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Post by emilys on May 7, 2009 13:42:40 GMT -5
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Post by RealPitBull on May 7, 2009 13:59:41 GMT -5
Oh good, you posted LOL I just emailed you.
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Post by RealPitBull on May 7, 2009 14:25:15 GMT -5
Some thoughts………
The criteria listed to label a Pit Bull a ‘breed ambassador’ is from the CGC test, which is really the lowest standard you could possibly hold a dog to in terms of some sort of structured behavioral requirements. If an organization is holding only Pit Bulls to those standards while ignoring bad behavior and aggression in its various forms in other breeds/mixes, THAT I do have a problem with. And it’s stupid to strip a dog of its ambassador label for doing normal, untrained dog things.
I also have a problem with the trend that eliminates any APBT with any sort of dog aggression issues from an ‘ambassador’ program.
I don’t think dogs of any breed or mix should be adopted out when they have human-aggro issues beyond those that are easily manageable (i.e. mild food resource guarding or handling issues, etc). I also think that recognizing breed temperament for what it is and NOT penalizing a dog for exhibiting behavior that is ‘typical’ for its breed is important. I.e. expecting some sort of human wariness in dogs of the guarding breeds is fine – it’s not ok in Pit Bulls. But while wariness may be ok in guarding breeds, outright human aggression in those same breeds shouldn’t be tolerated.
The one thing I don’t like about Nathan Winograd is that he seems really eager to blame people who, I believe, are mostly trying to do the right thing. People in rescue work don’t want to kill dogs. And when it comes to Pit Bulls, is it any wonder organizations are leery about adopting out those dogs that aren’t anything but stellar? The alternative in many cases is to adopt out dogs with shady temperaments, and to be blunt, I’d rather have a shelter NOT adopting out Pit Bulls than being too lax in their temperament requirements.
Still, I can appreciate the angle in these blog posts and I think they pose some good questions. And what I DO like about Winograd is that he stirs a pot that desperately needs stirring.
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Post by emilys on May 7, 2009 19:38:48 GMT -5
yeah, there's no doubt that Winograd is an extremist and provocateur.
He really does have the "hates" for the status quo shelter system and the people (or at least the managers) who work there.
I don't want to believe that shelter managers "want" to kill animals.. but when you consider how poor are many of their efforts to "save" them.. well, it doesn't matter what they "want", because animals needlessly end up dead anyway.
I totally understand the precautions pit bull rescuers have about the dogs they choose to save and adopt, but OTOH, I think Brent in his previous comments and on his blog DOES have a point that advocates fall into a trap of treating pit bulls differently, with unfair and often fatal consequences.
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Post by RealPitBull on May 8, 2009 7:28:29 GMT -5
Brent's blog had some really good points. I do agree that in certain cases some rescues make people jump through too many hoops - but I do tend to think it's those who have rarer breeds and can afford to be picky. I also know that there are WAY too many rescues - at least in my area - that send dogs out to anyone and with very minimal education. But here, it tends to be those rescues with dogs of breeds that are flooding shelters.
Still, his point is taken. I also LOVE the idea of focusing on the POSITIVES - picking out what potential homes are doing/could be doing right - instead of writing people off because of what they have going against them.
(Side note: Someone I know tried to adopt a Welsh Terrier from rescue but they wouldn't let her because she had an intact male dog at home. This person was a fulltime professional dog trainer, with plenty of money to care for her dogs, a big, lovely home and fenced yard, and was an amazingly responsible caregiver to her dogs - and could have produced a ton of references. Her male dog was intact for medical reasons. Anyway, when she couldn't get the dog she wanted from rescue, she went to a breeder. There was NO reason this person should have been denied a dog. NONE.)
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Chloe
I Love RPBF!
Posts: 433
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Post by Chloe on May 23, 2009 20:09:46 GMT -5
So, are you guys for or against pit bull ambassador programs? ???
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Post by RealPitBull on May 24, 2009 14:33:42 GMT -5
So, are you guys for or against pit bull ambassador programs? ??? I'm 100% for any organization that makes an effort to adopt out temperament correct Pit Bulls that will do the breed proud. I think breed ambassador programs in general are an excellent way to showcase the breed and get good Pit Bulls out in the public eye.  |
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Post by emilys on May 24, 2009 18:42:28 GMT -5
So, are you guys for or against pit bull ambassador programs? ??? I'm 100% for any organization that makes an effort to adopt out temperament correct Pit Bulls that will do the breed proud. I think breed ambassador programs in general are an excellent way to showcase the breed and get good Pit Bulls out in the public eye. what she said. "Pit bull" meaning, to me, a dog that to the best of your ability, you judge to be a "purebred" APBT/AST with appearance and temperament according to the standard. |
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Chloe
I Love RPBF!
Posts: 433
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Post by Chloe on May 26, 2009 2:11:56 GMT -5
Thanks  Just wondering. Chloe and I are working our way towards being able to join a pit bull breed ambassador program. She graduated at the top of her beg. obed. class out of 14 dogs 2 wks ago and now we are moving on to the CGC class this coming sat. I'm pretty excited! ;D |
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Post by RealPitBull on May 26, 2009 7:38:06 GMT -5
Thanks Just wondering. Chloe and I are working our way towards being able to join a pit bull breed ambassador program. She graduated at the top of her beg. obed. class out of 14 dogs 2 wks ago and now we are moving on to the CGC class this coming sat. I'm pretty excited! ;D "Joining" one? What sort of program is it? The ones referred to above are specifically adoption programs for dogs in shelters. They are to help the best of the breed get adopted. Just wondering what sort of program you are referring to |
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Chloe
I Love RPBF!
Posts: 433
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Post by Chloe on May 31, 2009 2:16:13 GMT -5
Thanks Just wondering. Chloe and I are working our way towards being able to join a pit bull breed ambassador program. She graduated at the top of her beg. obed. class out of 14 dogs 2 wks ago and now we are moving on to the CGC class this coming sat. I'm pretty excited! ;D "Joining" one? What sort of program is it? The ones referred to above are specifically adoption programs for dogs in shelters. They are to help the best of the breed get adopted. Just wondering what sort of program you are referring to One of the shelter's in my area has a program called Pit Bull Breed Ambassador's. All the dogs involved have to have their CGC cert. and then the owners have to go to a 1-2 hr. orientation at the shelter. After that, they interview me, meet Chloe and decide if we are "worthy". If so, then they send us on "assignments" I guess, where we go out into the public with our dogs so people can see how great they really are. I dont know all the details yet so I'm not sure if we go to specific events, like maybe pet expo's or adoption fairs or if we just go to public places on any given day. Cant wait to find out though! ;D |
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Post by RealPitBull on Jun 1, 2009 8:25:23 GMT -5
That sounds wonderful!!! |
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Chloe
I Love RPBF!
Posts: 433
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Post by Chloe on Jun 1, 2009 11:49:35 GMT -5
That sounds wonderful!!! Ya, I'm pretty excited! |
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Just wondering.
I look forward to learning much here