“Dangerous” dogs

Okay, back to my normal (i.e. cynical and snarky) ways.

There has been much recent local and national debate regarding dogs (pit bulls, specifically) in the wake of several attacks on children, mail carriers, etc.

On one hand, I agree with the “it’s not the dog, it’s the owner” stance. I know people that have “dangerous” dogs that are actually very docile, loving animals. I also know people that have little 6-pound Satan-spawn creatures on which I wouldn’t dare turn my back. Depending on the environment in which it is raised, any dog can either become a very gentle, peaceful animal or a potential killer to be feared. Even the little so-called “lap dogs”, “ankle biters”, “froo froo” dogs, “handbag dogs” (Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and other similar breeds that seem to have become more fashion accessory than pet), or whatever one chooses to call them, have the ability to turn deadly, depending on how they are treated. If an owner abuses and/or neglects a dog or, obviously, deliberately trains them as such, any dog can be a potential killer. It’s just that people don’t really consider “cute” dogs to be usual suspects in dog attacks.

The thing with many at least some dog owners is that, no matter what breed of dog they own, they tend to be blinded to any possible dangers from their own dog, and that’s somewhat natural. “MY little angel wouldn’t hurt a flea.” How many times have you heard that, or seen it on message boards, and what not? I have a greyhound, and while she pretty much does nothing but sleep for 18-20 hours a day- not to mention the fact that she’s 12 year old and has some pretty major neurological problems in her old age- I am also extremely aware that she theoretically can still turn at any time. Complicating that would be the fact that, old and hobbled as she is, she still runs far faster than my fat ass does. I love my dog, but make no mistake: if she were to EVER attack anyone unprovoked- especially one of my kids- I can guarantee that that would in fact be the last thing she ever did. But then, I’m a responsible pet owner. People need to understand that, whether Basset hound, Shih Tzu, Great Dane, or Akita, any and all dogs can turn vicious in a nanosecond and often for no apparent reason, other than, no matter how “domesticated” they may seem to be, they are still animals that have an inherent, primitive instinct. Much of a dog’s behavior is a learned behavior. The rest is the unknown variable- that uncontrollable, animal instinct, pardon the obvious pun, and all dogs (and all animals in general) have it.

Even your little Mr. Snooky Wookums.

I also agree to some extent with those that say that pit bulls and certain other breeds have a “bad rep”. Obviously, to immediately brand an entire breed based on some isolated incidents is somewhat similar to branding, for example, an entire race of people based on the acts of an isolated portion of those that belong to said race. Not nearly as relevant nor potentially damaging, mind you, but still, somewhat similar. (Yet, still different.) The thing is, though, that pit bulls’ “bad rep” isn’t entirely unfounded, either. Why do you think pit bulls are at the epicenter of this debate? Because the pit bull seems to be the main breed of choice to those that- illegally, mind you- raise and train dogs for fighting. Pit bulls are “big” yet still relatively “small” at the same time, and immensely strong and powerful. And, frankly, from what I’ve read, they far more easily lend themselves to that type of behavior than do many other breeds. When someone exposes a dogfighting ring that uses Bichon Frises, then people will start unfairly labeling all Bichon Frises. It’s the whole public perception theory. Pit bulls tend to be the dogs more often used in dogfighting, German shepherds are often used as police dogs, and Dobermans, at least for a while, were the “guard dog” of choice, so those breeds are going to have a reputation of being “mean”, “aggressive”, or “dangerous”. But then, when you have TV shows and movies like “Lassie” and Frazier, for example, that portray certain dogs as cute adorable members of the family, people can’t fathom that a collie or a Jack Russell terrier could possibly be harmful to anyone.

Yet they can. It’s just not as common.

There has also been debate here in Springfield over mail delivery, in the wake of a mail carrier being bitten. Apparently, the USPS is stating that they reserve the right not to deliver mail to an offending house- or the entire block, if need be- that has a dangerous or aggressive dog. I can’t say I have a problem with that. We expect mail delivery in “rain, wind, snow, dark of night…”, or however the little jingle goes, yet make little attempt to give mail carriers safe passage to do so. It’s really no different than shoveling snow and/or clearing ice. If they can’t get to your mailbox safely, how can they deliver your mail? And really, why should they? The USPS, UPS, Fed-Ex, meter readers- all of them (and anyone with similar occupations) deserve the right to be able to do their jobs without the danger of being bitten or mauled or worse by some out-of-control dog. If my mail carrier stops delivery to my house based on a neighbor’s aggressive dog, I’m going to be pissed at the neighbor, not the USPS. But let me also say that in that instance, I would expect the USPS to provide me with notice as to specifically why they did not deliver my mail, and cite the offending house.

Another thing that points back on owners (and not the dogs) is that there are too many people that don’t know or flat out just ignore the laws regarding dogs. For one, we have a leash law in this town, people- which includes cats as well. You can’t just let your animal roam about the city loose at their leisure and expect not to be held accountable if that animal attacks someone. But then, many that allow their pets to wander freely also, conveniently, don’t have tags for them, either- which is also against the law. I’m fully aware that animals get loose accidentally- my greyhound has before; you try catching a dog that runs 40 mph- but too often you see dogs just wandering aimlessly (as I said, often with no tags or ID), knocking over garbage cans, crapping in people’s yards (don’t get me started on the whole not cleaning up after your dog thing), and barking at anyone and everyone.

With “strays” specifically, people pretty much have to assume that it is a dangerous dog and act accordingly. I’m not saying that a loose dog should be shot on sight, but with most animals, you have to assume it is dangerous until you’re 100% certain otherwise. And people, stop believing the myths- things like, “he’s wagging his tail; that means he’s happy”. Not {necessarily} true. Dogs wag their tails for any number of reasons. And what do you do if it’s a tailless breed, or a dog that for whatever reason has lost its tail? Learn and look for signs of aggression in dogs, especially things like head and ear positioning. Those can be huge clues as to a dog’s temperament. Or better yet, just avoid them (the dogs). Call the police and/or animal control if you’re that concerned for your safety. Because there are assholes in this world that just don’t give a rat’s ass about other people, there will always be stray animals roaming the street. If you’re going to just waltz (or sashay or promenade or traipse and gallivant, as my mother always says) up to an animal- ANY animal- you can’t be surprised if you get attacked, bitten, or threatened.

Pit bulls can be totally gentle and harmless. But on the whole, my opinion is that pit bulls are “dangerous” dogs. If I see one coming toward me, you better believe I’m going to be on my guard from the get-go. Conversely, don’t think that I’m going to be 100% relaxed and carefree around a Dachshund, either.

Take responsibility for your damn animals, folks. You can’t sue an animal, so you can bet your ass that Joe Ambulance Chaser will be coming after YOU. And, as much as I despise the über-litigiousness in society today, rightfully so.