pet store

LeRoymydog · 06-12-2007, 09:20 PM

I had an experience with a pet store the other day. I took LeRoy into the store (because I'm looking for a pull harness) with me and some lady and husband had their little yorkie there. She saw LeRoy and ommediately picked her little dog up and loudly said ", I can't believe they allow pit bulls into their store". I very loudly returned a message saying " He's NOT a pit bull. He's an American Bulldog and so-what if he was. He's probably nicer than your ankle-biter."

Some people have the nerve... sorry about my rant.

RonE · 06-12-2007, 09:24 PM

You should have told them that LeRoy is much too discriminating to eat a yorkie.

That's one advantage to having a hound with big floppy ears. Nobody's afraid of her, though she would eat a yorkie in a heartbeat if it insulted her.

CrzyBritNAmerica · 06-12-2007, 11:06 PM

There's so much problem with that kind of thing with all "bully" breeds. People in our vet office (generally people with small breeds) look down on any dog that resembles a pit bull. We had someone who looked very offended that someone brought in there English Bulldog...it's name was Bubba and their little min pin was A LOT scarier imo.

This might be of some use to LeRoy!!

SunSiberians · 06-12-2007, 11:12 PM

This really ticks me off - they had no right to say that.

I love that shirt!

LeRoymydog · 06-12-2007, 11:16 PM

I WANT that shirt. Where'd you find it?

CrzyBritNAmerica · 06-12-2007, 11:17 PM

Yeah I thought it was HILARIOUS!

Oh wow *blushes* I just re-read my post and what dreadful grammar I used! I can't even begin to tell you what I meant to say because I worded that entire post absurdly! Not to mention using the wrong form of 'their'. Ugh...can you tell it's been a long day??

ETA: Here's the link to that shirt...you can actually buy it on that site.

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/america...t_/pg_/c_/fpt_

lovemygreys · 06-12-2007, 11:54 PM

Like it or not, people are afraid of dogs that look like pit bulls or "fighting" breeds. I think if you own one, you should be prepared to be a good ambassador for the breed and take every opportunity to educate people in a nice, friendly way.

I've had people scared of my greyhounds b/c of misconceptions and most are willing to listen. There are some people's who's minds will never be swayed, but I always do my best. At the end of the day, they may not like "my breed" but they don't have to leave the encounter with a bad impression of the people who own them

CrzyBritNAmerica · 06-13-2007, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovemygreys

At the end of the day, they may not like "my breed" but they don't have to leave the encounter with a bad impression of the people who own them

That's very true. I have had several encounters with people like this at the dog park and only fairly recently got the courage to stand up for these breeds. (I have never been snappy I don't think, just too nervous to defend them properly...I was extremely shy when I was younger lol). But I have some nice opportunities since to prove that Bridgette and other "bully" breeds aren't all vicious. People do listen, sometimes anyway.

DogAdvocat · 06-13-2007, 01:56 AM

At the risk of being flamed, I'd really like to put my 2c in here. I love all dogs, no matter what breed. Dogs fascinate me and I just love being with them. I'd prefer being with dogs more than a lot of people I know. I've dedicated the last 20+ years of my life to dogs, and have lived with dogs all my life.

But knowing how few breeders are out there that know how to selectively breed for good temperament, and how few people really understand how to train and properly socialize their dogs, I would side with the person that had the Yorkie.

A couple of days ago there was a news item on tv about a 75 year old woman who was walking her poodle and two pit bulls came out of nowhere and attacked/killed the poodle. The woman was just lucky that she wasn't attacked as well. They showed the pit bulls, and they sure looked like typical pit bulls to me, though I don't know their true breed for sure.

I don't like the media hype. I do support BSLs, but not as currently written. I support legislation that would require potentially dangerous breeds (the "power" breeds) to be only bred by those responsible enough to do it right, including doing proper placement that would include CGC certification. And I believe that should be the law for any breed that is powerful enough to kill a human being.

This week, a boxer rescue in the Chico California area was almost killed when a rescued American Bulldog attacked her. It severely mauled her, including severing her trachea. Amazingly she managed to call 911, and though in critical condition, she is expected to live.

