Welcome to this week’s issue of Mighty Mutts!
Well we made it to February! Wiarton Willy has predicted an early spring, let’s hope he’s right! I, for one, am more than ready for spring. February is also Responsible Dog Owner Month! And on that note, there are a couple of news articles that came out last week that I’m going to comment on (and rant about). The personal injury law firm, Bergel Magence has an interesting article about particular dog breeds and whether they are truly ‘dangerous’.
Yesterday was Sled Dog Day, and today is Golden Retriever Day, so we’ve got some fun facts for you to read about on both of those topics 😊
Feel free to share this issue with your fellow large breed dog owners! They can subscribe here.
Pablo’s Ponderings
Mom can’t make the bed..
Hello furry friends! We still have lots of snow in Bruce County, but the sun has been out the past couple of days, that’s been so nice. I’ve been able to spend a bit more time outside which has been nice, and have even gone a few short walks with my human, Brandon. I love our walks together!
I also love spending time indoors, especially on mom and dad’s bed. Mom came in to make the bed but she had to wait till Domino and I were finished napping. He follows me everywhere, sometimes it’s so annoying, like a bratty little sibling.
Where is your favourite place to nap in the house? Do your humans let you sleep on the furniture? Send me pictures I’d love to see them!
Dog Attacks: Breed or Irresponsible Owners?
The age old question: are all dogs ‘good’ dogs if the owner is responsible? There was a news story that came out last wee. You can read the article here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/pouch-cove-dog-attack-9.7065452
Two dogs were roaming loose and injured 4 people; 2 of them severely enough that they were sent to the hospital. The dogs ended up being killed by police because of their aggression.
The article doesn’t mention the breed of dog, just that they were large breed. I really hope the injured parties have a full recovery. Now, it’s not necessarily the news story that caught my attention – it was the comments by readers. Almost ALL of them stated, “there’s no such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners” or something similar.
Now, I have a problem with this theory and I’ll tell you why. YES, owners play a huge role in their dog’s behaviour, regardless of breed. All dogs require training, proper nutrition, attention and most of all love. Every.Single.Day. Responsible dog owners understand that dogs need nurturing and if you treat them well, they will reciprocate by giving you their whole hearts; HOWEVER, there are some breeds that require a more ‘firm’ hand shall we say. They need to know that they are NOT the alpha – Rottweilers are a good example. They are known for being stubborn and as an owner, you have to be consistent and firm (but not rough) in your training methods. Socialization is also important, right from puppyhood.
Pit bulls and rottweilers are strong and they have jaws that lock. Now think of them attacking a child or another animal and not letting go. See what I mean? They have the propensity to do a lot of damage. (After all, You wouldn’t find a Labrador retriever or poodle guarding a junk yard; you’re more likely to encounter a pit bull, rottweiler or Doberman.) It doesn’t mean they’re bad dogs, but people need to understand that these breeds require extra work. You can’t just leave them in the house for hours at time, or worse, chained up outside while you’re at work 8 hours a day. If you’re going to get a dog, research the breed! They are not all the same! Global news published an article that intelligence may play a role in aggression – as in, the more intelligent the breed, the more likely that breed is to act aggressively. You can read the article
OK, rant over.
The second article was about a woman being fined $750 for leaving her dog in a car when it was -10 degrees C outside. The dog was in distress and had to be rescued. You can read that article here:
Really, what was she thinking? Cold weather can be just as deadly as hot weather. Now, maybe she was thinking, “I’m just going to run in and grab a couple of things quickly”. Then she sees a wall of sale items that she just can’t resist. In aisle 3 she meets an old friend she hasn’t seen in months. Before you know it, 45 minutes have passed and the poor dog is suffering waiting for her to come back.
PLEASE leave your dogs at home if you’re going to go somewhere you can’t take them inside with you. It’s NEVER a good idea to leave them in the car – whether it’s the dead of winter or a hot August afternoon.
Feel free to email me your thoughts? Would love to hear them! [email protected]
Fun Facts: Did You Know?
Huskies/Sled Dogs
· The True Hero: While Balto is famous, the sled dog Togo covered the longest and most hazardous distance (264 miles) during the 1925 serum run to Nome.
