NJ elections - dog owners beware!

If you live in NJ check this list out to see a list of those running for office.
Those in favor of the animal rights agenda are not in favor of dog ownership or dogs in general. They seek to remove our rights to own dogs one bill and legislation at a time.
I urge you to vote those approved by SAOVA. The SAOVA approved are opposed to PETA and HSUS legislation and those bought by animal (deplorable) welfare groups.

Remember, PETA and HSUS have been supported by unsuspecting loving dog owners who have paid millions for the lobbyists who now try and remove dogs from loving homes via legislative bills.

http://saova.org/2008/NewJersey08.html

Animal laws around the US.

Here are new lists of proposed an newly enacted animals laws around our U.S.A.

Read and weep for what was and were our animals lives are going.

http://monthlynationallegislationreport.blogspot.com/

News facts or sensationalisim

The views expressed in these blog posts are those of the author and not of the Chicago Sun-Times.

No Kill Blog

Nathan J. Winograd is the Director of the national No Kill Advocacy Center. He is a graduate of Stanford Law School, an author, and is a frequent media spokesperson on animal sheltering issues.

Do Pit Bulls Get a Bad Rap?

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Do Pit Bulls get a bad rap? The question is, of course, rhetorical.

In a recent Seattle case, a local television news story ran the headline: “School Plumbers Save Girl From Pit Bull Attack.”

The story opened with a vivid and frightening image: “A 9-year-old girl was on the playground at Lafayette Elementary School when a pit bull attacked her. She was bruised and sore, but not seriously hurt thanks to two men who bravely stepped in to save her.”

At the risk of being pedantic, let’s break that out:

1. A Pit Bull
2. Attacked
3. The Girl needed to be saved
4. If she had not been saved, she would have been seriously hurt.

Before reading further, imagine the horrific scene as described.

But is that what actually happened? According to police reports, a 9-year-old girl was playing on the school's playground when a brown-and-white pit bull puppy "was playing with her shoelace and accidentally bit her left ankle.” The pit bull puppy, which was not aggressive and sitting on the playground when police arrived, was taken by a Seattle Animal Shelter officer.

Let’s break that out:

1. A puppy
2. Played with her shoelaces
3. In trying to grab the shoelaces with his mouth, he got skin
4. The puppy was not aggressive
5. When police arrived, the puppy was just sitting on the playground.

The reality and the false image created could not be more striking. But it is not an aberration.

In a separate incident indicative of this bias, results of temperament testing on a puppy in Portland’s (OR) animal control system showed the following:

1. The puppy was easy to leash from the kennel
2. Tail and “whole rear end” were wagging
3. Gets playful
4. Readily approaches everyone in a friendly manner
5. Readily approaches handler in a friendly manner
6. No guarding seen when back is petted
7. No guarding seen when ears are checked
8. No guarding seen when food bowl is removed
9. General mouthiness and whirls around when tail is stroked
10. General mouthiness and gets excited when two front paws are picked up
11. Allows teeth exam (mild struggle)
12. Allows exam and interested in attention during whole body hug

The puppy was killed for aggression—consistent with the fact that the agency kills the vast majority of all Pit Bulls by similarly labeling them as “unadoptable” after temperament testing, a de facto ban on the breed.

At the Philadelphia Animal Care & Control Association during my visit several years ago, staff had determined that a “Pit Bull puppy” needed to be killed for “food aggression.” Put aside the fact that the dog turned out to be a two-year old Boston Terrier mix. The dog was only 8 pounds, severely malnourished and was hungry. After I intervened, the dog was adopted. His adopter sent the following several weeks later:

He is now 23 pounds-–he gained 15 pounds in 5 weeks, and he could probably stand to gain 1 or 2 more pounds. He no longer walks on his joints, his malnourished legs couldn't hold him up before and he was walking totally improperly. Now he stands tall.

Pit Bull advocates have long believed that this type of reporting and results are the result of breed stereotypes. And with the nation’s self-proclaimed “experts” feeding fuel to the fire, the deck appears stacked against them.

Now, a recent study published last month by a team from the University of Pennsylvania supports this point of view. According to the team of researchers, “Information on breed-specific aggressiveness derived from such sources may be misleading due to … the existence of breed stereotypes.”

The Pennsylvania study surveyed more than 30 breeds of dogs. According to the study’s authors, the most aggressive breeds of dogs in terms of aggression to people were Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies in that order. However, before we develop irrational fears of these breeds, those results showed levels of aggression in dogs were generally at less than 10% of all dogs and included even minor “nips” of the owner no matter how insignificant or what the trigger was. The study is also very problematic for other reasons and it is doubtful that Dachsunds, Beagles, and other breeds are worthy of the distinction.

