Join the experts at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to discuss the nationwide effort by local and state governments to control the dangerous dog problem by banning certain breeds of dogs and why this breed-banning initiative will not work. Hear the latest on the controversy around temperament testing. Learn why the key to tackling this issue is through increased funding of animal control services and better enforcement of licensing and cruelty laws.

The transcript follows.

Moderator: Good afternoon and welcome to Viewpoint! Today we have two animal behaviorists from the ASPCA, Stephen Zawistowski and Pamela Reid, to answer our questions about breed specific legislation (BSL). Let's begin!

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Hi everyone and good afternoon. Pam, Jill and I are pleased to be here to talk about dogs with people who care a great deal. We've worked with thousands of dogs and their people and have always been impressed with the wide variety of people and dogs. It is important for us all to work together to protect the relationships between caring people and their dogs, and to ensure that people who do not have the best intentions for their dogs or their neighbors be held responsible. On to the questions!

_______________________

Scarsdale, N.Y.: I have two Rottweilers, and after 3 years my insurance company has decided to cancel my homeowners insurance due to the breed. It seems my only option is to find a new insurance company and not disclose the dogs and hope they dont visit the house. I am concerned about the ability to keep the dogs and also about the possible result of a lot of these dogs given up and unable to find homes. Is there any way to fight this?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: This is a growing problem all over the United States. More and more insurance companies are practicing “canine profiling” rather than evaluating the individual dog. If you search around, you should be able to find insurance, although the premium may be much higher and in some cases, the coverage may exclude insurance for dog bite liability. It is not a good idea to misrepresent to the insurance company that you have a certain breed of dog when asked because if one of the dogs subsequently bites someone, the insurance carrier could void the policy and not pay the claim (even if you have been faithfully paying premiums). We are recommending that people who have been affected by this practice, contact their state legislators and their state insurance commissioner.

_______________________

Birmingham, Ala.: I suppose I may be too close to this issue to be objective, seeing how I had to witness my neighbors pit bull attack and kill my cat. The neighbor knew this dog was aggressive and subsequently was unable to restrain or control the animal during the course of this tragedy. In my opinion people who own dogs that are known to be aggressive (as this dog was) need to be held accountable. The police won't do it, animal control won't do it - so if the insurance industry can why not let them? Why is this an issue for the ASPCA since aggressive dogs often committ acts of cruelty towards other animals? I support the ASPCA, but I feel as though I have also lost objectivity in respect to this issue.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Thank you for your interesting question and I am very sorry to hear about your cat. You are absolutely correct that people who own aggressive dogs should be held accountable. The ASPCA believes that the insurance companies should underwrite with respect to the individual dog rather than categorizing a particular breed as dangerous. The fact is that all dogs can bite and owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs under their control regardless of breed.

_______________________

Sultan, Wash.: Is there any recourse when you're given 15 days to get another home owners insurance just because you have a breed of dog they consider dangerous? I have a Shepherd mix pup who is a total wimp and an Aussie mix who is a great dog. I had these dogs with my old insurance company with no problem. When I purchased a small farm I had to get a new company. I'm having a lot of trouble finding insurance. I have never had an issue with any of my dogs. Any advice is appreciated. Gerri

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: The best advice I can give is that you shop around as much as possible. Ask your insurance agent if you can possibly purchase a possibly that will at least provide liability and property insurance for the house while excluding coverage for the dogs. This is a risk, however, since if your dogs do happen to bite someone, you would not have insurance coverage for any injury to third parties. Please contact your state legislators and the Washington state Department of Insurance and complain about your problem. This past year a bill was introduced in Washington to prohibit insurance companies from practicing canine profiling. Although the bill did not pass this session, it may be introduced again next year. Make sure you let your legislators know this is an important issue to you! To contact your insurance commissioner, log onto the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org and send a letter telling him/her about your problem.

_______________________

Yorba Linda, Calif.: Hello DR. Reid and Mr. Zawistowski,

Thank you for speaking on this very important issue. I have been told the definition within animal control agencies of "dangerous" ranges widely from city to city in California. Anywhwere from several barks to as many as several bites is considered "dangerous." Is it not true, however, that most dogs bark, rather than bite? Can a standard be developed? As for breeds, my Rottweiler "Midnite" is the most sweet dog with adults and children and 99% of all dogs in public, and then only gives fair warning to respect her space (meaning not to jump on her)!

And the same is true for my Akita, my German Shepherd. All are rescued dogs too. My friends pitbull "Elliot" was adopted from me, is the least concern to harm society in anyway. He regularly visits dog parks and has a C.G.C. title. His small poodle companion "Coco" guards the house, with yappily barking. Neither the landlord or insurance co. asked about their history or behavior

Can we as a society, somehow demand each case be reviewed or evaluated?

Is Passing a Canine Good Citizen test in your opinion a valid test for the safety of society? If not can you suggest or develop one?

Regards,
Dan

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: The Canine Good Citizen Test is a good starting point for evaluating the manners of pet dogs but it certainly doesn’t ensure that a dog is safe. The test places dogs and their owners in a limited number of simulated situations designed to mimic real-life scenarios. Judges evaluate the dogs based on their level of control and training. While a dog that passes the CGC test with flying colors is likely to be a good dog to take to the street fair or to the local pet shop, it does not necessarily mean that the dog would be safe if a child runs into its yard to collect a stray ball or if a man jogs by the off-leash dog park. It’s a start but it would great to have a more comprehensive testing system, probably based in part on the behavioral evaluations we conduct on dogs coming into the shelter.

_______________________

Louisville, Ky.: Why are only certain dogs being picked out? I have a beagle/shepherd mix and I have heard that shepherds are on the black list. I have seen some small house dogs that are mean little things -- they will nip at you, and yes sometimes bite.

I believe that we need to think it's the way that a dog is brought up and how it is treated that will greatly reflect on how he/she is with public.

