Hello, I would like to point you in the direction of this thread on the ED forum http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum ... ?20,117947.
I wrote to Jim Dowd about the amount of these dogs which are appearing in Sydenham a few weeks ago, around the same time a Lib Dem MP brought it up and have heard nothing.
These Staffordshire terriers should be muzzled or banned. They are apparently the English equivalent of the American pit bull (many of which are still making it into this country under false passports, according to Panorama documentary I saw). Why on earth they are allowed on our streets I do not know. I actually dread seeing these things when out with my daughter. And I shoudn't have to feel this way. To me it is like someone unhinged walking around with a gun!
Dangerous dogs
Any dog can be dangerous if it's in the wrong hands. I'd like to see Dog Licences returned and owners having to attend dog behaviour courses, but that's never likely to happen. Some people take dog ownership far too likely. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and if owners are not prepared to drain them of energy and become pack leaders and to ensure the dogs are followers, then the local community are likely to be at risk from the dog.
What happened to that little girl is awful and off course the dog should have been put to sleep and the owner who was obviously unconcerned as to what their dog had done should be barred from ever owning another dog again.
But please don't assume all Staffs are dangerous.
I would encourage all dog owners to read Cesar Millan's books. He has a unique insight into dog behaviour and how to establish pack leadership skills.
What happened to that little girl is awful and off course the dog should have been put to sleep and the owner who was obviously unconcerned as to what their dog had done should be barred from ever owning another dog again.
But please don't assume all Staffs are dangerous.
I would encourage all dog owners to read Cesar Millan's books. He has a unique insight into dog behaviour and how to establish pack leadership skills.
There appear to be dogs being bought and 'trained' to hang for ages from tree branches by their teeth. The owners tend to be in their teens and there may 2-3 of these dogs in a group of teenagers.
Are the dogs for protection or serve another purpose?
Yesterday I saw a teenager with a purposely designed 'stuffed sock' teaching a puppy to lock its jaw round the sock and not let go.
Are the dogs for protection or serve another purpose?
Yesterday I saw a teenager with a purposely designed 'stuffed sock' teaching a puppy to lock its jaw round the sock and not let go.
Hi Poppy
I can understand your concerns for your daughter or anyone else, and what happened was awful, but as Jules said any dog can be dangerous in the wrong hands, even Labradors.
Can I just correct a couple of misconceptions - Staffies are not the English equivalent of the American Pit Bull, which I believe (and somebody correct me if I'm wrong please) was originally bred from a staffie but then cross-bred with other pit bulls.
Staffies in the UK are in fact known as the "Nanny Dog" as they are so good with children and are known as a good family dog.
An excerpt fro the Battersea Dogs Home leaflet on Staffies says this:
"Since he was first registered as a show breed in 1935, the Staffordshire Bull Terriers’ courage and affinity with people, especially children, has enabled him to become popular in many corners of the world and has
established the breed’s well-earned nickname of the ‘nanny dog’."
Most things that you read about Staffies emphasise their friendliness and affection for human company.
I can understand your concerns for your daughter or anyone else, and what happened was awful, but as Jules said any dog can be dangerous in the wrong hands, even Labradors.
Can I just correct a couple of misconceptions - Staffies are not the English equivalent of the American Pit Bull, which I believe (and somebody correct me if I'm wrong please) was originally bred from a staffie but then cross-bred with other pit bulls.
Staffies in the UK are in fact known as the "Nanny Dog" as they are so good with children and are known as a good family dog.
An excerpt fro the Battersea Dogs Home leaflet on Staffies says this:
"Since he was first registered as a show breed in 1935, the Staffordshire Bull Terriers’ courage and affinity with people, especially children, has enabled him to become popular in many corners of the world and has
established the breed’s well-earned nickname of the ‘nanny dog’."
Most things that you read about Staffies emphasise their friendliness and affection for human company.
Staffordshire terriers are not dangerous nor should they be muzzled.
Any animal can be dangerous if in the wrong hands not just a dog
I think you should be more concerned about people rather than dogs.
One persons irrational fear does not justify muzzling or banning an animal.
I am a dog owner but not to a staff. and I find your militant view disturbing and unjustified.
I agree some people should not be dog owners as they are incompetent at rearing them but please do not tar everybody with the same brush.
