Do your homework: then get a dog

[bigdoglover]

Port Macquarie

Lisa Tisdell


DO your research when choosing a dog, followed by puppy pre-school and basic obedience training.
That's the advice of Port Macquarie veterinary surgeon Dr Gary Turnbull.

"To a very large extent, a dog is what you make it from a young age," he said.

Many dog breeds have the potential to be dangerous, according to the Port Macquarie vet, but overall, dog owners are becoming more responsible.

A major issue is failure to socialise the dog so it becomes fearful of other dogs and people, with inappropriate behaviour triggered by fear.

Dr Turnbull said dogs were a social species, and when they were left in cages or on leads for eight to 10 hours a day, boredom sets in.

"Boredom becomes a big issue and that can lead to inappropriate behaviour including aggression," Dr Turnbull said.



Well-educated dog owners do the right thing, including doing their homework to pick a breed that suits their lifestyle and going through a basic dog obedience program.

Dangerous dogs hit the headlines again last week when a four-year-old girl died after she was mauled by crossbred pig dogs at Warren in the state's central west.

The state government is considering amendments to the Companion Animals Act to help councils improve enforcement of dog laws.

The NSW dog laws set down tough penalties and jail time for anyone selling, acquiring or breeding restricted breeds.

But councils can declare any dog as dangerous, meaning they can be dealt with under the penalties in place for restricted breeds - including fines up to $50,000 and/or two years' jail.

Local Government Minister Kerry Hickey said it was the responsibility of local councils to enforce the tough new laws.

"We will offer our assistance to make enforcement easier but we expect councils to redouble their efforts to help made our streets safer," he said.

A circular emphasising enforcement responsibilities was sent to the state's 152 councils, including Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

[wehkah]

It's amazing isn't it... Such a simple thing. "Make sure the breed and/or mutt fits your lifestyle". You may like the dog, you may fall in love with the dog.... but if the dog is a, for example, german short hair with lots of energy and you live in a 1 bedroom apt. and your gone all the time.... NOT a good fit!!! Dogs are social creatures and loby for our attention and they will do it in any means necessary even if it means chewing up your favorite sneakers!


Alas... the amount of supid people in the world never seems to amaze me.....