first mate

Daizie, At least you recognise there is work to do and that is probably the most important step to good dog ownership. I would heartily recommend that you attend a good training class, for the simple reason that if you are inexperienced and try to train your dog you may, with respect, make mistakes that are difficult to undo. Go with a class that is (APDT recognised). Rob Alleyne is first rate, he operates out of Newcross. He's worth waiting for.

Yes, Staffs can have a very high prey drive- as can many terriers and sighthounds. I think training is the way to go and getting inside your dog's head to try and figure out what motivates him most and then using training and distraction . The only thing is it is almost impossible to recall a highly aroused dog that is on a mission, like after prey; once in that mode the dog is so focussed on one thing that it will not hear you or pay heed. We have to anticipate and stop behaviours becoming entrenched. I wouldn't worry about keeping your dog on a lead for exercise. Using the lead and a long line concentrate on using his brain to your advantage and train, train, train. Yes, it is tiring and it does require dedication and committment and time- but that's dog ownership for you (hope I don't sound patronising, I don't mean to).

Yes, but do remember that any training that gets a dog to use his brain will tire him out far more than a few miles free running. Thus, if I need to go out and don't have much time to give my dog a long walk I'll do 20 minutes scent work- this exhausts him. If your dog is constantly after foxes and he's greedy then scent work is the thing for him. Assuming you have a garden, put your dog into a "sit wait" in the kitchen with the door to the garden open (or whichever room leads to the garden)- if you don't have these basic training commands in place then simply tether him by his lead to something that will hold him in place. Let him smell the treat briefly then, with him tethered go and hide it. At first hide it within his sight a few yards away. Then give a release command "find" and unclip the lead and let him go get the treat, as he makes contact "GOOD FIND" and treat again. Keep doing this but very gradually make the treat further away and harder to find. Eventually you can hide a treat all over the house or in the garden and he'll really work to find it because he is greedy- but all that concentration and focus will wear him out and he'll love this game because it hooks into something he is probably designed to do- what is his breed? Sorry, meant to say that you can quite quickly phase out the treating as reward for finding the treat you have hidden. The game itself becomes self-rewarding and motivating. If your dog has a favourite toy you can also hide that, perhaps swapping a brief game with the toy, like catching or tuggy as reward for finding the toy- this is how many Spaniels are trained to do scent work- it's simply a game to them and finding the drugs etc.. is rewarded with the toy and an opportunity to play.

Cassidy, yes this is true, though legally owned pits and crosses would be neutered, muzzled and under control at all times , as stated in the DDA. I fear there is a good deal of illegal ownership with dogs making their way in through Ireland, where they are not illegal.

LE, If your dog is a total pig then the way to try to train a reliable recall is to use high value food. So, put him/her on a long line (just attach a good legth of nylon line, at all DIY stores, to the lead). Go to the park armed with a bag of chicken pieces (each bit the size of a child's nail) wait until something really gets his interest away from you. Call him to you once "Rover" come and then gently pull him to you using the line until he's at your feet, praise "good dog" and reward. Keep doing this and sooner or later (dogs learn at different speeds) he'll begin to associate coming to you (recall) with reward. You'll know because he'll start to come to you readily licking his lips. Eventually you start to thin out the reward so he gets chicken every three times on recall and finally its random. But for months I would reward very regularly, if not every time. You are best to do all of this with a trainer or within a training class. I would recommned Beckenham dog training or Bobs Broadbent in Greenwich. Rob Alleyne is also very good but he's in high demand as he's on the telly. Google all these and you'll get contacts.

siobhanleighhunt, So sorry to hear about your experience. You must have felt very frightened. Again the owner was totally remiss. Many terrier types and other working breeds bred for hunting, are high energy, "drivey" dogs. They should not be owned by people who want to stroll on the periphery of the park on a mobile phone while their dog goes off to find its own entertainment. Such dogs need to be engaged by the owner to keep attention on him/her, using games and other training techniques. Also people should observe their dog's behaviour at all times when offlead because there are children in the park, there are also other dogs. People who can't be bothered to do these basics should not have a dog at all, in my view. It is likely that this Staffie was okay with children and toddlers but, as you say, you could not know that for sure and I would be as upset by this as you. What is clear is that the dog had not been taught a good recall. Staffies are far more obedient than most terriers that is why so many people are able to walk them offlead on the pavement- so your bad experience in the park is again, a result of bad ownership.

