Dugbhoy

So , shepherds for thousands of years have used dogs to fend off predators . A protection problem solved by a dog Again , for thousands of years , people have safeguarded businesses, property and family , using dogs. A protection problem solved by a dog . The military and police use dogs in certain situations to safeguard officers. A protection problem solved by a dog. Why would those three examples not affect even the bat of an eyelid yet if I chose that route , one taken by millions of people before me , it solicits a far far different reaction ?

The responses , as expected , are the homeopathic disdain I'm used to . It's quite comforting , to be honest . I picked up my phone before I came on here , to find my news feed telling me the police have acquired north of a dozen XL Bullys , in Manchester , after a man was mauled to death by one of them . Can you imagine the carnage if that animal had got off property ? Just killed a human with no consequences ? Now imagine that it's got onto your street , as you return home from your walk with your Springer spaniel . It clocks your dog . It descends on your dog , what are you going to do ? Seriously , what are you going to do ? You're going to witness your dog being mauled . That's the unfortunate truth . It's also a truth that's appearing almost weekly in the UK media. I've taken a precautionary approach to this problem (you buy a burglar alarm to prevent burglars , right ?) and chosen my dog appropriately. I was asked why I chose a "dog like this " and gave an honest answer. I didnt appear like a Charlie big potatoes , blowing off nonsense. The event reported in the media earlier about the XL Bullys , only confirms further that the choices I've made concerning my dogs is correct for my situation . If one of these horrible effers gets loose , im safer than 99% of dog owners , although I recognize that doesn't mean I'm 100% safe , maths n that . So , in a nutshell , I'd rather be an outdugging potential Daily Record headline with alive pets than whatever the alternative is. You mourn your pet , I'll feed , walk n groom mine , thank you very much (Remember , we all own dogs for different reasons . Guide dogs , guard dogs and shits for giggles dogs . Why I own dogs may be alien to you , that fact should make you realise that why you , or anyone else , owns dogs , may be alien to anyone else. ) Here's a question to , I'll be polite , my detractors. What's the solution ? Legislation that might take a decade ? How does that help you or me on tomorrows walk, when one's loose? A March to parliament with 100,000 signatures ? My dogs need a shit in the morning , like yours , when one's loose. I've have not the power , money or influence to affect change , all I have is the ability to look after me n mine . I own my dogs for their ability to look after me n mine , like millions of others do and have done for millennia. It might be an uncomfortable read for some but it's the stark reality of 21st century dog ownership . People are breeding land sharks and your neighbour wants a £15,000 one with canine equivalent of narcissistic bipolar disorder. You cry to the police and your lawyer about how its killed "wee benji" and devastated your family , while I do a "no comment " interview and go home to two beloved pets

