So very mad!!!

[bscott86]

So.. not only are hotels and campgrounds not allowing "power breeds", I have also found a boarding facility that does not allow them! Such a shame, because it looks like such a nice place! Completely cage free, temperment tests are done to ensure safety of animals (which is why I would assume they would allow any breed), doggie pools, leather couches, web cams for you to view while you are away! Such a shame! I sent a "strongly worded" e-mail to the facility, and their response was that the customers who bring they 4 and 5 pound dogs would not be thrilled about the rotts and pitts running around. Okay, but why not have a weigh restriction, not a breed restriction? Either way, its just plain ignorance.

[poohbearsmom]

Many times these policies are in place because of the Insurance Companies who insure these businesses, not the businesses themselves.

[3shewolf8]

I am a first time rottie owner. He is only 16 weeks old. I didn't even know that places that allow dogs had breed restrictions, (I knew about weight restrictions) I believe that a dog will usually behave how it is trained to act NOT how "all" of them act. This really ticks me off. I have seen tiny dogs that would sooner bite your face off if you bent down to pet them and HUGE dogs that are nothing but "snuggle bunnies". What a load of crap.

[hast]

Originally Posted by QuietDaze

Ok I think JeremyJ is saying that all Rotties should have to pass a test (ie CGC) and have current vet records which will assure the public that they are well behaved and healthy. Once you get these things done something like a Social Security card (ie city registration) will be issued to you FOR the dog. You take this card and then hotels, apartments, home insurance, etc will have to accept your dog because you've proven yourself a responsible owner and your dog has proven itself to be stable.
<snip>

This actually sounds like a good idea... maybe not a government issue, but what if it was promoted and pushed by AKC?

Originally Posted by jazzking1971

all you need is a well behaved dog and a service dog vest.

Here the operative word is 'well behaved'.
Having said that, I take my girl to the gym a couple of times a week. She lays patiently beside the machine I'm using until I tell her to come with me to the next machine. Sometimes she lifts her head to look at someone who stops and talks to her from a distance, her tail friendly thumping, but she stays where I told her to be. When we first started going there several people went out of their way not to come too close, nowadays they try to give her a pat on the head when we pass without me seeing what they do I'm very proud of what a good ambassador my girl is.

I didn't realize how much of breed restrictions actually exists until I got my rottie 2 years ago. I do what I can to explain that it's nothing wrong with the breed... but any dog chained in the back yard, often teased, would become a problem... they're just big and powerful enough to become BIG problems when they're not treated right.

The most difficult breeds are the little powder puffs though... I can't even tell you how many times I've been attacked, or almost attacked, by a little yappy furball when I've been out rollerblading with Mandy. She's a DOLL and I make sure to keep myself between her and whatever is coming on a long flexilead. When I see the lead I start telling her to 'leave it', it's even worked when I've been tripped and sprawled all over the track.

[bacchus]

mm no apartments in the lsu area, well, no nice apartments in the baton rouge area will let rottweilers in along with dobbies, akitas, and any of the bully breed..it really sucks i know people that have to hide there wonderful dog at there own residence

[Carol Burke]

The problem with using a CGC test as some kind of standard is that almost any dog can be trained to pass CGC. Believe me, I had a dog years ago who had a very suspect temperament, aggressive to both people and other dogs and I trained him to get a CGC certificate. I ultimately had to put him to sleep because of his unpredictable temperament.

[hast]

Originally Posted by Carol Burke

The problem with using a CGC test as some kind of standard is that almost any dog can be trained to pass CGC. Believe me, I had a dog years ago who had a very suspect temperament, aggressive to both people and other dogs and I trained him to get a CGC certificate. I ultimately had to put him to sleep because of his unpredictable temperament.

I realize this, but it would at least weed out the worst examples. If you can get a dog with suspect temperament past a CGC you probably have enough knowledge to keep both your dog and the society in general safe. I wouldn't mind to have some kind of "passport of behavior" to assure people that I've done my best to assure that my dog is safe (as safe as any dog can be) if I take her to a hotel or camping ground.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by hast

I realize this, but it would at least weed out the worst examples. If you can get a dog with suspect temperament past a CGC you probably have enough knowledge to keep both your dog and the society in general safe. I wouldn't mind to have some kind of "passport of behavior" to assure people that I've done my best to assure that my dog is safe (as safe as any dog can be) if I take her to a hotel or camping ground.

