close call with snarling "pit bull-Akita mix" in Alamos Heights (Alamo Heights: pictures, market)

[buffy888]

The American Humane Association stated last year that techniques used by the Dog Whisperer are "inhumane, outdated and improper." Before moving to S.A., I volunteered at our local Humane Society for several years and our animal behaviorists - as well as many visiting guest speakers, researchers, etc. - all said pretty much the same thing. They just feel there are better ways to train dogs (ways to get the point across without verging on violence)...

However, it was posted above that Cesar mentioned that keeping a dog tethered makes dogs neurotic and angry. I do definitely agree with that. When dogs are tethered, that area becomes dog's new den/cave (even if it is outside in the open air) and they do feel a responsibility to defend it. Animals that are tied up tend to be undersocialized and to develop habits such as escaping, digging, constant barking, etc. (Others become listless and seem to just "give up.")

Gennaver, sorry to hear this happened to you.

[TexasNick]

Lets see, how would you feel if you were tied up to a chain all day in a room? That's a good point about what Cesar said...like that show.

[goodmanm]

I like the show as well. When I read the comment above from the humane society I thought to myself "I don't recall seeing that". Did some googling and in fact I did. This press release described what happened.

They stated that several instances of inhumane treatment were noted but only described two.

The first instance was using a rope around the neck and pulling up on it then pinning it to the ground by the neck. From what I recall seeing the dog did all the work with the rope he simply held firm on it. Everytime he has laid hands on a dog he's always explained that he's not hurting them, he's just emulating what a dominant dog would do. Its never appeared to me that he's hurt them.

The second was the use of a shock collar. Why are they singling just Cesar out? You can buy them from any pet store.

I enjoy watching Cesar. His techniques work with the extremely aggressive and neurotic dogs he deals with on the show, and he's never said that doing the alpha roll or his other more aggressive techniques should be repeated by the untrained. About the only technique of his I use with my dog is making him sit before I put his food bowl down, but then my dog's general response to anything he doesn't want to do is to roll over on his back and play dead, so an alpha roll really wouldn't do any good!

And yes, shock collars are available pretty much everywhere. One thing they note on the show is that Cesar doesn't provide new equipment in most cases - he uses the owner's existing equipment and then sometimes makes suggestions about alternatives. I saw him use the owner's provided pinch collar on a dog, and he mentioned to the camera that he wasn't a big fan of them and he would discuss alternatives with the owner. I bet the shock collar was a similar situation.

[MPACH]

Hello Chicago!! Sorry you had to experience a run in with the snarling dog!! I hope you have your wits about you again. That can truly be a scary experience. I have to agree with many of the respondents to your posting. The true blame lies in the ands of the owner. I hope you had the courage to return to the residence and complain to the owner. For, only he/she is truly the person who could prevent that incident from happening again. They may not know their dog is running loose putting fear into those of us who like to get out and enjoy a nice walk. My wife (a local veterinarian) and I a Federal Wildlife Biologist are owners of a neutered male PitBull. We have taken special pracautions to ensure that our, albeit powerful, dog does not have the option of running loose. He is either supervised (Dog Whisperer Style) or is in an area where he doesn't have an option to run loose in the neighborhood. I also make it a point to socialize him so that people are a good thing for him to experience. Knowledge and experience pay great dividends when dealing with something you don't understand. Yes pitbulls make the media quite a bit but so do DRUNK DRIVERS and we all know that people who choose to drink alcohol are not all murderers. All pitbulls are not all mean mauling machines. By the way what happened to talking about the Akita. I believe you mentioned the dog was an Akita/Pitbull mix? The Akita is also a fighting dog that has been banned from several cities. Funny how the pitbull took precedence. Best wishes on your future encounters with dogs when you are walking. Always be aware, let someone kno w where you are going and always carry your cell phone. Oh and yes carry a stick and don't be afraid to use it!

[delia08]

Originally Posted by wCat

I have to agree that the owner is responsible. But, Pit Bulls are aggressive dogs

Not all pit bulls are agressive.That is one thing that alot of people do not understand.It's all about training and upbringing.chances are the owners of those dogs do not know how to train a bully dog.

i have 4 pits and they are easy going/get along with all animals and people.its my poodle that is the terror!

actually, pits(if raised right) are excellent with children and will protect them if feel threatned.

[Cookiemeister]

Well, I would have stopped to help if I saw someone being attacked by a dog... I think most people would or I like to think that most people would. She could have stopped the car and let you get inside or if she was afraid to open the door because of the dogs she could have told you to get on top of the car... then she could have honked the horn to run the dogs off and signal to neighbors for help. Do you think a stick will deter an aggressive dog? Any other safety measures when walking? And why are there so many pit bulls running around free? The pound is 98% pit bulls.

[sapphire]

Originally Posted by Cookiemeister

Well, I would have stopped to help if I saw someone being attacked by a dog... I think most people would or I like to think that most people would. She could have stopped the car and let you get inside or if she was afraid to open the door because of the dogs she could have told you to get on top of the car... then she could have honked the horn to run the dogs off and signal to neighbors for help. Do you think a stick will deter an aggressive dog? Any other safety measures when walking? And why are there so many pit bulls running around free? The pound is 98% pit bulls.

If I'm carrying the stick, yes, it will deter an aggressive dog. I am not talking about a twig here. I can't believe you haven't seen people walking with a stick for protection. What protective measures do you take for yourself when walking?

I'd like to think I would have stopped to help, too. But the reality is, the lady in the SUV was scared of this woman running aggressively toward her vehicle, and probably figured her only way to safety was to leave the scene as fast as possible. It happens. Self-preservation is completely natural.

[BenjaminNicholas]

I've dealt with many a 'snarling pit bull' in Alamo Heights, but they're usually the old society biddies at the Central Market... They ALWAYS seem to get that last bottle of Viader Cab Franc right out from under me!

I find a stun gun works well. Either that, or naked pictures of Robert Wagner. The pictures are always harder to get this time of year.



BN

[delia08]

Originally Posted by sapphire

If I'm carrying the stick, yes, it will deter an aggressive dog. I am not talking about a twig here. I can't believe you haven't seen people walking with a stick for protection. What protective measures do you take for yourself when walking?

Have you ever seen an agressive dog in motion before? Many people would think a stick would be wise to use, but it will not fase an attacking dog one bit.(plus pits have a higher pain tolerance so it would probably just **** him/her off even more)

Iv'e witnessed a few attacks one main one with rotts.Four rotts attacked a chicken coup and NOTHING would get them off.Not sticks, rocks,chairs,beating the dog etc.

The only thing Iv'e ever actually seen that helped someone get off a attacking dog is pepper spray.This lady sprayed the dogs eyes and ran away while the dog stayed trying to get the stuff out of it's eyes.

Be aware of your surroundings.If you see a dog then walk the other way.
Pretty scary stuff.