Life as a "Dangerous Dog" owner

bigpinkelephant

Hi all,
As you are probably aware, Ireland has a Dangerous Dogs Act comprised of breeds such as Staffies, German Shepherds, Dobermanns etc.
There has been much hysteria in the media regarding these breeds and many people perceive these dogs to be dangerous.

As an owner of a "dangerous" dog, how does this affect you day to day?
Do you get nosy old battleaxes telling you "that dog is dangerous" or people stopping their children from petting your dog because "he's dangerous"?
What breed do you have?

(PS If you allow your dog to tear around and run up to strangers and be a nuisance, this post doesn't apply to you. I don't care how many times you tell said strangers "he won't touch you" or wait til the dog nearly knocks them over before calling him back.)

hadook

bigpinkelephant wrote: »

Hi all,
As you are probably aware, Ireland has a Dangerous Dogs Act comprised of breeds such as Staffies, German Shepherds, Dobermanns etc.

No, no we don't. We have a Control of Dogs Act 1986 and a list of certain breeds which have extra controls/regulations placed on them.


Link to the Control of Dogs Act 1986 in the statute books, with reference to "dangerous dogs" - no breeds named.


In 1998 this was updated to include regulations and controls of the list of dogs that you've become confused by.

The Regulations place controls on certain breeds of dogs, namely the American Pit Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa and Bandog and to strains and crosses of these dogs.

These controls require that:

• These dogs, or types and crosses thereof, must whenever they are in a public place, be kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them, and

• These dogs must be muzzled whenever they are in a public place.

In addition, under the general regulations, all dogs must now wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is most definitely a UK law and not an Irish law and shouldn't be confused in this way as it just reinforces the negative view of these dogs.

I currently do not own a dog on that list but I have had foster Sheps so I am aware of the legislation and the common perception of those breeds of dogs.

ISDW

Well said hadook. This is one of the major problems, the fact that these dogs are referred to as 'dangerous dogs' or the 'dangerous dogs act', which, as you've said, doesn't exist in Ireland. It may be semantics, but unfortunately it helps to perpuate the hysteria that surrounds these breeds, so I would please ask anybody who ever posts on this subject to refer to the restricted breed list, rather than dangerous dogs act.

andreac

Firstly i need to correct you. Its not dangerous dog act, its a RESTRICTED BREED act.
I own one of those breeds, a rottweiler and its tough, but i wouldnt swap it for the world.

Most people react in such a negative way when you even mention the breed of dog you have let alone when they see him.

Thankfully most of my friends are all big dog lovers as i show my dog so most weekends we are surrounded by fellow dog lovers and people who know and understand all of these breeds.

I unlike many try to stick to the law, i dont let him off in public, (im lucky that i work on stud farm so he can run loose there everyday), he wears a dogmatic head collar, (not quite a full muzzle but i just couldnt muzzle him)

Even though they cant have the same rights as other dogs, my fella has the best of treatment and care and love and id never swap him for another non-restricted breed just so i can have those privileges.

It will be a long time before people will change their perception of these breeds but im slowly trying to change any people i meet that these dogs are just as friendly if not even more than some of the other non-restricted breeds.

arybvtcw0eolkf

I'm the owner of two, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and (the jury is out on the other, but its a Staffie/Pitbull X by most people's reckoning).

Anyway how does it affect us negatively,

They rarely get the chance to do what dogs love best - running free, and it breaks my heart sometimes. So I try to get to the beach very early in the hope we have it empty, when we do this is the fun we have;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLp4toJpoxE

Walking them in my estate isn't too bad, most people know them well and we get very positive feed back. In fact they've been the deciding factor in a few people choosing Staffs over other breeds because of their temperament.

But we do get the occassional person who'll cross to the other side of the pavement from us, when they're walking JRT's I'm glad!!.

I've also got one neighbour who has reported us a few times, saying I let me dogs roam free. But the warden has been out a few times, they know me now and have warned me about the next steps my busy body neighbour might take next and have acknowledged her as a busy body and a nuisence.

Belive it or not, although I'm 42yrs old lads in work still say owning these breeds is an ego thing and have some smart comments to make about me throwing shapes whilst out for walkies.

But taking all that into account the positives to owning a bull breed far, far out weight the negatives and I couldn't see myself choosing another breed in preference over the bullies.

~Thalia~

I have a German Shepherd. I normaly walk her on the country lane we live on. On the few occasions I have walked her in public, the reaction is NOT good. People's pre-conceptions leqad them to cross the road, pick up their own dogs/children etc. It makes me REALLY sad.

