I have come across an elderly man today with a dangerously aggressive dog that he could barely control. I thought the dog was going to attack my dog. My dog is only nine months old and very friendly. I am not saying elderly people do not deserve to have dogs but what do you think about them having a breed that is too strong for them to handle? I know of an elderly women who is lovely and so is her dog - However she is in her seventies and her dog is well above her waist in height. She cannot walk it at the moment because it threw her over and she is bandaged up. It's not my place to say what dog a person should have but how do YOU feel about this?
2007-01-12 06:54:57 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Oh I agree with you 100% -- The sad thing is these people USUALLY don't even want a pet -- but their families feel guilty for not spending lots of time with their parents or grandparents and they think a pet is the perfect solution!!!! Animals are probably the worst gift you can think of giving someone.
I used to work at a vet - and this old man used to have a German Short Hair Pointer -- he was the craziest most ill-behaved dog that visited the practice. He also had cats and a bird (which was always sick because he smoked pipes!! His poor cat smelled like cherry tobacco!!! You could tell he tried really hard and that he really did love the animals - but having a high strung, strong, wild untrained dog is not the answer for someone like him, If you ask me!!
2007-01-12 07:17:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I understand what you are saying, however, my feeling is this.
People should be allowed to adopt any domesticated animal they chose, as this will help with the pet/shelter population.
And I don't think it's the type or size of dog that a person has at any age, or that age should determine what type/size/how many dog(s) a person should have, however what people should be potentially restricted by or watched in some measure, is the tone/temperament of the dog they own.
I have seen Mastiffs and Great Danes be as gentle giants as one could ever hope for. And I've seen Chiajujua's be as mean and vicious little monster as you can possibly imagine.
So, I don't think that people, older or younger, should be limited by the dog, but by the temper and nature. If a dog owner is unable to control their dog on a leash or retain command off leash, then the dog should either be confined to their backyard or taken to special trainers for obedience training classes.
And I think that should be the deciding factor.
2007-01-12 07:07:36 · answer #2 · answered by jdinsd 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ever hear of the San Francisco dog mauling case?? The owners of the dogs weren't elderly, but they were charged with 2nd degree murder because they couldn't control their dogs. Do the dog owner, the dog, and potential attack victims a favor and report the case to your local animal control office.
2007-01-12 07:04:18 · answer #3 · answered by ilp29us 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I knew the person, I would get them a Canny collar..those things are amazing! Much better than the Halti or Gentle Leader, and only cost $12..Now, that isn't too much to donate to an elderly dog lover..
I oredered mine on eBay, from the UK..it took only 6 days to get here, and shipping was included in the $12..
check out the videos on this page> http://www.cannyco.com/
those things really work!
2007-01-12 07:00:37 · answer #4 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said 'can't control'. It has nothing to do with age or physical ability but if the dog is not controllable, there's a problem. Someone's going to get hurt and the dog is probably going to pay the price for it.
It sounds like this person needs to be in obedience classes with their dog so that they don't need physical ability to overpower it.
2007-01-12 07:00:04 · answer #5 · answered by SC 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think age matters--there are plenty of young people with dogs that are uncontrollable too. If his dog is that violent and poses a threat to you or your dog call animal control and report it before his dog hurts a person or another animal.
2007-01-12 07:04:54 · answer #6 · answered by KELLI 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has nothing to do with age or disability....its about being able to control your dog. Any person (even a physically fit 25 year old) must be able to control their dog physically.
2007-01-12 07:24:01 · answer #7 · answered by LittleRoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dog should match the person and their lifestyle so I kind of agree, But my 75 year old mother in law has a pitbull(really!!!) and he is very gentle and loving, although god help anyone who messes with the mother in law.
2007-01-12 07:08:00 · answer #8 · answered by Shiv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously you have a great care for others.....my advice would be to approach that individual that you think had a problem with their pet and offer to help......do they need or want it, is the big problem, for someone to perhaps suggest a way to help them.......some people do, others think you should mind your on business.....but if you can get these people to listen to you, because of your concern; either for them or the pet......it would be to offer that they get someone that's trained to handle the animal in question......with exercising or training the animal would be better for them......maybe you can help?.....however, I don't think the pet would mind....it would actually benefit them.......on-the-other-hand....its always in my opinion it's the human that needs the persuasion.....thks for caring.....good luck
2007-01-12 07:09:21 · answer #9 · answered by Sissie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how long they have had their dog. If they are life long they won't see the dangers, that is their baby. Probably their life.
2007-01-12 06:59:16 · answer #10 · answered by blue2blnde 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