I have 5 dogs and I socialize them all. I have found that taking your dog to doggy school will help greatly on the way that they turn out. Schooling helps not only the dog but the owner, too.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: I agree that dogs of all breed and sizes can behave aggressively. The behavior of any dog is the product of a complex interplay between genetics and experience. A dog with good genes and proper socialization and training is highly likely to be a great companion and a safe member of the community. A dog with poor genetics and limited socialization and training is highly likely to be a problem for its owners. A dog with poor genetics can still turn out okay if provided with the right kinds of experiences. A dog with good genetics can sometimes overcome lack of socialization and training. Early exposure is particularly critical. As in humans, a great deal of a dog’s “personality” is shaped in early development. Puppies that have great fun meeting a wide array of people (men, women, children, people of various ethnicities, and so forth) and dogs (of different sizes, shapes, ages, etc.), and that get out to explore the world (go shopping, to the park, street walks, to work, to the school yard, to the dog training school, etc.,) tend to do very well as adults. Puppies that are kept in the yard or walked late at night and meet only a few people and dogs are more likely to be timid, fearful, or aggressive. These findings are well documented in the scientific literature.

_______________________

Lanesboro, Mass.: How do you know if your dog will threaten or bite a person? I have owned two wonderful Dobermans; one adopted and one puppy. They were both even tempered and good with children. I now have a very loving Dalmation and people are afraid of that breed also. Am I just lucky or is there a factor I don't know about?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: How do you know if your own dog will threaten or bite a person? Owners need to become good observers of behavior. Dogs are very expressive with their bodies. A dog that is feeling uncomfortable around a person is likely to show visible signs. The dog may avert his eyes, he might tighten his muscles, he might wrinkle his lips, the hair on his withers (hackles) might rise, his ears might flatten, and/or his tail might stiffen. Dogs that are guarding objects, like bones or toys, often hunker down over the object and stare at the person before going on the offensive. There are good resources available to owners on learning what signs to look for.

_______________________

Miami, Fla.: Just because one owns a large dog which will intimidate someone by size alone, how do we, the owners, let others know -- neighbors, community, government, that a dog's breed and size has nothing to do with it being a dangerous breed. How do we indoctrinate the public that it is the OWNER, and the owner's responsibility to train the dog. We are responsible dog owners, and I applaud all the rest of you out there, but there are far too many who really don't care about their animals and those are the people we should be penalizing, not the animals! That's what the government and insurance company should be looking at: OWNERS, not BREEDS.

Thanks for listening!

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: It is important for all dog owners to recognize and accept their responsibilities. This starts with choosing the dog that is right for them. All dogs are not the same. Different dogs will respond differently to various environments and methods of training. Dog owners need to research the history of the breed that they would like to acquire, and specifically the behavior and health of the parental lines.

_______________________

Wood-Ridge, N.J.: I have a pitbull/Lab mix, this new dangerous breed act would surely affect my family. Our dog is one of the most well trained, loving and caring dogs I have ever had. In fact our neighbors, family members and all those who have ever met our dog would agree that in no way shape or form would my dog be considered dangerous. If this law does come into effect is there anyway of 'testing' out and having our specific dog made an exception? Perhaps our vet. Could you vouch for us?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: I’m not a legislator so it’s hard for me to guess if there might be a way for dogs to test out of the system. Certainly it can’t hurt to do what you can to establish that your dog is a well-mannered member of society. Take your dog to obedience training, consider competing in obedience competitions, pass the Canine Good Citizen test, or certify him as a Therapy Dog – whatever is appropriate and safe for your dog. The veterinarian often sees dogs at their worst (!) so having your vet support you is also good.

_______________________

Honolulu, Hawaii: I've heard a lot about this issue, except which breeds of dogs are targeted. If it involves pit bulls is that really so wrong? Hawaii has seen numerous deaths of babies and young children at the jaws of pit bulls. Is it really just a coincidence? These dogs have been bred to fight and kill.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: The actual number of deaths attributed to dogs in the US each year, 15-20, is actually quite small when you consider the number of dogs in US households, about 65 million (ie. Bee and wasp stings account for 30-100 deaths; and bike accidents for about 1400). Larger, stronger dogs do pose a greater risk for children and substantial care and responsibility are incumbent for parents and dog owners.

_______________________

San Antonio, Tex.: How safe are pit bulls? I "rescued" such a dog from a situation where he was not necessarily abused, but rather ignored. His previous owners didn't want him because he wasn't aggressive enough. I've had him neutered, and have enrolled him in obedience training. He's friendly with most strangers, but occasionally growls. What are my long-term prospects?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: A pit bull that sometimes growls at strangers is cause for concern. Indeed, any dog that growls at people is cause for concern. I can’t make a guess at your long-term prospects because I’d need a lot more detailed information about your dog and his behavior. However, I encourage you to seek professional help from a qualified behaviorist. You certainly don’t want the dog to continue to “practice” this behavior so the problem worsens. There are many things you can do to try to improve your dog’s behavior so that you give him the best shot at a long and happy life.

_______________________

New Haven, Conn.: Don't you believe the owner is at fault by the way it treats the dog (initiating vicious behavior) rather than the breed itself?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: The behavior of any animal, including dogs and humans, results from a complex interplay between genetics and experience. To make matters even more complex, dogs can be aggressive toward people for many reasons. It is not as simple as just assuming that if a dog is aggressive, it was taught to be that way. The way the owner treats the dog is one important factor but it is not the only factor. Breeds have been genetically selected for certain behavior patterns. Take herding breeds as an example. The Border collie is a supreme herder of sheep. But not all individuals are good at it. And training usually helps. But the same amount of training is not likely to help much if the dog is a Chihuahua or a Newfoundland – these breeds were not selected for their propensity to herd so they need a lot more training and encouragement to display herding behavior. Likewise, some breeds, like the protective/guarding breeds, are more prone to displaying aggressive behavior.