I understand where the Yorkie person was coming from, because years ago I walked a poodle into a pet store to try on collars, and came face to face with the owners Staffordshire Terrier. I've spent a lot of time in a kennel, where I've seen a lot of things, including the aftermath of a golden retriever having been pulled apart by two pit bulls in a neighboring run. And my first inclination was to freeze when I saw the Staff. I didn't know whether to pick up my dog, which could have been disasterous for both of us, or try to back out of the store, which could have also been bad. I basically had to just trust in God that the Staff wouldn't attack, and it didn't, but I never went in that store again. If the poodle hadn't been with me, I would have been happy to meet the Staff on his terms.

As for the Yorkie person's comment about allowing pits in the store - I would wonder about that too. I would wonder what the store's liability would be if a breed that was reputed to be dog aggressive, and sometimes people aggressive was allowed into their store and then attacked a dog or human. I would expect that if my dog was allowed into a store, that the store manager would do what was necessary to insure my dog left his store alive. Now that's probably naive on my part, but I wonder how many other people think the same thing. And I wonder how many other people, like me, worry about their dogs' safety when walking them on the street.

Whether on the street, or in a store, if I saw a Yorkie approaching my dog, I wouldn't worry, even if it wasn't friendly, because I'd know that any potential damage would be negligible. But that's just not true with the power breeds.

So though I agree with some of the other comments above about being an ambassador for your breed and educating people, I also hate to see people get a false sense of security for when they meet potentially dangerous dogs that are not as well socialized and trained as yours.

lozachops · 06-13-2007, 09:15 AM

Ive never met a vicious staffy (english) and ive met so many. They are so sweet and this includes around other dogs. My best friends staffy is the friendliest dog ive ever met, she welcomed my dog into her house and now they are best friends and meet regularly. Im always surprised to hear of people being scared of staffy's.

LeRoymydog · 06-13-2007, 09:53 AM

Dogadvocat- I agree with some of the stuff you said. But how can one socialize a puppy if they can't take it out in public? He can't be socialized in my backyard.

I would trust my dog with my kids more than I can trust alot of people. Look at all the news about teacher and so forth molesting their pupils or other kids. SHould we ban children to our backyards also. That way we know they are safe?

My dog is only 8 months old and will be about 120 pounds when fully grown. I WANT him to be well socialized to everything and everybody so he won't attack people/things when he's older. He's been in obedience and socialization classes. Heck his best friend is a chihuahua puppy that weighs about 5 pounds wet.

I know people don't know that when they see them, but gosh, would I really take a mean dog to a store with me? Maybe if I had him running loose at a dog park or something (which I don't take him there unless there is only 1 or 2 dogs there).

People with "bullie" breeds are stuck b/w a rock and hard place. Socialize, socialize is what I hear people say and what I try and do, then get knocked down when I do socialize him.

Lorina · 06-13-2007, 11:25 AM

I know enough nice bully breed dogs to know they're not all bad. But I also know that my 16# ball of fluff isn't universally liked by all other dogs. Many seem to think he's a deformed fox, or some other form of prey.

When a dog is nice to him, Beavis is wonderful, but if a dog acts in a threatening manner, he is not likely to back down. Because of that, I've picked him up and carried him away, or did an about face if we're walking, from some dogs because I know Beav thinks he's The Great Protector. This has included a bully breed or two, as well as a Lab, a Chow Chow, two Rat Terriers, and a very nasty Cocker Spaniel.

I'd never insult someone's breed like that, though. The Cocker Spaniel... I've insulted him, or rather his owners, because they don't keep their f'n gate shut and their dog comes after mine.

Usually, I just say, "He's not good with other dogs," if an owner seems put off by my behavior. And that's the truth. I don't know their dog, but I know mine well enough to know I don't want him to get in a scuffle he can't win. Or any scuffle he could win. I just don't want scuffles.

blackrose · 06-13-2007, 11:51 AM

All also agree with what Dogadvocat said, to a point. Some breeds are more dog aggressive than others; Pitties, Akitas, Malamutes, little scrappy terriers, etc, but any dog can be dog aggressive (case in point, my dogs). I think as long as the owner can control their dog and it is on leash, I don't see why you shouldn't take a particular breed someplace.
I have a Lab mix and he is as dog aggressive as they come, but when people see him they don't say, "Oh, why do they let them bring Labs into this store!" If we are in a store like petsmart and an owner isn't keeping an eye on their dog and it starts to wander closer (I hate flexi leads

) I tell them that my dog is dog aggressive and to please keep their dog back. If their dog is being well behaved but Blackie is being a butt, I retreat to a quiet part of the store and get him to calm down before placing him back into a heel and venturing out again into the store.

