dogtrainingisfun
Registered: 04/08/08
Posts: 15
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Reply with quote | #1 |
PetSmart bans "bully breeds" from PetsHotel
Here is some additional contact information. To me, this is very
worrisome. It is just a step away from banning the listed breeds and
others from visiting the store and participating in training events.
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1. E-mail: CustomerCare@petsmart.com
2. Regular Mail:
PetSmart, Inc.
Attn: Customer Service
1435 International Drive
Eau Claire, WI 54701
3. Phone:
Toll-free: 1-888-839-9638 (U.S. Customers)
1-321-309-9065 (Customers Outside of the U.S.)
24 hours a day/7 days a week
This is from PetSmart's website, they are now banning "bully breeds" from their PetsHotel program, this includes their Doggy Day Care. They are not basing this on individual pets, but are discriminating... Read On:
Requirements
Who may attend?
Dogs at least five months of age
Dogs who have been socialized with
other dogs but are not of the "bully
breed" classification†or wolves/wolf hybrids
Dogs who are in good health (no fleas, ticks, or contagious illnesses)
No intact (unneutered) male dogs, pregnant females or females in heat
Dogs who have the following vaccinations: Bordetella, Rabies, Distemper, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus
†Dogs in the "bully breed" classification (e.g. American Pit Bull
Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bull Dogs, Bull Terriers or mixed breeds that have the appearance or characteristics of one of these breeds). For the safety of all animals and associates, and at the discretion of PetSmart, some pets may not be permitted.
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dogtrainingisfun
Registered: 04/08/08
Posts: 15
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Reply with quote | #2 |
I know that this is going to get a few of you talking as this is a bit controversial. Here's my viewpoint. I have and plan to always have "bully" breeds in all of my classes, including puppy kindergarten for the simple reason that "bully" breeds follow the same socialization rules as all other dogs. There is a propensity for aggression in any breed (I know, I have seen some goldens, spaniels, chihuahuas, mixed, etc who I have kept close eyes on). Targeting a breed is doing nothing but showing prejudice, it does nothing to solve any aggression problems . I can show fabulous, wonderful dogs of the "bully" breeds (rotties, pits, german shepherds, etc) who can play nicely and are sweet natured. I lay more blame on owners who do not train, who seem "proud" to own a bully breed (I'm talking about the owners who see a little dog and claim that their pit, rotty, whatever would eat their dog) and who for lack of better words, ignorant. Socialization needs to continue. If a dog were to go to Puppy Kindergarten, play well, learn the basics and then be denied the chance to have contact with any other dog in a positive way, the learning can be lost on the dog. So, in other words, I completely disagree with this Pet Smart Ban. I find it offensive to "bully" breed owners and distasteful as a dog lover myself (and Pet Smart definitely claims to be pet lovers). We have an obligation to keep our dogs mentally challenged, safe and loved. I say, all dogs of ANY breed need to be evaluated to ensure that each play group is safe and content with the level of play. I'm sure I can go on for a long time, but I'll let you guys do some talking now. |
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pitbulljunky
Registered: 04/08/08
Posts: 3
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Reply with quote | #3 |
Honestly, I don't have any problem with bullies not being allowed in PetsMart doggy daycare. Yes, I'm sure there are bullies out there who can get along in that kind of environment without problems, but I don't think, given the current political and media situation, that these dogs belong there. In private doggy daycares with a high staff to dog ratio and who know what they're doing, it'd probably be a different story. But not PetsMart.
There's a world of difference between a pit bull in an obedience class or a small carefully-picked playgroup, and a pit bull in a doggy daycare. There are tons of ways to continue to socialize these dogs that doesn't involve leaving them in doggy daycare (or taking them to dogparks).
I am not at all "proud" that my dogs are dog-aggressive with certain dogs in certain situations. But I respect their heritage, I respect who and what they are, and I'm not willing to put other peoples' dogs at risk either of injury from my own dogs, or media/political backlash when the "pit bull kills family dog" story hits the front page of the paper and then there's talk of breed bans. Look at what happened in Denver. Look at what continues to happen in Ontario. Politicians are looking for any excuse to exterminate these dogs, and we cannot afford to give them even small reasons. They don't get second chances. What's just a generic scuffle between other breeds is often a news story when there's a pit bull involved.
These dogs were bred for generations for dog-to-dog combat. They tend to be pushy in their play, quick to take offense (especially when they're older), and if something tips them over the edge, they are in it to win. That doesn't mean they're bad dogs. It just means that they need to be handled carefully and knowledgeably.
I don't think the typical PetsMart employee is capable of that.
Most of the big name pit bull rescues and activist groups frown on places like dog parks and doggy daycare.
Katie
owner of 3 pit bulls and plenty of opinions!
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save the pit bull, save the world |
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dogtrainingisfun
Registered: 04/08/08
Posts: 15
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Reply with quote | #4 |
Katie, I love your viewpoint on this as a "pit" owner. I so agree with the owner mentality of understanding the breed that you have and ensuring that your dog is respectable out in public so as to aid in the reputation. Thanks again for your wonderful viewpoint on this subject. |
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