_______________________

Athens, Ohio: Would you please discuss the pros & cons of enacting a federal mandatory sterilization law for non-AKC registerible pit bulls & "breeding" (not ownership) ban for pit bulls (as a way to reduce the suffering of these dogs & unnecessary euthanasia thereof, were they not trained to fight)? Since people determined to fight dogs would likely replace pit bulls with other breeds to exploit this way, what about establishing federal breeding licenses for small scale breeders (as a way to help fund APHIS, encourage quality breeding & drive up prices to reward responsible breeders) & establish federal regulations for the AKC, written in a way that would act as a very strong incentive for responsible breeders to report backyard breeders & high volume breeders who should be licensed with the USDA, but are violating the AWA by not doing so?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: We, too, at the ASPCA are extremely concerned about the breeding of pit bulls by some people to be trained to fight. And, you’re correct in predicting that placing a ban on pit bulls will not only penalize responsible pet owners of these dogs, but will not necessarily stop animal fighters from either continuing to use these dogs or choose a different breed. There is a federal law, the Animal Welfare Act, which already regulates and licenses breeders. There are certainly problems with enforcement of this law, and the regulations can certainly be improved, which the ASPCA hopes to work on in the near future. Regarding your thought on working with truly professional, responsible breeders and establishing quality standards, this is something currently under consideration at the ASPCA. Although we always encourage future pet owners to go to their local shelter or to rescue groups that have wonderful animals awaiting adoption, many people want to purchase a purebred puppy from a breeder. It’s important that we establish the standards and quality controls to ensure that animals are treated and cared for humanely. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. To keep abreast of our work on this and many other issues, please visit the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org and register to become a member of our Advocacy Brigade, a complimentary service in which you can find out about legislation pending in Congress and your state legislature and send letters to your representatives.

_______________________

Woodbridge, Va.: I am a firm believer that it is the owner's actions are the only thing that can make a dog agressive. I have seen "agressive breeds" curl up next to me on a couch of a person that I have just met. Has there been any studies that prove that a breed can be dangerous just by living? Or that genetics in a "dangerous breed" is the exact cause? I own two "dangerous dog," breeds and they have never harmed a soul, but yet I cannot live in some apartments due to their insurance providers.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: It is important to recognize that breeds are not “hard line” biological categories. Breed designations are a matter of convenience to designate “types” within a species. They are the result of consistent breeding practices to produce consistent, specific physical and behavioral characteristics. Within breeds there are often separate “lines” or “families” which can be quite different from one another. Beagles or Labrador retrievers still selected and bred for hunting can be quite different from those coming from lines selected for shows, seeing eye work or companions. A significant flaw in BSL is the failure to recognize the variation within breeds, and the extent to which genetics and environment interact in behavioral development.

_______________________

Storm Lake, Iowa: I have heard a lot of people say that some breeds are naturally aggressive. I don't believe thats true, I believe that it can be brought out in any dog. I have seen some Rottwilers that are really gentle, and some Poodles that are mean. So I was wondering, what were Rots. bred for?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Different breeds were developed for different purposes, some for hunting, some for herding, others for protection and unfortunately, some for fighting. Dog breeds originally used for protection, guarding or fighting require extra effort when it comes to socialization and training. In the same way that the retrievers are easier to train to play fetch than breeds than originally bred for that function, it is easier to “train” some dogs to respond aggressively in a variety of situations.

Rottweilers were originally bred for driving cattle, and guarding/protection.

_______________________

New Orleans, La.: Dear Drs. Zawistowski and Reid,

As the owner of very social German Shepherds I was shocked to hear that my insurance was going up because of them -- commensurate with an outdated perception of this breed. Had I known, I would have said, "chihuahua," but I can hardly spell it. Why did insurance companies adopt such ludicrous "facts," and has there been a spike in animal give-ups nationwide? Thank you.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: There has been an increase in the number of insurance companies that are not only increasing insurance premiums because of the breed of dog owned but are actually canceling policies. Dog bites cost insurance companies millions of dollars per year but we agree with you that they should consider the “deed”, not the “breed” of dog when underwriting insurance policies. We do not yet have statistics on the numbers of dogs being relinquished because of a difficulty in obtaining insurance. However, we have received anecdotal reports of such increases.

_______________________

Clarksville, Ark.: Is this really about large breed dogs or is it about Pit Bulls that were originally bred to fight and are genetically pre destined to attack.
I had a very large German Shephard, no one complained about it, they just respected her.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Well, size does matter. It is very difficult to get reliable statistics on dog bites. Most of the information that we do have comes from reports that are made when a bite is serious enough to require medical treatment. These data may come from hospitals, animal control agencies or departments of health. While anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that small dogs may bite more often, they tend to do less damage and do not provoke the same level of public concern.

_______________________

Mentor, Ohio: I live in constant fear that these issues will face me one day. I have a rescued, spayed, 6-year-old rottweiler who had a very troubled, tragic life before coming to be with me. Desensitization has worked to some degree, but she is a creature who simply is comfortable only with the tried and true 6-7 humans in her life. She is fearful and will act aggressively if allowed. We manage her to keep her below her stress threshold, she is comfortable only in her own home with her own people. My question is this -- if an insurance representative, or someone in his stead, insisted on coming into my home to meet the dog, how could I explain to them that it would not be in their or my dog's best interest to do this without making it sound really bad? I am sure that there are other dogs on earth like this. So many judgements have been passed on me and my dog, without knowing the circumstances, that I am fearful this could happen to me. If I were forced into giving her up, it would most definitely mean a death sentence for her and I would want to die as well. Too much has happened to her, and I have invested so much both financially and emotionally, for me to even consider euthanization. Your thoughts are appreciated. (We have worked with a well-known behaviorist who has not recommended euthanization.)

PS -I would certainly be interested in helping in any way to toughen anti-cruely laws. It would prevent so many animals from experiencing what mine has gone through.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: I'm afraid I don't know how to answer your post. It sounds like you've done everything correctly by seeking professional help and doing what you can to improve the behavior of your dog. While there are always risks, it sounds as though you've proven yourself a responsible dog owner because you've been able to keep your dog from hurting or frightening other people. People can and do live with aggressive dogs. Sometimes it is a relatively easy task to manage their behavior, even if the dog can't be rehabilitated.

_______________________

Lindstrom, Minn.: When there are so many breeds available, why would anyone want a dog of a breed that was developed for fighting and killing such as a Pit Bull or Rottweiler?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: If history tells us anything, it is that people have a wide range in tastes in everything from wines, to clothing to the types of dogs that they like. The vast majority of dogs of all breeds tend to be pretty nice. While pit bulls may have originally been bred to fight, and Rottweilers for protection, both breeds also have a history living and working with people. When they are socialized and provided with proper care and training, they can be intensely loyal and loving companions.