· Spoken Commands: Dogs are not driven by reins, but by specific spoken commands from the musher.
· High-Speed Travel: Dog sleds can reach speeds of up to 20 mph.
· Foot Care: Because dogs sweat through their paws, they often wear protective booties during long races to stop ice from building up and causing injuries.
· Insulation: Sled dogs possess a double coat, with a dense, waterproof inner layer designed for freezing temperatures.
Golden Retrievers
· Soft Mouth: Bred to retrieve game gently, they have famously soft mouths, able to carry things without damage. – they can even carry an egg without breaking it!
· Happy & Goofy: They are known for their joyful, affectionate, and patient nature, getting along well with kids and other pets.
· Smart Cookies: Ranked as one of the top breeds for intelligence, learning commands quickly.
· Hollywood Stars: Their trainability and good looks land them roles in movies and TV.
· Active: Goldens make poor couch potatoes. Goldens are always ready for action, whether it’s a game of fetch, hiking, swimming, or other exercise. They’re natural athletes that excel at a variety of sports.
The Truth Behind Dog Breeds Considered the Most Dangerous
When we talk about dangerous dog breeds, various stereotypes and misconceptions often come to mind. Media sensationalism and urban legends have contributed to a skewed perception of certain breeds as inherently aggressive or unsafe. While certain dog breeds may have a higher tendency for being aggressive, it’s not fair to generalize all dogs within the breed as dangerous. It’s essential to understand that a dog’s behavior is shaped by various factors, including genetics, upbringing, training, and environment. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some commonly labeled “dangerous” dog breeds, debunking myths and shedding light on the realities behind their reputations.
Pit Bulls have earned an unjust reputation as aggressive and dangerous dogs. However, it’s crucial to note that “Pit Bull” is not a breed but a term encompassing several breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These dogs are often loving, loyal, and affectionate companions when raised in a caring environment. Like any other breed, their behavior largely depends on their upbringing and socialization. Even with that said, multiple cities in Canada have banned the breed.
Rottweilers are powerful and protective dogs, which can intimidate some people. However, they are also known for their loyalty and intelligence. Like any large breed, Rottweilers require early socialization, training, and responsible ownership to prevent any potential behavioral issues. When properly trained and socialized, Rottweilers can be gentle family pets.
German Shepherds are widely recognized for their versatility, intelligence, and loyalty. They are commonly employed as police, military, and service dogs due to their trainability and work ethic. While their protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs, they are not inherently dangerous. With proper training and socialization, German Shepherds can be affectionate and obedient companions.
Dobermans are often portrayed as aggressive guard dogs in popular culture. However, they are intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable breeds. Like any dog, improper breeding and training can lead to behavioral issues, but responsible ownership can mitigate these risks. With early socialization and consistent training, Dobermans can be loving family pets.
Siberian Huskies are renowned for their striking appearance and independent nature. While they have a high prey drive and a penchant for escaping, they are not inherently aggressive. Huskies are pack animals and thrive on companionship and mental stimulation. Proper containment and exercise are crucial for preventing behavioral problems in Huskies.
It’s important to recognize that a dog’s behavior is influenced by various factors, including genetics, upbringing, training, and socialization. Blanket labeling of certain breeds as dangerous overlooks the individuality of each dog and can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Responsible ownership, proper training, and early socialization are key factors in preventing dog-related incidents regardless of breed.
Furthermore, breed-specific legislation (BSL), which bans or restricts certain breeds based on their appearance, is ineffective and unfairly targets responsible dog owners. Instead of focusing on breed-specific regulations, policymakers should prioritize measures that promote responsible pet ownership, such as licensing, leash laws, and education programs.
While certain breeds may have traits that require careful management, labeling them as inherently dangerous is unjust and counterproductive. By understanding the complexities behind dog behavior and promoting responsible ownership practices, we can foster safer communities for both humans and dogs alike. Let’s move away from breed stereotypes and focus on individual dogs and their unique needs and personalities.
Some toys that give your large breed (and intelligent) dog brain-stimulating activity! Keep them active, entertained and focused for hours!
That’s it for this issue of Mighty Mutts! Fee free to forward to someone you think would enjoy reading.. mightymutts.beehiiv.com