Adnil444

I suppose what needs to be asked is "was this an unleashed area?" If not, what was the dog doing there not on leash - this is the real problem, loose dogs roaming around. It just shouldn't be allowed. Dogs have to be on leash at all times and in control of a competent person and if in an offleash area, must still be under control. So many people don't do the basics and this is when accidents will happen.

What a horrible situation - I agree with the suggestion to band together where you can and report these people. All reports can be made anonymously. If the council won't do anything I would report it to the police as well. Good luck.

I just voted no - I've got a rottiexdobe (best of both worlds I say), and I worry. I've just put padlocks on my gates to ensure no one can ever let them out. My lawnmower man will now have to ring me before he arrives so I can unlock the gate for him (he usually comes when I'm at work and lets himself in with my extremely dangerous dogs ). Like all the others, I've yet to meet a rottweiler that isn't a wonderful dog. I'm sure in the past there have been some in the wrong hands, but to me they are a wonderful family dog, like any dog that has been brought up the right way. Why can't they run polls on banning irresponsible owners? Why can't the councils and government crack down on owners that don't do the right thing?

Dude pitbull types breeds are widely available and certain other restricted breeds are also available (especially Dogo Argentino) if you know where to go... The dog I would really like though is Fila Brasileiro And so it goes on - such a shame and you wonder why the general public wants to get rid of these breeds.

Yep, like the others - we've already had some on our property. Many years ago I witnessed a Tiger snake making its way through the snow. Our horses never were bitten (or the cattle for that matter) and I spoke to our vet about this. The snakes hear the stock before you can see them and have usually long gone. Horses and cattle don't chase snakes unlike some dogs will. You seem to be doing all that can be done. Good luck.

The "We are Family" program sounds like a terrific idea and should be pushed with all councils/regions. When my son was in daycare, they had a man come in and teach them about dog safety - what to do when you approach a strange dog, if a strange dog approaches the child etc etc. It was really worthwhile and it would be good if all schools/daycare centre could run with something like this as well.

I certainly hope that Australian breeders aren't breeding for this trait. Attacking without warning is not a desirable trait in any dog, especially since these are becoming more popular in suburbia. Agree with you here - imagine if this huge powerful dog gets into the wrong hands!!! I've spoken to several south africans and they have all said to beware of these dogs in the wrong hands - they are mainly used for guarding - and can cause immense damage if not contained, trained and socialised properly. I think this is the last thing we need. I agree though that they are lovely looking dogs, and I'm sure in the right hands will be great dogs.

I think this was the best for everyone - I'm pleased they asked around and just didn't transfer a DA dog to someone else to deal with the problem. It's a hard decision, but a responsible one and I would do the same thing.

Wow - those last sentences - was that dog reported? It should be put down IMO and the owners fined - heavily. Imagine if you were a child - you'd probably be dead. BSL isn't working but I don't know what will work. I can understand you wanting a protective guard dog. There is no better protection than a good dog. My dogs always alert me to anything going on outside, but stop immediately once whatever it was has moved on (usually just people walking past) or coming up my driveway. But they don't go any further than a alerting me. I'm not sure what they would do if real danger was presented. And I couldn't agree more about owning a dog that suits is one of the best things in life - that's why I don't understand why these bogans have these dogs, just keep them in the backyard and never interacting with them - where is the joy in that for both the dog and the owner? Why bother.

Hi Sconski - agree - you only have to look at websites like gumtree to see that it is quite easy to get these types of dogs, even though they are restricted. Perhaps if these sites like gumtree were held accountable - better still, ban all selling of dogs/puppies over the internet.

I can, but I'm just pointing out the fact that aggressive APBT-looking dogs are particularly scary, and to see a trained one pulling a pallet of bricks and biting a tyre three metres off the ground doesn't make them less scary. I think that Matthew_B pretty well sums up the majority view. Dog attacks get reported in the media only when they are the most severe, ie from the most powerful dogs. People think about this quite simply: it is a combination of powerful dogs and bad owners, so lets get rid of the dogs and punish the owners. Most people agree that dog attacks are preventable - what they want is to take away the weapon from the idiot. Exactly the same as P-platers and WRXs. If you dismiss M_B's view, as has been done at length, then how will you convince everyone else that thinks like that? I agree black dog - this is how the general public feel. Your last sentence is so true. In relation to the other quotes, people don't want to hear that any dog can bite - yes that is not the issue - the smaller the dog the smaller the damage. I know I would rather be attached by a maltese than a bully breed or other large breed. Yes most attacks are preventable, but how do educate the ones that just don't care? I don't know the answer but we could start by getting rid of internet sites that allow people to sell these dogs, maybe being able to prosecute any "breeder" of these dogs, regardless if they have sold the dog on, ensure that pet shops are not allowed to sell puppies. Ensure that every dog is registered - if that means councils doing door knocks - I don't know.

Hi Spudd, unfortunately it is responsible owners like you (and those of us in these sites) that pay the price for the minority and I'm sure it is a minority. I think councils have a lot to answer for - they don't enforce the laws that they have given us. Perhaps if they did, we wouldn't have so many issues. People get slack if they don't think anything will be done so will continue to break the laws unless they are enforced. I agree with you in regards to your last sentence, and that is the problem - some people just won't do the right thing by their dog(s).