She is well socialised though and LOVES people and other dogs and she loves children (couldn't eata a whole one though )

I walked her into the market one saturday morning in Limerick for a wander around and I had to take her home after about 10 minutes, she picked up on people's reactions to her and she was very scared, I was gutted. Funny thing was that same morning there was a couple walking a German shep puppy around the market also and they had people flocking to them

Anyway, I don't think I'd ever have another breed of dog, she is just THE best. I've attached a pic just cos any excuse I get to show her off I will!

lakes

But taking all that into account the positives to owning a bull breed far, far out weight the negatives and I couldn't see myself choosing another breed in preference over the bullies.[/QUOTE]

well said, love the bull breeds! have a staffie

ecaf

~Thalia~ wrote: »

I have a German Shepherd. I normaly walk her on the country lane we live on. On the few occasions I have walked her in public, the reaction is NOT good. People's pre-conceptions leqad them to cross the road, pick up their own dogs/children etc. It makes me REALLY sad.

I really like your German Shepherd and Mairt's 2 are lovely too (especially the poor one with the pink coat! - Please give her a normal coat not a hoodie! ).
Just on this comment above - I know a lot of people do have pre-conceptions to these breeds, but I pick up our yorkie up some times when out walking and I see any large dog around. He's a tiny little runty thing and a collie chased after him one time when we were walking.
He was on a lead with a harness around him, the only thing I could do to get him out of harms way was to practically swing him up into my arms by the lead. I'm not sure because it all happened so fast, but I certainly didn't bend down to pick him up.
Now just to be sure when I see a dog in the distance (we walk in a quite industrial estate), if he's off the lead I call him back and put him on it, or sometimes I pick him up.

There are 1 or 2 irresponsible people out that I have seen letting their dog out of the car to run and they drive around with the dog running beside the car. Scared the life out of us a few times and I'm practically hiding the dog in my coat because I didn't see the car just a mad dog running around the place and no owner in sight.

But I have to say, they were not any dogs of the restricted breed - most of those owners like yourselves are very good and have control on their dogs.

~Thalia~

ecaf wrote: »

I really like your German Shepherd and Mairt's 2 are lovely too (especially the poor one with the pink coat! - Please give her a normal coat not a hoodie! ).
Just on this comment above - I know a lot of people do have pre-conceptions to these breeds, but I pick up our yorkie up some times when out walking and I see any large dog around. He's a tiny little runty thing and a collie chased after him one time when we were walking.
He was on a lead with a harness around him, the only thing I could do to get him out of harms way was to practically swing him up into my arms by the lead. I'm not sure because it all happened so fast, but I certainly didn't bend down to pick him up.
Now just to be sure when I see a dog in the distance (we walk in a quite industrial estate), if he's off the lead I call him back and put him on it, or sometimes I pick him up.

There are 1 or 2 irresponsible people out that I have seen letting their dog out of the car to run and they drive around with the dog running beside the car. Scared the life out of us a few times and I'm practically hiding the dog in my coat because I didn't see the car just a mad dog running around the place and no owner in sight.

But I have to say, they were not any dogs of the restricted breed - most of those owners like yourselves are very good and have control on their dogs.

Ah thanks ecaf

Have to say, loose dogs in public bug me too. I don't mind so much in fields or on a beach or park or something but all over roads and estates and stuff is just not right. Mine rarely gets off the lead, if ever. Partly becasue she is not supposed to be and partley because her recall is atrocious.

boomerang

I'm looking after eleven dogs for a rescue group. Two of them are German Shepherds, both were strays. Omar is a 35kg teddy bear and Riva is a sleek sable lady with perfect manners. They are both brilliant with other dogs. I had to bring Omar to the vets yesterday as he has a sick tummy and despite all the proddings, pokings and general vet-inflicted indignities, he was as good as gold.

I know you can get a rogue dog with serious issues in any breed, but the shep temperament is just fantastic. I think they are amazing dogs.

(My other fave breed is the collie, and one of my own dogs is GSD x collie so I have the best of both worlds! LOL!)

Puddleduck

Id love to ask actually, sheps are supposed to be very noisy dogs, now Im not sure if its just the people around where I live or what but most times when Im out walking the dog I will always keep her on the lead (she scared the crap out of me once) the sheps seem to run up to her or bark.

~Thalia~

Puddleduck wrote: »

Id love to ask actually, sheps are supposed to be very noisy dogs, now Im not sure if its just the people around where I live or what but most times when Im out walking the dog I will always keep her on the lead (she scared the crap out of me once) the sheps seem to run up to her or bark.

