[ SHOWGSD-L ] Breed specific legislation
- From: Sheila Lieberman <sheilaofmiami@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: jpstreet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 07:25:58 -0800 (PST)
Mr. Street, BSL simply does not work. Legislate behavior of dogs, in other
design a general vicious dog law that would address acts of dogs after they
have committed a crime, like humans, and make the humans involved pay for the
dog's misdeeds.
I live in Maimi and also have many ties to the DC area. I have worked as a
dog trainer for 15 years now, and I have worked with every popular breed there
is and many cross breeds too. There is no one dangerous breed. I have seen
Pit type dogs that baby sat children, and I have seen Toy Poodles I was afraid
of.
And in both cases I blame the owners for the dogs behavior. Yes there are
certain dogs who will have a pre-disposition for wanting reasons to bite, and
given an environment where it is possible, such dog do bite.
My mother owns a German Shepherd that when she got him she set about training
him. It was clear to both her and me that this dog would be a dangerous dog if
not trained properly. The result of our human concern for the dog's behavior
is that while we still see him as a potential biter, and we are very careful
with him, he is the most loving dog anyone has ever met. I can get my mother's
neighbors to attest to this and my husband, and many friends that I have
introduced the dog to over the years. He is beloved by the several vets who
have cared for him over they years and is a loving companion to my elderly
mother.
Many years ago when she was a dog groomer 100% of her dog bite injuries came
from dogs weighing under 40 pounds and none of the dogs that ever bit her in
the course of her work were Pit type dogs. They were Poodles and Poodle
crosses and Cocker Spaniel's. These dogs were small enough that no one
considered them dangerous until my mother brought their behavior to the owner's
attention.
So to ban or force greater control over any one breed or type of dog will in
no way insure the safety of your citizens. But to treat dogs that have bitten
as property of criminal humans will have a affect. If people are facing fines
and possible jail for not controlling their dogs, they will be more likely to
invest in dog training and teach their dogs how to behave and learn how to
control their dog, regardless of size or breed.
I had a Rotweiller some years back. I got her at 14 months of age, and I had
2 children, the younger was 18 months. Not only did she never consider
threatening my children, she was beloved by all the children who came to visit
my house. She would stand in the middle of a group of kids just to get petted.
The German Shepherd I had at the same time would lay in the shade and watch my
children play. He did not care for children, he was never in the same room
with them, but they were not allowed out without him, by his own decision.
Until my children were old enough, I never let them near small dogs I had not
met. Those fluffly cute ones are the ones I don't trust with kids or other
dogs. I do not fear any breed because of it's breed. I base my fear on the
dog's own behavior.
I hope you will consider doing the same before you restrict more rights of
your citizens.
Sincerely,
Sheila Lieberman
Loving Obedience Dog Training
305-772-3647
Sheila of Miami
Mernydex GSD's
Loving Obedience Dog Training
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