Blonde_Phoenix

It looks exactly like my Staffy X when she was a lot younger (she's a bit grey now ;) ). I find it very concerning. Just a quick side story when my girl was younger (probably about 10+ years ago now) she was reported to council as a 'Pit Bull' the inspector visited took one look at her, laughed and said "Oh you're a Staffy!" and gave her big belly rubs. I really wonder what would happen if the same situation occurred in today’s climate, I think the outcome would be very different. I think at least in the near future council registered pedigree SBT and AST will remain safe. Cross/mixed breeds and those with questionable origins will definitely be at risk. If I had a friend considering adopting any dog which looked something like the standard, I’d strongly encourage them to get certification that the dog is not a ‘Pit Bull”, might save a lot of heartbreak later on.

Do you have a link for this please A friend is looking at adopting a staff X from the rspca I could not find the Q & A section but for those that are interested the Victorian DPI's Standard for Restircted Breed Dogs complete with pictures.

I'd agree completely with that and as a result owners who choose to own large and/or 'scary' breeds do have to take extra precautions to ensure their dogs do not escape no matter how friendly they maybe. I own a large guarding breed and yes he fits that ‘prefect teddybear’ description to a T, but there is no way I would trust him in an unfamiliar situation on his own (yes even though he is well socialised and has never shown any signs of aggression towards humans or other dogs). We have 8 foot fences with padlocked gates and our fence line is back from the street. If we have tradespeople come to work downstairs and we can’t be home he stays inside or vice versa. It is my responsibility to ensure his safety and to ensure he never threatens the safety of anyone else.

I'm lucky I've never been in this situation but it sounds all to common unfortunately. I've been told that giving a dog running towards you a confident 'sit' command can work, not sure if with a spit moment to decide my foot wouldn't come into action first though. One thing I'd be careful about doing is picking up a small dog to protect it, you can end up in the firing line instead. Of course that is easier said that done when your baby is in danger.

I'm no expert but using tranquillisers is not 100% safe and would take a certain degree of training to administer which I could imagine not all animal control officers would posses. In such a litigious society the councils apprehension to release details is standard and quite justified. While there is not enough information currently available to make a judgment whether the officers and shelter involved have acted negligently, one thing is undeniable, the dog was not safely contained on it's owners property and that is the owners fault (accidental or deliberate). It dose not matter whether it's the 1st or 101st time a particular dog has escaped, the dog was out where it posed a potential risk to the public and itself and action had to be taken. It's just a really sad situation for everyone involved.

That's the area I was thinking about when I wondered if enforcement was on the rise. One is the cafe with the no dogs sign now. The other was one of the one's I'd hadn't seen dogs at lately, I should pop over and ask them I only live about a 5 minute walk from there.

You took the words right out of my mouth Rebelsquest. I'd love to see more cafes allowing dogs (I think it's still technically illegal in Qld though rarely enforced??). But after eating at a lovely dog friendly cafe in the Yarra Valley (they provided nice comfy cushions for the dogs to rest on 'under' the tables) and witnessing an owner feed their SWF at the table from their fork (yeah I didn't finish my breakfast and I like dogs), I can see why a lot of people aren't so keen. Maybe it is only 1% but they definitely ruin it for the rest of us . I find it is becoming more strictly enforced if anything - it is very difficult to find anywhere to eat in Brisbane where you can take a dog. I have given up taking the dog out very often which is a shame. However, at one of the few places which allow dogs we went to recently a girl was there with her dog off lead and running up to my dog wanting to play and generally making a nuisance of itself around the tables. It worries me when that happens because the cafe may ban all dogs in future. I had noticed it appeared that enforcement was on the increase. In my local area one of the cafes recently put up a no dogs sign and I haven't seen any dogs lately at two others where I had seen dogs previously allowed. I haven't actually asked the cafes if it was the case, just an observation.

You took the words right out of my mouth Rebelsquest. I'd love to see more cafes allowing dogs (I think it's still technically illegal in Qld though rarely enforced??). But after eating at a lovely dog friendly cafe in the Yarra Valley (they provided nice comfy cushions for the dogs to rest on 'under' the tables) and witnessing an owner feed their SWF at the table from their fork (yeah I didn't finish my breakfast and I like dogs), I can see why a lot of people aren't so keen. Maybe it is only 1% but they definitely ruin it for the rest of us . The dog's mouth is probably more hygienic than the human's and I'm assuming all cutlery is cleaned in boiling water anyway, so don't understand what your problem is? Actually they did it on Mythbusters and the dogs mouth was cleaner than Adams (maybe it says more about Adam though ;) ). Rationally it has nothing to do with hygine it's just poor manners and it's not something I want to be looking at while trying to eat.

