I’m always interested in listening to people share their views, concepts, and theories regarding their dog-related issues. As a trainer, this insight helps us better understand and address the problems between people and their dogs.
I’m also keen on observing the opinions of those who publicly make assertions about dogs—especially when those assertions may be inaccurate.
My staff and I conducted extensive research on every person and topic we covered in our PBS series, The World of Dogs. We exercised the same level of diligence on Dog Talk, and our radio show, SPEAK, was diverse yet always grounded in fact-checking the issues presented by our guests.
Recently, I read an article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette about dog attacks. There is truly nothing more tragic than incidents of vicious animal aggression.
However, I am deeply concerned—almost to the point of contention—about the demonization of specific breeds.
I’ve included a copy of the Arkansas article for your reference, along with an article written by HSUS representative Cynthia Armstrong. Her strong, authoritative perspective was logical, yet I found it to be quite critical of the Arkansas author’s objectivity—perhaps due to a lack of more thorough research.
Hi Pat,
I read the article you texted me yesterday. I noticed right away he didn’t cite which study he is referring to, but I think I know where he is getting his information. It’s obvious the writer is ignorant of the facts that lead to dangerous encounters between dogs and people. As you know, declaring a particular breed dangerous is a very simplistic and uninformed ‘solution’. His call to action to initiate legislation should be targeted at human caregivers rather than their dogs. I’ve attached an article I wrote for OKC Pets Magazine for their September/October 2018 issue. These are the arguments I would use in any Facebook post or op-ed to the Arkansas Democrat challenging his assertions that certain breeds are inherently dangerous. Fortunately, in Oklahoma we still have a state law that prohibits municipalities from enacting ordinances or policies that discriminate on the basis of breed. The law has been challenged several times by legislators who held a bias toward pit bulls, but we successfully lobbied against those attempts and the law still stands!
Good to talk to you yesterday and thank you for sharing the newspaper piece with me. It’s important to educate this writer. He doesn’t know what he doesn’t know!
Cynthia Armstrong
I have had Pekingese dogs for the past 17 years. All except two of mine were friendly and outgoing. The two that had biting issues had come from abusive environments. I was told Pekes weren’t good for homes with toddlers. The actual reason fur this is that one must train the humans to respect the dogs. I always say it’s the human that creates problems with their dogs. Your article is excellent.
Thank you Barbara. We appreciate your support!