I am really sad right now):

[dainerra]

I agree. It's all in the people. Yes, most dogs can be trained to not attack small animals. Those that can be trained can be managed. It doesn't sound like these owners are willing to do either.

This is very much an instance of that

 

[xchairity_casex]

Quote:
exactly all dogs do have natural prey drive and they always will its a matter of trianing your dog self control and allowing them other outlets for there energy takeing them for walks,playing ball or frisbee with them, giving them mental challenges ect

prey drive is natural so is not allowing your dog to attack everything that moves. if a pack of dogs in the wild were to not listen to there leader and just take off after every prey animal it wanted to the entire pack of dogs would go hungry becuase each dog would be off on tis own after a rabbit or a squirrel instead of paying attention to the pack leader about what animals to go after.

 

[Redyre Rotties]

I am not much on pack leader theory, but proper confinement of dogs, and good socialization and training is very important. It is my job to be responsible for my dogs and their own safety and wellbeing. Part of this is ensuring that they are safely confined, and well equipped to be good canine citizens when out in public with me.

 

[Alicia G]

I agree with you Redyre. Dogs are a predator animal, which means they have the instinct to kill prey. IF a dog is properly trained, this can be worked around. But only if the OWNERS are willing to do what should be done. I love Pitbulls my self, had many in the past, and they were all great animals. But they, like any breed of dog, needs discipline and proper training. I would suggest to your friend to either A) have a talk with the owner B) Put up a fenced in area and/or C) call the proper authorities about these dogs being loose. If the owners wish to be irresponsible, then they should have to deal with the consequences. IMO

 

[xchairity_casex]

well i just used pack leader theory becuase of how many people say "well its natural its natural just like wolves dogs are just like wolves" i say no dogs are not wolves and should not be treated as such but if people want to look at it like that and see dogs attack prey as being natural behavior "just like wolves" then they should also acknowledge a wolves main behavior of pack leaders and taking control but oh no for some reason THATS unnatural
only becuase the owners dont WANT to deal with the work thats involved in training and controling there dogs:/

 

[Redyre Rotties]

Quote:
Huh?

 

[xchairity_casex]

Quote:
Huh?

LOL sorry im a bit confuseing to people sometiems!

people who allow there dogs to attack smaller animals say its ok becuase its a "natural behavior" like wolves.
so i say going by that its also natural to ask your dog to NOT attack another animal becuase thats also natural (according to there therories that dogs are just like wolves which i disagree) but becuase training your dog self control is "work" they wont do it and refuse to acknowledge that wolves have pack leaders saying that that is un natural

 

[luvinmychickens]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Redyre Rotties]

I'm sorry, I don't know any people who would think or say it was "ok" for their dogs to attack small animals unless they are hunting dogs bred to do so in the field.

 

[dainerra]

Redeye, it's an excuse lazy people give for not training their dogs. Kind of like the parenting theory that you should never tell a child "no" lest you stifle their creativity or damage their fragile egos.