Peckham Rose, It is awful isn't it. Particularly when you consider that Staffs and Pitbulls have been bred to be incredibly friendly to people (though not other dogs). To be used as a "weapon" against other people these dogs would have to be seriously abused and maltreated from puppyhood to make them turn against people.

Emily, Great news. I'm so glad that Woody is on the slow road to recovery. We must not forget that all of this will be costing you a small fortune in vets bills- I believe we are probably talking thousands? There is a great hydrotherapy place in the Battersea area called hydro vet. They are a also vet practice, really know their stuff and look after you and your dog well. I look forward to your feedback from the SNT and the MET.

I do wonder what will happen when the Harris Boy's School is opened? I really don't believe that all of the section of the Park fronting the school won't start getting used for sports and other activities at some point, rather like the Girl's school uses the other section. So the park is likely to be more packed, not just at weekends but perhaps on a daily basis too.

A couple of months ago I asked for a huge Southwark Cleaning Van to be moved from where it had been parked illegally and dangerously, for some while, right at the end of the road by the Palmerston. It was blocking the view into and out of Northcross Road and you could see an accident was waiting to happen. The driver and a number of Southwark employees were all congregated outside the greasy spoon, a few yards down with their Manager. The Manager did get the van moved but I feel he should not have had to be asked. Do these people get any training, do they care?

Huggers agreed. I say again, the solution is Wardens empowered to issue on the spot fines etc.. to miscreants. Those of us who are regular dog walker know darn well that certain powers that be would love to institute dog control orders across all Southwark Parks, so let's not give them the ammunition. The law abiding dog owner, just like the law abiding car owner, takes care and is sensitive to others, let's concentrate our efforts on the criminal/irresponsible minority rather than holding the decent majority to ransom. I would add to this that Parks are not the only area that problem dog owners are to be found. There are offlead dogs, often with dodgy owners, that are allowed to roam the streets. Our dogs, our pets and little people are just as at risk from these as in the park. Whilst I do not believe there is direct legislation covering this, it is my understanding that people are not allowed to cross the road with a dog off lead, so again, wardens and police could issue fines if they see this.

The survey seems to be as much an information gathering exercise on individuals as about the parks, though I am aware that it can all be justified in terms of what is necessary to produce statistics. Anyhow, in my view, the thing that would improve the parks is more park wardens patrolling the park. That way problems with with litter louts, with dogs, with muggers, with kids wrecking plants in Sexby Gardens or with teenage flashers can be dealt with immediately. Perhaps the burgeoning group of parking wardens could be retrained?

Huggers/2degreesfrom madness, Yes, some dogs will have problems/issues, especially if they are rescue and all dog owners should try to be across a bit of dog behaviour so that they are aware. Entire males in particular may not appreciate another entire male dog in their face when they are "trapped" on a lead. This does not mean that either dog is "aggressive" it is simply a natural result of the effects of testosterone. It would be great if people could just get to grips with this basic stuff before deciding to own a dog. Also there are also what I'd almost call "cultural" differences in communication between different breeds. Staffs and some other bull breeds are very hard for other dogs to read, ditto dogs without tails and so on. This can also cause misunderstandings. A puppy that has been badly beaten up as a pup may develop fear aggression around other dogs. Again, people need to watch their puppies in the park, not every dog will tolerate being leapt on by a strange pup and the ensuing telling off can be severe- doesn't mean the dog is "aggressive" it means the pup's owner should have taken more care. Bring back the dog licence and some kind of compulsory training.

Huggers, a very good post. Any dog on lead should always be given space- it is a no-brainer for anyone that understands the first principles of dog training and behaviour. I'm beginning to think that a prerequisite of dog ownership should involve compulsory attendance at a recognised dog training class, where a preliminary practical exam, like the Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme, must be passed by owners and dogs. I too get annoyed that people let their dogs run off lead around the pond and in the enclosed garden areas and particularly the children's area. People really must exercise a bit of common sense, or, as you say, we'll all be banned from letting our dogs run free on the larger grassed areas. As ever it's a mix of ignorance, lack of joined up thinking and sheer laziness (mobile phonitis- switch it off for half an hour and enjoy nature).