Akitas are quirky and stubborn, to the point of extreme hilarity , but with a guiding hand they're great dogs . They're generally healthy and good in a domestic environment. They're also pretty low energy and rarely bark . With a decent lifespan , 10 to 12 years , what's not to like . My akita is absolutely brilliant with people , including strangers , and is more careful around old people for some reason. She's my fourth akita since 97 and three of the four have all been the same , to slightly varying degrees. If you've never experienced an akita you won't understand the dominance "thing" . It doesn't always manifest as aggression but it's not to be tested . As an add on , I've introduced dogs to all of them , under the right conditions and they've accepted them to the extent that I used to holiday-sit my friends Siberian Husky and they all slept and ate together. They're not maniacs , akitas , just don't poke them with a stick . The caucasian shepherd. Well , I first came across the breed about six years ago. My friend had got one despite , at the time , being in the market for a Tibetan Mastiff. I saw his , did a bit of research into the breed , then decided to get one . I'd had four akitas and as you've probably guessed , those lifespans would overlap and more often than not , I'd have two akitas at any given time . You'll appreciate the joy of dog ownership but having two akitas also added an element of safety . 17 years of that 26 of akita ownership was spent living in Edinburgh and I could list , well into double figures , the amount of times it was "fortunate " I had two akitas when faced with run ins with pit bulls , staffies, rottweilers , English mastiffs etc . Recently , as in the last twenty years, but only as recently as five years ago in the UK , we've been swamped by the American Bully and the American Bulldog , as legal and more lethal alternatives to the banned American Pit Bull Terrier. These dogs , to me , are now encroaching on the size division that akitas are in (large breeds) and the prospect of facing them , instead of say rottweilers , on the walk , fills me with dread . I just want to walk my dog(s) in peace and not to be intimidated by twats with 8st penis extensions that have neither the skeletal structure or respiratory system to support their savagery , adding to their frustrated madness. So , I looked at livestock guardians. The 11st repellent to the 8st problem , like the 7 & 1/2 stone Akita is the solution to the 5st pit bull problem. Three in particular stood out . The Kangal , the Central Asian Shepherd (Alabai) and the Caucasian Shepherd. These dogs are bred to to deal with the apex of the canine world , the wolf . They're also very pack orientated , as you'd expect , so protection training is a waste of money . It's in their DNA (which is a story for another time ) At the time , there was only one kangal breeder in Britain (who had a waiting list) , one Alabai breeder (an even longer waiting list) and two caucasian shepherd breeders (neither reputable enough) . So I imported my dog from Romania after months of negotiations for purchase and travel arrangements , it wasn't an off the cuff decision or on a whim , so to speak. A lot of serious thought was put into it and we , Mrs Dugbhoy and I, decided that it wasn't a bad idea . Ultimately , it boils down to this . We enjoy dogs but they serve a variety of purposes for us . Some guard , some guide and some are just there for the giggles . I own the dogs I do because I know I'm safe when I take them out and I know they're coming home .... ..will you be taking your Lab home if he runs into an American Bulldog , a raging American Bulldog , when he's/she's off leash at the park ? I don't think so . (My apologies for the length of this nonsense , but you did ask )

It's a fair question. I keep my dogs on a lead because it's the responsible thing to do when you own dogs this size . The akita has to be on a lead as they are a dominant breed and she doesn't tolerate high energy dogs and true to breed , she's also same sex aggressive. If your dog is laid back and respectful on approach , she will be fine , if it tears up like a maniac , it's not going home . I'm well aware that doesn't sound very nice but that's akitas and at 110lbs , she will be more than capable of it . You fancy that off leash ? All I'll add to that is the caucasian shepherd is three stone heavier than her and has grown up a willing and consummate apprentice (type "wolf killer " into Google or youtube) Off the lead ? Never

People don't understand that dogs have a personal space as well and some don't tolerate it being invaded . Fairplay to you for how you respond to them , I'm unfortunately , not that mannerly

I don't blame you for being afraid , a dog attack is a horrific situation to be in . I can't have my dogs off lead . They're far to big to be roaming around . In fact , my biggest fear on my walk is that one of their leads snap and they get loose . There's a degree of responsibility that comes with having dogs , although you wouldn't think it . If your dog is a hassle to others (running loose , incessant barking , etc) , you should get a kick in the stones

It always pays to be wary around them as you don't know what kind of person the owner is. My two do not like other dogs and i spend a huge amount of time on the walks avoiding other dogs . The people who get these types seem to think the universe revolves around them and that they have no business with responsibility or anything that looks close to it . I would extend the ban list

The person describing "cookie" just sounds like every other owner who ends up in this situation. "Oh he's this" and "oh he's that" , just an avalanche of anthropomorphic pish and wind . They definitely know what they're buying and that means that they're well aware of the dogs capabilities , sadly image is more important to them .

That situation sounds like a recipe for disaster . I genuinely dread to think what's down the line for that household. Also , why the eff would you have an animal like that in/near school grounds ?

I agree . The problem is that these dogs aren't being acquired for the correct reasons. Pit bulls are not guard dogs but can easily taught to be aggressive because of the "terrier" prey drive . They're not much use for terrier work either as they are too big . It's not a logical choice of dog . They're history concerning aggression and the termination of kids and other dogs , is well known , before you get to the fact they are illegal to own , leads me to believe that the people in the market for one of these dogs are definitely not dog lovers .

I don't own a dog like that , but I own a Caucasian shepherd and an American akita because people own dogs like that . Some people are just not cut out to be dog owners , unfortunately they seem to be the ones that are drawn to these breeds . I noticed the tribute mentioned the dog before the father in law , which is quite telling. It's an animal ffs , there's a human life gone .

Anyone who doesn't have a grass pitch