_______________________

Burlington, N.J.: I have several clients who have been turned down for homeowners' insurance while they are purchasing their homes because they have a dog that is a mixed breed. The mix may contain any of these breeds: Shepherd, Rott, Pit, Chow, Doberman, Corso, or Dane. My question is, how can these insurance companies refuse insurance to these people who have owned these beautiful dogs as part of their family for years without even asking to see the dog or check vet records? It is very frustrating to help people with this problem and most of them end of creating a different mixed breed dog just to get insurance! Why can't we stop the insurance companies from constantly looking at the "law of averages" when it comes to dogs since not all dogs or breeds fit the mold? Thank you for your comments.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Many insurance companies are refusing to provide homeowners’ and renters’ insurance to people who own certain breeds (or breed mixes) of dogs and unfortunately there are presently no laws to prevent it. We are recommending that people who are experiencing “canine profiling” contact their state legislators and their state insurance commissioner to let them know that they are being adversely impacted by this practice. People can also log on to www.aspca.org to send a letter directly to their insurance commissioner.

_______________________

Fort Myers, Fla.: Is there any genetic evidence for the belief that some mixed breed dogs of, for instance, Rottweiller, Doberman, and Bull Terrier lineage, are more unpredictable and hence, more dangerous, than their pure bred counterparts?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: There is no evidence that I know of that mixed breed dogs are more unpredictable or more dangerous than pure bred dogs. While purebred dogs are selected to have a consistent appearance and behavior, there is still variation within breeds and between families within a breed. In agriculture, different breeds or families of stock are often crossed to produce a hybrid that is both vigorous and consistent in performance.

_______________________

Severn, Md.: Why aren't the owner's held responsible for the dogs behavior? Why blame the dog; it's just like a child. If you abuse or train it to be vicious, that is how it is going to behave. I have a Rottweiler and German Sheperd, both male, both intact, both young and both bred for guarding. They take a lot of responsibility, I have made it a my mission to train them. They have turned out to both be big goof balls and terribly friendly. Granted their breed specific traits are very clear in their character.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: If everyone were responsible there would be no controversy and no need to address this issue. You seem to recognize that having two, large intact male dogs is serious commitment. You know about the breed traits and were ready to take on the job at hand. If everyone showed this same level of commitment I could have spent this afternoon at the beach instead of answering questions.

_______________________

Jacksonville, Fla.: When I was 8 years old (I'm now in my late 50s), I had a traumatic experience of seeing my younger brother mauled by a neighbor's German Shepherd. Consequently, I have always been scared of big dogs. My husband says dogs can "sense fear." Is this true? How can I "hide" fear when faced with big dogs? Incidentally, my son & daughter-in-law has 2 Pomeranians and 1 Wheaton terrier and I just love them and they love me (even after not seeing them for a while).

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Dogs are able to “sense” a person’s anxiety or fear; or confidence by evaluating body posture, tone of voice and possibly scent. When confronted with a large dog, do not stare directly into its eyes, this will be seen as threat by the dog. Stand at a slight angle, look just off to the side or over the dog’s head and speak in a slow, calm voice. Try to keep your voice pitch as low as possible. Do not yell, or run.

_______________________

Southbridge, Mass.: In 1998, my wife and I adopted an 8 month old pit bull. We spent hundreds of dollars getting her behavior training, advanced dog training, and getting socialized with other pets and people. My dog absolutely loves other animals and listens on and off the leash.
We eventually moved here to Massachusetts and bought a house. We had the hardest time getting homeowners insurance and eventually had to settle with something called the Massachusetts Fair Plan, despite having letters from neighbors, veterinarians, animal trainers, and a certified animal behaviorist attesting to our dogs kind demeanor. We have to pay a higher insurance premium. We even requested that they (the insurance company) come by for dinner and meet the dog and see for themself. Of course they declined. I just feel that is so unfair and that if insurance companies are going to charge you a higher premium, they should have a behaviorist onsite that they dispatch to new policy owners to test to see if a dog will more likely be aggressive. I feel their practices are so unfair, and I still urge them to meet our dog.
I forgot to mention my wife is a certified veterinary technician at Tufts Animal Hospital, and our dog has 2 cat siblings and a bird and they all live in harmony with each other!

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: It is unfortunate, but more and more insurance companies are practicing “breed profiling”. We are recommending that individuals who have been affected by this practice contact their state legislators and insurance commissioner. Perhaps if they understand this is a serious problem for constituents, they will pass legislation to prohibit it.

_______________________

Ellicott City, Md.: Hi, I am a proud owner of a pit bull. Very loving dog and I have been very responsible with him. My question is, if my county passes legislation to ban the breed, am I protected by the Grandfather law as long as he is licensed in that county? As for my opinion on this, I think breed-specific banning hurts the responsible dog owner, not the ones using the dogs to fight and be viscous.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Whether or not your dog would be grandfathered into the law should your county pass an ordinance banning your particular breed would depend on the wording of the law. Certainly, the ASPCA would work to try to defeat such legislation, or at the very least have it amended to protect owned dogs of that breed. Please feel free to contact the ASPCA Legislative Services Department; we have regional lobbyists who can work with legislators to work on more appropriate legislation to address dangerous dogs regardless of breed. Thanks for contacting us!

_______________________

Orange, Calif.: How does the Belgian Malinois rank in all this dangerous dog fuss?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: The numbers of Belgian Malinois are so small compared to other breeds that they don’t really show up in the statistics. The relationship between breeds and their association with bites and severe attacks is generally a function of their frequency or popularity. Over the past half century a variety of different breeds or types of dogs have been seen as dangerous or threats, including German shepherd dogs, Doberman pinschers and now Pit Bulls. What they have had in common is large size and a breed background that included protection, guard work or fighting. Keep in mind that these dogs have also had a mixed reception from the public. Rin Tin Tin, a German shepherd dog, was one of the first canine movie stars and Petie, part of the Our Gang group was a pit bull. As a breed or type of dog becomes more popular less attention is often paid to breeding for both physical health, and behavioral stability. Popularity may also influence people not ready to provide the time and commitment required for a large high energy dogs that require a steady and experienced hand at training.

_______________________

Arlington, Va.: When I go for a walk with my pit bull, I’ll occasionally run into someone who makes a wide circle, or belligerently tells me to ‘keep my dog away’. My dog has been well socialized with other dogs, and is not dog-aggressive (I know that this can be an issue, and I am careful to always supervise her play with other dogs). She is also, due to a rough start on life, scared of people – she will always as far as possible from them when passing on the sidewalk. I want to educate people about these dogs – and tell them that they have nothing to fear from a well trained pit bull on a leash. What is the best response to people who are afraid of my incredibly gentle and well-behaved dog?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Education is the best way to change people's attitudes toward certain breeds. A well bred, well socialized, and well trained pit bull is a delightful dog to be around. I (Pam) understand how frustrating it is for you when people go out of their way to avoid your dog. Bear in mind though that sometimes people are avoiding your dog because THEIR dog is aggressive.

