckle collar with no tags or other attachments. Mostly I wish this was not required but must admit, Thursday I was kind of glad as Candy was caught by her collar by the gate attendant then by me.

Oh but this is a timely topic! I have concerns with Candy reacting to other dogs, glad to read about encouraging her to walk on by other dogs, not sit in place. That is probably what I would have asked for, walking on by does make better sense. Kendalyn, 47 dog/handler teams in one class? That is lunacy! Shame on those people for sneering at you instead of taking the opportunity to welcome you. You are better off without them!

Sorry to say, the trip did not go well. It RAINED about 95% of the time we were there, both my mom and I had (have) colds, we had a problem with our motel, it RAINED, my mom refused to bring her coat and therefore was cold, it RAINED, and we NQ'd in the agility tournament. It was a 15.5 hour drive, my mom will not drive the van so it was all me, we got to the motel, instead of a ground floor room we were on the 2nd floor. Not an issue for me, mom or Candy but Jesse has a LOT of trouble with stairs. The agility tournament was under cover due to the rain, that was nice but it had it's negatives too. Lots of people and dogs crammed into a fairly small area created quite a bit of noise and tension. Candy and a sheltie had harsh words for each other but no contact. Candy soaked up the tension, she was high wired by the time we went into the ring. We faulted after the 2nd obstacle, faulted again in the weaves, then she blasted out of a tunnel, over a jump, across and OUT of the ring. Got her back in, said thanks to the judge and opted to simply send her over the two final jumps and celebrate. Did that, oops, there she goes zooming out of the ring again. She was caught at the gate and came blasting back to me, this time I nabbed her collar and we exited the ring. While many said 'wow she sure was having fun', I actually disagree. I believe she stressed and came a bit unglued. She has gotten far more spooky around other dogs, if one even barks at her, she tucks her tail but is ready to fight. She has been jumped a couple of times and I feel she is opting to get the first strike in at times. Friday, I took her back to the agility area. We were not entered in the trial, I just wanted to play with her and see if she could relax. Almost worked. A gal came by with her German Shepherd, a male. Candy was sitting between my knees, the two dogs sniffed noses briefly, then in a flash they were having a go at each other. I honestly do not know which dog initiated the aggression, it happened SO fast, but I do know that Candy is far more reactive than I like. I pulled her back with one hand and stupidly threw my left arm in front of her. She bit my arm twice, at least it was her and not the GSD biting me with his much larger and stronger jaws. I had my jacket on so the impact of her teeth on my skin was minimized, I still have some swelling and bruising but that is about it. I did not and do not hold this biting against her, I practically stuck my arm in her mouth and she was scared. Saturday we drove out to South Haven (thanks for the directions Kendalyn) and saw Lake Michigan. We walked out onto the pier with the dogs, I had to keep Candy away from the edge as she was ready to leap in! Took some photos of the lighthouse, (illegally) took Candy onto the beach briefly so she could play in the water, then headed out. Thankfully our motel in Ohio was great, same chain as the other but much more responsive people. Originally, we were assigned a room on the 2nd floor, I asked about the 1st floor, mentioning that my old dog had trouble with stairs. The manager immediately moved us to a room on the 1st floor, for my dog! I am impressed and will say so in the comment card. I will be working hard on desensitizing Candy to other dogs, if another dog so much as barks at her anymore, she tenses up, tucks her tail and is ready to fight/defend herself. I think I must stop allowing her to approach other dogs period, she starts with a fairly relaxed demeanor and wagging tail but within seconds they are snarling at each other. Perhaps SHE has a communications problem, perhaps she misreads other dogs signals and thinks she must attack or she is giving off mixed signals and THEY feel they must jump her. I honestly do not know. I'll be asking for lots of feedback from trainers here as well as one friend who has a reactive lab that she has done wonders with. So the big trip is over, it was really quite a disappointment but I will not say I wish we had not gone, naturally I would be wondering 'what if' then!

odnarb, Just want to thank you on two fronts. 1st, your voice of moderate reason regarding pit bulls. Too often I either see those who wish to villify all pit bulls OR those who wish to romanticize them. You come across as VERY sensible and as one who truly appreciates what the breed has to offer while also understanding the realities that face pit bulls and those who love them. 2nd, thanks for the adorable photos of Harry. Belgians DO like to show their smiles in all kinds of ways. It is practically inevitable that Jesse will bare all of his teeth when he rolls on his back. The girls do not do that, Jesse pretty much ALWAYS does.

I completely agree with the concern regarding the image of a snarling pit bull and passing it off as equating to 'high energy'. High energy and viciousness are not the same. They are pandering to their target audience, simple as that. Very irresponsible. Very stupid. The makers of this don't give a damn about the pit bull as a breed, they could care less of the image they are helping to perpetuate, all they care about is drawing people in to buy their product. If Belgians were as well known as pits and they showed a Belgian snarling like that, I'd be just as upset.

Thanks all, I am looking forward to the trip. Kendalyn, we will probably be running about 10am or so, sorry you will miss seeing it. I plan on coming back Friday morning to watch the Belgian judging, wish they started later but they are scheduled for 8am on Friday. I just found out yesterday that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there is a $5 parking fee, no fee on Thursday. The camera is charged up, I hope to get lots of photos.

Kendalyn, I am SOOOO happy to hear that Buck is ok. Maybe while he was out playing the day before, he pulled a muscle or twisted his body some way. Give him a nice back massage, he will love it!

[quote name='DeafAussieLover']Thank you for explaining, i u nderstand what you were saying now and i apologize for my privious post if i seemd rude, that is just what i felt that it was directed twords me. Again i'm sorry and thanks for explaining yoru post! :D[/quote] Cool!

No DAL, I read your post and completely understood exactly what you had said. I also happen to agree with Cody wearing a vest to indicate HE is deaf. It was NOT directed at you or anyone else specifically. I simply posted that to forestall anyone perhaps thinking that passing a dog off as a service dog was a workable idea. While I admit I am not the most diplomatic person around, if I have something to say to someone, I will come right out and say it. I may pm them, or I might say it publicly, but I do NOT beat around the bush. I am sorry you chose to believe I was directing my post to you, not the case.

I'm leaving tomorrow, staying in MD overnight, then 0 dark 30 Wednesday morning heading for Michigan. Been packing stuff today, dogs are buggy as they know what travel bags mean! We are going to the UKC Premier Dog Show, I am running Candy on Thursday in the Agility All Star Tournament. Hoping the weather and the dog will cooperate, I'd like to at least place in our class! I'm taking Candy and Jesse, my mom is coming too. Brittany will be staying with my sister and her b.f. and their 3 dogs. Brittany does not travel terribly well, she has played with my sisters dogs before so she will be fine. Naturally, I have caught a cold or some other sucky virus just in time for the trip. Driving 10-12 hours coughing and feeling like crap will be a hoot! Mom will not drive the van, I'll have to tell her to pinch me now and then to make sure I am alert. Now I hope I don't miss some raging topic while I am gone!