As I scroll through my social media: I constantly see the disheartening message at the top of the dogs in shelter articles. I talk to persons who are involved in rescue and have had some varied opinions and sometimes hostile responses. This regards the pathetic state of killing needlessly in animal shelters. The primary excuse: “there are so many dogs”, and “we have no room “or they just keep coming. Infact, I find this to be a rather pathetic excuse for negligent failure based on poor management. A failure that I predicted 20 years ago, just about the time the safer pet test came about. I had said this in my seminars. This test will remove guilt of euthanasia and soon they will be killing anything and everything. That’s the only reason it is designed the way it is. Add the hoochy coo methods of training and “fur baby” sentiment. Along with blame the breed or the dog, not the owner, in order to compensate for Shelter worker or pet owner failure. It has only gotten worse since then.
This is not to point solely at rescues and shelters as I can see why this has taken a nasty turn. There are many reasons that the great effect as to why things have taken us down this destructive path of disposal and death. I will clearly describe each and every one. This comes from my 57 years of experience handling and training some of the worst dog characters one could imagine. I have seen systematic destruction and suffering that we have caused our beloved dogs. This bothers me to this day and always will. A dog is supposed to be our most trusted friend, animals of service, (911 comes to mind). They have led the blind, found lost children, protected our livestock, eased a child’s fear of the dark, kept our kids safe from harmful people and kept our home safe. So why are we treating our loyal friends like a disposable inconvenience, equal to the extermination of rats? Have we as a society sunk that low? Let’s take a look and what must change.
In 1996 I was out to purchase a property in order to establish my kennel. I was in the security dog industry, my kennel consisted of over 50 dogs. 38 of them were on the road every night whether they would be doing sentry work (dog in fenced storage lots) or patrol work (man dog teams). The remaining 12 were for breeding and competition purposes. I also conducted private training classes, trained my security staff, bred and showed German Shepherds. The first step was to pick a municipality that would allow this facility. I spent a year looking for the right property that fit the criteria. A 50-acre lot (1000 feet wide and 2200 feet deep). A smaller property would not get approved for a kennel license.
The town I live in, has covered professional guidelines. They are working with closing establishments that are producing mixed breeds, (puppy mill situations, multiple types of dogs). Licensing for each dog at $100.00 per dog; if not no kennel licence approved, and the limiting or removal of dogs being bred in subdivision houses. Animal Control and by law people work closely and consult with dog professionals.
I can write a whole book on this subject.
Firstly, there is a distinct difference between these two individuals.
The dog producer seldom cares about genetics, nor invests in a safe and proper facility for the well-being of the dogs. Usually breeds mixed or non-registered dogs. Seldom shows their dogs or invests into purchasing better stock. They usually breed the same pair if not more, over and over again. Have several breeds of different mixes. They don’t locate or research new bloodlines, to enhance their current ones. They don’t have knowledge or expertise in their breed, do not guarantee their dogs, and most do not provide knowledgeable support for their puppy buyers. The sole purpose is to generate money as a living income. If a purchaser has a problem with the dog’s health or behaviour they normally say “well, what do you want me to do about it”? Most importantly, seldom if ever would they take the dog back. These are the dogs that end up in shelters as waste. The other producer breeds their pet to the neighbour’s dog and raises them in their kitchen, purebred or not. They produce dogs solely on emotional attachment not the science of genetics. These two types of people are the biggest contributors to the pet over population.
Legitimate breeders are not in it for the money.
They breed to keep, which means every litter produced has a goal. They do look for that one special pup that meets their vision for the next generation. Of course they have to sell the remaining pups. The potential buyers are interviewed and the criteria for having the dog has to be satisfied, regardless of howmuch money the buyer would offer. After purchase support is available, dogs are vet checked and usually come with a written guarantee, CKC or AKC registration papers. They present the dogs so you can have hands on interaction with them. In quite a few cases you can meet your potential pup’s older relatives. They may offer puppy or training classes or are connected to a training professional withwhom they work, and can refer their puppy buyers to that trainer for help. Almost all of them would behappy to talk about your pup. Welcome having you come for a visit to offer training or raising help, if needed. This allows the breeder to see what they produced and how it is doing in a family environment. Most importantly they will take the dog back and help re-home it if the new owner is unable to keep the dog. In fact, they demand it. These breeders never want to see their dogs in a shelter system. If it does happen, they will do what they can to get the dog out of that situation, without hesitation. The dogs are clearly marked with a traceable tattoo or microchip which is registered and unique to the breeder or owner.
