Dangerous Dogs or Dangerous Dog Owners?

The nicer side of Owning a Dog - so many benefits, and can play big part in our lives, for me creating some of the best childhood memories I have.
Studies have shown us that Dog owners lead healthier lives, not only good for your physical well being but also your emotional welfare.
There is also strong evidence to suggest that dog owners have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and are less likely to have minor and serious health problems. And sometimes the dog just gives a person a "need to be needed".
I own 2 large breed dogs. and they are just big babies, very good natured and well behaved, but people do tend to walk on the other side of the road and draw us looks, claiming "that's these dangerous dogs", funnily enough we ended up by default with our breeds, we saved the both of them from uncertain future, and have provided training, love and care to them. I was brought up surrounded by fluffy little King Charles Cavaliers.
Roxy the BullMastiff (the darker dog- pictured above) will follow the kids around, it is as if she knows she must take care of them. She is also very perceptive, and knows when I am not well, lying by my feet, not letting me go far, without her being there.

There are rules in our house though, the dogs are big and can send you flying if they were to jump up on you, or can get very excited (Molly the Bordeaux) is still a pup. But we have a good routine, we even ask visitors to ignore the dogs until they have settled down, and the dogs go to their beds when it is walk time to get their leads on, they wait for their dinner and only take it after being told, because they are so big, you need to be aware of other peoples fears, perceptions etc.
My daughter can confidently walk each dog, as we have spent lots of time and effort training them.

It bothers me that my dogs are pre-judged because of the "look" of them, especially since the recent rise in dog attacks, and the release of the dangerous dogs Act

Any dog can be a danger to the public, awareness of responsible dog ownership has been heightened by the government campaign and new legislation banning certain dog breeds within the UK.

Any dog can be a danger to the public, but certain types of dogs are banned in the UK. If you own an unregistered banned dog you are committing a criminal offence.
Beware Of Dog Novelty Sign

Banned dogs
There are four types of dogs that are banned in the UK, the:
* Pit Bull Terrier * Japanese Tosa
* Dogo Argentino * Fila Braziliero


These dogs are not recognised by the government as breeds in the UK. It is illegal to breed from, sell, abandon or give away a banned dog also it is illegal to own any of these dogs without specific exemption from a court.
Picture credits Wikiipedia

So once you have your dog, it is your responsibility to look after it.
You are responsible for its health, this can be costly and as an owner of 2 very large dogs I would suggest Pet Insurance. After a costly trip to the seaside, after Roxy followed a seagull over the edge of the cliff taught us that expensive lesson.
Within your home your dog may be the sweetest dog there is, but I know by having the 2 dogs, how they can change when they get outside!
My dogs appear scary, but they are my gentle giants, but I have to be extra careful. People are wary of them, even scared of them, and that is what sometimes the problem is, and will even cross the street when we are walking.
So a few things to help with keeping your dogs safe whilst out in public, and keeping on the right side of the law.

* Making sure the lead and collar are correctly fitted.
This will ensure your dog cannot slip his/her collar and is under your control
* making sure your dog wears a collar tag when out in a public place,
so your dog can be returned to you if lost
* cleaning up after your dog, dog fouling is an offence
if you do not clean up after your dog, you can be fined by the Police
* Do not let your dog off its lead if it will not return on command, You must keep your dog under control at all times,
Look out for a local puppy training class this allows your pup to become used to other dogs (socialzing) and other people.

I love Victoria's approach to spoilt or badly behaved pooches!

It's Me or the Dog: How to have the Perfect Pet

Beware! Dog! Sign

Spoilt Rotten Dogs Live Here! Sign

Caution! Dogs Running Free Sign

Never Mind The Dog, Beware Of The Owner
Sign

Security Sign, No Door Salesmen Sign