Yep, they are a very vocal breed alright

wolfpawnat

~Thalia~ wrote: »

I have a German Shepherd.

Anyway, I don't think I'd ever have another breed of dog, she is just THE best. I've attached a pic just cos any excuse I get to show her off I will!

Thalia I have got to ask, I know this is not really much to do with this thread but where did you get your GS, my boyfriend and I are thinking of looking for one as these are his favorite breed and since I know alot of German Sheps, none of which have a bad bone in their body, I agree. but he is really specific on what kind of colouring it has, and he wants it to be as close to black as possible! A black coat with only the minimal tan markings, like the ones used in the hostel2 movie. Not because we want a satanic dog but because he thinks they are the most beautiful coloured.

~Thalia~

wolfpawnat wrote: »

Thalia I have got to ask, I know this is not really much to do with this thread but where did you get your GS, my boyfriend and I are thinking of looking for one as these are his favorite breed and since I know alot of German Sheps, none of which have a bad bone in their body, I agree. but he is really specific on what kind of colouring it has, and he wants it to be as close to black as possible! A black coat with only the minimal tan markings, like the ones used in the hostel2 movie. Not because we want a satanic dog but because he thinks they are the most beautiful coloured.

She is a rescue dog. She was rescued from a very deprived area in Limerick where sheps are very commonly bred. Her colouring is she has more of a working line shep in her than a show line shep even though we obviously don't know exactly who Mammy and Daddy were

If you have thought of rescuing have a look at www.irishanimals.com in the rescue section there is a little pup quite like ours called Lexi looking for a home.

Otherwise if you intend to buy rather than adopt contact the kennel club and ask them for their working line shep breeders.

Good luck and make sure to post pics when you get your doggie!

arybvtcw0eolkf

Thalia I think thats the first time I've seen your dogs, its lovely.

If I had a GSD thats the look I'd love.

Actually I've always wanted a GSD, and I've a name picked for him WHEN I get him - BISMARCK. I think it suits the GSD like no other name!.

Now, who said what about Ruby's hoodie?.. :mad: LOL. She's got a nice new weather proof jacket - pix to follow later.

looserock

I used to have a couple of Rottweilers and I would have to say they were most friendly harmless dogs ever.

The thing is the negative reactions from people was terrible, at the time I didn't care about that, I defended those dogs like they were my children and if people didn't like my children I didn't like them. However even though rotties are one of the most fantastic dogs anyone could ever have I'll never have them again because of the hassle I got.

wolfpawnat

Mairt wrote: »

. Actually I've always wanted a GSD, and I've a name picked for him WHEN I get him - BISMARCK. I think it suits the GSD like no other name!.

Oh my God, I have never heard that name for a dog before, and your right it is perfect! It's amazing!

arybvtcw0eolkf

wolfpawnat wrote: »

Oh my God, I have never heard that name for a dog before, and your right it is perfect! It's amazing!

Thanks, you know.

I was out walking the mutts just a few minutes ago and thought to myself 'I bet someone comments on that name, Bismarck'.. And you do it!.

But honestly, thats the name I'll be giving my GSD when I get him.

~Thalia~

Mairt wrote: »

Thalia I think thats the first time I've seen your dogs, its lovely.

If I had a GSD thats the look I'd love.

Actually I've always wanted a GSD, and I've a name picked for him WHEN I get him - BISMARCK. I think it suits the GSD like no other name!.

Now, who said what about Ruby's hoodie?.. :mad: LOL. She's got a nice new weather proof jacket - pix to follow later.

Ah thanks Mairt

Bismarck is a FAB name for a big big male shep, I want to be first to see the pics when he arrives!

KDublin: Not quite sure what you are getting that with your post, can you explain?

arybvtcw0eolkf

~Thalia~ wrote: »

Ah thanks Mairt

Bismarck is a FAB name for a big big male shep, I want to be first to see the pics when he arrives!

KDublin: Not quite sure what you are getting that with your post, can you explain?

Thanks, but its a pipe dream. These two bullies will keep me busy enough for the next 15yrs hopefull.

boomerang

With the sheps that I foster, I've never found barking to be a problem. I wouldn't consider sheps a particularly vocal breed at all! Any dog of course will bark if it is lonely/bored/frustrated/scared.

Noopti

Bismark is a great name alright.

My dads friend has a couple of Dobies called "Rommel" and "Kaiser"......they suit them perfectly! They are great looking, strong animals.....but so gentle too.

