there are no bad dogs

I was greatly saddened to read recently of a 4-year-old boy who was mauled to death by the "family" Cane Corso. According to reports, the child’s siblings, only two and five years old, were injured, and watched their brother being killed from under a bed.

I can’t imagine how terribly that child and his siblings must have suffered. But as with many other similar cases, I think with great sadness of the animal involved as well. Often these are animals who simply aren’t in the right place, with the right people. In this case, it seems the Corso’s owner used to regularly punch and kick the dog, and boast of the dog’s violent temperament -– not the best thing for any dog, let alone a Corso. All dogs need to be well socialised – and well treated – not only as puppies, but throughout their lives, so that they will be good canine citizens with whom you can trust anyone.

If you have young children, please please think carefully about your choice of pet. Do your research thoroughly before ever bringing an animal home, and then be sure you devote all the time and energy necessary to socialising and training him or her. With dogs, there are breed generalisations that should not be dismissed –- for example, a Cane Corso is a powerful dog that has a naturally strong protective instinct which would require excellent socialising, training and leadership on the part of his owner –- but of course, every dog is an individual with his own unique characteristics. Many people seem to think dogs and kids are a naturally wonderful combination, but handled incorrectly, this can prove horribly wrong.

If you are thinking about bringing a dog home, be sure to find out all you can about the breed beforehand; consider everything from size and sex, to temperament and energy levels. Ask yourself honestly and repeatedly if you really do have the time to socialise and train a dog –- because really, these should be ongoing throughout the dog’s life, and are crucial to a happy relationship, both from the humans’ point of view, and the dog’s. Adult supervision is vitally important when socialising a dog with children, and never think that a dog who merely tolerates children can be safely left with them.

I think that well-known quote -– there are no bad dogs, only bad owners –- is so very true. If you are the type who likes punching and kicking dogs, and encouraging violence through harsh, unloving treatment, please don’t bring any animal home, let alone a big dog for your little kids. By the same token though, spoiling or neglecting is also detrimental. I’ve seen too many dogs put down at the shelter because parents belatedly realise that they chose the “wrong” animal, or how much actual work raising a good dog requires, especially when young children are involved. Please think carefully and don’t be guilty of destroying any innocent lives.

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
Author unknown, but very much agreed with