_______________________

New York, N.Y.: What is the best source for the most comprehensive facts on dog bites per breed? Is there an annual report that is issued?

Would this information be available to the general public? I think it would be a useful tool to dispell some myths about pitbull and Rottweilers.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: One of the significant problems confronting a rational approach to this problem is the lack of reliable information on dog bites, the circumstances, the victim, etc. While we get all of this information for auto crashes, because animal control is a "very" local type of program there is no consistent collection of information. Administrative resources that might be spent on BSL enforcement would be better invested in developing a consistent reporting system that would provide the data that could be used to address the concerns in a fashion that could be evaluated to efficacy.

_______________________

Long Island, N.Y.: In poor areas where a large percentage of pit bulls are subjected to fights, torture and cruelty (not to mention the dogs, cats and other animals their owners "practice" on), the laws are too weak, and the lawmakers are too overwhelmed to keep up with the criminals -- many of them are youngsters who can't be prosecuted as adults anyway. In these cases, wouldn't it be in the dogs' best interest to just prohibit pit bulls in these areas? It seems the war against these thugs is a losing battle, and this could spare a lot of dogs in these high-problem areas from lives of misery and torture. You might say they might just do it elsewhere, but traveling to raise and fight dogs would not an be easy option for most of these people. Wouldn't breed-specific laws in the worst areas be helpful?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Unfortunately, the problem of pit bulls being used for animal fighting is not an urban problem; it occurs in all areas. New York happens to have a good, nonbreed specific dangerous dog law. The problem is that it is not properly enforced due largely to a lack of funding for animal control throughout the state. We also need to get law enforcement on board to enforce both the animal fighting law, a felony in New York State, and dangerous dog laws. We do not believe that banning specific breeds of dogs will not rectify the problem; it will either send the problem further underground, or other breeds of dogs will be used. It will only penalize those pit bulls that are well behaved and cared for by responsible pet owners.

The ASPCA is currently training the New York City Police Department about the animal laws; we need to do this throughout the country to really crack down on this nationwide problem.

_______________________

Temecula, Calif.: Whenever Breed Specific Laws( BSL) are brought up, proponents bring up the CDC's dog bite study from the mid 90's (almost 10 years old). Is there anything more current? The California Assembly buried a law banning insurance companies from denying or cancelling coverage due to the breed of dog. The CDC study was used as valid information by the insurance industry.
I was refused coverage, after being told that I would get coverage, when I purchased a new home. Needless to say, this caused a problem with my new lender that was resolved by getting another company.

Thanks

Dave S.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: The study conducted by the CDC and several other agencies in the 90's has never been replicated. It is important to note that in that report the authors concluded that the data presented DID NOT provide conclusive evidence that particular breeds were more dangerous.

_______________________

Winchester, Va.: Many times the media falsely prints that the dog involved in a dog bite was a Pit Bull. For example in the Whipple case those dogs were originaly reported as Pit Bulls and in fact many people still believe that they were Pit Bulls. They were not! What can we do to enforce the media to print the correct facts and retract statements made in error? This is a huge problem .

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: You are correct. In many cases members of the press, and others will jump to conclusions regarding the type of dog involved in an incident; and the circumstances related to the attack. The Whipple case also points out a serious problem with the current system of enforcement. There were many complaints about the two dogs in question before the attack on Ms. Whipple. The authorities failed to act in an appropriate and decisive fashion to remove a public hazard from the apartment building.

_______________________

New Albany, Ind.: Breed specific is not an enforceable solution to the problem. Huskies and wolf hybrids can be as dangerous.
I do not understand how a dog can be "temperment tested" then determined to be "safe or adoptable" when the backround is not known. What about "trigger words" that some dogs are trained to obey? You would never know what may change the temperment suddenly of this animal.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: I (Pam) would like to address the issue of "temperament testing." I put this in quotations because I prefer to use the term "behavior evaluation." We know that an evaluation is like a "snapshot" of the dog's behavior, it does not necessarily tell us anything about the dog's underlying temperament.
Putting a dog through a behavior evaluation is one tool we have for determining if a dog is potentially adoptable. If we know something about the dog's background, that information goes into the mix as well. we also pay close attention to the dog's behavior while in the shelter - how is the dog with the groomer, the walkers, the kennel staff, etc? The goal is to learn all we can about the dog and then decide if we can adopt it or work with it. If the dog is not safe to even house in the shelter, then our only recourse is humane euthanasia.
I can't imagine ever finding a dog in a shelter that has been so well trained for protection/bite work that they appear to be well behaved except when they hear some special "trigger word." Someone would have invested an enormous amount of training in such a dog that it wouldn't find its way to a shelter.
One thing that we do know about behavior is that it is not random. Behavior is rarely unpredictable. You don't expect that a friendly social person will one day, out of the blue, completely change into an angry dangerous person. And likewise, dogs don't behave this way. The best predictor of future behavior, whether in humans or dogs, is past behavior.

_______________________

Gaithersburg, Md.: I coordinate Montgomery County, Maryland's Pets on Wheels program. I assess dogs and cats for suitability and then train their owners to visit residents of hospitals, nursing homes, adult day care centers, etc.

We have had several "dangerous" breeds in our program. A Chow-chow, a Rottie, German Shepherds, a couple Pit Bulls, and an Alaskan Malamute visit on a regular basis. I wish we had even more "dangerous" dogs in our program; they're incredible visiting dogs. Interestingly, the residents they visit are seldom afraid of the dogs.

Our volunteers are concerned about possibly losing their homeowners insurance; several have asked me what they can do to prevent this. Here are my suggestions. Do you have additional suggestions?

1. Work with your dog to earn its CGC. Many states recognize the CGC test now.

2. Work with your dog until it can be certified by Therapy Dogs International or the Delta Society. These well-known groups have name recognition, which could assist you in proving your dog isn't dangerous.