Some children are lethal so why not ban or muzzle your daughter.
It is the same argument surely?
Any animal can be dangerous if in the wrong hands not just a dog
I think you should be more concerned about people rather than dogs.
One persons irrational fear does not justify muzzling or banning an animal.
I am a dog owner but not to a staff. and I find your militant view disturbing and unjustified.
I agree some people should not be dog owners as they are incompetent at rearing them but please do not tar everybody with the same brush.
Some children are lethal so why not ban or muzzle your daughter.
It is the same argument surely?
dangerous dogs
Come on Ruby, if you are referring to Jamie Bulger, that was an awful crime and yes there are some terrible things happening to young people at the moment, perpetrated by other young people - using guns usually. But I think if you looked into it, the number of attacks by dogs is probably far greater. The Panorma programme interviewed doctors from a plastic surgery unit, which said the number of patients treated had dramatically increased because of attacks.
I agree my posting does sound a bit melodramtic, but this is a real concern to me and others. I was shocked to discover an attack had happened so close to home, confirming my worst fears.
I am sure Battersea Dogs home know what they are talking about but I saw a programme presented by Brian Sewell recently (not a person you would associate with these dogs at all, I know) where I am pretty sure he said they were related in some way to the American Pit Bull.
I was fully expecting the "any dog in the wrong hands" argument...but the fact is these dogs are powerful, and seem to have an easily encouraged killer instinct which is causing the wrong sort of people to be attracted to them which in turn makes the streets and parks unsafe for us all, especially for young children, as well as other dogs. It is bad enough having to avoid dog mess which restricts freedom of play to some extent but having to feel anxious about these dogs is unacceptable in my opinion.
I have also seen these dogs being encouraged to swing from branches in local parks and witnessed a dog attack.
I also walked past a very anxious man with my three-year-old trying to get another man to keep his Labrador away from his Staff "before he (the Staff) rips his head off".
My mum saw a Staff mauling another dog across the road from where she lives.
My friend's mother found her grandson surrounded by three in her kitchen one day in north London and the police later discovered a man whose garden backed onto hers was breeding them for fighting, so I do not think this is an irrational fear! This is all in the last 18 months, by the way.
I agree my posting does sound a bit melodramtic, but this is a real concern to me and others. I was shocked to discover an attack had happened so close to home, confirming my worst fears.
I am sure Battersea Dogs home know what they are talking about but I saw a programme presented by Brian Sewell recently (not a person you would associate with these dogs at all, I know) where I am pretty sure he said they were related in some way to the American Pit Bull.
I was fully expecting the "any dog in the wrong hands" argument...but the fact is these dogs are powerful, and seem to have an easily encouraged killer instinct which is causing the wrong sort of people to be attracted to them which in turn makes the streets and parks unsafe for us all, especially for young children, as well as other dogs. It is bad enough having to avoid dog mess which restricts freedom of play to some extent but having to feel anxious about these dogs is unacceptable in my opinion.
I have also seen these dogs being encouraged to swing from branches in local parks and witnessed a dog attack.
I also walked past a very anxious man with my three-year-old trying to get another man to keep his Labrador away from his Staff "before he (the Staff) rips his head off".
My mum saw a Staff mauling another dog across the road from where she lives.
My friend's mother found her grandson surrounded by three in her kitchen one day in north London and the police later discovered a man whose garden backed onto hers was breeding them for fighting, so I do not think this is an irrational fear! This is all in the last 18 months, by the way.
-
yummymummy
- Posts: 58
- Joined: 29 Oct 2007 15:55
- Location: Sydenham
Dogs
I am a lover of Dogs and all animals.
I have taught my daughter never to approach any dog without first asking the owner! despite this my daughter was biten over the weekend. Thankfully it was very minor and only scratched the suface of her skin, but it could have easily been a lot worse. My point is that despite the owners of the dog being responsible adults, the dog was not a staff or similar, the dog had never biten before and was thought to be safe with children he still bit my child for no reason while another child stroked him! (admitted by the owner!). a stark warning no dog is a safe dog. Who knows why they suddenly turn. this is a lesson I have learnt and my children will never approach a dog again (even with permission from the owner). I really hope that the incident doesn't mean my daughter is scared of dogs for life but no dog can be fully trusted!