Nonetheless, the incident rates are consistent with progressive shelters nationwide; proving that the vast majority of dogs—including Pit Bulls—are friendly. In Tompkins County, NY, the open admission animal shelter found that roughly 92-93% of all dogs were not aggressive to kids, cats, or dogs and therefore safe to be adopted (the number was slightly lower at 86% if you isolate Pit Bulls as a breed, but that still represents roughly nine out of ten dogs).

This outcome has also been confirmed by the American Temperament Test results which gave the three breeds typically identified as Pit Bulls—American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier—a combined pass rate of 86.6%, higher than the Golden Retriever.

As I have said before, if we take this as a representative sample of dogs in society, then we do not have either an epidemic or even a significant problem of dangerous dogs in the United States that would justify a further clamp-down of Pit Bulls (or any dogs for that matter). If, on the other hand, we take dogs who enter shelters to be at higher risk of aggression (say, for the sake of argument, we can show that they have less training, spend more time isolated outdoors, have less care than dogs who do not enter shelters), then the situation is actually of less concern since we would expect to see more aggression in shelter dogs than dogs who live with their families their whole lives. And given that 93% of shelter dogs are friendly to kids, cats and dogs—the number is higher if we just isolate aggression to people (about 96-97%)—the fear-based hysteria of dangerous dogs and Pit Bulls becomes demonstrably false. On top of this, the vast majority of the remainder will never bite.

What is true, however, is that public health authorities, dog bite lawyers, legislators, animal control shelters, police departments, humane societies, and even national animal welfare groups argue that millions of people are bitten every year by dogs. Some of these groups call for a ban on certain breeds, others claim we need to teach or enforce “responsible pet ownership;” others seek more and tougher laws. But just because they say it is so doesn’t make it so.

And while our hearts go out to the victims of serious dog bite attacks, there is little in the way of evidence that more regulation, more laws, further crackdowns on dogs is justified as a way to prevent these. At the end of the day, the vast majority of Pit Bulls are friendly and will never act aggressively, dogs are already heavily regulated, and there is little by way of additional public policy initiatives (e.g., legislation) that is needed in trying to prevent a “dog bite epidemic” that simply does not exist.

Animal protection groups should stop focusing on this type of fear-based advocacy, stop perpetuating myths, and start educating the public about the truth regarding the dogs they theoretically exist to protect, who they fundraise off of, and who they claim they are working to save. It is not the job of an animal protection group to mimic the claims of a dog bite lawyer. Where there is fear and misinformation which would call for a crackdown on dogs and dog lovers, with little justification and through methods that provide little in the way of actual protection, it is our job to quell that, not fan the flames of distortion, as they so often do.

We will never eliminate risk in society. We can minimize it, but in the case of dogs, there is little more that can and should be done. And, in many ways, we need to undo some of the laws and regulations because they allow friendly dogs to be killed without making anyone safer (such as breed bans).

Dogs are already heavily regulated: they must be licensed with local authorities, they cannot go in public places without a leash (if at all), they must be vaccinated against rabies, you can’t live with more than a small number of them, animal control officers can seize and destroy them if they determine that they are a nuisance, and the threshold of making a determination that they are dangerous and subject to extermination puts dogs at a disadvantage, even when the facts show otherwise. Together, license laws, leash laws, vaccination laws, pet limit laws, nuisance laws, health codes, property laws, and dangerous dog laws control dogs, in concert with an animal sheltering system built on overkill, that there is little justification to tighten the noose even further.

Furthermore, banning Pit Bulls or any breed of dog is geared to overkill by definition because—media hysteria to the contrary—the vast majority of dog bites occur within the home by many breeds, with the dog biting a member of the family after some provocation, a different causal mechanism than the false image presented: an epidemic of free roaming Pit Bulls attacking unknown children or the elderly. As a result, a breed ban won’t stop the vast majority of dog bites. On top of that, roughly 20% of those bites are a result of the dog defending him or her-self from being attacked.

And although breed specific legislation proponents like to say that millions of Americans are bitten every year (a dubious proposition), what they don’t say is that, even if that were true (it is not), over 92% of dog bites result in no injuries. Let me repeat, over nine out of ten bites that do occur result in no one getting hurt. And of the remaining 8%, 7.5% are minor. In fact, they are less severe than any other class of injury. That leaves less than 1% (0.08% to be exact) of all bites ranking at moderate or above.