You took the words right out of my mouth Rebelsquest. I'd love to see more cafes allowing dogs (I think it's still technically illegal in Qld though rarely enforced??). But after eating at a lovely dog friendly cafe in the Yarra Valley (they provided nice comfy cushions for the dogs to rest on 'under' the tables) and witnessing an owner feed their SWF at the table from their fork (yeah I didn't finish my breakfast and I like dogs), I can see why a lot of people aren't so keen. Maybe it is only 1% but they definitely ruin it for the rest of us .

I agree with looking into different cat breeds my Maine Coon is amazing and even when he is chatty he only 'chirps' so it never annoying and it's so cute coming from such a big cat. Our rescue tabby on the other hand loves to let you know exactly what he thinks, hence one of his less flatering nicknames "Rory B Bellows" (Simpsons did it! ).

I'm not sure it is actually 'illegal', I had a quick look though the legislation and I can find anywhere it specifically requires that a puppy must be 8 weeks old before it can be sold in a petshop in Brisbane (I only had a quick look so I could very well have missed it). The closest thing I could come up with was from the 'Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008': The only condition on petshops remotely close from the BCC was Interesting

:thumbsup: I’m feeling a little sorry for Donatella here, as factious as Jacqui835 comments were apparently intended to be, weren’t they just another example of breed mudslinging? Yes pointing fingers at different breeds is not constructive and I’d even go as far as to say it’s counterproductive. Yet we continue to engage in it, despite the fact most of us believe ‘breed’ has very little influence on whether a dog will attack. No wonder we are going backwards with regards to BSL.

Best advise I can give is take a deep breath, relax and enjoy :D I don't know what has happened since I raised my first puppy (14 years ago) and now (well 7 months ago) but there is so much information out there I nearly had a breakdown the first few weeks you sound like a wonderful caring owner your boy is lucky to have you, rest assured you are doing a great job. Now I'm not super experienced in dog raising in the current world but I will attempt to answer your questions based on my current experience (I have a seemingly well adjusted now 9 month old): 1. Puppies cry ( I swear it hurts us more than them ) I should note firstly our boy is not crate trained because for us it wasn't what we required, though he will happily sleep in his crate in a room with us on holidays. Decide what you want from him in regards to sleeping arrangements. I will definitely vouch for crate training after puppy sitting our friends two Labs, it was great to put them to bed in their crate knowing they were relaxed and safe (and our house was safe). You will find people who know a lot more about crate training here than me but we found a stuffed kong or a chew which takes sometime to work on helps puppy relax in his crate. 2. You are off to a great start, keep it fun, don't expect perfection he's just a baby. I think it's fine to train from day one it helps to build a strong bond, and pups are just dying to learn, it's actually fun for both of you. 3. Our boy is still on the food our breeder recommended, we have on occasions when we have been slack (when the pet shops are closed) fed our cats on store brought biscuits while I don't think it's done any major harm I can tell you the end product is much smellier . I know some here recommend Black Hawk Holistic (our breeder was giving it a trail) it is more affordable but can be a little harder to obtain (you should be able to find a supplier in the Health/Nutrition/Grooming section of this forum). But just use common sense if you decide to change foods introduce it slowly and keep a close eye on the results. I don't think nutrition is something you should go cheap on especially with a puppy. 4. Our boy has always devoured all of his food, maybe you are putting a bit too much out. We never feed old food if he din't eat it in 10 minutes it would be in the bin. 5. It could be fleas, it could be an allergy or he's just enjoying a scratch because it feels good ;). Check him over regularly for fleas and keep an eye our for allergies (moist, red areas generally between the toes). 6. I don't think it's anything untoward if you change his water regularly (at least daily or more) it could be saliva, something he has picked up on his muzzle or just hardness in the water. Don't apologise for being a caring owner ;)

I voted for both equally, they each have their positives and negatives. I love the independence of cats which makes their love when they 'choose' to give it really special, but I also love the intense devotion you get form a dog, you are mates and a team. I know my OH struggled with pup went we first got him, the noise, the lack of toileting skills, the general dirtiness and intensity compared with having two cats he still always says "lucky our boy has such an awesome personality". The cats were/are great because we can go away for a weekend and get the pet sitter to pop in for a a feeding and some cuddles and that is enough for them. Puppy on the other hand is a different story, so far he has always been able to come with us but in future when he can't we are very lucky to have dog loving and savvy friends and family we are comfortable letting him stay with.

I give you a million oh if only more of the general public was like you . The current legislation has seen to the fact you wont see a well bred American Pit Bull and that is a huge shame. I have been blessed enough to meet some in my youth and I adored them agreed, not for everyone but lovely animals.

