Hiya,
Seems in this case the girl walking the dogs had no clue on how to handle or control the dogs. It's really her fault the incident happened, the dog itself was only doing what was natural to it.
Now that I'm a dog owner, I'm very very vigilant with my Japanese Akita - I know what these dogs are capable of and have modified my handling and control of him as he's gotten older. I now never let him off the lead - when he was a small pup I used to let him run around the park. Now, I'll only let him off in an enclosed area where I know he can't get away from me.
All dogs are capable of inflicting wounds and damage to other dogs and humans - I think statistically, there are more bites from what's generally considered 'tamer' breeds such as Labradors, collies and jack russells than there are bites from more aggressive breeds. Of course, in the media, only the 'dangerous dogs' make the news, no one cares if a labrador or jack russell bit someone. However, I understand that a bigger more aggressive dog will inflict greater wounds than a smaller one.
I keep my Akita socialised as much as possible, he's now very friendly and loves to meet new people, I have little 1-2 year olds who'll run over and call his name when I walk him and older kids and adults as well. I always stand guard and will hold his mouth shut if a kid is a little timid but still wants to stroke him. If the kids parents are around, I'll get permission from them or ask them to help with their kid. I've never had a problem with this approach. I also know with the special harness I have for him, and the fact I'm strong enough to pull him back if he does lunge, that I can and do control him, as he's very very strong indeed.
Maybe some sort of licencing and training course should be introduced, whereby potential owners of known stronger and more potentially aggressive breeds need to pass before being allowed ownership? without wanting to sound sexist, a female of X body strength should be able to prove she can control a 35+ KG dog when it's potentially in attack mode, of course the same for a male too. I've met very responsible 'elder' owners of 'normal' dogs and ones who know they're pets are a problem and discussed this to an extent (I do know of one German shepherd, that must be kept muzzled at ALL times and has a shock collar in order for it to behave - the owner says he had to after spending vast amounts on training and getting nowwhere, and the shock collar was necessary after it chased deer in his land and killed an adult deer in 5 minutes!) and these owners are responsible in that they control their pets very well. Luckily, I've only met a few people who keep dogs as a 'status' or bragging symbol and thus have no clue how to control and manage their pets - I think it's those who are making it necessary for ALL owners to undergo a testing routine in order to keep a dog. Personally, I wouldn't mind at all todo something like this.
Mort - hope your friend takes the owner of the dog who attacked to court and wins substantial damages.
Cheers! DtM! West London & Slough UK!