Moreover, recent research shows that the number of dog bites are on the decline and have been falling for the last three decades to all-time lows. And while the vast majority are insignificant, the majority of serious bites were determined to be “largely preventable.” I am not downplaying even the death or maiming of a single person. It is tragic. And as an animal control director, I had no tolerance for the adoption of aggressive dogs. But creating public policy—and shelter standards—needs careful and thoughtful deliberation, not incendiary fanaticism based on an irrational fear of the Pit Bull.

For further reading.

Blogs/Websites:

KC Dog Blog: www.kcdogblog.com
National Canine Research Council: www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com

HSUS a Cash COW

200 million in the bank isn't enough to keep this animal rights group in a fancy office. Not only haven't they spent one dime on the care and welfare of a single animal but they charge shelters hefty consultations fees to boot.
Animals are a cash COW for this group.

Read more here.
http://www.rexano.org/HSUS_Congress_animal_rights_bills_Frame.htm

Democrates hate dogs

As a former Democrat supporter I have found they are anti dog, I can no longer support the party in any way.

Why do I say this. First lets look at what has happened over the last two years since they have been the majority.
Gas prices have become out of control.. The housing market is falling a part. Food prices are reaching a point of untouchable for most families. Jobs are on the decline. The dollar has fallen to its lowest in, well its never been this low.

The presidential candidates are blaming Bush, but guess who makes the laws, the democratic Senate and congress. So it isn't Bush's fault but those who find it perfectly fine to bleed money, the Democrats.

Now lets talk dogs.
Under our constitution we are granted certain rights to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. My dogs make me happy, so the laws which make it difficult to own, breed, travel and enjoy are against my constitutional rights.
Laws designed to make dog ownership difficult, stifling, confusing and illegal are against all dog owners rights to pursuit of happiness.

The democratic party is doing everything it can to take our rights as dog owners away. Check out where the democratic party members are getting support form that they need to pay back in the form of favors and support for legislation!
One state, one county, one municipality at a time.
It has reached a point that to cross these great United States, dog owners have to contact all states, towns and counties they will pass through to find out if the dog they own can pass through said towns.
If you own a Pit Bull, Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepard, crossing he wrong boarder can mean you dog will be taken away and euthanized.
Think this is unfounded. talk to those who have lost their dogs for driving through the wrong town!

Who passes these unconstitutional laws, all Democrats.
Every single one, not just a few but every dog law is supported and sponsored by Democrats.
Want to prevent more stupid laws, get rid of Democrats and keep your dog safe in your home and in your car.

February - National Dog Resolutions Months

What!
New Years Eve we declare a list of resolutions to make our lives better.
We swear in this new year we will do all things we have been wanting to
do but never got around to because of a million reasons (excuses) why not!

What about our dogs. Have you made a resolution for them?

Do you promise to walk them more, play with them more or teach them
to do the things which will make them better companions?

So lets declare February Doggie Resolution month.
Here is a simple check list of Doggie to do's:

1. Do you walk your dog daily?
Not just potty walks but getting out there
and moving. It will also help you with one of your resolutions. If your
dog isn't good on the leash, making walks difficult, teach them how.
Take some training classes.

2. Does your dog travel with you?
They get bored sitting around the house all day, every day. Take them with you.
Make them a part of your life as much as you can. If they are not good in
public, then find distraction classes to teach them the boundaries of good
behavior.

3. Do you feel comfortable getting them to the beach or park and letting
them run off leash?
Dogs love to run free. Those with door bolters and fence jumpers know
this all too well! All dogs should be taught off leash training. These dogs
are more focused, attached to their owners, calmer and much happier!

4. Does your dog understand basic commands and can they do them
when needed?
A dog who can sit with no distraction but can't with company walking through
your door simply doesn't know how to sit, teach them. You will be proud when
company comes over and you will probably have company over more often
if your dog is well behaved.

Your dog waits for you to come home every day.
They ask very little of you, make your Doggie Resolution to be more
active with your dog!

Really bad NJ breeding bill!

The passage of this bill

will force good in home breeders out and bring commercial
breeding industry in their place.

Puppies will not have the quality attention, affection,
socialization and warmth of a family setting to prepare them
for futures within our homes.

Contact your representatives and tell them to vote no!
Protect our future litters!
The Animal Welfare Act was developed by PETA and Animal
Rights groups who have no real care or concern for a family
pet.  PETA killed 97% of the dogs they took in for adoption
last year. Are these  the right people to develop laws about
our pets?

The rules and regulations they are suggesting are arbitrary
and unfounded as a necessity for safety or health of litters.
They only put unnecessary fiscal burdens on breeders.


SOUND THE ALARM!
OPPOSE NJ Assembly Bill A1591

Help defeat New Jersey Assembly Bill A1591 which proposes to
effectively end hobby breeding in New Jersey and threatens
the rights of responsible breeders.  A1591 denies citizens the
ability to purchase a puppy or kitten from a responsible
breeder in their own state.