I would probably be terrified if I owned a small breed though. I'd be afraid that some big dog would try to take a bite out of him. At least if I have bigger dogs they can defend themselves. I was out walking Chloe the other day and my neighbors two Boxers and there HUMUNGO Choc. Lab came out and were barking/growling at her. I just scooped her up and kept walking. It was nice. lol (Being able to scoop her up, not the barking part. Poor puppy was terrified.)

Breed misidentification is a pet peeve of mine when it is used in a negative sense. I'm shocked that no one has tried to say Rose is a pittie because of her brindle coloring. Having floppy ears and looking like a Lab probably helps though.

Although I had to laugh the other day....an lady brought in what looked to be an American Bulldog mix (big dog, bully head, short coat, half prick ears, black and white, well musceled, one blue eye and one brown eye; her name is Baylee and she is the sweetest dog I've ever met) and she said that she was a Collie mix. LOL I don't no where she saw Collie, but ok. lol

DogAdvocat · 06-13-2007, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeRoymydog

Dogadvocat- I agree with some of the stuff you said. But how can one socialize a puppy if they can't take it out in public? He can't be socialized in my backyard.

I would trust my dog with my kids more than I can trust alot of people. Look at all the news about teacher and so forth molesting their pupils or other kids. SHould we ban children to our backyards also. That way we know they are safe?

My dog is only 8 months old and will be about 120 pounds when fully grown. I WANT him to be well socialized to everything and everybody so he won't attack people/things when he's older. He's been in obedience and socialization classes. Heck his best friend is a chihuahua puppy that weighs about 5 pounds wet.

I know people don't know that when they see them, but gosh, would I really take a mean dog to a store with me? Maybe if I had him running loose at a dog park or something (which I don't take him there unless there is only 1 or 2 dogs there).

People with "bullie" breeds are stuck b/w a rock and hard place. Socialize, socialize is what I hear people say and what I try and do, then get knocked down when I do socialize him.

I agree 100%. And I don't really have an answer for you about socialization. It's vital that you do that, but I think it's also vital that you understand the reactions you may get. The solution to the problem isn't really up to you, it is up to society to pressure breeders to breed more responsibly and to place more responsibly - with all breeds - but especially the power breeds.

And in the meantime, people like me will continue to fear for the lives of their more vulnerable dogs. It's just a fact of life, I guess. I think one of the bad things about it all is that people with dogs that are more vulnerable, really feel that they are the ones being restricted because they can't safely take their dogs out in public for fear of them being attacked. This undersocializes those dogs too. When you can't even take your own poodle for a walk in your own neighborhood, that's pretty sad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackrose

Although I had to laugh the other day....an lady brought in what looked to be an American Bulldog mix (big dog, bully head, short coat, half prick ears, black and white, well musceled, one blue eye and one brown eye; her name is Baylee and she is the sweetest dog I've ever met) and she said that she was a Collie mix. LOL I don't no where she saw Collie, but ok. lol

I don't know if they are still doing it, but at one time the SFSPCA was putting a new name on pit bulls that had passed their temperament testing, and called them St. Francis Terriers. If someone had one of these dogs, and met someone that was afraid of pit bulls, they could be assured that it wasn't a pit bull, it was a St. Francis Terrier. I really don't know if this eased people's minds or not.

