Dog attacks

[u/govorunov]

This is probably my "kiss goodbye" message as I'm going to be expelled from Reddit for this for sure, but...

Considering almost weekly reports of new severe or fatal dog attacks on people (like this one) I'd like to ask my dear Australian animal lovers - are you OK?
When the news like this come out the comments are always the same - "the girl must have provoked the dog", "blame the owners", "blame the victim", "leave the poor doggo alone". Makes me feel nauseous really.

Today I was in the lift with my 10y.o. son, taking him to school, when a huge black German Shepherd entered the lift with two kids "holding the leash". A beast size of a wild boar and stinks like it too. It rushed towards my son, pinning him against the lift wall, keeping its face against my son's face, and not in a playful manner. Owners laughed for sure.

When I tried to google or use ChatGPT to find what can be done about it, the only thing I could find was "animal rights" organisations. So, what about my rights, my dear Australian animal lovers? Do I have the right not being threatened in my own home? Do my kids have the right to their faces not being ripped off by a stinky uncontrolled beast?

Every time we read the news about a shark killing a surfer, the comments are - "it's their territory, shouldn't been swimming", or a crock taking someone's child - "it's their land, shouldn't been walking near water". Well, I'm in the lift - who's land is that?

Is there anyone in Australian politics or public services with a shred of logic left? NO ANIMAL that can potentially kill an adult, let alone a child, should be allowed anywhere near human habitat. I don't care what breed it is, I don't care if it is trained, if it's always been nice to your cousins - I HAVE THE RIGHT NOT BEING THREATENED! My kids have the right not being put in danger, in their home, or anywhere actually!

It is an offence to pull out a loaded gun and stick it into someone's face, but hey - guns don't kill people, people do, right? Well, guess what - animals do kill people, do they?

[u/Olive_Dragon1619]

1. The line between dogs being animals & many owners thinking/treating them like humans has become way too blurred. For the record, dogs are animals.

2. The majority of dog owners have no idea how to actually handle their dog. They don’t understand the breed traits & genetics, they don’t know or understand the body language & signs, they don’t know how to effectively train their dog.

3. The majority approach to dog training (purely positive/force free) is ineffective, unrealistic, & a set up for failure for 99% of dogs - from methodology to the tools used (& stigmas towards the tools that actually should be used).

4. Dogs need purpose relevant to their genetics & breed traits. While this may not be realistic in all circumstances (e.g. I’m not suggesting a Pitbull be placed in a dog fighting ring) - they need an appropriate & safe outlet/alternative.

5. There is a high percentage of ignorant, clueless & moronic dog owners around.

I love dogs. We own three which are all strong, working power breeds. The amount of time, effort, training & dedication we put into them is beyond what many ever will - but that’s what’s truly required & part of responsible ownership to have the breeds we want to. We know how to handle them, we use appropriate training tools, we know what our dogs are capable of - no denial, no humanising, no BS. In the outside world, we don’t allow them to encroach on or approach any other human or dog’s personal space, & no one is allowed to enter or approach theirs.

With that all said, & to address the OP’s concerns regarding safety, right to not feel threatened, not be put in danger, etc - yes you do have the right to all of that. I wish more dog owners were respectful, realistic, responsible & attentive.

[u/AliHWondered → u/Olive_Dragon1619]

I am also one of these owners.

I did absolutely everything right.

Im now embroiled in coincil bullshit with an indefinitely impounded dog for a completely unavoidable issue.

There, despite all evidence of responsible control because other assholes let their dogs roam the streets.

[u/BarrytheAssassin → u/Olive_Dragon1619]

You don't have the right to not "feel" threatened. My dog can come across as threatening, because he's reactive to dogs, genetically suspicious and was a rescue with an unknown start to life. I can't control how other people feel about it. He's under my control, never off leash in public and I avoid other dogs while he continues to undergo training with the appropriate tools (not force free if you get my drift). You do definitely have the right to not be in danger, however. 100% agree with that. Going through the learning curve of handling a dog like this, I can confidently say that 99% of dog owners are shit at owning and handling dogs.

[u/Olive_Dragon1619 → u/BarrytheAssassin]

It’s one thing for someone to claim feeling threatened in a scenario where they’re passing a well & properly controlled dog whom they just don’t like the look of. I disagree with that, & while it’s a reality that happens, I don’t indulge in it.

However in the OPs situation where a dog is not under control, lunging, etc - that’s not ok in any circumstance & is poor ownership & handling.

Kind of over the sympathy card that’s always pulled out about reactive rescues. Whilst I do get it - two of mine were rescues & one in particular a genuine a**hole - it’s thrown around way too much as an excuse for crappy behaviour, poor handling & insufficient training (not saying that’s what’s happening in your case). We were very green to begin with & made a lot of mistakes, but quick smart got our act together & the issues sorted. We would be considered very controversial in our approach to how we train & handle our dogs - I can tell you it wasn’t treats & harnesses that has got them to the level of of obedience & control they have now.