I have taught my daughter never to approach any dog without first asking the owner! despite this my daughter was biten over the weekend. Thankfully it was very minor and only scratched the suface of her skin, but it could have easily been a lot worse. My point is that despite the owners of the dog being responsible adults, the dog was not a staff or similar, the dog had never biten before and was thought to be safe with children he still bit my child for no reason while another child stroked him! (admitted by the owner!). a stark warning no dog is a safe dog. Who knows why they suddenly turn. this is a lesson I have learnt and my children will never approach a dog again (even with permission from the owner). I really hope that the incident doesn't mean my daughter is scared of dogs for life but no dog can be fully trusted!
Hey can I join in please?
I have noticed a new teenage show-off, better than those horrid sounding mobile tones, silly batty pants, or designer knock-offs:-
Recently I have come across a few occasions whilst driving, young men letting their dog walk 2 - 3 steps ahead off-lead, un-muzzled and across roads with moving traffic.
I remember a neighbour once had a Staffie. He too "trained" his dog in his way. It was made to pull a car tyre tied by rope. It was walked with a lead though...lol...In fact it had a H U G E harness and a large chunky chain!
It's the dogs I feel sorry for.
We used to have animals perform in the circus. When I was a kid I found them great entertainment. They were since all banned as animals were often ill-treated. I remember at the time I was fairly upset about it and thought the newer circus' were boring. But as I became more aware, I can fully appreciate why.
Dogs should be trained properly. Owners should sit a course I reckon. Their homes should be properly vetted.
......But then it seems people have trouble teaching their own children respect and how to behave in public. Nothing is taught properly thesedays, so I am hardly surprised.
(sorry for going slightly off-topic)
Jim
I have noticed a new teenage show-off, better than those horrid sounding mobile tones, silly batty pants, or designer knock-offs:-
Recently I have come across a few occasions whilst driving, young men letting their dog walk 2 - 3 steps ahead off-lead, un-muzzled and across roads with moving traffic.
I remember a neighbour once had a Staffie. He too "trained" his dog in his way. It was made to pull a car tyre tied by rope. It was walked with a lead though...lol...In fact it had a H U G E harness and a large chunky chain!
It's the dogs I feel sorry for.
We used to have animals perform in the circus. When I was a kid I found them great entertainment. They were since all banned as animals were often ill-treated. I remember at the time I was fairly upset about it and thought the newer circus' were boring. But as I became more aware, I can fully appreciate why.
Dogs should be trained properly. Owners should sit a course I reckon. Their homes should be properly vetted.
......But then it seems people have trouble teaching their own children respect and how to behave in public. Nothing is taught properly thesedays, so I am hardly surprised.
(sorry for going slightly off-topic)
Jim
I have to say as a dog owner it even makes me scared to walk with my little dog on the street, she is always on a leash...but it happened many times i am walking in a park and a dog (from Jack Russel to Staff) runs to my dog and grab her...one day that will go seriously wrong! While I am fuming at the owners of the dog all they can do is standing there like a sheep or stupidly laughing it off...that really disgusts me!!!!
Most people might say it is in a dogs nature, but if your dog can't stand other dogs / people or feel the urge to attack...please keep them on a leash and let them behave...
I honestly feel sorry for the dogs that are being trained to become a "fighter" ... the owners are to blame for everything!!!!
Most people might say it is in a dogs nature, but if your dog can't stand other dogs / people or feel the urge to attack...please keep them on a leash and let them behave...
I honestly feel sorry for the dogs that are being trained to become a "fighter" ... the owners are to blame for everything!!!!
Sorry to here about some off your stories.
But I had a staff and they are not all VILOENT dogs. Mine was good natured and if you bring them up right they treat peole and other dogs well. (if you no what i mean).
I does get to me that people judge staff that they should be mussed etc but i no people with jack russells, terrirs that are just as spitfull with there bite.
I agree that some of the owners are to blame when it comes to breading them to fight what do you expect when they turn on people.
Please don't judge all staff as mine would not hurt a fly and others that i no the same they are good dogs to have around the house as the protct you and they are good around children as long as they don't crowd them when they are eating.
I no i have gone on but i upset to read what some people say about these dogs.