A1591 ranks as one of the most radical and repressive
anti-dog/cat and anti-breeder bills that has ever been
presented in the United States.

Key points of A1591:
•   Defines a "pet dealer" as anyone who sells or offers for
sale more than 5 animals per year, and requires them to follow
federal regulations set forth by the Animal Welfare Act. 
Being defined as a "dealer" puts hobby breeders into a whole
new category.
•   Requires breeders to comply with a host of restrictive
regulations, with no scientific basis,  and institutes steep
fines for violations.
•   All breeders would be required to comply with draconian
regulations including maintaining specified temperatures,
keeping animals  only on nonporous surfaces, and circulating
air at precise levels-- conditions impossible to meet in a
family home.
•   The measure mandates the acceptable dimensions for crates
and runs, and sets minimum socialization standards, not
consistent with accepted animal husbandry practices.
•   All breeders are required to register annually with the
Department
of Health.  This list will be published and made available
to the public.
•   Violations can be punished with unreasonable penalties--a
$5,000
fine for a first offense or suspension of the license to sell
pets.
•   A member of the public who
supplies information that results in fines or suspension will
be eligible for an award of 10 percent of the
civil penalty or $250, whichever is greater--and they are
granted immunity, even in unsubstantiated cases.

ACT NOW! OPPOSE A1591, which would effectively end RESPONSIBLE
BREEDING in NJ.

1. Tell your NJ Assembly representatives and the bill sponsors
that
you OPPOSE this bill, which is not pro-animal, not even
pro-consumer;
it is simply anti-breeder:
http://tinyurl.com/2gw3jb (National Animal Interest Alliance
Trust)

2. Urge the NJ Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources
Committee
members to OPPOSE this bill.  Get additional background and
contact
information at: http://tinyurl.com/259s34 (AKC)

NJ ASSEMBLY AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Chair – Douglas H. Fisher (856) 455-1011 or (856) 251-9801
AsmFisher@njleg.org
Vice Chair – Nelson T. Albano (609) 465-0700 AsmAlbano@njleg.org
John F. Amodeo (no number published) AsmAmodeo@njleg.org
Herb Conaway Jr. (856) 461-3997 AsmConaway@njleg.org
Marcia A. Karrow (908) 782-5127 AswKarrow@njleg.org

BILL SPONSORS
Neil M. Cohen – (908) 624-0880 AsmCohen@njleg.org 
Joan M. Voss – (201) 346-6400 AswVoss@njleg.org

Cost of training your dog?

What is the real cost factor when you seek a training program or service?
Have you thought about what the real value is in having your dog professional trained?

The most expensive training is the program which does not meet or exceed your expectations! The cost of a program is not necessarily the value of the program when you weigh in all the factors.

What is your time worth?
The program which requires many hours to achieve the simplest results is an expense of your valuable time.

What does the training give you as an end product?
A program which limits the end result by giving you a dog who can only do commands in a specific setting is incomplete.

How hard is it to follow through with what you have learned?
Training that requires you to do a lot fussing to keep the dogs attention when in distraction has no immediate value for you. In distraction is when the training should be the easiest for you to follow through with.


It is important for you to realize when you set out to find a suitable training program, that you are not buying commands. Sit only as good as the end result. Sitting in your kitchen is not the same as sitting in the Vets office or at a family picnic or for safety. Anyone can teach a dog to sit rather quickly, but, getting your dog to sit at a distance with distraction as a life saver is not the same command. Yet the greatest value for you and your dog is being able sit when it matters the most for safety.

You are really buying the trainers skill, years of experience with varied dog personalities and temperament handling , teaching abilities, follow up, proving exposure and full spectrum of a well behaved and social acceptable dog. Basically, you are buying the services of someone who is capable of teaching you as well as you dog and creating effective results in a timely manner.
What is a timely manner? Within 12 weeks your dogs should: have manners, problems solved, be able to walk on leash around high distractions (dogs running and playing) sit and down (next to and at a distance on command from play), come off leash with high distraction and from large active group play, go to place (and stay there).

Whatever your goal, it is important for you to be sure that the results exceed your expectations!

Training cannot take place in a bubble. Our dogs live in alternating environments.
In the house, behaviors can take on one form, while outside on the street learning must address real life concerns and foundation.
Most any dog can be taught in isolated circumstance to follow commands easily. Those same commands will become non functional when the dog is faced with the distractions of real life.

So if you are looking for training based on cost of programs, evaluate what the real cost may be for your time, end result, functional use and finally the safety of your dog.