Whatever happened to Michael Vick's dogs?

LeftCoast

BIZILL wrote: »

maybe a different animal, but the case where that chimp/monkey or whatever did to that one woman.... well, i won't leave any animals that powerful around my kids. not a chimp, nor a canine. but all you "protectors" of the breed out there, have at it. and have at it around your kids.

Would I have a large dog around my kids that was raised and trained by your
average Joe off the street? No.
Would I have a large dog around my kids that was trained by, for example, the K-9 Unit of the Los Angeles Police Department? Yes. But that isn't to say that I wouldn't be keeping a vigilant eye on the situation either.

A dog is a domesticated animal and can be trained. That's why MOST (not SOME) of the Vick dogs were able to be rehabilitated. These dogs were rehabilitated by professionals...not Joe off the street. These professionals no doubt incuded dog behaviorists and that is why some were deemed beyond help. If you know what a therapy dog is, then you know the criteria for a dog to qualify to become one. it's not anything casual, that's for sure. They have to exhibit calm behavior with people, whether they be children or senior citizens. They have to exhibit the same behavior when around other dogs.

And I'm sure that the dogs were not the only ones passing muster. I'm sure the new owners of these dogs were also highly scrutinized.

Would I let my kids around one of his dogs? No, probably not. But that isn't the same as saying that they are some sort of ticking time bombs ready to go off at any moment.

tonyb

Having alittle knowledge and good judgement goes along way with animals and kids. My GS dog. could be around kids,strange kids, all day unsupervised and I would not raise a brow at it. But on the flipside, I would not feel that way without knowing of his training and carefull observation while growing up. Too bad alot of people don't put that much concern into raising a dog, or with their kids for that matter. Common sense, sorely missing in todays society.

LeftCoast

tonyb wrote: »

Having alittle knowledge and good judgement goes along way with animals and kids. My GS dog. could be around kids,strange kids, all day unsupervised and I would not raise a brow at it. But on the flipside, I would not feel that way without knowing of his training and carefull observation while growing up. Too bad alot of people don't put that much concern into raising a dog, or with their kids for that matter. Common sense, sorely missing in todays society.

Absolutely.

BIZILL

i play it safe. if my chihuahua were to snap, i doubt there's toooooo much damage he could do. just punt him like a football, i always say.

ryanjoachim

BIZILL wrote: »

i play it safe. if my chihuahua were to snap, i doubt there's toooooo much damage he could do. just punt him like a football, i always say.

Punting is always a good idea.
Chihuahuas can actually cause a lot of scarring if they really get going. Their teeth are much sharper than your average-size dog.

shawn474

I would have no problem owning a pit bull, but as with ANY dog, I would want to know its history. The simple fact is that these dogs were raised to fight and when they did they were rewarded. Painting all pits with a broad brush is a knee jerk reaction. I have known many pit bulls to be the most loyal, people friendly and, yes, protective dogs that I have ever met.

Would I own a pit bull? Maybe, but it isn't the first breed I would look at. Would I own one of THESE pit bulls? Not a freaking chance. My wife and kids health and well being isn't worth the chance that one of these dogs could snap and repeat the behavior that they were raised and rewarded for.