Look at your opening post and see how you came across. You said you'd get flamed. Major flamage happening now. How many millions you spend on a house does not equate to responsible dog ownership No agree - but IQ does. BTW being a responsible dog owner did you report to Mosman Council all those roaming dogs that you saw? As a responsible dog owner I'm sure you did. And I know Mosman Council will pursue any issues.

That's fine - you can laugh all you like, but I bet it will get to the point in the future where landlords won't allow dogs unless you can prove you are a responsible dog owner - government and councils will crack down on this and private landlords will to (there are many landlords now that won't allow dogs) - the anti dog lobby is very strong. Explain to me then why I haven't seen or read an article of areas of high socio economic status where a bully breed has attacked and/or killed someone - please show me these articles. I'm not saying that the owners and dogs in these areas are angels, but they have a better understanding and understand the legalities. I would hate to see a climate where only those who own their homes were allowed a dog - that's not what dog ownership is about. Owning a dog is meant to be a joyful experience (trying at times), but nevertheless a good experience.

You're kidding, right? I grew up in Mosman and I can tell you now, it doesnt matter how expensive some suburbs are, it does NOT make for more responsible dog owners. No not kidding and I also grew up and still am there - you just don't see these types of incidents with these types of dogs - yes you see the idiots with those designer oodle dogs, but you don't see the bully type breeds in the hands of irresponsible owners. The professionals (lawyers, bankers etc) no the legalities if anything goes wrong - you'd be hardpressed to see a dog wandering the streets in these suburbs, in fact, I can't tell you the last time a saw a dog roaming. While they may not all have well trained dogs, they contain them properly.

Hi I agree with lots of what is being said - if the laws now were enforced, we hopefully wouldn't have these issues. I would like to see every owner of a dog - regardless of what breed, apply for a licence before purchasing a dog and getting rid of all internet ads for dogs and puppies (make it harder for the byb to sell their goods) and pet shops, and only being allowed to purchase from a registered breeder or from a rescue organisation. Given that the majority of these dogs in the wrong hands are from the lower socio economic groups etc, I would like to see the govennment ban anyone who lives in council and/or govt housing not allowed to have a dog or particular breeds of dogs. I will probably get flamed for this, but you don't see these issues in Mosman, Toorak etc - if anyone in those suburbs had these dogs, I bet they are reasonably trained, responsible owners etc. Whenever I see these things in the media, the backgrounds from where these dogs come from and the people that own them, you really have to wonder if they are capable of owning a dog.

Hi, I was always under the impression that the term pit bull described a type of dog - a bully breed or cross. Unless the dog is a American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) or an Staffordshire Bull Terrier SBT or American Staff, or Bull Terrier and registered as such, then all the other dogs are "pit bulls" which describes a type (which can be a crossbreed APBT, AM, SBT or Bull Terrier). Because of this it is extremely difficult to tell the animals apart. I really don't think the general public is interested if it is pure bred dog or not, what they are concerned about is a bully breed (cross or not) are involved with dog attacks. Get rid of sites like Gumtree that advertise these dogs, get rid of pet shops selling puppies, only purchase from registered breeders or from a rescue organisation and enforce the laws with very high fines and/or jail terms for breaking these laws- in fact I would like to see what happens in some European countries - you have to get a licence before getting a dog and no dog will be sold to you until you have the licence and can prove that you will be responsible. We could learn a lot from these countries - dogs are welcome almost everywhere and you don't have the issues we have here.

I think Dyson have a dog attachment on one of their latest models.

That was amazing - the skateboarding at the skate ramp - what balance and then running on two legs pushing to go faster - the dog just loves it

Hi LMS, I've just read that Rover is going os to be with your mum and dad. I'm sure Riddick will miss him (and I'm sure all Rover's doggy friends will too). All the best and say hi to your mum from Rosie, Rocky and me. Have a great time in China and I'm sure it will all work out. Adnil.

Hi, I've had all my enquiries responded to within a couple of days and I have dealt with personally Ian Billinghurst and have never had any reason to doubt his professionalism and dedication etc and have never had him being offensive or rude in any way whatsoever. I wonder if it was actually him, but either way, customer service should be one of the reasons we purchase a product.

Hi I also had artificial turf and loved it - then after 6 months, my dogs pulled it up and it is now completely destroyed. What a waste of $2000 (only a small area of the yard also).

Hi, no I haven't read this. Thanks for the tip - I will certainly be getting a copy of this one. Thanks again.

Thanks so much for this - I will just be patient and take it easy and be consistent. Lots more leash walks for her and hopefully we will ride out the storm -lol. My goal is to go further with her in training and if we can get through this, then I don't see any reason why we can't go further. We got our K9 good citizen award this year as well - if I can get the CCD title, I will be over the moon. Thanks again.

Thanks, you could possibly be right. I was also thinking that she never went through a rebellious teenage stage - maybe she is going through it now - lol. My son never had the terrible twos, but definitely had the terrible 3s and 4s with a vengeance. Maybe my girl is late at maturing. I do however have high expectations of her, given that she has been, up until now, fairly easy to train and I can see the steps each week. Maybe I'll take the pressure off now and develop again what she previously had. Thanks for your insight.