Out in Public? - Page 8

This is something that I argue about all the time with breeder friends/trainers. MISTAKES/ACCIDENTS happen. I get the response, no they do not if your dog has the proper training and temperment. I remind them of who they are talking to, I know of all their dirty little secrets. If you own a dog, sh_t happens. I do not care who you are. So it is up to us not to put them in harms way and to minimize the chances. They are not robots, they have a mind of their own with bad and good days.

Echo, it's a shame that you have to convolute situations in order to justify your unethical behavior. Under your reasoning a college diploma is invalid because one student was caught cheating. The title Doctor is invalid because a doctor was sued for malpractice. To take an incident and try to justify what you are doing is your declaration of desparation.

Hodie,places like Petsmart make it much more likely a dog will pick up diseases or parasites. I understand this, but I put the social skills of my dogs at the top of the list. This is one of the reasons so many dogs/puppies are a problem, they are not exposed to the outside world because of the fear they will get ill. I want my dogs with me in as many enviroments that will allow. I have lived with a pyscho dog and I refuse to take that path again. Does not mean I did not love him, life was just harder/scarier/liabilty with him.

1doggie2, I agree with you 100% that a dog should be socialized and I commend you for doing that. Social skills are critical. However, in my opinion, take it for what it is worth, there are better places to do it than at a place like Petsmart. That was the only point I am making about Petsmart. Socialization is a MUST do and I think the dogs should always be taken out to as many places as possible. I just stay away from areas where a lot of dogs go, some of whom have owners who do not take very good care of them and where I know the environment is going to be filthy and never sanitized. Good for you that you have enough sense to see that your dog is socialized! Good luck and enjoy him/her.

I'm glad you mentioned the health aspects to bringing a dog into Petsmart. I cringe every time someone mentions doing so---I've seen dogs lift their legs with all the odors, etc, etc. People come in with unvaccinated puppies all the time. Recently, I've noticed inexpensive vaccinations being given intermittently---It brings in dozens of people. These pups and unvaccinated dogs are waiting in line (6 wk-old pups running on the floor). My BP starts rising, immediately. Once, I lost it and yelled---"Hold that puppy, and get him up off the floor. Don't let him near any of the other dogs." People were shocked, but they all took control of their dogs, keeping them apart. It took a second to sink in that I was only concerned about disease. (This was in Pets Plus). Honestly, why anyone would bring their dog into any pet store is beyond me. It's an accident waiting to happen. You may have the most outstanding, well- behaved dog in existence---but, in the next aisle, Cujo could be waiting. And, Cujo could be a Chihuahua. If your dog even steps on him accidentally, who will be blamed? One guess. Renofan2--Scary story. Feel your terror. I've come to the conclusion that, nowadays, I just can't take the chance of letting unknown kids pet my pup. It's just not worth it. Anyone that wants to pet my youngest, I always say--"He's very strong and playful--and, he will probably innocently hurt you. I don't want to hear any crying if he does. Still want to pet him?" A couple of kids took the challenge---but were careful (which is what I wanted). A kid who is a "natural" with dogs is never a problem. I also would say this in front of parents---to see their reactions. After awhile, you can usually spot the Nervous Nellies and judiciously make a swift exit. No amount of socializing is worth the chance of anyone receiving a nip or scratch that to a hysterical child or parent is labeled an aggressive bite. I'd only socialize a pup with known participants---realtives, friends, and their kids, etc. I want my dog socialized-yes. But, more important, I don't want someone coming after my dog. That already happened to me. I was 8 yrs old. My parents were having an extension added to our house. The contractor brought his children over one morning. They were running around screaming, and one of our dogs grabbed a child as she was running. He wasn't vicious, just controlling. Even though there were no bite marks, someone called the police and when they came to the door, I went out the back door with my dog and hid out in a neighbor's backyard shed. (It was summer, and they were away on vacation). I was there for over 24 hrs. Of course, the concern was no longer the dog, but my whereabouts. I was discovered and escorted home with the dog. Nothing ever came of the dog-issue. Probably because the contractor had two other jobs lined up on the street from my parents' recommendation, and didn't want to jeopardize the work-- he never proceeded with any action. But I was very young and terrified at the time that the police would take my dog away---Today, I'd fight, not run----but would prefer not having to do either. 1doggie2--Sorry about disagreeing with your locale for socializing----just feel there might be a better place. I realize you always act in the best interests of your dogs.

I just like what the enviroment of petsmart offers, people and kids, snacks that smell good,other animals (birds, rodents, etc.) behind the glass, other dogs, toys they can not have, tight spaces and the carts.

I know, 1doggie2---sounds like the perfect place, and I hate sounding like 'doom and gloom'.

LMH, it is fine with me to disagree, I think that is what makes this board special. We can learn and make our own choices based on knowledge. I understand the risks I take, that does not mean I do not care, I just weigh what is most important for me. I would never bring a young pup in there, if that would make you sleep better.

It even happens during trials, also....a dog has good days and bad days just like humans....The best trained dog can be annoyed at someones quick move especially children....

I usually just lurk on this site because there's to many pissing matches for me. The people that have the years and knowledge try to pass it along, and some of the "new" people try to argue, or change it around to suit their needs or "missions". Anyway.....I'm digressing here. I cringe everytime someone says they took their dog to petsmart or the equivelent. You all better thank God when your dog walks back out to the car "unscathed". We had a club member take his 2 month old shepherd puppy into one and came out missing half an ear. Thanks to a very rambunctious and dominent old Jack Russel. Another member, who by the way, is not new at this, took his Mal female into a petsmart for a quick stop and she got pounced on by an older aggressive dog that was off lead. She was a young pup and since then has showed dog aggression, which up until then she had no issues. Just so you can't say he doesn't know what he's doing, he's an excellent helper, qualified for the Brazillian world team and is now working for Ivan. He did it for the socialization, which everyone know's is detremental to Mals, more so than shepherds. Echo, don't take this breed warden's disfunction and turn it around to throw at everyone else on this board that are trying to make valid points. I know some very disfuntional rescue people, but I do not hold that against the rest of them. I know the point your trying to make, but do you think you're the only one here that has great temperment dogs, who are loved dearly, who you are working with to get titles? I have the greatest Male, he's bred to the nine's, come's of the field from doing protection carrying the sleeve and my 5 yr old grandson grabs the lead and takes him to the house. He's very clear, very smart,very kind, very stable with good conformation. I will not think of breeding him until he's titled. Even though I know he has alot to offer. That's just how it's done. It's done that way for a reason. If you want to breed without titles ect. just do it, but don't try to justify it to the rest of us that think differently. It won't work, and sometimes it sounds like you "protest" to much. Donna