what is the solution?

Question

Banned dogs - does the government have to 'nanny' people into deciding what dogs are appropiate for us to keep or do people (as in owners) have to take some responsability in the choices they make. I keep 3 German Shepherds and take responsability for their actions, behaviour and upkeep. I don't think it is rocket science or hard to do. However repeatedly on the news and in the media we see instances of young children being attacked in the home or people being attacked on the street...What is the solution to this problem?

Answer 1

Being smarter people on the whole as a nation. Unfortunately most of the individuals that own dogs either have no idea how to handle dogs or feel they need a status symbol of "badness". The status seeking people seem to use their dogs as weapons and to show how tough they (people) can be.
The individuals that have no idea of how to handle dogs include the ones that treat them as humans with human qualities. Don't get me wrong, I treat my dogs as humans, always have, but I know they are dogs and need different handling and treated in a different way. We bring them into our world but we need to learn how they communicate and behave in order to understand each other.
Your right it's not rocket science or hard to do. And no I don't think the government should "nanny" people. People need to become more responsible for their choices and actions. Not only when it comes to the responsibility of a dog owner but in all ways of life. Which is an entirely different category.
The media doesn't help, since they seem to on concentrate on the negative of anything that is happening. Human nature wants to hear more of the bad stuff rather than the good and the media feeds on that quality, unfortunately.
We need to educate those that we come in contact with as best we can, and it seems like you are one that can do it.
You appear to be quite responsible with your pets and a credit to them I am sure.
Just know you can't change the world, just your corner.
Good luck

Answer 2

Simple. The government should make having a dog licence a requirement when you own a dog. Your premises and record she be investigated, and you should be restricted to owning a certain amount of dogs, depending on your circumstances. You should also be required to seek permission before breeding.
I know that if half the people that own dogs in britain were actually checked out first, they would not have dogs today.
In fact, a license should be a requirement to keep any animal.
That way, we would see a lot less cruelty and an attack would be very rare.
Come on government, do something like this with our money, something useful for a change.

Answer 3

I thinks it's a little of both.
Where I leve there is no leash law.
Dogs are running all over the place.
I do take control of my dogs.
My dogs are either in the house or tied just long enough to be good. yesterday I had a pittbulkland a manchester terrier in my yard a god part of the time.
I know who owns them and they are over 4 months old. In my area a dog over 4 mnths old is to have their rabies and license( county tags) or tehy can be picked up by the police or animal control.
Well neither is upto date on any shots and the police don't bother. If I call they say the dogs must be mine since they are in my yard.
Unfortunately their are plenty of jerks who just don't care about the animals and that's why I say it's both.

Answer 4

Peoples sheer ignorance about their responsibility as a dog owner has been such an on-going problem that the governement HAS to step in and make some rules. I can understand that.
I don't understand why the rules only seem to affect responsible dog owners tho.

Answer 5

When someone is negligent in the care & training of their dogs, make it hurt.

Accidents happen. Some are more easily prevented than others.

But when there's a clear case of negligence some people need some time to think on things & consider the errors of their ways.

Maybe behind bars?

Most of the pit bull owners I see down at the dog beach look like they've been there...

Answer 6

There really is no solution to the problem of dogs randomly attacking people. Well, stop people from breeding dogs to fight (impossible, people want money and are gonna get it one way or another). Help dogs get cured from the dreaded rabies. Not much hope on that.

Answer 7

i don't think there is one solution. unfortunately most of those people who own the popular breeds known for attacks, are people who do not know the breed well, or get dogs that come from a bloodline that has been pre dis positioned for aggression.

some cities ordinances state that certain breeds are not legal, and if they are, you might have to own a specific insurance.

I personally think that the only solution is for people to become educated and well informed prior to choosing a breed, and make sure they are 100% sure of the commitment a specific breed might require.

Answer 8

The solution is to educate people on good animal care. A strict fine should be given to anyone who lets there dog roam. The dog is not the original problem, people are.

Answer 9

As far as I am concerned, the key word here is RESPONSIBILITY. If your dog attacks someone and that person is injured, then YOU are totally responsible and must pay for his medical bills, loss of income, etc. as the result of injury.

Answer 10

Today is your lucky day! YOU are the solution!!

Well educated, responsible dog owners are the solution. Please continue to do what you are doing and educate as many people as you can on responsible dog ownership!!