Saturday, August 18, 2007
I think that the whole debacle about the five rotties going on the ST forum is really getting more hilarious by the day. Yes, the owner should not be having five rotties if the law states that you can only own three dogs max. Owners of big dogs should also do the right thing by muzzling and leashing their dogs when they are out. The reason for the last point is really to put the minds of Singaporeans at ease.
Anyone who has worked with dogs would probably tell you that dogs do not go around bitting people. Seriously, why would they do that? I think the main issue at hand is really the training of dogs. Of course, if the dog is trained to be a guard dog, he or she will naturally be more aggressive. However, well trained dogs, regardless of breed or size are way more disciplined than most children will ever be in Singapore. Of course, the opposite will be true if the dogs are badly or ill trained.
There is also the need to look at dog behaviour before coming to the conclusion that these dogs are aggressive. Think of how a Chihuahua will react when he or she is excited upon seeing other dogs. They will usually tug on the lease and try to get closer to the other dog or just run towards it. Chances are that people will go "awww, so cute", but if increase the size of the dog by 10 times, people are more likely to conclude that the dog is aggressive. I mean, the sight of a small breed as opposed to a large breed running towards you will likely generate a very different response and reaction.
People will also have to realise that dogs do not have the ability to speak. So one of the ways they use to communicate with other dogs or people is via their own way of vocalising; which we call barking. Yes, dogs bark is a form of communication, much like their tail. People who work with dogs will tell you that you really cannot judge a dog just by seeing one aspect. That means, you have to look at the dog on the whole before you know its intentions. The barking or tail alone is not a good indication.
Another thing to realise and note about dogs is that they do not have hands like us to feel and touch; their way of doing that is by using their mouth. Yes, they do lick and all but when they lick, they would have to be very close to the other dog or human. Of course, when they lick, they use their mouth, so people might have the impression that they are about to bit (especially when the above has already happened and they have the preconceived notion that they big dog is aggressive). Dogs also do something that most dogs owners can relate to and that is mouthing.
So what is mouthing? Just imagine the dog is trying to hold your hand and you will get the picture. Yes, it is essentially the dog using its mouth to get a grip on you. That I feel is really one of the main problems that people have with dogs because they do not understand the difference between mouthing and biting. Just because the dog uses it mouth to get a grip on you, it does not mean that it is biting you. Of course just like a handshake, some dogs do grip a little tighter than others.
I must admit that it is not unusual for people to immediately think that dog is about to bite them; especially in a fear environment in Singapore. I mean I have been mouthed by dogs from the size of a Chihuahua to full sized German Shepherd (if it stands up on twos, it is at least 1.5 to 1.6m tall) and the latter can be a little unnerving at times, but you will get the hang of it. Thing about mouthing is that the owners need to teach their dogs that it is not right to do it. Whether it is a small or big dog, it should not be encouraged. Though I do know that small dogs are more likely to get away with it.
There is also the issue of the person's body language that can determine how the dog react. Just as we should see the dog's body language, the dog also uses our body language as an indication. If you adopt an aggressive or defensive body language, the dog may also do so. It is completely natural. Think about it, if you meet someone who is aggressive or defensive towards you, what would your first reaction be? Running away from the dog may also not be a good idea because the dog might think it is a game and just chase you; it is in their instinct to do so. What is the best way when in such a situation? If you got a smaller dog and fear for its life, pick it up and walk away. Remain calm and be the 'alpha' species. Chances are that the dog will get the idea.
At the end of the day, it is really how the dog is trained and people's mindset that is to be blamed for any of these misunderstandings. I have worked with Shih Tzus that you will not even want to be near it because of their aggression and with German Shepherds, rotties, Mastiffs, Dobermans (and cross of those big breeds) who are so well trained that you can literally cuddle them (not that I will advise anyone to do that).
Anyway, I find it quite sad that there really very few places in Singapore that dogs are allowed to be let off their leashes. Even in those that allow off leashing, you usually have to pay for it and it is usually limited to the smaller breeds. Which in itself I find it a little ironic considering that it is the bigger breeds that really need the off leashing to allow them to run free. They are the ones that really need the space. It would really be nice if more parks have areas cordoned off to allow off leashing. These spaces do not need to be huge. A space of say a football field would be suffice and I am sure that many parks do have that kind of space and it is just a matter of educating responsibly into the owners on how to treat that kind of privilege (like picking up their dog's poo).
I think in a small country like Singapore, it would really be good to make dog obedience classes compulsory. At the end of the day, such classes will only benefit the dog and the public. We are already taking a good step by moving towards making micro chipping compulsory and we sure can do more. Hopefully in time, desexing of animals will also be made compulsory (with the exception of licensed breeders).
he spoke at 7:37 am
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