Ruin Maniac

Why some people are allowed to own a dog at all... Heavier penalties are great for the sake of justice, but what I would like to see is a license for dog owners that is earned. Education and temperament testing - we expect the same of many dogs before they live with us. This would prevent so many Christmas puppies for children and violent, moronic people like this from getting their hands on dogs. Of course, to be effective this would also require dogs being supplied only by reputable breeders. Realistically, it would be complicated and incredibly difficult to regulate, not to mention expensive (although, the number of fines I could see the authorities collecting...) And then, in all fairness, it should apply to all animals really. I just hate people sometimes. How unfortunate that a dog should end up with a monster like that.

The mere thought of dealing with the mating itself, the pregnancy, birth and after-care and finally the litter gives me heart palpitations. Why anyone would go ahead and breed their dogs without serious research, planning and, without a doubt, saving is beyond me.

I think now would be the right time to announce that the samoyed breeders I've been in correspondence with have contacted me to let me know that a male puppy is now waiting for me. I've been invited up to see him sometime later this week! :) Next year my contact hours are fewer and I'll have more time to dedicate to my dog, as well as having 2-3 months free after he arrives home in January to help him through the early puppy phase. The research I've done, and the people I've met within the Samoyed community as well as my interactions with the breed have convinced me that I can be the right person for a sammy. This is going to be a real learning curve and a challenge, but will be possibly one of my life's most rewarding experiences. I'll probably post some pictures after the visit.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that, I think it's more that a fragile owner would be less likely to deal with a full-on attack on their dog. This precisely. I am not at all trying to suggest the dog is going to go on a murderous rampage through the neighbourhood eating all elderly people and children in sight. I do have good reason to believe it would attack their dogs if they were walking them. I don't think it's rocket science to assume that they would struggle more than the average person to escape that attack, defend their animals and defend themselves if they did anything like what I did and the dog redirected its aggression as you yourself suggested it might, SecretKei. I don't think that's an unreasonable concern. EDIT: I might also add that I have stated once already in this thread that I've had more positive experience with bull breeds than bad ones (just the other day I had some cuddles with two friendly, obedient and sociable Amstaffs who were out on a walk with their equally as lovely owner). This has nothing to do with breed bias.

When did anyone suggest that the owner of the aggressive dog wouldn't pay the vet bills? Whether or not he does, the fact is his dog was off-lead and rushed at a woman and her two dogs from behind and proceeded to bite and tear at them. Which, to me at least, is an indicator that the collar was probably not prescribed because of the dog's appearance alone. It was a very aggressive attack. The owner of the aggressive dog had said that they were keeping the dog inside the house while the new fence was being built and it slipped past as someone opened the door to go into the back yard. It was not tethered or crated, but in the room where a door leads to the outside and probably wanted to go out because it was used to using it. Unfortunately, it also decided to take a walk. I can't guarantee he wasn't out looking for the dog, however. Though I do think he lives around here.

I thought that maybe the fact that it was wearing a prescribed collar might, with an accurate description of dog and owner, let them know who I was talking about. Since the owner arrived so quickly (less than 2 minutes), I'd say he's nearby. ChuckAndSteve - part of me does want to leave it up to the victim to make the report for many reasons, but largely because I don't want to force her to be involved, but if she doesn't make it at all and it happens again I'm certain the situation could be far worse. Again, there are people who walk their dogs here that would be extremely vulnerable if caught up in a dog attack. Beside us are two very elderly people with a partially blind maltese (who is adorable but reactive), and up the street are two kids under 10 with a couple of bouncy JRTs. Admittedly I am also concerned for my future puppy, and for my housemate's (who we are going to see for the first time today). I know where the victim lives. I might leave it a while and go to see if she and the fluffies are okay and ask her how the follow-up went. The owner of the aggressive dog was putting emphasis on how it was an accident, and how lovely his dog is normally and he was being apologetic, but I do feel as if she was put under pressure on the spot not to talk to the ranger. I had asked her if she had wanted me to call an authoritative body in the first place and she'd said yes and that she would wait for them to arrive. She only changed her mind after speaking with the owner but did still take my details once he was gone.

