An editorial by Pooh.. an impassioned plea.

This was mentioned on another *hot* thread of late, and I'd like to bring up a subject that was mentioned.

Dogs do indeed have a powerful sense of smell. They posses olfactory powers some 40,000 x more powerful than we do.

It was mentioned that dogs could "smell" someone's intentions and emotions. While this may be somewhat true, in regards to sensing emotional state, due to pheromone production, I think we need to clarify some things here. Dogs do possess a powerful sense of smell, for sure... however, there's a lot more to a dog than it's nose....

Since dogs don't possess a 'verbal language' in the same way we do, we need to understand that they are masters at body language, and even the most subtle changes in our physical demeanor will cue them into behaviors.

This is more likely the reason Fido "doesn't like Uncle Lou"... Fido is picking up physical cues from Uncle Lou.

Case in point:
My 23yo has a tendency to 'ninja' around the house at night when he comes in late. When he is sneaking around, instead of moving around normally, it changes the behavior of a couple of our dogs, and they become suspicious.

"My dog knows he's in trouble for pooping in the hallway!"...
errrrrrrrrr... no! The dog sees a subtle change in master's demeanor, and knows the roof is about to fall on him, as he's been punished before when he has seen this change, so he cowers... soliciting for master to take it easy on him.

Understanding dog body language is of utmost importance - it can give you the chance to stop a 'hunt' before it starts, stop a dog fight before it starts, change a dog's state from fearful to relaxed, keep you from being bitten by a defensive/fearful/dominant dog, and know when to take Fido to the veterinarian, among other things.

In addition, dogs are HONEST. They say what they mean, and they mean what they say. If a dog LOOKS happy, it is... and if a dog LOOKS unhappy, it is. Oh, if we humans could only possess this raw honesty, the world would be a different place. This, along with timing of reward or correction is one of the most difficult things for humans to grasp. We are a tiny white lie species. Dogs are not.

We tend to ignore many physical signals that dogs send us. If we hug up on a dog that disdains this physical treatment, and the dog leans away, we tend to hug harder. When the same dog cannot get his message across with a 'lean away', he might just up the ante a bit, and offer a growl, since he probably assumes we are blind, but must be able to hear. If we continue on with a hug fest, depending upon the bite threshold the dog possesses, he may eventually offer his teeth as an "I've told you 10 x to knock it off! Now do you believe me???!"

Unfortunately for the dog, his pleas have been ignored, and he has come to the conclusion that he had no choice but to send a VERY clear message. Now, the human has not only put the human in danger, but has put the dog's life in jeopardy.... the dog now has a bite history which could have been prevented if the owner had only chosen to educate him/herself before deciding that Fido must endure whatever owner decides to throw at him, despite his pleas.

People, this is a plea from me, on behalf of your dogs. Many dogs enjoy heavy physical affection from humans - and there are many who don't. If you have one that doesn't particularly care for it, please find other ways in which to bestow your love onto your animal.

There are many of us who work very diligently trying to educate dog owners, fix problematic dogs, and prevent problems from occuring in the first place.

Things are not as they were 100 years ago - when dogs were mostly utilitarian, except for the very well off - who bred dogs specifically made for the lap. The rottweiler is not one of those dogs.

We as a society spend billions of dollars "pampering" our poochie poos. We try to find the best of foods, we carry them off to the veterinarian when they don't eat their breakfast, we buy fancy collars, expensive toys, fluffy beds, and allow dogs the reign of the house - something that is a new phenomenon in the dual history of dog and man. There are more dogs in homes now than ever before.

What does this mean? Many times it means a shorter life for Fido. Many times it means a higher liability for Fido's owner. Many times it means that as much as some of us fight for our (my rights, your rights, everyone's rights!!!) rights to own the dogs of our choosing, there are folks who go out before researching properly, and choose a dog based on looks, rather than temperament - and the way that temperament will fit in with the person's experience and ability to do right by the dog, in addition to lifestyle, needs and desires.

What our dogs need most from us is the same unconditional love they give us. They need CLEAR and CONSICE benevolent leadership. They need honesty from us, and they need US to actually put some time in learning about them, before we automatically assume that their behavior is a DOG problem, when in actuality, there are many *MANY* very nice dogs who are mismanaged and handled by well meaning people.. the dogs end up behaving like dogs, and they get punished for it. What should be happening? IMHO, People should take the time and money they spend on expensive toys and fluffy beds, and educate themselves by actively seeking qualified help, reading books, and spending time in the backyard with Fido, earning his respect through obedience and play.

Hillsborough County FL Animal Control is in the midst of holding meetings this week. They are attempting to gather information that will help them decrease the number of dog bites in Tampa and the surrounding area. "Owner education" was one of suggestions listed that is of significant importance.

This is absolutely the only way we will convince insurance companies, municipalities, and bigger government that dog bites are not a dog problem - they are a people problem.

Folks, we own a targeted breed. As I mentioned earlier, these are not lap dogs. They were bred to drive cattle (no mean feat), and guard (not a lap dog job).

Please

Do your homework. Work on bettering your relationship with your dogs. Work on making your dogs the local embassadors for the breed. Treat them with the respect (respect them for being dogs!!!), and teach them with patience and a sense of humor. Enjoy your dogs for who and what they are. When you start to do that, a whole new world is opened up for you and your faithful Fido.