Quote Originally Posted by Pinot's Mom View Post
Okay, I tried my best to stay out. I am an absolutely non-confrontational person, but PT is taking a hit, along with some people that are very special to me and I just can't take it anymore.

FIRST: Out of respect for the original poster and question, I will answer it. I HATE CHAINING DOGS BY THE COLLAR. Do you want to know why? Go see this thread: http://http://petoftheday.com/talk/s...ghlight=NIKATA I understand there are some dogs who pose a threat, or for other reasons need to be restrained. Use a harness or proper dog runs, and don't leave them out to annoy or frighten those around them. I grew up with my family breeding Irish Setters who could jump six foot fences from a standing position. They had runs.

SECOND: PT is a wonderful 'board' (I think that's the proper term) with seriously caring, loving, and accepting PET people. You want proof? Go see the same thread (among many others). They have been very helpful and knowledgeable towards my issues, and those of others; I hope they continue to do so.

There's my two cents. Now (and I have said this before), I'm going back to the kitty threads where I belong. It's much happier there.
Pinot, this is not intended to be sarcastic nor nasty by annny means. I just felt the need to step in on this note in a nice way. A harness and dog runs are not suited for these types of dogs. My dogs are confined durring the day while I'm away from home, some are outside and some are inside. I have a kennel set up, as well as a chain/cable set up. Most Game Bred dogs will eat through a kennel just to get to another dog that catches it's eye... also, even for my not game bred dogs... I tried tethering them with harnesses, and they ate through both the nylon and leather. When we chose to own these kinds of dogs we need to step up the responsibility in order to preserve our rights as animal owners. I cannot afford the vet bills if my APBT got off the chain, ate the kennel. Even when inside my home my APBT girl has to be seperated by a closed door from all other animals. We have to rotate to keep the vet costs as low as possible! haha To do this right your animals, especially dogs who has been bred specifically for sports/jobs needs the exercise of it's mind just as much as it's body...if this is not done they do become distructive to themselves personally as well as to anything withing paws reach. Very similar to GSD dogs who have been bred, trained, worked for law inforcement, then they become retired... it is very difficult, if not impossible to make them house dogs. I'm sure it's the same way for a greyhound.

EDIT: it has been bred and ingrained into these dogs for hundreds of years to need a purpose in life, and that is where we as a bully community come into so many troubles because they are not dogs for everyone by any means. It takes a certain kind of owner to do this breed any kind of justice... or stay out of the media. The "Pit Bull" (and I hate that term, because it's such a loose generalization) has become more of a fashion statement for people and when prospective owners browse the classified adds they do not realise it is a life style, not just a dog.