tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post3404305460969386282..comments2023-10-28T04:02:00.336-07:00Comments on Every Day Is a Miracle: Portland's Going to the DogsMarie GGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020201739294303431noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-3947992823409531252011-02-28T14:21:35.623-08:002011-02-28T14:21:35.623-08:00I actually don't have a daughter--I have three...I actually don't have a daughter--I have three sons, two of whom desperately want a puppy. Our reasons not to get one are more because of the three kids and not wanting to be tied down than anything.<br /><br />My sister and her family have a lovely golden retriever, and they adore her. I'm not a dog hater...I'm just indifferent.<br /><br />I think it's interesting how people's lives revolve around their dogs and it's impossible for them to consider going anywhere without them. (Yes, some people with kids are the same way.)<br /><br />I do recognize how wonderful dogs can be...if you're a dog lover. I'm just not so much.Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07604805225366129402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-21255872400523798882011-02-28T13:17:32.448-08:002011-02-28T13:17:32.448-08:00Well, I do think maybe you should try a little har...Well, I do think maybe you should try a little harder to understand it, even if you don't like them. Excepting the total jerks who have redirected their frustration with the pressure to have children onto parents, most child-free animal people *can* understand why people want children. They just don't share the need. :)<br /><br />Re: your daughter, it is good to teach her not to approach strange dogs. It's also a good idea to teach her how to behave around dogs, interact with them (even if through school/a friend), and to ask owners if she wants to touch them. Because people who are afraid of dogs tend to act in a really interesting and attractive way to dogs and that makes everyone uncomfortable. :P<br /><br />Dogs are rewarding because they love and need you (regardless of debates on the meaning of love and whether dogs can feel it), and you can teach them all sorts of things that is rewarding to watch them learn. Mostly people like them because your dog is *always* happy to see you, and it's easy to make them happy. :)<br /><br />As for "aggressive" breeds, there are a multitude of reasons to like all sorts of breeds. American Pit Bull Terriers are extremely human focussed, affectionate, tolerant dogs that are prone to dog-aggression and high prey drive. Rottweilers, like most guardian breeds, generally bond closely with their family and can be pretty indifferent to other people.<br /><br />I have always liked big, "tough" dogs, despite growing up with small-medium dogs, because I think they're gorgeous and I think because as a child I was really sad people would dislike them because of what they look like. I grew to love American Pit Bull Terriers because they are beautiful, small-med (should NOT be large, they ARE out-crossed if they're over 60lbs) dogs who are absolutely adoring, depressingly tolerant of abuse, quiet (not barky), loyal loyal dogs with lots of drive and incredible strength. I would never get a herding breed because they are prone to being nippy and have sneaky body language. And are hairy. But that's my personal preference. :D<br /><br />All dogs are a species with the urge to chase and kill, even if it is severely damped by years of breeding. That is how a dog survives on it's own.<br /><br />Terriers have been bred to kill small animals, bullies have been breed to fight one another, guardian breeds have been bred to guard their humans and property from other humans, herding breeds have been bred to herd, sighthounds have been bred to chase and kill small animals. Many of the small breeds that are just supposed to be lap dogs tend to be terribly fearful due to lazy, money-orientated breeding. :(<br /><br />Even with relatively minimum training, most dogs are totally safe. There are things to be aware of, such not jumping on a dog on it's bed and suchlike but generally it's common sense. Basically the bare minimum an owner can provide is consistency, socialisation, exposure to lots of types of stimulus the dog has to tolerate, and enough exercise. Even without being amazingly competent, if they have those traits, a vast majority of breeds and dogs will be totally safe.<br /><br />Anyway. Sorry, I could go on even more than this. :P Bearing in mind I like all animals better than most people, and hate the way we feels the need to set up this weird dichotomy of children vs dogs vs cats... you can like/tolerate all of the above! <br /><br />/ramble, from a vet nurse and animal freak. ;)Dananoreply@blogger.com