This morning I listened to one of those “fluffy, the world is all cream and chiffon” animal programs on the radio. They were stating that all you needed to properly train a dog were “love and a reward”. They went on to say that anyone who trains differently should not be training. The person stating this was a veterinarian. You see when nonsense comes from the mouth of supposed authority it often remains unquestioned. These are the same people who now cringe at the name of American Pittbull Terrier.

There is a big difference between correction and cruelty. It comes with responsibility and sincere desire to communicate with another living creature. We have seen the results of reward and discussion in our children and in our families. I know what we cannot bribe, we can legally drug. Dogs are not people. When anyone tries to say that they are alarms should go off within us. To give “Direction and then Correction,” is the proper way in which to work with a dog.

I am more watchful than alarmed, more aware than concerned, of those who spoke on the radio. If our dogs are to survive they must be healthy and stable.

There will, I suppose, always be the “Love and Cookies,” types. They will make excuses for breeding sick creatures; shun responsibility for putting “Unruly,” dogs to their death. They will always find followers much like themselves, vocal, finger pointing people who would look at cruelty hidden in nonsense, as being righteous. That too is well and fine if we speak up and out about what we know to be true as well. You see it is when we do as they would have trained us to do and back away to avoid a confrontation with a group such as these ones often belong to, that we are unjustified in our actions. It seems that we are afraid of being labeled by them as being cruel. To be labeled by a fool is to be foolishly labeled. These people have no authority unless we give it to them.

Think of the alternatives to standing up and speaking out. Being strong does not mean being popular. The beasts and the children are in need of a champion. Someone who will protect them from the “Love and Cookie” crowd. It may not be a popular stance but it is a necessary one. Perhaps love, real love, gives one the strength of character to face ridicule and attack. I hope so, as the other option is to give in and eat cookies as our breeds die and our children become legalized drug addicts.

The way I look at it is, “One can only eat so many cookies”. In much the same manner, one can take only so much bullshit before throwing it all up.

©Mike McConnery/Baden K-9, 11/18/06

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