Michele
03-06-2007, 12:47 PM
An Open Letter To Dog Owners, (crossposted and added to).
At a time when anti-dog sentiment is escalating, ESPECIALLY in regards to the APBT, or the "pit bull" as they are commonly referred to, it seems there are fewer and fewer responsible dog owners around. Many dog owners don't appear to understand the most basic needs of their dogs. Still more selfishly flaunt all applicable laws.
The primary responsibility dog owners have is to their DOGS. Dogs don't choose to live with us. As dog owners, we choose to bring them into our homes. It is our responsibility to ensure both their physical and emotional needs are met. Dogs need exercise. Dogs need socialization. Dogs are pack animals who require the comfort and security only their "packs" can provide. Miss out on any of these basic needs, and dogs will begin to exhibit inappropriate behaviours.
The secondary responsibility dog owners have is to society. Almost every law restricting the ownership of dogs was a reaction to incidents of irresponsible dog ownership. Dog owners must remember that not everyone likes dogs. A dog must not infringe on the rights of anyone in the community. That means a dog must not only be well behaved, but also supervised AT ALL TIMES!!! Because some dog owners continue to be inconsiderate, anti-dog sentiment is at an all-time high. Learn your city's laws, and obey them. Don't become another headline. The APBT does not need ANY furthur negative attention. We all know we receive, (unfairly) enough already.
How one achieves a well-trained dog may be open to debate, but nobody can argue with the fact that the dog owner is ultimately responsible for this success or failure. Instead of blame, this knowledge should empower dog owners with the expectation that any dog can be trained to be a good canine citizen.
“You get the dog you deserve.”
Your dogs' output will only ever be as good as your input.
No bad dogs, just bad owners. Don't blame them. Train them.
As owners of the APBT, like it or not, admit it or not, we're ALL in this TOgether. If you can't do it for a fellow human being, then do it for the dogs, who count on YOU to be their best advocates!
At a time when anti-dog sentiment is escalating, ESPECIALLY in regards to the APBT, or the "pit bull" as they are commonly referred to, it seems there are fewer and fewer responsible dog owners around. Many dog owners don't appear to understand the most basic needs of their dogs. Still more selfishly flaunt all applicable laws.
The primary responsibility dog owners have is to their DOGS. Dogs don't choose to live with us. As dog owners, we choose to bring them into our homes. It is our responsibility to ensure both their physical and emotional needs are met. Dogs need exercise. Dogs need socialization. Dogs are pack animals who require the comfort and security only their "packs" can provide. Miss out on any of these basic needs, and dogs will begin to exhibit inappropriate behaviours.
The secondary responsibility dog owners have is to society. Almost every law restricting the ownership of dogs was a reaction to incidents of irresponsible dog ownership. Dog owners must remember that not everyone likes dogs. A dog must not infringe on the rights of anyone in the community. That means a dog must not only be well behaved, but also supervised AT ALL TIMES!!! Because some dog owners continue to be inconsiderate, anti-dog sentiment is at an all-time high. Learn your city's laws, and obey them. Don't become another headline. The APBT does not need ANY furthur negative attention. We all know we receive, (unfairly) enough already.
How one achieves a well-trained dog may be open to debate, but nobody can argue with the fact that the dog owner is ultimately responsible for this success or failure. Instead of blame, this knowledge should empower dog owners with the expectation that any dog can be trained to be a good canine citizen.
“You get the dog you deserve.”
Your dogs' output will only ever be as good as your input.
No bad dogs, just bad owners. Don't blame them. Train them.
As owners of the APBT, like it or not, admit it or not, we're ALL in this TOgether. If you can't do it for a fellow human being, then do it for the dogs, who count on YOU to be their best advocates!