Better late then never :-)

Hi,

I'm Staffylover57. My name is George and I've been a Staffy owner since 2009. I never knew that owning these adorable animals would be so pleasurable, uplifting, annoying, frustrating, enjoyable and so much besides.

Recently, Kimbo started acting a bit out of sorts and I got worried, so started asking questions about his behaviour and what he was presenting. I also started a bit of an in-depth study about why pets begin to 'act up' as it were. I found out some astonishing things, which shocked me - particularly about the pet foods we buy from the shops.

So, I actively started looking around to find a community to join to learn from other pet owners how to better take care of my pet, and if people are interested, to share some of the things that I have been finding out about the 4 pillars which make up healthy and happy pets. (In case you're wondering, the pillars are Environment, Food, Emotional well-being, and Genetics. Thanks so much for all the posts that you have collectively posted here, I have already learned so much from all of you.

I am looking forward to learning more.

Thanks.

 

Thanks for your message, Merlina.

Many years ago, I worked for a prominent pet food manufacturer and I used to visit animal shelters as a food supplier. I'd learned there, that there was a direct correlation between dog attacks and the temperament of their owners. At that time, animal advocates had calculated that in the vast majority of cases where there was a significant attack that resulted either in life-changing injuries or death, the animal's owner was more often than not, a convicted criminal.
I wasn't sure what the stats look like now, so I searched and this is what I found:
Psychological Characteristics Owners of AggressiveDog Breeds

I think our pets become like our children - they learn from the examples that we set, don't they?

 

You're right about that. The only thing I can say about dogs being used as weapons and guards is that at that time you knew that is what they were. The issue nowadays is of pets being dangerous.

I had a quick look at Dr. Harding's work. The book he's written looks very interesting - I think I am going to buy it

 

Hi Judy,

Your point is well made - and well taken. Thank you

 

Thank you so much for the welcome, Josie