HugL

I haven't done the poll cos not sure how to answer last one. My GSD has never bitten as such but he does kill rabbits (vermin numbers here) He used to bring them alive to my husband - bit like retrieving I guess. After watching my husband quickly (and humanely) kill them, he decided to cut out the middle man. He usually catches them round the middle, pauses till they are still and quickly moves to their head, kills them instantly with no marks or blood and walks away. I find his "bite inhibition" absolutely amazing. [NOTE: We actively discourage our dog to chase and catch rabbits.] Does anyone else have similar?

I understand how you feel walking a large breed and some people's reactions can be hurtful. I love watching people cross the road with little uncontrollable dogs and use it to educate my daughters why training is so necessary (sometimes in a loud voice if the dog is yapping and lunging at us). Best one was a mother who grabbed her daughter's hand saying "bad dog vicious dog". Without thinking, I tightened my dog's lead and replied "bad child, vicious child". Mother demanded why was her child vicious and I asked why was my dog? This made her think and after a quick chat (during which I put my GSD into a sit/stay) she asked if her daughter could meet my dog. A happy ending that could have gone very bad in a public place.

I rented for a short time and always made sure I offered references for the dog. Never was asked for references for my kids

I wish all first time owners were like you! IMO you are doing a great job and your dog is lucky to have you. Not sure if this advice is any help but... Have you a special chew that the dog can have only while you play with the cat. She may come to realise she gets a reward that she really enjoys when you are having cat time. We did it the other way around and our GSD raised the kitten we found. While I wouldn't say they're best mates, they do get along and have frequent play fights (usually when the dog is trying to sleep). Good luck

Our dog lies outside with me watching the "light show" and, when it gets closer, we move inside and watch out the window. Another advantage to living rural

I also thought the Beware of the Dog sign can be an admission of a dangerous dog in the case of bitten intruder. Would be good to actually know but all cases are so different that I suppose we will never get a real ruling. I used to have "Forget the dog, beware of the kids". Much more appropriate

I am very sorry if I offended anyone with my comments. They were only to show where I was coming from with my questions and comments. I have been named The Dog Lady by kids at my daughters' last school so the crazy dog lady title to me is not detrimental. I was merely showing my personal experience with people who WERE doing rescue many, many years ago. I have realised things change but was surprised by exactly how far that change has gone. Again, I am very sorry

Thank you koalathebear for your replies. It clears up quite a lot of my issues. My only prior experience with "rescue" was ladies who loved dogs and couldn't bear the thought of any being put to sleep. They usually had too many dogs and all were uncontrolled and cossetted. Their homes were absolute tips and inside smelt horribly of dog (my home smells of dog but never that bad). Even heading towards dog-hoarding. I do understand owning dogs for years does not make you an expert. I feel it is what you do with those dogs and how they behave that shows what sort of owner you are. This can also change over the years, just like an unsettled dog can suddenly relax when a person moves into or out of a home (speaking from experience). Finally, how does your organisation choose "fence-checkers"? Do they need to be experienced within your organisation? I have seen posts on here for "fence check in (insert area)" and was under the impression it was open to anyone who would reply. Now, I assume this is only open to certain people. (I guess this is where my feelings stemmed from.) I still think going through a rescue is the best way to find a great dog with loads of information. And, even better, if they are on-board for the life of the pet for questions and updates.

It was adopted. The family took it from the house after the housemates left. Well, that's what was broadcast

SA has breeders that sell "pet" litters between registered litters to "cover their expenses". (One is even related to a SACA committee member) It's getting the proof and then trusting SACA to actually have the balls to do anything. My experience with them proves they don't have balls so it will just keep happening. Buyer beware! And do your homework

I think if he can put up being confined with those idiots, he would be a perfect therapy dog. I hope BB gives him a brilliant home after it's all over.

Interesting topic with lots of great posts. I have been looking at my options for next dog and am shying away from pure-bred papered after incident last year. Also my breed of choice has changed bodyshape and heading to aggression .... but won't go there. Rescue seems to be a great way to get to know about a dog before jumping in. The problem I am having as an experienced person, is the hoops they want you to jump through. The initial questionnaire focussed more on the living arrangements including sleeping, than what knowledge or experience the potential adoptee may have. As we have had dogs most of our lives including the current one, I find the idea of a stranger with unknown experience turning up and judging my fences and yard very off-putting (provided they can actually find me). Our fence was deliberately built for dogs - if we didn't have him, we probably wouldn't have fenced ourselves in. I understand rescues have to weed out time-wasters and those that want a dog 'cos it looks soooo cute and the kids are bugging them. But surely they can look at experience, willingness to keep up on-going training, and what activities the dog will be participating in rather than pass judgment on fencing. If the person currently has a dog with no issues why is a check needed? Prior to going down the pure-bred path, I did have pound dogs but so much has changed and even the pound I visited appeared to have hoops before adoption. The dogs were labelled with coloured stickers depending on how active they were, good around kids, etc. When enquiring about a particular dog, I mentioned having kids and they told me I wasn't allowed to adopt that one. My experience was of no interest to them, I had kids and that was the end of it. (I walked away with more understanding why people buy from petshops - sad but true) I am going to continue with the rescue group as they have an amazing range of dogs and, hopefully, the right one will turn up. To those in rescue, I admire what you do and understand how much you need the dog to find the best home. If I didn't have kids, I would be signing up as a foster carer. Maybe when they've left home....

I believe new laws will NOT fix the problem. The current laws need to be enforced so we can find out if they actually work. Whilst education may be good for a lot of owners, quite a few will never "get it" due to not being aware how they are contributing to the problem. I'm sure most people know someone who started with a lab-type that became uncontrollable, rehomed it and downsized to another family-friendly breed that also became uncontrollable, rehomed it to get an even smaller breed and continue to live with another uncontrollable dog only because it's little and cute. Training would be another option but, like education, it gets down to who is actually running it. In SA, most councils have a discount on registration if your dog is trained. (Not sure about other states.) All councils I have asked are happy to accept Puppy Preschool certificates as training. This is a joke and should never be used as proof a dog is "trained". Maybe councils should set guidelines about what they want so training can be better provided. This is a problem that will never go away until everyone is held accountable for their dog's actions. I have owned and trained GSD's for nearly 20 years and been an obedience instructor for over 13 specialising in difficult and "aggressive" dogs. Until late last year, I had never been bitten. However, I was bitten at a dog show while attempting to take my friend's dog into the ring by an aggressive dog and left the show in an ambulance. After five months, the canine association declared the owners not guilty and let them off without any penalty. These owners have no reason to alter their behaviour or the behaviour of the dog making this another dog attack waiting to happen. We NEED canine associations to step up and actually enforce their own rules instead of being swayed by politics. Having to continually deal with my own memories and scarring from this attack, I can't even begin to imagine the demons this jogger will be facing. I wish him all the best and pray he has a strong support network to help him through.

Sacrifice for my dogs ...... Don't think so (non-dog friends may disagree) When making decisions we do consider how it will affect any animal we have at the time just like we have to consider our kids. The dog(s) fit in, I have more problems with the kids! Guess I sacrifice more for the kids but, just like having animals, that was our decision.

If you have a fast breed, a scooter, motorbike or quadbike would be better in the ring :laugh: Seriously though, another vote for Subaru. Used to own a Vectra and wouldn't want to do that many k's in it. Friend owns a Santa Fe and the motor cuts out for no reason. Has been back to dealer but they aren't interested as it's never done it to them. Also, parts are expensive. All my friends with Subaru's rave about them and it would be my choice if I didn't need the 4wd due to location.