I never understood this practice. Labradoodle, Berna-doodle, Puggle, Multi-Poo, Cocka-Poo, Jack-Pom,etc etc. If anyone knows about breeding and genetics, the first thing you hear is Hybrid-Vigor. What? These dogs don’t get sick? On the contrary many of them suffer genetic ailments. Professional knowledgeable breeders know that when one outcrosses blood the chance for recessive genetic problems will surface at a greater incident. In order to produce a (breed) you need phenotype, genotype and consistency in structure and appearance. This takes generations of pedigree research. Even though the dog may have perfect hips from a Labrador and perfect hips from a poodle, the incidence of hip dysplasia increases simply by this breeding practice. In a litter of puppies using the Puggle for example. Let alone the variant behaviour traits each pup may show and behave according to the Russian roulette wheel of genetics. Some pups look like pugs; some will look like beagles and some may look like both dogs. And they will act accordingly. This mongrel breeding, and unpredictable practice that I equate to minestrone soup. No matter how you make it, the soup never tastes the same.
Basically, there are few in this type of dog production that would actually produce a predictable type in appearance and behaviour. Even if they used the same breeding pair. I can safely say that these dogs are produced with the sole purposes to make money, based sadly on the ignorance of the dog purchaser. They are also dogs that are produced out of backyard and puppy mill situations. Got news for you, go to a shelter or rescue and adopt a dog. Chances are it will be a cross bred or mongrel; it will be an adult so you can see what it is. Most importantly, you are saving a dog and if there is no market for these poor animals they will not be produced. Therefore, a great reduction in shelter surrender and euthanasia. Beside it will cost you a fraction of the price. Paying $3,500.00 for a mongrel is something I could never make sense of when I can go to a shelter and get a labradoodle for $400 and it is vaccinated, spayed or neutered. In the time of my childhood, these puppies were available for about $25.00 due to a breeding accident from someone who should have spayed or neutered their dogs. They were not produced for purposeful monetary intent.
Being involved with dogs since I was a young boy of 6 yrs. old. I could never understand why these dogs even exist. I was also told by my mentors that people who produce these types of dogs are highly disreputable. I know I am going to anger quite a few people with this piece. Firstly, I want to make it clear that I love all dogs regardless of breed or mix. Sadly, these bully dog types, French Bulldog – Pit Bull cross – Boxer - Mastiff cross – Rottweiler American bulldog cross- etc, etc! I have to ask one question, what is the purpose other than to produce a muscular dog with a lot of power and tenacity? This doesn’t mean there aren’t wonderful friendly ones. However, for every nice one how many dangerous ones are in our society? The key here is power and tenacity the average inexperienced family/individual cannot deal with a dog of this magnitude, therefore bad things happen.
Just look at the news, dog bite, disfiguring injury even death to their victims. If you look where most of these dogs end up, they are in a terrible state of suffering or neglect: criminal situations, dog attacks, starvation or physical abuse and dog fighting. It seems to plague these types of dogs and it is absolutely horrendous and unacceptable. If you look into shelter situations out of 10 dogs being euthanized, how many of these are on the list? I would estimate 70%. We must ask ourselves, what kind of people are behind the production of these dogs? Professionals who care about temperament, health, genetic data, competition, working function, search and rescue, therapy, family pet are just few examples. Very rarely and if anything, or by any means. Other than one, they are as cute as a button when they are puppies and are great guard and fighting dogs. For a dog surrounded by so much negativity then, laws need to be put into place barring or banning the purposeful production of these sorry dogs. It isn’t the breed, it’s the person and you’re correct: it is the people who are behind producing these dogs who need to be regulated. As for my experience, I have trained many of the bully-type dogs and there is always something that isn’t quite right.
If you decide to acquire one of these types of dogs, go to a shelter and be prepared. In order to have a friendly dog and a wonderful pet, you will need to seek out a true professional trainer who can advise you how to manage and train a powerful dog like this. In my opinion the average person who doesn’t follow this procedure usually bites off far more than they can chew.
