Genetics and Your Part
It is generally accepted that only 35% of a dogs potential nature comes from genetic makeup. The remaining 65% is a compilation of nurture, training and nutrition, of which is the sole responsibility of the owner. The "wives tale" that great dogs are a result of proper breeding is only slightly accountable. This is by no means a cop-out for any breeder, which is not the case in point. I am stating that the best way to have a dog that you can live with is to nurture a dog how to live with you.
Never Trust Your Dog
When children are involved, it is amazing some of the fairy tale reasons people want to get a dog. Next in line are the different excuses people give for unacceptable animal behavior. It is therefore in your best interest as a potential owner to re-evaluate your commitment if you find yourself in one of those groups (ie: unrealistic or negligent.) The following statements are based on facts published by the Insurance Information Institute, National Council of Pet Population and Study, Animal Welfare Forum and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
o Nearly 2% of the US population in 1996 REPORTED dog bites accounting for more than 4.7 million. In 2001, 1,008 victims went to hospital emergency departments per DAY because of dog bites.
o The median age of patients bitten was 15 years old, with children, especially boys aged 5 to 9 years, having the highest incidence rate. The odds that a bite victim will be a child are 3.2 to 1.
o 77% of injuries to children under 10 years old are facial.
o When a child less than 4 years old is the victim, the family dog was the attacker half the time (47%), and the attack almost always happened in the family home (90%).
o The vast majority of biting dogs (77%) belong to the victim's family or a friend.
o Dog bites rank second among other common causes of emergency-room injuries in children.
o Dog bite claims in 2005 accounted for about 15 percent of liability claims dollars paid under homeowners’ insurance policies equaling an average of $21,200.
o In 1997 there were approximately 9.6 million dogs and cats euthanized in the United States.
o Those shelters that kept records noted that behavioral problems, including aggression toward people or nonhuman animals, were the most frequently given reasons for canine relinquishment. Today on www.petfinder.org, 160,365 dogs were listed as adoptable throughout the nation; one of the many venues for animal adoption.
A lot of this information is outdated, and often times under documented. The core argument I wish to make is that while starting off with the best intentions for your dog as a best friend, bad things can happen when you loose complacency. REMEMBER, 65% of your friends' potential is reflected on how much time you spend directing him.
...a MOMENT of CORRECTION
leads to a LIFETIME of DIRECTION…