3. Find out if your county will allow your dog to get a service dog license. (Do this after the dog is CGC- and TDI-certified.)

4. When you're out in public, put a bandanna or vest on your dog that says "Therapy Dog" or something of that nature. You'll do a lot of good PR for your breed that way as many people will ask you questions.

5. Take tons of pictures of your dog hanging around with small children, kittens, old folks, etc. Anything that tugs at the heartstrings and proves beyond a doubt that your dog is not dangerous. A picture is worth a thousand words!

Thank you for hosting this issue!

Sincerely,

Lezlie Crosswhite

Pets on Wheels Coordinator, Montgomery County, MD

Coordinator, Chesapeake Area Alaskan Malamute Rescue

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: These are excellent suggestions. We would also recommend you have them contact their state legislators and the Maryland Department of Insurance advising them of their problems in obtaining homeowners' insurance. Until our public officials understand the seriousness of this problem nationwide, they will not do anything to prohibit this practice. Tell them that the insurance carriers should look to the "deed" of the dog rather than the "breed" when underwriting policies.

_______________________

Berkeley, Calif.: What has been your experience with male and female Airdale terriers?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: I do have a colleague with an Airedale and he is a wonderful pooch. Airedale can be a bit stubborn and do require a strong consistent hand with training.

_______________________

Staten Island, N.Y.: I adopted the sweetest pit bull you'll ever meet last February. She had been used and abused by a breeder. Why not ban breeding (forcing people to adopt, not buy), but grandfather in the existing pits? This would help stop the large number of "unwanted dogs," but would keep ours safe.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: We are always glad to hear stories of well behaved pit bulls. It certainly shows that it really is about how owners treat and care for the dog, rather than the breed itself. Regarding a ban on breeding, unfortunately, this would probably be viewed as a restraint of trade in a court of law. While we always encourage people to adopt animals from the local shelter, there are responsible breeders who truly have the dogs' best interests in mind, and do not engage in breeding for profit.

_______________________

High Ridge, Missouri: How many different breeds of dogs can MOST people corectly identify? With over 400 breeds reconized world wide, I would be willing to bet that MOST folks can't correctly identify more than 20 breeds. Also, if you are being chewed up by a dog are you REALLY going to check to see what breed it is? What about mixed breeds? How does one know what they are a mixture of?

What is needed is a GOOD fair dangerous dog law. One that protects people from truly dangerous dogs, and doesn't bother well behaved dogs that are controled by their owners

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: How right you are. I've been working with dogs for over 35 years and I still need to check out breed books now and then. In our new global economy we are seeing more and more "unknown" breeds coming in from Eastern Europe and elsewhere. When you combine this with various "mixes" it can be incredibly difficult for an inexperienced person to identify dog breeds.

_______________________

New York, N.Y.: Can you talk a little about the significance of tethering/chaining a dog? Can this make a dog more aggressive?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Dogs that are regularly tethered or chained are at higher risk for becoming aggressive. The statistics on dog bite cases confirm this. It is believed that dogs restrained like this are (a) less likely to be socialized with people, (b) less likely to be trained, (c) more likely to suffer from inadequate mental and physical stimulation, and (d) more likely to have had a history of experiencing frustration (i.e., people pass by, dog approaches, dog hits the end of the line) and it is well established that frustration and arousal can trigger aggressive responses. Please do not misconstrue this and jump to the conclusion that dogs should be permitted to run free. A poorly socialized and untrained dog could be just as dangerous running loose, not to mention that the dog would be in harm's way too. Dogs should be confined by fencing so that the dog is not tied but is safely contained. If tying is necessary, it should be for short periods of time and the dog should be supervised.

_______________________

Alexandria, Va: Dr. Zawistowski:

As you know, when bull baiting was banned in England, dog breeders who appreciated the fierceness, courage, and tenacity of the bull dogs turned their attention to breeding dogs for dog fighting.

They began with the bull dog, mixed in some terrier blood, and produced the Bull and Terrier. The Bull and Terrier was bred for aggression to other dogs, unrelenting bravery, a high pain threshold, a willingness to fight to the end, and an affection for people.

Bull and Terrier dogs came to the US in the early 1800s as all-around farm dogs and frontier guardians.

How long does it take for dogs to be bred aggressive? How could a dog known for being a family guardian and affecionate to humans become so mean? Is the American Pit Bull Terrier now aggressive to humans?

Kevin

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: The time frame for response to selection for trait will be function of the amount of additive genetic variation in that breeding population. This is a well known principle in population genetics. Research with rodents has shown that selection for aggresstion can be quite rapid (5-7 generations), given a reliable behavioral test, and a reasonable amount of genetic variation.

An interesting case in point is that about 30-35 years ago Doberman pinschers were viewed as the dangerous dog du jour. Dobie breeders made a pretty significant effort to select for a stable personality, without losing the confidence and alertness that make them great companions and excellent guard dogs.

_______________________

Boston, Mass.: Boston just passed BSL, targeting pit-bulls. We went to hearings, spoke to City Councilors, petitioned the Mayor, contacted the media, tried to find other pit owners and dog owners to join our fight, all the things we were supposed to do, and we lost. The ordinance was signed June 29, and supposed to be effective immediately. However, the special licenses we are required to get are not yet available, and they've given no guidelines as to what's considered a "jaw-restraining device." There is currently a bill in the Mass. House that would band BSL, but it's unclear how this will effect Boston's ordinance. What do we do next?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Don't give up hope yet--although it could be a difficult battle.as illustrated by what recently happened in Colorado. A law was recently passed in Colorado that bans breed specific legislation in determining a dangerous dog. However, the City of Denver has had a pit bull ban in effect for years.This recently passed law nullified the the breed ban. However, the City of Denver has filed a lawsuit against the State of Colorado for violating its home rule. I would recommend you urge your legislators to pass a ban on BSL but be ready for a fight from the City of Boston...