Wedgy came to me on Christmas Eve 2024. I received a call from an animal control friend of mine about a dog running at large, near a large department store. I was asked to bring my protection gear as he had bitten someone. They called for one simple reason: my experience working with security dogs and some of the roughest dog characters known. I showed up at the location only to see an animal control officer and 2 police cruisers. They explained the situation to me. He was running at large and someone had tried to get him to safety. Then he attacked that person. He also went after the police officers. They tased the dog to little effect. You see, these types of dogs have a high pain tolerance. In fact, pain only enrages them further; it’s in their genetics. They managed to get him corralled into a fenced area. I saw Wedgy lying down next to a shed. I entered the area with a catch pole and was able to get him out. What I saw was a scared dog. Estimation of age about one year old. I want everyone to know he is 70 pounds of nothing but solid muscle and a tenacious temperament. In my estimation he is a Pit – Boxer cross. Wedgy stays with me. I knew that once his quarantine time was up and they didn’t find the owner, he was going to be euthanized. No one came forward for him, there was no microchip. I suspect he was dumped. I didn’t have the heart to let him go this way.
It has been over a year and although he has improved, there are still only 2 people who he is o.k. with, after all the training and behaviour modification that has been done. He is still volatile and a high risk to this day. He is still a powerful tenacious dog and if someone were to encounter him, they would be seriously hurt. I would hate to see what he would do to a child or smaller animal. Yet, he is very gentle with those he is familiar with. There is a possibility he can be rehabilitated but it is with high risk. I am not in need of another dog at this point. Besides, based on today’s hoochy – koo, fur baby ideology this dog is far beyond any potential owner’s ability.
I can do anything to him, touch his bowl when he is eating, touch anywhere, lift his back end by his tail, which he loves and thinks it is a game. Hence the name Wedgy. He is good to my pups. I can examine him with no issues, put a leash on him and walk him - no issues, unless he sees a person or dog. Then, it's like holding on to a freight train and the aggression explodes. Sadly, I may have to do the final curtain call. This breaks my heart. Now why was Wedgy allowed to be born, who was the jerk that paired his parents and for what purpose? Most importantly, why didn’t his owners take the time and training to raise a powerful dog like this? It seems to be the same old story.
Most dogs will fail this test, especially the working type dog. When I was performing seminars, I used 3 dogs – German Shepherds – and of course anyone who attended my seminars would remember them quite fondly. In fact, they can be seen on my you tube videos and t.v. appearances. I always said these dogs, as well socialized as they were, would fail that horrible test. After all, good German Shepherds will protect themselves when threatened. They are a protection breed. I don’t advise a stranger to practice an invasive behaviour utilizing that test or similar to that test.
Let’s look at the scenario: A dog comes in stressed, which automatically makes them defensive. The tester takes a plastic hand and touches the dog’s food bowl. While under stress, a dog will possess food. Whatever happened to the common sense of leave a dog alone when it is eating? Then they (the tester) will bring a strange dog into the room, again stressed and defensive, and of course, the dog will react (that does not make it vicious). The big one is a stuffed doll, squeaking and moving like a child. My dogs know the difference between a child and a stuffed toy. They think they are playing and will grab it and tear it up; so do many others. Besides, many toys squeak, and resemble a stuffed object. If the dog fails or reacts to any of these things, it is put on the euthanasia list. Killed for being stressed and frightened in a strange environment and reacting to testing that is totally unreasonable. A test set to make killing the dog less stressful for the “rescuers”.
All dog professionals know there is a decompression time for a dog to adjust in a new environment of atleast 7 days in a quiet environment. Have the shelter people forgotten this? Have we forgotten whatdogs are, a good dog if threatened will react, it is called protection, dogs are not sheep. Isn’t protectionone of the main purpose’s dogs came to us in the first place a long time ago, as well as many otherthings. I believe in many a breed heritage family pet wasn’t the main agenda.
Anyone in the professional world of breeding, training and handling all know that if you threaten a dog, a dog that stands up for itself is a proper dog. In the world of protection, a dog may be exposed to a stressful situation for example, a decoy who may pose an indirect simulated threat. The first time around, most dogs may just stare and do nothing at all. Do the same exercise a week later and the dog explodes. My question is with this test? A dog who passes these invasive violations and goes to a new home may be much more apprehensive or defensive. The potential for an adverse reaction due to the stress of transference could be more predominant. We have seen it many times, a shelter dog goes to a new home, they did the tests at the shelter, it passes, and then it bites its new owner or family members simply because of the change and what was done to the dog with that horrible failure at the shelter itself. In summation, if we look today we have removed the guilt of euthanasia and justified it by doing this test. With guilt removal instead of managing and presenting the dog, we are now putting down friendly social dogs and puppies who would make great pets. It’s easier to kill than to acquire the discipline and knowledge to help and train a dog successfully. Imagine that! I will explain further about this as we go along.