Now that I consider that, it could be possible that they were contractors building the fence the owner mentioned. They did seem eager to get the dog in the car with its owner and have the whole situation done with just like that, and they had driven by and turned around very slowly. They didn't look all too impressed with me while I was on the phone either. Though I thought they were just being bloke-y with the whole "well, nobody's dead so she'll be right" attitude. But I can't speculate too much, in all fairness. Didn't interact with them too much. In relation to the questions about the owner of the aggressive dog, he did seem somewhat concerned about the victim's dogs but more concerned about justifying why his dog had escaped. He was visibly upset. Again, I can't speculate.

Also, SecetKel, I appreciate the guide as to breaking up a dog fight and will definitely keep those techniques in mind, but the options presented in that booklet were not applicable in the situation. Nobody stepped in to help (the two men did not stop their cars until AFTER the dogs had been separated and I was struggling to drag it further down the street, although some neighbors were peering through windows), so two people could not grab the legs of the aggressor, and I do not have a leash or anything to make one at my immediate disposal. I understand I could have been hurt and I probably should have done nothing for my own safety given the fact that those options were not possible, but I honestly couldn't help myself. The woman was screaming and crying in desperation, and so were the little ones.

"You stated that you contacted the council immediately after the attack whilst the two men restrained the dog so the incident has already been reported? I see no need to contact them again unless you are given good reason to." I didn't call the council ranger to file a report, I called the council to ask for advice on the situation and they offered to put me through to the ranger, and I left that up to the victim to decide. No more information was given other than that a dog had attacked the victim's dogs while they were being walked, and all they could tell me to do was contact the ranger and let them seize the aggressor. I then passed that information on to her so that she could decide what she would like to do. The reason I am concerned is because it could have been an elderly person or a child, who frequently walk small dogs down this street. It could have been my housemate who is going to see an 8 week old rescue terrier tomorrow, it could have been me in two months time. This dog was intent on killing her two, it had rushed at them from behind. But I did, on the scene, give the victim the choice since she was clearly distressed enough without being forced to deal with the authorities. I haven't heard anything back from the victim yet. I hope the little ones are okay

While the two owners exchanged details, I sat with her little ones and looked them over for puncture wounds, tender spots and other injuries. One had a bite to the side, covered in drool and potentially punctured (hard to tell with the thick ringlets, but I couldn't see blood on my fingers which I guess is a good sign). The other was limping on his hind leg and that worried me. No visible injuries to the eyes, ears or muzzles. Some tender spots on their sides, which they turned and tried to lick me when I touched them. Hopefully just bruises. Both were panting very heavily and were quivery. But she is taking them to the vet which is only three streets down. Hopefully we'll know soon. OSoSwift - I do agree that the fact that the dog wasn't properly contained is awful. A tether or a crate, surely, if people were using the doors when there is no fence? And if he lived so close by, why wasn't he out looking for his dog? I am also glad there was no redirected aggression. I'm short and light, and if I couldn't shove it off to start with when all the adrenaline was flowing I don't think I'd have stood much of a chance. That dog was pure muscle.

I've been thinking about doing that. I am assuming, because the dog must be known to the council to be wearing that collar, that with an accurate description of dog and owner they might be able to determine which house they came from? Since only the victim has those details. Part of me is also concerned that with all of Victoria's stupid laws, a case like this could be used to show bull breeds in a bad light. I can't count with all my digits the number of good experiences I've had with bull breeds, but I can count the bad experiences on one hand. Urgh. I just hate owners who can't socialise or contain their dogs properly.

