Pretty Happy Dogs

It’s been a while since I posted anything and this article caught my attention today.

It is useful for the newspaper to put a spotlight on the number of incidences involving this particular breed of dogs. However, I would like to speak in defense of this breed.

There are many incidents involving dogs everyday - everywhere - not just in Dundee. These incidents also involve other breeds, not just XL Bulldogs.

First and foremost, I want to highlight that the pictures in the article show these dogs with cropped ears when these dogs are born with floppy ears naturally. Many XL bullies are affectionate, like your cockerpoo or Labrador.

These dogs didn’t crop their own ears; their owners did it when they were young so that their ears would look like they are standing up and give the impression that the do is alert. Along with the muscular body, wide jaws and piercing eyes, this breed is the ideal dog for a person who wants to look tough - someone not to be messed around with.

These dogs are indeed strong and powerful. In the wrong hands, they literally become weapons. However, like many other breeds, they are not vicious by nature. Any dog can perform the death shake (holding an animal by the neck and shaking vigorously to break the spine). In fact I have seen border collies do it to their tug toys! So are border collies a dangerous breed? The death shake is simply an effective way a predator could use to obtain a meal - one of nature’s best solution for a quick and simple death.

I hope that people could extend some compassion to this breed of dogs while maintaining a heightened awareness of the potential harm that they could inflict. Rather than being afraid of these dogs when we see them, see the trauma they would have experienced having their ears cropped, perhaps not given the right/any training and even not socialised correctly.

Instead of projecting fear, try to exude an air of calmness and steadfastness while passing them on the street. If anything, the dog will gain a neutral interaction to add to its memory bank.

Also, not every XL bully owner is bad or have antisocial attitudes. Before you start to cross the road when you see an XL bully, take a few extra seconds to work out the whole package - dog and owner. Are you able to see a fellow dog owner who is as loving and caring towards his/her dog as you are toward yours?

I recently worked with a lady with a large bulldog cross and they are both beautiful beings - open, accepting and very kind.

This is a good article but I would just like to add that we needn’t get over reactive when walking on the street, a little hello could help everyone involved.

Stay alert but stay kind.

Kindness, like aggression, could kill; so kill those attitudes and stereotypes.

Stay safe!

Woofs and Blessings.

How XL Bully dogs have blighted Dundee and put owners in the dock

Beautiful Saturday Morning! Hope everyone’s have a great start to the weekend!

Just to say class will be tomorrow at 11am at Camperdown Park (in front of Camperdown House)

I would like to continue in our workshop format of the loose lead training and reactivity class but focus more on reactivity and different ways of getting your dog’s attention when he/she is zoomed in on a trigger or a anything of interest.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Woofs and blessings,
Kirsten Koh
07727630303

Photo of the cutest Blue Heeler, Blue I met yesterday at Ballo Woods!