Throughout my years of experience, whether it be breeding, raising or rejuvenating dogs, I have observed some common denominators that occur when a dog starts to behave badly. Of course, the old adage of neglect, being chained to a dog house in the backyard was one of the biggest issues of dog abuse in the past. Let alone physical harm that existed as well. Today there is a new abuse: pampering, spoiling, zero crate use, zero independence, zero boundaries, making a dog a fashion accessory (positive enforcement bribery) over-corrective invasive methods (prong, choke, e-collars), dog walkers etc. etc. etc. Let’s not forget pushed social bombardment. If I look at poor dog behaviour being the root of all disfunction, this has all come to light in the last 20 years or so. (See my blog on anxiety and both articles on aggression). For some reason, people look at their dogs as if they are human and treat them as such. Whom I fault for this, is the fur-baby syndrome that is being promoted on television and the internet. I often have to ask if a human was treated like a dog, how would one feel? Now think about this: if a dog were treated like a human, how would it feel? It surprised me how many said the dog would feel great. Then I would ask "what do you have sitting next to you"? A hyper, fearful, uncontrollable or aggressive dog that mentally blocks out its handler and goes into survival mode when stress hits it. (I would like for everyone to remember this last sentence).
By the time this all begins to manifest, we seek out a trainer, try one then another, different methodology, watch television trainers, navigate YouTube and go to the vet for doggy brain drugs; low and behold nothing works. At this point you are at your wits end and decide to give up the dog. The final ride to the shelter? Most likely a death sentence. Could it be that you followed the heart strings approach to raising and handling? It’s the dog’s fault. Now the disfunction begins and it is hard on one’s emotional well-being for example. We do not want to realize the discipline and guidance a dog requires to help it live a happy well-adjusted life. The key word is discipline. Not the dog's, our own self discipline by learning to understand how your dog sees us and presenting ourself as a proper fair and guiding owner that meets the dog’s needs. That one is left up to perception and all one has to do is be objective about their dog’s behaviour. And humble themselves into admitting they caused it. Now where does the last sentence include fur-baby hoochy-koo? I find this to be a completely self-serving sentiment and the root of all dog misbehavior. Almost all persons who come to me for help with their dog’s behaviour show this waste of time fur baby ideology. In the end we seem to be dumping our dogs in shelters as we can’t handle what we caused. Now this pampered, mentally neglected, hyper-anxious pooch that was never given the opportunity to be emotionally strong ends up being dumped at a shelter with the weak excuses given. We all know what they are. We leave it at a shelter with other barking stressed dogs and concrete walls, a human stranger poking it with plastic hands, a catch pole and nothing but fear and you did it without a thought. Meanwhile, prior to that it slept on your bed or couch and has never been outside to get wet from rain. If it shows any fear or bad behaviour or fails this stressful ridiculous test in this highly stressful environment, the dog is “put to sleep” or the real word is killed. How cowardly. I invite every selfish individual who dumps a dog to spend time in the euthanasia room; it may very well jar your emotions. This way, you can actually see what your selfishness and lack of responsibility has done. What I have to ask, what did the dog do to you to deserve that treatment?????
THE DENIAL OF ONE’S EXISTENCE IS THE GREATEST ACT OF CRUELTY.
Before I go on I would like to leave some food for thought. Many years ago I decided to begin a career in the professional world of dogs, on a full-time basis. In my early days my education began with the training of search and rescue, protection, narcotics detection, tracking, security and police dogs and 5 years of apprenticeship study and observing the family pet direction. I decided to start a security dog business like I mentioned earlier in the blog. My source for the dogs I needed came from aggressive dogs in backyards where I would take a dog someone couldn’t handle anymore, and eventually from animal control centres. I would take Rottweilers, Dobermans and German Shepherds scheduled to be euthanized due to aggression. They would give me these dogs as I built a relationship with the shelter workers and they knew I had the ability to handle these dogs. In the 90’s this was possible, it is not today. Why?
My company grew to about 40 employees, security guards, kennel staff and working sentry dogs. My security guards, as they worked the sites, were given these dogs that I would train and teach the guards to handle and continue the training that I had started. This was an essential part of their employment, they would have to come to my facility twice a month or more for further instruction and assessment. This was a large element to successful dog training, sales and revenue generation. In fact, these unwanted dogs were sold to families that wanted a pet and or protection dog for their home. Once the training was completed, I made sure they went to the right homes and would do additional training with the dog’s new owners. I managed to sell these dogs for in the $3,000- range. It was quite a successful program and also greatly financed the purchase of expensive breeding stock.