So this morning I was being a homebody on the couch, when I suddenly heard screaming, barking and cries for help. I ran outside and found a woman with two small black poodle-like dogs being attacked by a large bull breed (I can't confirm exactly what it was) wearing a dangerous dog collar. Yeah, a prescribed dangerous dog collar, off-lead and ripping into these tiny little dogs while their terrified owner tried to get it away from her. I tried to shove the dog off with my foot, but it didn't even flinch. I managed to get a hand around its neck without coming into contact with its teeth and grab its collar. I dragged it away and tried to prevent it making eye contact with the other dogs after which it calmed down and became almost placid, which seemed kinda strange. It was very people friendly, but dog aggressive to the extreme. It just sat there trying to lick me After the fact, two men who had previously driven right by in their cars turned around to investigate (thanks, boys). I think they thought the owner of the fluffies and I were having some kind of scuffle or something, but I am glad they came back so they could hold the vicious dog while I called the council. While I did so, they contacted the owner of the dog who arrived almost immediately (so they live very close by, apparently). He spoke to the victim and explained that they are building a new back fence and it slipped out the back door? I thought dangerous dogs were meant to have strict requirements with yards, etc? Unless this was during the time period where they were meant to be having it set up? The woman was so shaken up she didn't know what to do, and the owner of the vicious dogs kept trying to explain that it wasn't meant to get out, I think she may have been swindled out of calling the authorities. Granted, he did seem very upset too, and to my knowledge a dangerous dog can be destroyed instantly if found wandering or attacking anyone, and he did also appear to be concerned for her little ones. But I did tell them to exchange details (which they did), gave the victim the council's number and mine just in case and recommended she see her vet immediately and if she could let me know how they are. That was the first full-on attack I've ever been actively involved in, and I think I broke all the rules of intervening. But I'm so frustrated by the fact that a known dangerous dog could just slip out the back door. I'm expecting a puppy early next year and I am not comfortable with a dog like that being just down the street. The victim was so shaken, and the owner of the vicious dog was apologising profusely and pleading with her, which I understand... but I really don't want that to happen again. While I hate to think that the same dog who was so aggressive was also the dog that was so lovely once it had been separated from the fluffies, and I'd hate for that dog to be destroyed, I can't stand the thought of that happening to someone here again. Small children walk tiny dogs down the streets here, as do frail, elderly people. :/ Is there anything more I can do other than wait for the victim to contact me if she chooses to?

How horrible

Only issue with my childhood dogs was them unwrapping the presents before we could. Quickly resolved by a short partition around the tree :)

Urgh, you know I'm not a local sometimes. I don't have access to a car tomorrow, so was planning on taking PT. I forgot when I planned my trip that the train schedule changes on public holidays. Nothing leaves from where I am until 8:30 and the wonky schedule has made the trip 2 hours and 20 minutes long Everyone wants to get somewhere, but nobody wants to work, I suppose. EDIT: Asked around and a few friends of mine said they'd love to go, so we now have a vehicle. EDIT 2: Went to the show! It was an extremely interesting experience as I'd never been to one before (note to self: formal dress not necessary for visitors, people thought we were nuts ). There must have been well over 200 exhibitors there, and so many dogs I couldn't count all the breeds. The atmosphere was very tense to begin with, as everyone was getting ready. I'm not sure if there's always a "rush" before a show, and especially at a big event such as this one, but I almost wanted to ask if the traffic had been bad that morning as almost everyone was running around, bringing dogs and supplies back and forth from their cars. But we tried not to impose, as we realised very quickly just how much effort is put into preparation. My friend who I travelled with was a little anxious, with both of us having not the slightest clue about the etiquette and the fact that we wished we could have helped people out but wouldn't have known where to begin didn't help :laugh: But we both settled down once the competition began. The show ring was spectacular. Despite not knowing precisely what to look for, in general and by breed, we did see some splendid examples of dogs. The samoyeds we enjoyed especially because the exhibitors appeared as if they were enjoying themselves a lot more than with other breeds in different rings. I wasn't sure whether or not this was related to the method in which they handled their dogs, with some dogs we observed being known for their strong wills and physical power, or because their smiles are infectious. We had to stop ourselves from analysing what was going on, being total amateurs, so we sat back and enjoyed the show from the grass. Until the rain, that is. :) I'd like to thank you, Jenny, for introducing us to the lovely ladies of Airebis and their dogs. We learned a lot about the breed and had the pleasure of learning more about dogs who tie in to the Kimskova bloodlines. Personality appears to carry down the family tree! I'd also like to thank you for exhibiting and, while (again) we didn't have much of an idea of how things are done, we thought your dogs were marvellous and that you also looked fantastic out there with them (and I STILL want that skirt suit)! I'm not sure how well I'd cope with exhibiting myself, but I definitely have a much greater appreciation for and admiration of people who do after this event. :)