But I had a staff and they are not all VILOENT dogs. Mine was good natured and if you bring them up right they treat peole and other dogs well. (if you no what i mean).
I does get to me that people judge staff that they should be mussed etc but i no people with jack russells, terrirs that are just as spitfull with there bite.
I agree that some of the owners are to blame when it comes to breading them to fight what do you expect when they turn on people.
Please don't judge all staff as mine would not hurt a fly and others that i no the same they are good dogs to have around the house as the protct you and they are good around children as long as they don't crowd them when they are eating.
I no i have gone on but i upset to read what some people say about these dogs.
I fostered a staffie for a few months last year. He hasn't been socialised as a puppy, and wasn't good around other dogs. So he stayed on a short lead and harness at all times in public.
he loved - and i mean lived for - chewing on huge logs and branches that had fallen to the ground. It wasn't something he'd be trained to do, he just wanted to do it.
Because I wanted him to enjoy his life (and what's wrong with dogs having fun too?), that obviously meant no muzzle. The compromise was that I only let him play in very quiet areas, well away from other dogs and their owners.
It wasn't hard to sort out an arrangement that suited me, him and other dog owners. I just wish other staffie owners would be a bit more thoughtful about what they've taken on sometimes - then there'd be less need for foster carers like me.
he loved - and i mean lived for - chewing on huge logs and branches that had fallen to the ground. It wasn't something he'd be trained to do, he just wanted to do it.
Because I wanted him to enjoy his life (and what's wrong with dogs having fun too?), that obviously meant no muzzle. The compromise was that I only let him play in very quiet areas, well away from other dogs and their owners.
It wasn't hard to sort out an arrangement that suited me, him and other dog owners. I just wish other staffie owners would be a bit more thoughtful about what they've taken on sometimes - then there'd be less need for foster carers like me.
Wasnt sure where to post this but just witnessed (ten mins ago) a slim female walking a brown and white staff cross (on a lead) and another black and white off a lead let her dog sh@t on the curbside of Wiverton Road and make no attempt to clean it up. What is wrong with these people? Dog poo can cause blindness in small children, it is not a joke.....
I eyeballed her (yes this is me!) - I am usually not scared by Sydenham or it's residents to verbally challenge such outragous behaviour but unfortunately I must confess that I let you all down and let it slide. Knackered after a long day is my only excuse. I dont think I could have coped with the inevitable verbal abuse that would have followed and the risk that the dogs she was walking wouldnt defend her as they are naturally predispositioned to do.
It does seem to me that the owners are to blame but I cant say I really care anymore. I am that bored of dancing around dog poo on my way to work that I would support any reduction in the number of dogs that are deemed dangerous or uncared for. The dangerous do seem to be becoming a status symbol for those undesirables who will not take care of them properly. Most do not even have gardens big enough to provide adequate homes for these animals.
The 80+ year old on my street, despite a hunched back, picks up her dogs poo.
Sorry, rant over.
I eyeballed her (yes this is me!) - I am usually not scared by Sydenham or it's residents to verbally challenge such outragous behaviour but unfortunately I must confess that I let you all down and let it slide. Knackered after a long day is my only excuse. I dont think I could have coped with the inevitable verbal abuse that would have followed and the risk that the dogs she was walking wouldnt defend her as they are naturally predispositioned to do.
It does seem to me that the owners are to blame but I cant say I really care anymore. I am that bored of dancing around dog poo on my way to work that I would support any reduction in the number of dogs that are deemed dangerous or uncared for. The dangerous do seem to be becoming a status symbol for those undesirables who will not take care of them properly. Most do not even have gardens big enough to provide adequate homes for these animals.
The 80+ year old on my street, despite a hunched back, picks up her dogs poo.
Sorry, rant over.
This is going to sound terribly un PC but there are an awful lot of bull terriers owned by, what one might term, "hoodies" hanging around Sydenham station unmuzzled and without a lead.
I make no apology for jumping to the conclusion that increasing numbers of these dogs must be being bought for "street cred". As has been mentioned before, it is not the dogs who are at fault but the owners.
I make no apology for jumping to the conclusion that increasing numbers of these dogs must be being bought for "street cred". As has been mentioned before, it is not the dogs who are at fault but the owners.