[poohbearsmom]

Avenger.... this post was NOT intended to scare people. This post was intended to spur people to EDUCATE themselves, and be responsible dog owners, period.

If dogs are to live in our world safely, it's up to us to research properly, rear the dog properly, train the dog properly, and learn how to seek qualified help when it's needed...and knowing WHAT qualified help is...
This is what separates a responsible dog owner from an irresponsible dog owner. Building a good relationhip with your dog is of utmost importance. Giving your dog the tools to live in OUR world, is of utmost importance... Having the knowledge to choose the proper temperament for your lifestyle and experience level.... knowing what your dog's temperament is, and what that amounts to in real life, is just as important, because this knowledge gives you the opportunity to deal with the dog's individuality in a manner which is conducive to happily ever after.

There are very few 'bad' dogs. It's our handling of our dogs - what we do, just as much as what we don't do, that seals a dog's fate. Don't fail your dog.

One of my biggest fears when posting this thread, was that inexperienced people would freak out, and send their dogs on a one way trip to the vet for no apparent reason.... a grumble, a lip curl, or just because it's a large dog.... This is NOT what this post was intended to do.

Fear is based on ignorance. Ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge. Let's just do our dogs, and the general public a service, and learn to deal with them as dogs, not teddy bears or furbabies.