Looking at pet shops around here... I regret nothing. Seriously, what I don't use I'm sure someone else I know can :)

You never know, maybe they can teleport :laugh: Though they are VERY loud. It sounded like one was inside at an old friend's house once, when it was behind the fence. It's a sound that carries. But again, SA. There's no way it could get there.

That sounds like a Tasmanian Devil! Little buggers lurk around my place back in Tasmania. Wouldn't make sense for one to be in SA, though, surely?

Yay!

I've seen a lot of threads about "cherry eye", conjunctivitis and skin conditions. What are some of the more common, non-breed specific illnesses that I might need to keep an eye out for as a dog owner and what are some common symptoms I should be looking for if I conduct a routine check-over every month? Dental issues I have had experience identifying and treating (well, my vet takes care of the curing, but I do the prevention measures). Is there a good online database for dog illnesses?

It was such a lovely experience. I am admittedly excited (and would be regardless of the turn-out, approval wise, considering how amazing the people and their pets are), though I have to keep my head on I suppose. Even if they do think there's a suitable pup in the upcoming litter, which is entirely a matter of their professional opinion, I know there's so much more to learn and I mustn't get too excited when I next see them. They'll be providing me with heaps of important information (they do up a booklet and such, and will show me some more tricks firsthand). It's going to be... difficult. But important, so I'll just have to act professionally (even if my childlike side wants to roll around on the floor in glee ) That is, if it's this time around. And it might not be. We shall see :)

And was her deposit returned? Yes, to my knowledge (or I'm sure I would have heard about it). It was the unprofessional attitude (just being hung up on) that upset her.

One of my friends wanted to adopt a dog from a group that affiliates themselves with PR. On her first interview, she was told she could take the dog as long as the deposit was sent and they told her it was fine to wait until after her exams to pick up the dog. She called them to confirm when she could pick the dog up, and was hung up on the second she mentioned her name. She rang the head of the rescue and was told they'd taken in too many new fosters and had to rehome him immediately and that he was gone. We thought this was pretty unprofessional of them but begrudgingly accepted it. She wanted another dog from them, but since I discovered this I've warned her off them altogether. This is crazy.

:laugh: I honestly think I'd never leave the property again if that was the case. One pregnant bitch insisted that she had to be either underneath my arm or pressed up against me (she was so sweet and affectionate, very quiet but very cuddly), and another continued to exploit my (unashamedly obvious) love of them as I went to go to the car and stood there blocking my way for more pats before she permitted my departure. I had read all about how people-friendly samoyeds are, but even then I was surprised! Beautiful dogs. And the breeders let me watch them help shed the undercoat of one dog (as it had began to drop), as well as spoke to me about their health tests and diet, cleaning the coat and tear stains, training techniques, preparing the house for one to come home, recommended a vet not too far from where I am because he's experienced with the breed... it was such an education. I think otherwise we just spoke about animals, the countryside and a few entertaining stories about the show ring and about their dogs in general. It was great :)

Dog slapstick. Fantastic :laugh: