Thread: Children mauled by dogs.

Pet Ownership In Australia

• 12 million Australians are associated with pets.
• 63% of the 7.5 million households in Australia own pets.
• Australia has one of the highest incidence of pet ownership in the world.
• Typically, the major carer of the pet is female, married with children, living in the suburbs and most likely employed.
• 91% of pet owners report feeling 'very close' to their pet, reinforcing that pets are an integral member of the family unit, however constituted.
• Pets were a normal part of childhood for more than 83% of Australians.
• Of the Australians who do not currently own a pet, 53% would like to do so in the future.

Over 3.7 million dogs alone as pets......a very sad situation....but ultimately comes down to the owner. I have a 1 yr old German Shepherd, beautiful nature, have grown up with them my whole life. If you know German Shepherds ( not Alsations....thats the yank word for them), they do not mature till they are around 3-4 yrs old, so are very boisterous. I would not leave my young children with him...or my previous shepherds...unless I was around. Its just commonsense....even moreso if the dog doesn't have experience with children.

As for the comments re: some breeds of dogs, the purpose of the stats above taken in 2005 is that considering the amount of pet/ dog ownership the level of incidences are relatively low....as most people are responsible. This is irrespective of breed, size of dog, personal opinion etc. Naturally some breeds have tendencies over others, Max right now is a playful puppy but very strong protective instincts and will alert as someone steps onto our property. When the older kids are playing outside, he can still be a pain being so enthusiastic...but where ever they go...he goes....herding and protection.

People do forget that dogs are animals...they are not humans/ children nor should they be treated as such. Even SWMBO on occasion when we have had a big storm has said we should bring them inside. I tell her no...they are animals...there ancestors would have to find cover....so can ours. As sad as this is...hopefully it will serve as a warning....to everyone and anyone...not just those with preconceived thoughts on the type or area a person happens to live in ( this is Australia not the UK), that we may love our pets but they were born from a wild place and that needs to be remembered,

Regards

Stevo

Quote:
Originally Posted by lardy
if you are up for the challenge a dry finger up the ring would stop most dogs ......bit nutty but !!!!



Now only a rugby league player would know that !!!!!

Hey Stevo - are you a league player ????

Pass.........not up for that much of a challenge ...and no mate...though did play union when I was younger....much younger ,

Regards

Stevo

Let's just say not all kids are as sqeaky clean as their parents make out when these things happen......................Mum angry at dog decision - New Zealand news on Stuff.co.nz

Originally Posted by taff

another idiotic statement from someone who obviously thinks he is better than others but judging by the job that he does is just an underpayed working class-er like the majority but with a lot of prejudice.

For some years before retirement I was a senior field officer of the DSS investigating fraud, misrepresentation and non-compliance. I do know what I am talking about and if you have not done the job, met the people, you do not. I said ONE of the indicators was the presence of man eating dogs. There were others.

Originally Posted by jimbo110

Let's just say not all kids are as sqeaky clean as their parents make out when these things happen......................Mum angry at dog decision - New Zealand news on Stuff.co.nz

Thanks for the link mate.

Jesus that ****es me off - why do parents allow their kids to act like that?

The kid squashed the dogs balls once, the dog didn't attack.

The kid squashed 'em again and got bitten.


I'd say that was one more chance than he deserved! The dog? "Good boy!"

Originally Posted by stevo68

People do forget that dogs are animals...they are not humans/ children nor should they be treated as such. Even SWMBO on occasion when we have had a big storm has said we should bring them inside. I tell her no...they are animals...there ancestors would have to find cover....so can ours. As sad as this is...hopefully it will serve as a warning....to everyone and anyone...not just those with preconceived thoughts on the type or area a person happens to live in ( this is Australia not the UK), that we may love our pets but they were born from a wild place and that needs to be remembered,

Regards

Stevo

Dogs are animals but I think you do not understand how domesticated dogs relate to humans.
Domesticated dogs are not wild animals they were not born in the wild. They are dependent on humans for their needs and have been for thousands of years.
They are still however pack animals and you must be the pack leader. If your dog is not with you you have excluded it from the pack. This is why dogs want to come inside. There is nothing wrong with a dog inside, it will feel part of the pack. Then putting it out can be used as chastisment. It is also why (if you have established pack leader status) your dog will be pleased to see you when you go outside to him and why he has a desire to please you.
If you do not include a dog in your pack they may find/form another pack.

Originally Posted by jimbo110

Let's just say not all kids are as sqeaky clean as their parents make out when these things happen......................Mum angry at dog decision - New Zealand news on Stuff.co.nz

That Kid hould be nominated for a darwin award.

Parent takes no responsability; "my little darling wouldn't do anthing like that"

Quote:
Originally Posted by stevo68
People do forget that dogs are animals...they are not humans/ children nor should they be treated as such. Even SWMBO on occasion when we have had a big storm has said we should bring them inside. I tell her no...they are animals...there ancestors would have to find cover....so can ours. As sad as this is...hopefully it will serve as a warning....to everyone and anyone...not just those with preconceived thoughts on the type or area a person happens to live in ( this is Australia not the UK), that we may love our pets but they were born from a wild place and that needs to be remembered,

Regards

Stevo

Dogs are animals but I think you do not understand how domesticated dogs relate to humans.
Domesticated dogs are not wild animals they were not born in the wild. They are dependent on humans for their needs and have been for thousands of years.
They are still however pack animals and you must be the pack leader. If your dog is not with you you have excluded it from the pack. This is why dogs want to come inside. There is nothing wrong with a dog inside, it will feel part of the pack. Then putting it out can be used as chastisment. It is also why (if you have established pack leader status) your dog will be pleased to see you when you go outside to him and why he has a desire to please you.
If you do not include a dog in your pack they may find/form another pack.

Not going to get into a debate as have no professional experience in this area....only laymans experience of having had GSD's for over 30 yrs. Domesticated dogs are only a heart beat away from their original wild form. I can go outside and see my GSD and SWMBO'ds retriever play fighting but in such a manner you would think it was their wild ancestors.

The unfortunate instant that lead to this thread...where domesticated dogs became a pack and killed a child. Domesticated dogs that kill stock and in some cases go feral and breed. Despite 1000's of years of domestication......their lineage is close by.

In terms of pack mentalities, watch a doco on wolves, there is a hierarchy....just cause the top leader gets to do things...doesnt mean the rest of the pack does....that can be sleeping arrangements, food, shelter etc. I establish leader very early, especially with male GSD's as they are a one man dog and will test the boundaries when they can.

As said I am just going on personal experience and what I have learnt from breeders and vets when it comes to dogs. Just as we live in a civilised society.....we can go to war and kill to protect our land, our women and children...not unlike our ancestors from 100's and 1000's of years ago. Those primal instincts remain,

Regards

Stevo