Thinking about buying a dog?
So you've decided to purchase a dog. Owning a dog can be the beginning of years of happiness as the special bond between humans and canines exceeds even the greatest of expectations. However, to ensure the best relationship with your dog, you must be prepared for some important responsibilities. Keep the following questions in mind as we go along.
1. Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and home?
2. Will you have enough time to spend training, grooming and exercising a dog?
3. Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the best future for a dog?
The Breed for You
Is there a breed you have had your eye on, or are you confused about how to select a dog? In either case, you should do some homework to make sure that you select the right dog for you and your family. The bonus of selecting a purebred dog is their predictability in size, coat, care requirements and temperament. Knowing what your cute puppy will look like and the kind of care he will need as an adult is a key in selecting the breed for you.
(ANYONE REQUIRING TIPS ON BUYING DOGS CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH ME – THIS IS A FREE SERVICE AS I WOULD LOVE TO SEE EVERY DOG AND HIS OWNER HAPPY AND SECURE WITH EACHOTHER)
You and Your Dog
Too frequently, common sense goes out the window when it comes to buying a puppy. This seems to be even truer when the purchase is by a family with children. Buying a dog is like buying anything else; the more you know before you buy, the better off you will be. This advice applies to all aspects of buying your dog, from selecting the breed to deciding where to obtain the puppy. I strongly recommend that you spend enough time investigating before buying. Remember, dogs are for life.
Begin your research with its pictures and descriptions of each breed. Your initial research will help you narrow the field when it comes to selecting the breed for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider your dog's lifestyle, too.
While investigating, always be honest with yourself. The German Shepard you fell in love with because of his lush coat is indeed beautiful, but are you going to be able to brush this coat every day as it requires? Maybe a short coated dog better suits your busy lifestyle. Think about the size of your house or your apartment. Will that Rottweiler be happy in your studio apartment? The Rottweiler is a larger sporting dog who requires a lot of exercise. Do you have a fenced yard so he can go out safely? If not, can you afford to install a fence? These are crucial questions regarding the safety of your dog and being a responsible neighbor. Always remember, it is okay to change your mind about which breed you want or if you want the responsibility of owning a dog at all. Owning a dog is a big responsibility! Talk to breeders and talk to experienced owners of various breeds. Just don’t depend on the answers from breeders alone. Ask them lots of questions; we all know there are no stupid questions. A responsible breeder will eagerly answer your questions and share his or her experience and knowledge with you.
Selecting a Breeder
Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed. Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeder’s home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy.
How Much Does A Puppy Cost?
This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment.
Can You Afford A Puppy?
The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care: food, health care, (a dog needs annual shots). Your puppy will also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash. Evaluate your budget; ask yourself if you really can afford a dog. Dog Ownership = Responsibility.
Being a responsible owner means considering your dog's lifelong health care needs, whether for preventive care or for unexpected accidents, injuries and illnesses that could happen at any time, however well you look after your dog. It is sensible to consider planning for these.
Caring for your dog
All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming and veterinary attention. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major infectious canine diseases.
Your dog and your neighbors
All dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities to their neighbors, both those who live in the area immediately around their residence and their neighbors in the broader sense of the community as a whole. Dogs, for all the pleasure they are, can be a nuisance to your neighbors if not trained. Remember, excessive barking can be annoying. And, always keep your dog on a leash or inside a fenced yard when exercising. Forestall problems for yourself and your dog and all dog lovers by being a good neighbor.
Obedience training for everyone
One way to make your dog a good neighbor is through obedience training. A poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to corral a dog that will not "come" when you call. A well trained dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dog's owner being willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic manner. Obedience classes are available in most communities. Time spent training your dog is time well spent.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
My Daily Routine
The day is divided into three important sections: the all-important mealtime, walking/exercising and everything else.
4.30/5.00 AM
My day starts a little earlier than others as my master has this annoying habit of walking me very early in the morning. This is because he assumes that I wouldn’t be in a position to ogle or tease the other beautiful women (bitches) on the street. Unfortunately for him – I make most women go weak in the knees. They wait for me even at this unearthly hour.
I’m like the AXE ad (deodorant) – women fall all over me – though I don’t use AXE.
Couple of advantages of the early morning walk – escape the Mumbai heat, pollution, crowd, sound and traffic.
The next advantage is – updating myself on the daily news. The street is a large newspaper for me – it updates me on the latest warnings, news, new dating possibilities, etc, etc. As it is very early in the morning, I’m normally one of the first to get the news.
The walk is for around an hour – 2-3 miles.
6.30/7.00 AM
Back home and time for a small wash-up and grooming session. The most practical way to get dry is to shake violently near a fully clothed person. A second effective method is to stand on a light-colored piece of furniture.
Just because there does not seem to be anything visible around to eat certainly does not mean there is nothing around to eat. The act of staring at the underside of a table or chair on which someone else is eating sets in motion a chain of events that eventually results in food.
So a light breakfast follows (1/2 a kilo of packaged food)
7.30 AM
Any time that is not meal/exercise time is potentially nap time. The best time to take a nap is when you hear your name being called repeatedly. The best location for a nap is dead center of the room. The most relaxing position is on your back, all four limbs parallel.
11.00 AM
Meal time (Lunch) at last.
If you really see something you want, and all your other attempts at getting it have failed, it is only right to grovel shamelessly. As a second tactic, stare intently at the object of your desire, allowing long gelatinous drools to leak like icicles from your lower lip.
When you actually receive a meal, submerge your head into it as you would in a shower. Never, never look up again until a minimum of at least fifteen minutes after the obvious food is gone. This is important. Just because your dish is empty does not mean that it is time to stop eating.
When it comes to selecting an appropriate beverage, location and packaging mean nothing. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule.
11.30 AM
TV time followed by Nap time again
3.30 PM
At the first hint of any irregular noise, run from room to room barking loudly. If someone actually comes into the house, rush over to them whether you know them or not. Then kiss them so violently that they lose their balance or have to force you away physically.
A short bathroom break follows at 4.00 PM.
4.30 PM
Recreation and Leisure
Ball: There are two equally amusing sets of rules you will want to know.
1. The Common Form, in which you receive a thrown ball and return it.
2. The Preferred Form, in which you receive a thrown ball and eat it.
7.00 PM
Dinner Time
Remember that all food is potentially yours up until the time that it is actually swallowed by another. The lengthy path a piece of food will take from a plate to a mouth via a hand is as good a time as any to stake your claim to it.
9.30 PM
An after dinners walk for 20-25 minutes, where I try to hook up all the possible women for the next morning party.
10.30 PM
Elongated nap time where in I dream about all the possible future encounters with hot women.
4.30/5.00 AM
My day starts a little earlier than others as my master has this annoying habit of walking me very early in the morning. This is because he assumes that I wouldn’t be in a position to ogle or tease the other beautiful women (bitches) on the street. Unfortunately for him – I make most women go weak in the knees. They wait for me even at this unearthly hour.
I’m like the AXE ad (deodorant) – women fall all over me – though I don’t use AXE.
Couple of advantages of the early morning walk – escape the Mumbai heat, pollution, crowd, sound and traffic.
The next advantage is – updating myself on the daily news. The street is a large newspaper for me – it updates me on the latest warnings, news, new dating possibilities, etc, etc. As it is very early in the morning, I’m normally one of the first to get the news.
The walk is for around an hour – 2-3 miles.
6.30/7.00 AM
Back home and time for a small wash-up and grooming session. The most practical way to get dry is to shake violently near a fully clothed person. A second effective method is to stand on a light-colored piece of furniture.
Just because there does not seem to be anything visible around to eat certainly does not mean there is nothing around to eat. The act of staring at the underside of a table or chair on which someone else is eating sets in motion a chain of events that eventually results in food.
So a light breakfast follows (1/2 a kilo of packaged food)
7.30 AM
Any time that is not meal/exercise time is potentially nap time. The best time to take a nap is when you hear your name being called repeatedly. The best location for a nap is dead center of the room. The most relaxing position is on your back, all four limbs parallel.
11.00 AM
Meal time (Lunch) at last.
If you really see something you want, and all your other attempts at getting it have failed, it is only right to grovel shamelessly. As a second tactic, stare intently at the object of your desire, allowing long gelatinous drools to leak like icicles from your lower lip.
When you actually receive a meal, submerge your head into it as you would in a shower. Never, never look up again until a minimum of at least fifteen minutes after the obvious food is gone. This is important. Just because your dish is empty does not mean that it is time to stop eating.
When it comes to selecting an appropriate beverage, location and packaging mean nothing. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule.
11.30 AM
TV time followed by Nap time again
3.30 PM
At the first hint of any irregular noise, run from room to room barking loudly. If someone actually comes into the house, rush over to them whether you know them or not. Then kiss them so violently that they lose their balance or have to force you away physically.
A short bathroom break follows at 4.00 PM.
4.30 PM
Recreation and Leisure
Ball: There are two equally amusing sets of rules you will want to know.
1. The Common Form, in which you receive a thrown ball and return it.
2. The Preferred Form, in which you receive a thrown ball and eat it.
7.00 PM
Dinner Time
Remember that all food is potentially yours up until the time that it is actually swallowed by another. The lengthy path a piece of food will take from a plate to a mouth via a hand is as good a time as any to stake your claim to it.
9.30 PM
An after dinners walk for 20-25 minutes, where I try to hook up all the possible women for the next morning party.
10.30 PM
Elongated nap time where in I dream about all the possible future encounters with hot women.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Therapeutic Pets
Medical research is starting to confirm that having a pet may contribute to a longer life for you.
In particular, the elderly or those who live alone may benefit most, but everyone is a potential beneficiary.
The University of Missouri's Rebecca Johnson says in a news release that, "Research in this field is providing new evidence on the positive impact pets have in our lives."
The health benefits include lower blood pressure, encouragement to exercise and improved psychological health.
Pets can contribute to improved health, but be aware that some pet diseases can be transmitted to humans. Proper care, cleanliness and attention to the animals health is a responsibility to the animal as well as insuring your continued good health.
CNN.com reports that a recent study by Dr. Karen Allen of the State University of New York at Buffalo looked at 48 stockbrokers with hypertension. Half the candidates adopted a cat or dog at the beginning of the study. After a significant period passed, stress tests that the ones without pets were twice as stressed.
The same report quoted Dr. Lynette Hart, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
"Studies have shown that Alzheimer's (disease) patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home," she said. "Their caregivers also feel less burdened when there is a pet, particularly if it is a cat, which generally requires less care than a dog."
Do these reports mean that everyone should dash out and purchase a cat or dog? That is definitely not the case. Each individual must evaluate their circumstances and determine the potential benefits and enjoyment of having a pet as opposed to the responsibilities, expense and any inconvenience that a pet might cause.
North Dakota State University stresses the requirements of time and expense in caring for a pet. Pets require health exams, immunizations and you should consider options such as neutering or spaying.
Also, people with allergies or asthma might not be able to have pets without adverse effects.
And animals can carry parasites and disease, so owners must take proper precautions. Washing hands after contact with animals is always a good thing. Checking animals for fleas, ticks and other parasites as well as regularly scheduled check-ups by veterinarians is a good idea.
Help in Nursing Homes
One of the positive benefits of having pets is to shift the focus from our own problems to the companionship factor that a pet brings. Our interactions with them get us involved in activities other than being totally introspective and dwelling on our problems, whether they are real or imagined.
Nursing homes have found that having animals brought in by outsiders to visit has a very positive effect on the mental state of the residents. Many who are withdrawn respond to the affection of a friendly animal. Dogs are particularly good in this role because of their more affectionate nature with strangers. Cats can work in this role, but are sometimes more aloof.
Animals such as dogs and monkeys acting as helpers for the blind or otherwise handicapped individuals have proved to be invaluable. Many of these people are able to be much more independent because of the companionship and assistance that these animals provide.
Based on the overwhelming positive information available, we must conclude that animals definitely have a positive impact on the health of humans.
Pet Therapy
Research has shown that heart attack victims who have pets live longer. Even watching a tank full of tropical fish may lower blood pressure, at least temporarily. A study of 92 patients hospitalized in coronary care units for angina or heart attack found that those who owned pets were more likely to be alive a year later than those who did not. The study found that only 6 percent of patients who owned pets died within one year compared with 28 percent of those who did not own pets.
The therapeutic use of pets as companions has gained increasing attention in recent years for a wide variety of patients -people with AIDS or cancer, the elderly, and the mentally ill. Unlike people, with whom our interactions may be quite complex and unpredictable, animals provide a constant source of comfort and focus for attention. Animals bring out our nurturing instinct. They also make us feel safe and unconditionally accepted. We can just be ourselves around our pets.
Research has shown that pet ownership can:
Reduce stress-induced symptoms.
In a study people undergoing oral surgery spent a few minutes watching tropical fish in an aquarium. The relaxation level was measured by their blood pressure, muscle tension, and behavior. It was found that the subjects who watched the fish were much more relaxed than those who did not watch the fish prior to the surgery. People who watched the fish was as calm as another group that had been hypnotized before the surgery.
Other researchers have found that:
Petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Bringing a pet into a nursing home or hospital can boost peoples' moods and enhance their social interaction.
Requires Less Medical Care
A study conducted at UCLA found that dog owners required much less medical care for stress-induced aches and pains than non-dog owners.
Add years to your life
In a study conducted at City Hospital in New York, it was found that heart patients who owned the pets were significantly more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital than those who didn't own pets. The presence of a pet was found to give higher boost to the survival rate than having a spouse or friends.
We should point out in this connection that pets can be a source of stress to some people. They may worry who will take care of their pets when they die. In most cases, however, the need to take care of the pets give a reason for living to many terminally ill patients, prolonging their life span.
What Type of Pet?
It is surprising that it does not matter what the pet is to get the therapeutic benefit. It could be a dog, a cat, parakeet, a gold fish or anything else. The only thing which matters is that the animal is of interest to you.
However, it is important that the pet you have selected fit your temperament, living space and lifestyle. Otherwise it will be additional source of stress. So, look over the pet and see whether the chemistry is compatible before you decide to adopt one.
How?
It is possible that people who own pets may have different personality traits than those who do not. Research has found that complex, varied, and interesting daily activity is the strongest social predictor of longevity. Pet ownership may affect people physiologically through the soothing and relaxing effect of touch. And speechless communication with a pet, or simply watching a cat or fish, may produce a relaxation response with little demand on the patient.
Pet owners often feel needed and responsible, which may stimulate the survival incentive. They feel they need to survive to take care of their pets. (Many cancer patients with pets have lived longer because they felt that their pets need them!) Stroking a dog, watching a kitten tumble, or observing the hypnotic explorations of fish can be an antidote to a foul mood or a frazzling day.
Pets such as dogs and cats provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love and affection. And pets can shift our narrow focus beyond ourselves, helping us to feel connected to a larger world.
In particular, the elderly or those who live alone may benefit most, but everyone is a potential beneficiary.
The University of Missouri's Rebecca Johnson says in a news release that, "Research in this field is providing new evidence on the positive impact pets have in our lives."
The health benefits include lower blood pressure, encouragement to exercise and improved psychological health.
Pets can contribute to improved health, but be aware that some pet diseases can be transmitted to humans. Proper care, cleanliness and attention to the animals health is a responsibility to the animal as well as insuring your continued good health.
CNN.com reports that a recent study by Dr. Karen Allen of the State University of New York at Buffalo looked at 48 stockbrokers with hypertension. Half the candidates adopted a cat or dog at the beginning of the study. After a significant period passed, stress tests that the ones without pets were twice as stressed.
The same report quoted Dr. Lynette Hart, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
"Studies have shown that Alzheimer's (disease) patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home," she said. "Their caregivers also feel less burdened when there is a pet, particularly if it is a cat, which generally requires less care than a dog."
Do these reports mean that everyone should dash out and purchase a cat or dog? That is definitely not the case. Each individual must evaluate their circumstances and determine the potential benefits and enjoyment of having a pet as opposed to the responsibilities, expense and any inconvenience that a pet might cause.
North Dakota State University stresses the requirements of time and expense in caring for a pet. Pets require health exams, immunizations and you should consider options such as neutering or spaying.
Also, people with allergies or asthma might not be able to have pets without adverse effects.
And animals can carry parasites and disease, so owners must take proper precautions. Washing hands after contact with animals is always a good thing. Checking animals for fleas, ticks and other parasites as well as regularly scheduled check-ups by veterinarians is a good idea.
Help in Nursing Homes
One of the positive benefits of having pets is to shift the focus from our own problems to the companionship factor that a pet brings. Our interactions with them get us involved in activities other than being totally introspective and dwelling on our problems, whether they are real or imagined.
Nursing homes have found that having animals brought in by outsiders to visit has a very positive effect on the mental state of the residents. Many who are withdrawn respond to the affection of a friendly animal. Dogs are particularly good in this role because of their more affectionate nature with strangers. Cats can work in this role, but are sometimes more aloof.
Animals such as dogs and monkeys acting as helpers for the blind or otherwise handicapped individuals have proved to be invaluable. Many of these people are able to be much more independent because of the companionship and assistance that these animals provide.
Based on the overwhelming positive information available, we must conclude that animals definitely have a positive impact on the health of humans.
Pet Therapy
Research has shown that heart attack victims who have pets live longer. Even watching a tank full of tropical fish may lower blood pressure, at least temporarily. A study of 92 patients hospitalized in coronary care units for angina or heart attack found that those who owned pets were more likely to be alive a year later than those who did not. The study found that only 6 percent of patients who owned pets died within one year compared with 28 percent of those who did not own pets.
The therapeutic use of pets as companions has gained increasing attention in recent years for a wide variety of patients -people with AIDS or cancer, the elderly, and the mentally ill. Unlike people, with whom our interactions may be quite complex and unpredictable, animals provide a constant source of comfort and focus for attention. Animals bring out our nurturing instinct. They also make us feel safe and unconditionally accepted. We can just be ourselves around our pets.
Research has shown that pet ownership can:
Reduce stress-induced symptoms.
In a study people undergoing oral surgery spent a few minutes watching tropical fish in an aquarium. The relaxation level was measured by their blood pressure, muscle tension, and behavior. It was found that the subjects who watched the fish were much more relaxed than those who did not watch the fish prior to the surgery. People who watched the fish was as calm as another group that had been hypnotized before the surgery.
Other researchers have found that:
Petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Bringing a pet into a nursing home or hospital can boost peoples' moods and enhance their social interaction.
Requires Less Medical Care
A study conducted at UCLA found that dog owners required much less medical care for stress-induced aches and pains than non-dog owners.
Add years to your life
In a study conducted at City Hospital in New York, it was found that heart patients who owned the pets were significantly more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital than those who didn't own pets. The presence of a pet was found to give higher boost to the survival rate than having a spouse or friends.
We should point out in this connection that pets can be a source of stress to some people. They may worry who will take care of their pets when they die. In most cases, however, the need to take care of the pets give a reason for living to many terminally ill patients, prolonging their life span.
What Type of Pet?
It is surprising that it does not matter what the pet is to get the therapeutic benefit. It could be a dog, a cat, parakeet, a gold fish or anything else. The only thing which matters is that the animal is of interest to you.
However, it is important that the pet you have selected fit your temperament, living space and lifestyle. Otherwise it will be additional source of stress. So, look over the pet and see whether the chemistry is compatible before you decide to adopt one.
How?
It is possible that people who own pets may have different personality traits than those who do not. Research has found that complex, varied, and interesting daily activity is the strongest social predictor of longevity. Pet ownership may affect people physiologically through the soothing and relaxing effect of touch. And speechless communication with a pet, or simply watching a cat or fish, may produce a relaxation response with little demand on the patient.
Pet owners often feel needed and responsible, which may stimulate the survival incentive. They feel they need to survive to take care of their pets. (Many cancer patients with pets have lived longer because they felt that their pets need them!) Stroking a dog, watching a kitten tumble, or observing the hypnotic explorations of fish can be an antidote to a foul mood or a frazzling day.
Pets such as dogs and cats provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love and affection. And pets can shift our narrow focus beyond ourselves, helping us to feel connected to a larger world.
Kelly's Savior - Tojo my everyday HERO
It doesn't take a dog to catch a terrorist to be a hero. My two year old Tojo is an everyday hero.
Tojo is basically a calm, confident and courageous rottweiler with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. He is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in its environment.
Last week was the first time I saw Tojo’s inherent desire to protect home and family. I live in a canine friendly neighborhood. Almost every second house has a dog in our area. As usual we were on our morning walk, Tojo leashed and Kelly (my labrador) unleashed as she is completely trained. As we passed one of buildings, a huge German Shepard (unleashed and with a bad reputation of biting humans and other pets) rushed out of the building and attacked Kelly. Tojo and I were about 10 meters ahead and I had no time to react, other than unleash Tojo.
Tojo immediately rushed to Kelly’s rescue – climbed on the back of the GSD and bit him on his neck and forehead. The GSD turned his attention to Tojo and tried to bite him back. However Tojo dodged his attack and caught the GSD’s under neck area and dragged him for 10-15 meters. By this time the GSD was squealing in pain and had the GSD’s owner trying to save him. I calmly requested Tojo to let go and he did instantaneously. I checked Kelly – she was ok, except for a few bruises on her legs.
The GSD’s owner instantly apologized to me for it was his dog that assaulted mine to begin with. He also did reveal that it was the first time that he had seen his dog bitten and scared of another one. He wanted to know if I had specifically trained him to attack – to which I responded in the negative. I could make out from his conversation that he was essentially despondent as his dog couldn’t bite or scare Tojo. I told him to take his dog to the vet immediately and to put in the extra effort to socialize his pet.
On the way home – I was proud of what Tojo had done to protect his family and happy for the fact that inspite of being an extremely strong and physically powerful dog, he still loves to play around with my building children and petted frequently.
Rottweilers have received some negative publicity over a period of time. The portrayal of rottweilers as evil dogs in several fictional films and TV series, most notably in The Omen, and negative press has added to their negative publicity.
According to me - The Rottweiler is a dog of many talents: he’s rough and tumble, ready for anything; easy to train, if treated with respect and consistency; loyal and protective, at times to a fault; strong, yet gentle; aloof and dignified with strangers and playful and loving to his family. In short, the Rottie is the typical “tough guy with a heart of gold.”
Rottweiler owners without a strong grasp of the breed’s nature can find themselves in trouble if the dog has been badly bred or assumes leadership of the family. The fault lies with the owners and not the breed.
Tojo is basically a calm, confident and courageous rottweiler with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. He is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in its environment.
Last week was the first time I saw Tojo’s inherent desire to protect home and family. I live in a canine friendly neighborhood. Almost every second house has a dog in our area. As usual we were on our morning walk, Tojo leashed and Kelly (my labrador) unleashed as she is completely trained. As we passed one of buildings, a huge German Shepard (unleashed and with a bad reputation of biting humans and other pets) rushed out of the building and attacked Kelly. Tojo and I were about 10 meters ahead and I had no time to react, other than unleash Tojo.
Tojo immediately rushed to Kelly’s rescue – climbed on the back of the GSD and bit him on his neck and forehead. The GSD turned his attention to Tojo and tried to bite him back. However Tojo dodged his attack and caught the GSD’s under neck area and dragged him for 10-15 meters. By this time the GSD was squealing in pain and had the GSD’s owner trying to save him. I calmly requested Tojo to let go and he did instantaneously. I checked Kelly – she was ok, except for a few bruises on her legs.
The GSD’s owner instantly apologized to me for it was his dog that assaulted mine to begin with. He also did reveal that it was the first time that he had seen his dog bitten and scared of another one. He wanted to know if I had specifically trained him to attack – to which I responded in the negative. I could make out from his conversation that he was essentially despondent as his dog couldn’t bite or scare Tojo. I told him to take his dog to the vet immediately and to put in the extra effort to socialize his pet.
On the way home – I was proud of what Tojo had done to protect his family and happy for the fact that inspite of being an extremely strong and physically powerful dog, he still loves to play around with my building children and petted frequently.
Rottweilers have received some negative publicity over a period of time. The portrayal of rottweilers as evil dogs in several fictional films and TV series, most notably in The Omen, and negative press has added to their negative publicity.
According to me - The Rottweiler is a dog of many talents: he’s rough and tumble, ready for anything; easy to train, if treated with respect and consistency; loyal and protective, at times to a fault; strong, yet gentle; aloof and dignified with strangers and playful and loving to his family. In short, the Rottie is the typical “tough guy with a heart of gold.”
Rottweiler owners without a strong grasp of the breed’s nature can find themselves in trouble if the dog has been badly bred or assumes leadership of the family. The fault lies with the owners and not the breed.
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