_______________________

Alexandria, Va.: My husband and I rescued a pit bull who’d been beaten, starved, dehydrated and abandoned. When we found her, she had frostbite on her feet. Despite the fact that she was clearly afraid of the new strange humans in her life, she allowed us to treat her injuries. This involved soaking and scraping the damaged frostbitten tissue from between her paw-pads. It had to have been excruciating for her – but she simply leaned against us and let us torture her – no biting, snapping, barking or any other sign of aggression. In the year and a half that we’ve had her she’s been nothing but a joy and she surprises us every day with her spirit and seemingly endless capacity for love and for play. When we first took her in, all we knew about pit bulls was what we’d read in the news – we were nervous, but saw a terrified, wounded creature who needed help and we couldn’t turn her away. We’ve since learned the history of pit bulls – and are blown away by how out-of-control breed specific legislation has gotten. These are great dogs who, due to the misfortune of being ‘trendy’ among drug and fight cultures are now vilified. To go from the RCA dog/Petey from the Little Rascals to their current reputation is quite a downfall. Granted – the same thing happened to Dobermans, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Akitas, etc., but none seem to have been as vilified as pit bulls.

What can we, as responsible owner/advocates of the breed do to keep breed-specific legislation from happening in our neighborhood? What can we do to be better advocates for this incredible dogs?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: The ASPCA is very concerned about the onslaught of breed ban legislation introduced on state and municipal levels throughout the country. Our legislative services department lobbyists monitor and work to defeat these efforts. Instead, we work with legislators on fair and reasonable dangerous dog laws and the need for greater enforcement of these laws by both animal control and the police. This, too, requires better funding for animal control to do their job, and training of the police. The ASPCA believes that we can combat this problem more effectively without having to resort to banning certain breeds. We encourage everyone to contact their state and local representatives and urge them to allocate much more funding for animal contol. Thanks for your concern and for providing this dog with a wonderful home.

_______________________

Green Bay, Wis.: Dear Dr. Zawistowski & Dr. Reid:

I want to thank you and the ASPCA for doing so much to fight breed discrimination and the ignorance that accompanies it.
Sadly I am coming up to the two-year anniversary of the passing away of my beloved Doberman pinscher, Duke. He was truly my best friend and I loved him dearly. Duke never bit or attacked anyone as some insurance companies would have one believe but was a kind soul that changed the opinions of many about Dobermans. Besides from donating to many Doberman and animal rescues in Duke's memory, I have had to deal with the insanity of American Airline's breed ban, the destructive breed discrimination of insurance companies and then a bill in a Iowa Senate committee that was horrifying. What was confusing about Iowa was that after e-mailing all of the senators most either didn't know about the bill or disliked it but still the bill was in a committee being looked at.
I have sent more letters, e-mails and made more phone calls than I ever could have imagined trying to protect Dobermans. It has been heartbreaking and made me come to doubt a lot of things about this country.
I have two questions. I hope you can help me answer them. How did the Doberman, a war hero; guide and service dog; K-9 dog; therapy dog; 9-11 search dog; major dog show champion, time and time again; and family friend come to be vilified? I know that no breed is flawless believe me, but I think there is more good than bad when it comes to the Doberman. Were movies where Dobermans were evil and vicious an indelible image? The other question is what can I really do besides writing letters, boycotting companies (like American Airlines & AMR) and sending e-mails? What can I do to help any breed, not just the Doberman, which suffers because of ignorance? I want to continue the fight as long as it takes.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: As you can see from my picture for this forum, I also had a wonderful Dobie. Katrina was found as a stray in Brooklyn and was one of the first dogs we had in out behavior rehabilitation program. She had real problems with confidence and ended up spending lots of time sleeping under my desk. In time she came home to live with the family and was a wonderful companion for our son. She always had a little separation anxiety, but she loved to protect the house. She would bark fiercely until one of us came to answer the door, and would then assume a relaxed, but alert station at our side. That's really what a good home guard should do.

_______________________

Alexandria, Va: Dr. Reid:

Your speciality is animal learning and behavior. How smart is the American Pit Bull Terrirer (APBT)? My APBT seems to be highly intelligent. She obeys every command I give her. She will stop on a dime when I tell her NO.

She is a rescue dog and I know that she was abused by her previous owner. Is she listening to me out of fear or are pit bulls very smart and just want to please their owners?

Thank you for all the work you do.

Kevin

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: We really have no way of comparing the relative intelligence of different breeds. Breeds were developed to perform specific functions, like herding the cows, ridding the farm of rats, or fetching downed birds back to the hunter. My Border Collie is bound to be smarter about herding sheep than your APBT but your APBT might be smarter than my Border Collie when it comes to some other behavior. Breeds that have been developed for tasks that involve working with people (the retrievers, the herding dogs, etc.) tend to be more "trainable" or "biddable" than those that were developed for independent tasks (the hounds, the terriers, etc.). Not being able to observe you and your dog working together, I can't surmise on whether your dog enjoys your training for the rewards you offer.

_______________________

Ottawa, Ontario: More and more, we are seeing a thrust towards BSL in North American cities based on the erroneous belief that breed banning is the answer to dog bite and attack incidents.

Would you kindly outline in brief, why BSL does not work and what you believe would be a good alternative when dealing with "dangerous" dog issues.

My personal belief is that irresponsible guardianship and improper socialization/training is, for the most part, at the root of bites/attacks and I would very much like to see and would support mandatory registration and higher licencing fees for those who have dogs that have the potential to inflict serious injury, including death, to humans and/or animals.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: One of the most impressive efforts I know to address dangerous dog problems comes from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They used a very aggressive licensing program to ensure that just about every dog was "in the system." This was combined with an consistent response to dangerous dog complaints and problems. This included running off leash, chasing or harassing people or other behaviors that were a public concern. People were held responsible for the actions of their dogs. Over several years the number of dog bite incidents dropped dramatically.

_______________________

Berkeley Heights, N.J.:
Have either of you ever owned a pit bull, rottweiler or akita? Why have you made these choices?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: I (Pam) have not owned these particular breeds, although I work with plenty of Rotts and Pits at the shelter. I fell in love with one pit bull here but alas, my older dog is not good with other dogs and I couldn't take him. Given my current living situation, I prefer smaller dogs so I have terrier mixes.

_______________________

Santa Fe, N.M.: What strategies do you recommend be taken at the state or local level, either through policy or law, to prevent dog bites?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Communities need to take a broad based approach to addressing the dog bite problem. It starts with holding people responsible for their dogs, and that starts with identification and licensing. Next is public education campaign that promotes positive activities with dogs. At the same time children and adults need to be provided with information on how to avoid being bitten. You can check the ASPCA website for our materials that teachers can use with their students. We ran a training program for utility workers and once implemented they saw a large drop in the number of meter readers bitten by dogs while on the job.