~Thalia~

boomerang wrote: »

With the sheps that I foster, I've never found barking to be a problem. I wouldn't consider sheps a particularly vocal breed at all! Any dog of course will bark if it is lonely/bored/frustrated/scared.

I'd have to disagree there, I wasn't just referring to barking. Sheps are very vocal and have a great vocab of different pitches and tones and whines. I'm just waiting for mine to talk to me!

aquascrotum

IMO they don't need to restrict the breeds, they need to restrict the owners...

I regularly walk a JRT, beagle, hound and a few others (one at a time) on the beach and am forever being harassed by (in the main) bull terriers running off the lead. The dogs I walk have a very negative reaction particularly to bull terriers compared to say if a Lab or other terrier ran up for a play.

In terms of peoples fears I don't believe it's a reflection on the breed, its a reflection on the "hard man" stigma that is the attraction of ownership of these breeds for some people. Unfortunately the same people attracted by the hard-man-ness are those that don't give a rats ass about disciplining or training and think nothing of their dogs running free terrorising wee kids and other dogs. (Thats not to say other breeds don't also run free terrorising kids and dogs - just my experience and in my local area the bull terrier and GSD breeds are prevalent.)

bigpinkelephant

hadook wrote: »

No, no we don't. We have a Control of Dogs Act 1986 and a list of certain breeds which have extra controls/regulations placed on them.

ISDW wrote: »

Well said hadook. This is one of the major problems, the fact that these dogs are referred to as 'dangerous dogs' or the 'dangerous dogs act', which, as you've said, doesn't exist in Ireland. It may be semantics, but unfortunately it helps to perpuate the hysteria that surrounds these breeds, so I would please ask anybody who ever posts on this subject to refer to the restricted breed list, rather than dangerous dogs act.

andreac wrote: »

Firstly i need to correct you. Its not dangerous dog act, its a RESTRICTED BREED act..

OK I got it the first time. :rolleyes: No gold star for me today. Oh dear. :rolleyes:

Thanks to everyone else for sharing your experiences.

twinkie

I have 2 english bulldogs and some peoples ignorance irritates me. Most of the time when I tell people what kind of dogs I have they ask "oh are they vicious? Do you keep them muzzled?". Someone called to do a survey last week and when they knocked on the door the dogs ran up and started jumping up at the door wagging their tails. They did not once bark or growl. I put them into the kitchen before I answered as I always do. The lady then asked me would they savage her if they got out. I wonder would she have asked that if they were another type of dog!!!Bulldogs are not on the restricted list and also anyone who knows them know that there is no way of getting a muzzle on them anyway. Anyway they would be too lazy to attack anyone. I think the media are to blame. They have caused so much hype that people have become afraid of certain dogs without having reason to.
How have they determined what dogs go on the restricted list?

bigpinkelephant

twinkie wrote: »

How have they determined what dogs go on the restricted list?

The Joe Duffy show probably had a hotline for voting. :mad:

boomerang

~Thalia~ wrote: »

I'd have to disagree there, I wasn't just referring to barking. Sheps are very vocal and have a great vocab of different pitches and tones and whines. I'm just waiting for mine to talk to me!

That is true, I love the sheppy "aroo-roo-roo!"

Branoic

my wife and I are new GSD owners. Our little female pup will be ready for us in a couple of weeks, can't wait :-)Keep an eye out for the photos!
I've always wanted a shep, ever since I was a kid, they always seemed so majestic, and I'm definitely not one for the "hard man" image. I don't think I'll mind too much what other people will think of her when she's older, cos I'll know what she's like and so will my family and friends. I'll keep her on the short strong lead if there's other people around alright, but I've no intention of muzzling her. If anything I think the muzzle just automatically reinforces the notion of a "dangerous dog" in the mind of anyone who sees her.

arybvtcw0eolkf

aquascrotum wrote: »

I regularly walk a JRT, beagle, hound and a few others (one at a time) on the beach and am forever being harassed by (in the main) bull terriers running off the lead.

Thats funny, we're on opposite sides of the same coin, when I'm out with my guys I hate to see JRT's off the lead because almost without exception I know the JRT will attack.

They always remind me of a journeyman boxer who'll fight anything and always looking to punch above their weight.

bigpinkelephant

Mairt wrote: »

Thats funny, we're on opposite sides of the same coin, when I'm out with my guys I hate to see JRT's off the lead because almost without exception I know the JRT will attack.

They always remind me of a journeyman boxer who'll fight anything and always looking to punch above their weight.

They all have "small man" complex!!! The Napoleans of the dog world...