Here's an interesting article:
http://www.nokillnow.com/PitbullsBes...sDangerous.cfm

tirluc · 06-13-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Ive never met a vicious staffy (english) and ive met so many.

unfortunately, this has not been so for me.....when i was going to the dog park b/4, there was a person that came out there w/ what everyone assumed was a Pit (i wasn't sure but i thought it was Staffy) and, of course, were watching their dogs closely.....the owner assured everyone that it was, indeed, a Staffy and that they weren't as "aggressive" as the Pits and that they didn't have to worry......no sooner did he get his words out and the dog was attacking a little(r) dog (about 25-30 lbs) that had come walking up to get a drink...and right after pulling him away from this dog and firmly reprimanding him, he went after a Shepherd mix......neither of these dogs had even so much as looked at the Staff (maybe that was the problem

) and this was the first time i actually believed the owner when he said that his dog had never done that or shown any aggression.....i really felt for the owner as he (after making sure the other dogs were ok and giving the owners his name/phone #) picked his dog up and left the park (all the while "talking" to his dog)

LeRoymydog · 06-13-2007, 02:21 PM

Yes, I agree. I have owned little breeds in the past and remember my Yorkie/chihuahia mix tried to get to a Staffie on a big thick chain. Silly dogs.

I need to get him a shirt that says "It's ok, I'm nice. Pet me if you don't believe me".

Your also right about having to realize that people do fear for their safety, even tho they don't ask. It was so weird tho because right before that a young boy went up to me and asked if he was an american bulldog and asked if he could pet him. I said sure . He said I know that I'll be licked to death too. Then not even 10 minutes later, this woman did that. The younger kids are more educated about things like this it seems. He's just so wiggly ALL the time his tail is wagging so much it smacks him self in the face. I guess to me, he just doesn't look at all scary. And I do have to realize that.

CrzyBritNAmerica · 06-13-2007, 03:53 PM

I also agree with a lot of what was said here, but at the same time I disagree with some too.

I work in a vet's office and I have seen several "bully" breed dogs come in and so far they've all been friendly with the other dogs. I have already seen a retriever and two hounds that were very aggressive towards the other dogs...luckily we avoided a fight by bringing the immediately into a room.

My point here is that wherever you go with your dog you can run into an aggressive dog and it doesn't matter if it's a pit bull, or bully breed...any kind of dog could be dog aggressive.

I would be wary of walking past a bully breed dog too, but I am also nervous to come near ANY breed of dog because who knows if they are DA or not. I own a pit bull mix and I do get funny looks when it's me that asks "is your dog friendly with other dogs?" before I even come anywhere near them, but even as a PB owner I am concerned for her safetly because I KNOW she is fine with dogs.

I do agree that people should be wary of bully breeds when they are out with their dog, but it's MUCH safer to just be wary of ANY dog you come accross.

sydney-the-cattle-dog · 06-13-2007, 04:13 PM

Quote:

I do agree that people should be wary of bully breeds when they are out with their dog, but it's MUCH safer to just be wary of ANY dog you come accross.

This is so true, and more importantly people need to understand and pay attention to warning signals from dogs moreso than just avoiding contact with certain breeds.

CrzyBritNAmerica · 06-13-2007, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sydney-the-cattle-dog

This is so true, and more importantly people need to understand and pay attention to warning signals from dogs moreso than just avoiding contact with certain breeds.

True!

I get so mad at people when I see them just let their dog waltz up to other dogs. Even mine! I KNOW Bridgette is great with other dogs, but they certainly don't and what if she had attacked them?? I see people just let their dog walk up to sniff other people's...not a good idea no matter what the breed of that dog is.

That goes for kids and people too. There's far too many times where I have seen people let their kids waltz up to strange dogs and just pet them without asking or anything.

blackrose · 06-13-2007, 07:09 PM

Quote:

I do agree that people should be wary of bully breeds when they are out with their dog, but it's MUCH safer to just be wary of ANY dog you come accross.

Life for me would be so much easier if people thought that. They see my two dogs and think, "Oh, they're just some Lab mixes, they can't be mean." and then they let their dog come up to mine, much to my dog's, and my, distraught. Hahaha, I've been thinking about buying Blackie a spike collar, just for fun. I wonder what people would do then.

I had to appluade Blackie when I was competing with him in obedience because this stupid kid next to me kept letting his GR puppy annoy Blackie. Blackie ignored the puppy and just kept looking at me like, "Ok, get this thing off of me." I did bring it do the kids attention, but when he wasn't paying attention to his pup, it kept doing the same thing. I switched places with someone else in a hurry.