I was interviewed (Pit Bulls, Rottweilers Stereotyped) on television this week about the tragedy that happened near Round Rock over the weekend.  It was strange how everyone wants a comment from you when there is a dog related accident and how they really want you to categorize the dogs as being the problem.  The unique thing this time was that the reporter didn’t really want that.

I was impressed that I had the opportunity to say that virtually any dog could bite someone but that good training and socialization certainly mitigates the likelihood that it will happen. I did get to say that on T.V. but there was so much more that didn’t make it off the cutting room floor.  Things like how important I believe the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test is, and how I believe that every dog should pass it before it can be taken into publicly owned spaces.

I also didn’t get in there how it’s NOT just Pits and Rotties that cause trouble.  As a matter of fact some of the finest dogs that I’ve trained have been pits and pit mixes.  It’s important for people to know that many times the Media doesn’t really know what kind of dogs are involved and just say they are pits for the scare value. 

I guess what I can take away from the interview was that the reporter did make an effort to stress how important proper training is, especially when you have a powerful, big dog.

Steve Haynes
Austin Dog Trainer
Fidelio Dog Works
www.fideliodogblog.com