All I am trying to say here is it isn’t impossible. Shelters or rescues have volunteers. They can and in many cases do get trainers to donate time as long as they are capable professionals. These professionals can teach volunteers and shelter kennel staff how to train these dogs, while walking them, and most importantly by educating these people. They will teach good behaviour in the dogs instead of perpetuating poor behaviour. This also goes with foster home management, teaching crate training, individualization, etc. A foster home that has a bunch of dogs running amok in the backyard and running in the house is a poor situation. Hold classes at the facility for these people, video tape it. Have tv screens playing the video loops in the lobby of the shelter. Show the potential dog how it is trained, show it in the park, walking the streets, playing with dogs also showing the good control of the dog and handler when other dogs are present. Lo and behold you know these dogs are getting positive attention. But again, it is easier to kill than to put out the effort, right? I have to ask, is euthanasia morally, right? Geez, we are now killing friendly dogs, and even puppies. Now the shelter dog is a viable product that people want. Of course, there are many hard case dogs that unfortunately may be too far gone, and euthanasia may be the only answer. In my years of owning, instructing and rescuing dogs I haven’t come across more that 10 that were too far gone; all of them were handler aggressive or enraged and they had a hollow look in their eyes. What a sad life and an even sadder end!
We need to change the laws that govern poor dog breeding, the backyard breeder, the crossbred breeder, the ones who drive horse driven carriages as these are the biggest contributors.
Legitimate breeders are not the problem. Their clients don’t go to shelters to get a dog and they will take good care of the dog for its entire life. Whether the owner keeps it or not. I can’t speak for all of them but many of my colleagues practice this philosophy.
As for the shelters and rescues, educate yourselves. Learn how to manage and train dogs properly. Anything less, well then, one is perpetuating the same behaviour the dog came into the system with in the first place. Pulling on heart strings to save a dog is the same sentiment as the person who surrendered it started off with. Know the difference between a backyard dog producer and a legitimate breeder. Do your homework. The legitimate breeders are not your competition. The dog producers are. I can’t tell you how many times people have come to me for a dog and tell me about their negative shelter experience. That’s something that needs to be thought about. Perhaps shelters and rescues need to change their approach to helping and presenting shelter dogs.
Run community training classes; some people can’t afford high priced training so give them a viable option. Anything to help avoid surrender; not all owners are selfish, some have just given up. After all, nobody goes out to get a dog with the intent to surrender it. There is a chain of events before that happens and quite a few don’t know what else to do. Legitimate breeders know this. That is why they offer after purchase support. The shelters need to do the same.
If legitimate breeders are respected then they will help, and put their skill and knowledge forth to aid in this dilemma. Take your emotions out of it. Rescues and Legitimate Breeders share the same common concern, so work together and eliminate the backyard producer. Educate the public not about how bad it is to get a dog from a puppy mill or some one’s backyard: that’s part of it. Instead present a dog worth purchasing and yes, they are purchasing the dog. The funds can go to the shelter or the puppy mill you choose. Don’t categorize legitimate breeders with poor breeders, you are creating a divide. The dog producer loves this. Perhaps both parties should unite and educate properly. As a breeder, if someone can’t afford one of my pups I have a shelter friend I send them to, and she trains and presents them properly to great success. Give people a reason to come to the shelter; pulling on the heart strings is not enough. Create a product that is viable in the dog market place. Your competitor is the ghastly puppy mill and backyard dog producer. Clients who go to legitimate breeders aren’t interested in a shelter dog or these dogs either. Your potential adopter in many cases can come to the shelter or go to the horse-drawn carriage people for example. Increasing shelter dog demand will reduce puppy mills and backyard dog producer demand. This will reduce pet over-population and reduce euthanasia. Spaying and neutering are not enough. Put forth the effort towards the training and management of an unwanted dog and turning it into a dog people may want. After all, I was pretty successful when I did it. Shelters are morally obligated to do so. After all, isn’t that why it is called a shelter? Or perhaps, based on the amount of euthanasia, we need to call it a dog's death camp. This has to change: there are no excuses.
WHEN EXCUSES ARE MADE TO JUSTIFY FAILURE, THE MOTIVATION TO SUCCEED BECOMES AN IMPOSSIBLE ACHIEVMENT.
- Sam
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