I hate to belittle the CGC certification, but this is such a basic test, and a dog can be trained to perform these functions in an obedience ring with little work. Get a dog into the real world with real world distractions, and if the dog has not has his training generalized sufficiently, many will not behave away from his normal environment.

Most people (JQPublic) tend to believe that just because their dog's butt hits the floor for a nanosecond when asked to sit it means their dog is trained.

In my years in this Industry, I can't tell you how many dogs with UDX titles and higher do not even know their name outside of an obedience ring, let alone how to recall, sit, down, or even walking nicely on a leash! I've chased many a dog through kennel yards who had earned countless obedience titles!

Add to this that there is so much bad training still being taught, many folks simply don't stand a chance.

[QuietDaze]

Originally Posted by poohbearsmom

I hate to belittle the CGC certification, but this is such a basic test, and a dog can be trained to perform these functions in an obedience ring with little work. Get a dog into the real world with real world distractions, and if the dog has not has his training generalized sufficiently, many will not behave away from his normal environment.

Most people (JQPublic) tend to believe that just because their dog's butt hits the floor for a nanosecond when asked to sit it means their dog is trained.

In my years in this Industry, I can't tell you how many dogs with UDX titles and higher do not even know their name outside of an obedience ring, let alone how to recall, sit, down, or even walking nicely on a leash! I've chased many a dog through kennel yards who had earned countless obedience titles!

Add to this that there is so much bad training still being taught, many folks simply don't stand a chance.

Very good point on the CGC Test, I was trying to train Kane to pass it a year or so ago and gave up. He's iffy on being touched so why instill a false sense of security in ppl? I guess its the same as passing your driving test in the parking lot. Out on the highway, you could be a menace. A 'real world' test would be good if such a program were even possible. Overall, the point would be that a standard be put in place for insurance company's, housing, etc.

[fbkeays]

Originally Posted by DiselsMomma

One more note. Programs would be paid for by the fees paid for by us good guys and fines paid for by the bad guys

Umm, fees and fines? In your senerio, what is the difference between a fee and a fine? It sounds like the same to me.

[DiselsMomma]

in my op:
A Fee is nominal amount to register your animal (maybe part of the licensing process)
A Fine is large sum that is punitive and makes a person think twice about their behavior and the actions of thier pet.
But I question if there is any kind of quantative measure. The thread makes the CGC sound so irrelavant. Should the AKC be lobbied to make CGC more "real world"? have the test be conducted on a busy street or in a public park? I'm asking because I really don't know, if there is a right answer.

[Carol Burke]

I think the CGC is an excellent beginning for people and their dogs. They learn beginner training and get enthusiastic about going on with their training.

[DiselsMomma]

Thanks Carol, I was worried. Diesel and I take the CGC in September. I love spending real quality time with him and I can tell he REALLY likes to work. At the same time, I want it to mean something. We do a lot of his training in public settings (the park and the pet store). I'm really leaning toward what Daze said: the test should be more real world. If you want to be called a Good Citizen, shouldn't you have to prove your self out in society?

[hast]

Originally Posted by DiselsMomma

in my op:
<snip>The thread makes the CGC sound so irrelavant. Should the AKC be lobbied to make CGC more "real world"? have the test be conducted on a busy street or in a public park? I'm asking because I really don't know, if there is a right answer.

I think CGC is an awesome start, something you can do with a young dog... something to aim for before you even can start other true obedience training. I'm such a newbie, the CGC was what got me interested in trying to go for a CD eventually. (But I really AM a newbie so it's taking time, lol)
Besides, I don't think there's a lot of people who would 'fake' their dog through a CGC without realizing that they do have a potential problem on their hands and IMO the scariest people/dog combination are those completely ignorant who has no clue what a ticking time bomb they have on their hands.

A friend of mine, a K9 trainer in FL who first put me on the right track with Mandy, was the one who did the examination when she was 7 months old. He made me do it on a parking lot outside a pet store and he drug people out of the store so she would "meet and greet" complete strangers... There was even a couple of kids on skateboards as well as a cyclist, not to mention a couple of other people he knows with their dogs. I thought that stuff was mandatory.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by Carol Burke

I think the CGC is an excellent beginning for people and their dogs. They learn beginner training and get enthusiastic about going on with their training.

I agree wholeheartedly, and if it gets people off their butts and into training, all the better, but to use this as a 'temperament test' is not adequate in my book.