QUOTE (spartacus @ Jul 28 2009, 01:37 PM)
The 'Gentlemans Champion' tag is one you'll find on the bull terrier owners club website....
http://www.thebullterrierclub.com/Pretty much everywhere else accepts that it was originally bred for fighting. Bulls especially may get a little nervous around them (The clue's in the name...) Strong head, muzzle and jaw, with a powerful set of shoulders thrown in for good measure. Favoured method of attack was to grab the bulls top lip or nose and not let go
http://www.bulldoginformation.com/bull-baiting.htmlI accept dogs may need training for socialising if they are constantly around animals (farm dogs, or dogs around stables.) But socialising just so you can run it off the lead in the country and hope it doesn’t run off into the sunset chasing after the nearest rider out on a hack is something else. It’s called ‘controlling your dog’ isn’t it?
Try “heel!” or “Stay Piglet!” instead? Or use a long leash.
(Andrea….my tongue is partly in my cheek, but my daughter was also bitten by a dog when she was a toddler (still bears the scars on her calf to this day) so I’m not their biggest fan)
Yes you're right, they were used for bull baiting. But this was not why they were bred. They were ORIGINALLY bred to be the Gentlemans Companion.
I don't mean to be rude with this next statement, but did you actually read my original post? I said that we are seeing a dog trainer who will be able to help with the recall and to get her to be not so excited around animals.
I really am sorry that your daughter was bitten by a dog as a toddler and in no way am I trying to be nasty and hurt you at all. But that just shows that your views on this matter are revolved around this incident. You obviously have issues with dogs, and it's a shame you refuse to look passed that one incident. Most Dogs are a joy and it's only a select few that tarnish them. The lady who used to walk Piglet before we moved was extremely wary of walking Piglet as several years ago she was attacked by an unstable EBT, although she did walk Piglet for several months. In the end she came to like Piglet and I feel she has over come at least some of her fear of dogs. Maybe you should try spending some time with various dogs to get a feel for dogs. I sure hope your daughter doesn't have a fear of dogs. I remember having this conversation with AmieB (I'm pretty sure it was her - Where is she anyway?!) and she had a fear of dogs being around her child. Fears are unhealthy! It's for your own good and your daughters good to try your best to over come them.
I will finish this post by repeating myself - Unless you have owned an EBT from a puppy, then you have no say in their charactoristics. Most of the things you read are focused around dogs that have been TRAINED to be aggressive. It's a shame you never hear about the good things dogs do.