Finally, when complaints about dangerous dogs are received by the police or animal control, they need to respond in a fashion that ensures the situation is not allowed to continue or get out of hand. If a serious attack does happen, there needs to be a complete investigation, and the owner of the dog needs to be held responsible for their dog's behavior.

_______________________

McPherson, Kansas: How do you join the ASPCA?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: You can become a member of the ASPCA through our website at www.aspca.org!

_______________________

North Arlington, N.J.: How should someone who owns a dog who is not fond of other dogs (but not necessarily aggressive ones) handle people who walk their dogs off of leashes in areas where this is prohibited?

My dog is fearful of other dogs (when they are up close she runs away) but she puts on a show (barking, etc.)
which I would like to avoid when an off leash dog approaches (which would be read as aggressive by someone who doesnt know her). I need to excercise and walk her and avoid off leash area purposely. If a park is not designated as off leash, how do I deal with this type of situation?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: I (Pam) have such a dog myself so I'm sympathetic to your plight. I love to see a well-behaved dog running off the leash with its owner but I do not think any dog should be off the leash if the owner cannot call the dog away from things (including other dogs). With my dog I frequent parks where most everyone has their dog on leash. My dog is only 30 lbs, so I've taught him to jump into my arms if an off-leash dog comes toward us. A bigger dog can be taught to sit and stare at the owner and the off leash dog may loose interest pretty quick (but I agree it's not as good a solution as jumping into your arms). I've also found that shouting out "my dog has kennel cough" is pretty effective for getting people to collect their wayward dogs!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: What I want to know is, why don't the states make more of an effort to police and efforce animal laws? As times get worse and neighborhoods more violent, you find people either looking for 200 lbs worth of muscle or 200 lbs of pressure per square inch (likes pitts and rotties). Then some little kid gets mauled because the owners want their animals to be as unrestrained as possible so that they can protect their family. Perhaps if there were more educated laws, people wouldn't have to target certain breeds.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Absolutely, we need more law enforcement engaged in enforcing animal laws. This is the only effective and reasonable way we will combat the problem of dangerous dogs and the threat to public safety.

_______________________

Dumont, N.J.: This is simply a comment. As a "mommy" of two dogs I realize how lovable my pets can be towards my family, yet not always friendly towards strangers. I see this in many breeds not necessarily only those deemed "dangerous." How you treat and train your dog is a key element in how the dog behaves. I believe stronger anti cruelty laws and animal control should be used rather than discrimination against certain breeds of dogs.

People who abuse dogs or train them to fight, need to be punished severely for what they do because both other humans and the animals suffer for their heartless cruelty.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: It is not unusual for a dog to be very friendly to family and act aggressively towards strangers. This is often the case with dog breeds that were used for protecting flocks of sheep. Under these circumstances, "strangers" would often pose a danger to the flock or the shepherd. Early in their lives they need to be socialized with a wide range of people and other dogs to ensure that they develop a wide "social circle."

_______________________

New Albany, Ind.: How do you do a accurate "temperment test" in a shelter enviroment when the animal is subjected to sensory and mental overload?
My point is shelter enviorment is like NO home enviorment I know of.

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: I (Pam) could spend an entire day answering this question! You have an extremely valid point. Evaluating the behavior of a dog in a shelter is making the best of a bad job. Some dogs are relatively impervious to being in a shelter -they move in and act like they are right at home. They behave in certain ways in the test and in the shelter environment, and they behave in the same manner after they are adopted. Other dogs do very poorly in a shelter - they are so badly stressed that they either don't behave at all (they are rigid with fear) or they react aggresively to everything. A research study that measured stress hormones in dogs coming into an Ohio shelter revealed that by Day 3, most dogs had levels of cortisol comparable to a pet dog in its home. So we always give our dogs a minimum of 3 days to acclimiate before evaluating them. However, having real-life experience with dogs in shelters, I know that for some dogs, 3 days is nowhere near enough. We sometimes try to get dogs into foster homes for a week or two to see if it is just the shelter that is eliciting the aggressive behavior. But sadly, after the foster, the dog must come back and it's impossible, not to mention irresponsible, to put a dog up for adoption that is acting aggressively to people.

_______________________

Nashville, Tenn.: Hello,
First, thank you for doing this. I have a pit bull. He is a stray, so I do not know if he is a mix or a purebred. He looks the part only he does not have as boxy a face as I've seen some and he has longer legs than most. He appeared to be a dumped dog because he wouldn't fight. He has been abused, but he has learned to trust me and follows my comands to the point that I can take him anywhere and ask him to lay down and stay without holding on to him in public.

I did not know what kind of dog he was when he first came around but, when I decided to adopt him I had to learn very quickly how to train him, as I have cats. He has never wanted to attack my cats. In fact, he wants to play with them.

Is my dog an insurance risk? I feel more secure with him in the house than the alarm system.

Thank you!

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Unfortunately, your insurance company may consider him a risk. It is important that he be well socialized and even then certain insurers would consider him a risk. If you find you have difficulties in obtaining insurance, we suggest you contact your state legislators and inform them of the problem. You may also want to check the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org in order to write a letter to your state insurance commissioner.

_______________________

Tampa, Fla.: How is temperment testing done?

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: I'd (Pam) love to answer this question but I'm afraid I'm out of time for such a complex question. I encourage you to check out the book "Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff", edited by Lila Miller and Steven Zawistowski and published by Blackwell, 2004. There is a lengthy chapter on evaluating the behavior of shelter dogs. You can also look at resources offerd by American Humane (the SAFER test) and by Sue Sternberg.

_______________________

Stephen L. Zawistowski and Pamela J. Reid: Thanks, everyone, for contacting us. We appreciate hearing your views and concerns about this important issue. Rest assured, the ASPCA behaviorists, educators, and lobbyists, will continue to work with pet owners, teachers, law enforcement officials, and our lawmakers to promote responsible pet ownership, fair and reasonable laws on dangerous dogs, and better law enforcement to crack down on this nationwide problem. Thanks for your support and for sharing your wonderful stories. Please continue to visit the ASPCA website for ongoing updates on our progress.

_______________________

Moderator: Thanks to our guests from the ASPCA for taking the time to answer so many of our questions!

_______________________