Tag: Dog Breeds

‘Why Penalise All Pet Parents For The Fault Of A Few Bad Apples?’

By LokMarg

Tushar Srivastava, a pet parent, says a blanket ban on supposedly ferocious dog breeds is akin to throwing baby out with the bathwater. His views:

As a devoted parent to a Rottweiler, lovingly called Gabbar, the recent ban on 23 dog breeds has left me deeply troubled. This blanket prohibition not only unfairly targets responsible pet owners but also promotes misconceptions about certain breeds, casting a shadow on the future of canine companionship. As I am trying to recover through all-round stigmatization and prejudice against select pets, I implore society to reconsider its approach to our furry companions.

This ban not only penalizes responsible pet parents like me but also threatens to erase these majestic creatures from our communities. It is heartbreaking to witness the misguided belief that banning breeds will solve behavioral issues, as it neglects the root cause of canine misbehavior and neglects the responsibility of owners. Such an approach is akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

The imposition of fines on pet owners whose dogs misbehave is a reasonable measure to encourage responsible pet ownership. However, banning entire breeds only serves to perpetuate fear and discrimination. It is akin to punishing an entire classroom for the actions of a few disruptive students. Instead, we should focus on education, training, and support for pet owners to foster positive relationships between dogs and their communities.

We must encourage our children to form meaningful bonds with dogs

Moreover, the notion that certain breeds are inherently dangerous is not only scientifically unfounded but also unjust. Rottweilers, like any other breed, thrive in loving environments with proper socialization and training. They are not born aggressive; rather, aggression is often a result of neglect, abuse, or lack of socialization. By condemning entire breeds, we risk endorsing stereotypes and depriving our future generations of the joy of canine companionship.

ALSO READ: ‘Don’t Judge A Pitbull By One Stray Incident’

As a dog parent, I refuse to let fear dictate my love for the furry companions. My Rottweiler is not a threat to society; he is a beloved member of my family, showering us with unwavering loyalty and affection. He deserves to be judged based on his individual temperament and behavior, not on misguided perceptions of its breed.

Furthermore, the consequences of a blanket breed ban extend far beyond the realm of pet ownership. By prohibiting certain breeds, we send a message to future generations that dogs are to be feared and avoided rather than being embraced as loving buddies. We risk depriving children of the opportunity to form meaningful bonds with these incredible animals and instead perpetuate a culture of fear and mistrust.

Instead of resorting to draconian measures, let us work together to promote responsible pet ownership and create communities where all dogs are welcome. This includes providing resources for training and socialization, implementing stricter penalties for irresponsible owners, and challenging harmful stereotypes about certain breeds.

In conclusion, the recent ban on 23 dog breeds is not only unjust but also counterproductive. As a Rottweiler parent, I urge society to reconsider its approach to pet policies and embrace a more compassionate and rational approach. Let us not condemn entire breeds based on fear and prejudice but instead celebrate the diversity and beauty of our canine companions.

Together, we can build communities where all dogs, regardless of breed, are valued and cherished members of society.

As told to Deepti Sharma

‘Don’t Judge A Pit Bull By One Stray Incident’

By LokMarg

Amita Sinha, 38, a homemaker at Greater Noida and a proud Pit Bull parent, counters the demonization of the breed after a freak Lucknow death involving a pet

I was first shocked to read about the horrifying incident in Lucknow where a pet Pit Bull attacked its 83-year old owner, who died due to excessive blood loss and delay in treatment. Even more heart-breaking was the reaction of several dog owners in the city, as reported by the media, that many Pit Bulls in the city were being abandoned by their families after the incident.

I am a Pit Bull parent myself and I can vouch for the breed as one of most trustworthy dogs on this planet. I have a four-year-old girl who plays with my dog Bella all the time. Bella, a Pit Bull, is powerful, energetic but docile and friendly to children around her.

The problem lies not with the Pit Bull but those owners who fail to understand the needs for proper raising of their pets. I often see people getting Pit Bulls as status symbol, one that would instil fear among others. Pit Bull is essentially a guard dog. It fits into this role for its loyalty and muscular build.

Different breeds have different needs. Pit Bulls need to be socialized at an early age. They need to be taught to behave properly in front of children and act gently around them. Unlike Labradors and Golden Retrieves, Pit Bulls and related breeds need more workout every day. They need additional socialisation, more training and better attention during early years. They are very intelligent, and once trained properly, they can even become Nanny Dogs for young children.

Sinha feels a pet owner must act as a responsible parent

Every prospective pet owner needs to understand the breed specifications before adopting one. Pit Bulls need frequent exercise and strenuous workouts for the release of their inward energy. The bottled-up energy could lead to frustration and aggression in their behaviour. If a person is not able to take the dog for a walk every day, it is like forcing the pet into depression.

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We must realise that adopting a dog is a responsibility. It is the owner’s duty to realise the needs to their pets and turn them into social, loving domesticated beings. It’s impossible for a dog to turn aggressive if it has been taken care of its needs properly.

Keeping the dog chained or locked inside a home, like what seemingly happened in the Lucknow case, will not make one a good dog parent. Loving a dog is one thing, understanding their needs is quite another, and more important.

There is a difference between all dog breeds. Let’s not confuse one to another. Pit Bulls are strong guard dogs but can be a fantastic family pet for apartment dwellers. There are a series of videos on social media about training of Pit Bulls. I would advise all Pit Bull parents to watch these and learn the ropes.

Don’t judge the dog breed by a couple of stray incidents; we need to get to the bottom of the problem. Pit Bulls are not status symbol, they loving strong creatures who need attention, training and socialising.

As told to Deepti Sharma