I don't think it's about 'bad' vs 'good' all dogs have their strengths and weaknesses it's about owners recognising understanding their dogs and taking responsibility (or being forced to). Dogs don't have human capacities they react to a situation and we as owners need to acknowledge that. It's not about 'breed' it's about understanding your particular dog.

I think it’s far too easy to dismiss views such as these as the rantings of the ill-informed, but I believe this does the debate a disservice. It needs to acknowledged that many in the community hold this view whether we agree with it or not (don’t believe me ask around). Yes we can go and ban all ‘breeds’ who meet certain arbitrary criteria (appearance, height, weight, ‘jaw structure?’, temperament) which make them potential ‘killing machines’, but is/should that be the goal of the legislation? While perhaps if we all own small dogs an attack resulting in death will become unlikely (thankfully fatal dog attacks are a very rare occurrence, despite what some would like you to believe) but it will not prevent/eliminate dogs attacking, injuring, maiming, frightening and menacing human beings. So what then ban all dogs? There are more factors than ‘breed’ to consider if we really want a solution not just a ‘feel good’ knee jerk reaction.

It is the danger we face. BSL is easy until it's your breed at risk

Please tell us where? I'm happy to help out pets in need but you have failed to offer options.

They love snakes, snake eggs and pretty much anything else that fits in their mouth. Gotta love goannas. BP, once again you have made me laugh. As I read your tale of mutual fear and terror I could also picture it, very funny I have just come home from rescuing a poor snake from a terrified couple and tonight i amm going to Prahan RSL for the victorian reptile groups (or VHS) AGM.. All welcome btw,,,starts at 7pm Really I didn't want to hurt him that was my main objective, then embarrassing human fear took hold (it was the first snake I'd ever seen IRL), I hate to be so girly .

I enjoyed this article, one of the first evenhanded accounts I’ve read. Though it’s a moot argument because in six years no one will be attacked or killed by a dog in Victoria (my calculations Pit Bull life expectance 12 year, in 2005 all Pit Bulls desexed and no new ones brought into the state ) I can’t help but be deliberately facetious. Oh if only it was that simple. Unfortunately as a breed the American Pit Bull really no longer exist (there may be a couple remaining, neutered and housed appropriately, darn responsible ownership) the legislation has seen to that. Only the ‘Pit Bull’ of media and political dreams remains. Yes lets ban it! But ban what? Dogs which meet some point score? Sadly legislation for the most part only punishes the responsible. When that breed is not enough who next?

We haven't gotten gifts for our furbabies yet, but my parents have stockings for all of their furgrandkidies (2 dogs and 2 cats) and their furbaby (one super dog) they are spoilt. Maybe either my sister or I should actually have human babies

This was a tough challenge. I better cover myself by saying I don’t dislike any breeds or groups in particular, I had to make choices the topic told me too . Reading through everyone else’s lists it’s awesome to see so many different breeds popping up, I’m glad we don’t all have the same tastes or life would be pretty boring. Group 1 (I wouldn’t own one at this stage of my life (I love my biggies), but I can’t help but have a soft spot for the little guys, I had a Chi x as a kid) Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua (Long Coat) Pomeranian Group 2 (Hard to get it down to just three, I’d happily own any one of these guys. I love a terrier .) Irish Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Group 3 (This one was tough I’m not overly familiar with the gundogs, oh I’ve chosen half of Europe ;) ) German Wirehaired Pointer Italian Spinone Hungarian Vizsla Group 4 (Hounds have never appealed to me, though I have meet some lovely ones in more recent years. I had a theory that you were either a terrier or hound person, not sure if this holds up IRL.) Irish Wolfhound Greyhound Saluki Group 5 (Is there anything better than a well trained working dog. My sister is going to kill me for leaving Border Collies out though.) Polish Lowland Sheepdog ( ) Briard Australian Kelpie Group 6 (Best group, not that I’m bias ) Russian Black Terrier Dobermann Schauzer (Giant) Group 7 (Such a diverse group this one was hard for me too) Great Dane Poodle (Standard) Tibetan Terrier

It is easy to frighten yourself even when you don't think you are particularly scared of snakes. I was riding my bike home from work a few years ago and saw a small stick on the bike track in the distance. Got closer and it wasn't a stick it was possibly the worlds smallest snake (no more than 20cm), now if this had been a cartoon you would have seen mine and the snakes eyes pop out of our heads . Thankfully we both took avasive action in opposite directions. I had to look around to make sure no one saw the crazy girl wobbling off the bike track legs flailing, no way they would have seen the big scary snake. I did laugh hysterically afterwards, my reaction was so silly and unlike me .

I totally agree with these sentiments. I've returned to this thread & have found more interesting & v. useful posts. DOL at its best, when fair opinion, experience and knowledge are traded, civilly....as well as understanding the OP's predicament. And people care that a little dog gets a good home. x2