Sorry, I must make clear to all that the link is obviously NOT the dog under discussion (not least because the one in the picture is tan and white not black and white) but I included it simply in order to show what kind of dog we are talking about. Size is one of the things that would differentiate this breed (American Bulldog) from a Staff or Pitbull. The Staff is a lot smaller. The Pitbull is a lighter build and smaller than this type of American Bulldog but taller than a Staff. Remember also that unlike the American Bulldog Staffs and Pitbulls do not make good guard dogs and so, contrary to popular belief, are likely to be more trustworthy around people- though not other dogs. Finally, there are two sizes of American Bulldog, one is shorter and squatter- the type under discussion is the taller version. Please remember too that an American Bulldog is not a banned or illegal breed but rather like a Rottweiler, another large molosser type with a guard instinct, it needs careful handling, training and control. Absolutely not a dog for beginners- I'd say the same of all Mastiff and Bully breeds, I'd also say it about other breed types with a strong guard instinct like Dobermanns or German Shepherds- you've got to know what you are doing and know your breed. A person earlier mentioned about their greyhound- even these gentle souls can and will chase small dogs and cats they consider prey. But we seldom hear of such cases because they are not a breed that attracts irresponsible ownership.

Here's a link to a picture of an American Bulldog: http://europuppyblog.com/media/40/american_bulldog.jpg

TonyQuinn, No I don't blame you for feeling angry, I feel the same- because dog ownership is being blighted by a few idiots. These are the same types who will blight our community in other ways, I think you know that, they are generally irresponsible and,I'm sure, cause problems in all kinds of other ways. What is significant is that they almost always own a bull breed, so perhaps we can narrow this down to types that are attracted to owning a bull breed for the wrong reasons. As you say, in your street the lab owner does not fall into the category of bad dog ownership. To make a rather clunky analogy, there are a fair few boy racers who drive cars and vans extremely recklessly and dangerously- you can often recognise them by the type of car they drive but we would not tar all car owners as being irrepsonsible and of the same ilk. I do feel for those responsible owners who have well trained and socialised bull breeds- even I will make assumptions before I get to know them. All I'm saying is that for many of us dog ownership is a joy and a hobby- getting out for a good walk is part of that. I would hate to see us getting penalised because of the feckless few.

TonyQuinn, Sorry, I must object to your implication that many dog owners behave in this irresponsible way- a bit like inferring the same of most car owners whenever there is an accident. Most dog owners do not behave this way, the irresponsible dog owner behaviour is down to a significant minority who make a big impact. Please note that the dog in question is NOT a pitbull but an American Bulldog. I would hate to see an example like this used to institute dog control orders across our parks- that would be a disaster for all us many, many responsible dog owners.

It would be good if some political pressure could be brought to bear on the police to take an incident like this seriously and not just file it away as another "dog fight". For many of us law abiding dog owners walking in the park has become a decidedly unrelaxed affair- because we are always having to look out for dodgy owners with their bull breed accessory. What a shame that we cannot have more of the old fashioned park wardens back- actually on patrol, visible and there when you need to report something. I know funding is an issue but all I will say to that is this would be a better use of money on its way to "brighten up" the Northcross Road wall etc.. etc.. Feeling safer in the park would brighten up my day no end. Emily, I am so glad Woody's prognosis is good, you'll get plenty of support from the ED dog peeps if you make it back to the park, but gently does it.

I am fairly certain I know this guy- longish grey/white hair, slimmish build, medium height (Irish accent?|). I believe his dog is an American Bulldog or cross. Though this is not a banned breed they are not for the faint-hearted. They do indeed have a strong prey drive and fighting instinct and without extremely careful training and socialisation they are likely to go after other dogs. Unlike Staffs and Pitbulls they also have a strong guard instinct and so could represent a problem to people too. In my view this man has loaded the dice further by foolishly keeping his dog entire- so you have a very large powerful male dog with a strong fighting/prey drive roaming Peckham Rye offlead. Whenever I have seen this dog in the distance I have avoided it like the plague, not for my sake but for my dog. Ditto any other bull/molosser breeds that are entire males or that I do not know. When will people learn that these breeds are a liability with other dogs and therefore potentially with people, should they try to intervene in a fight. When will people learn too that if you keep an entire male, of whatever breed, you have an additional responsibility to your own dog and to other people's. If the owner of the Daschie felt in any intimidated by this dog, fearful that they might get bitten (before they intervened) or just plain scared for their own safety then they may have grounds for prosecution under the DDA. Otherwise there are areas of dog law in the civil courts that can be pursued. I have watched this dog develop over the last few years. The owner never seemed to have much control over it and I was alarmed to see also that he had not castrated it- in my view this attack is the inevitable result of irresponsible/ignorant ownership. I do woner if this owner ever properly researched his breed and knew exactly what he was taking on. Sorry, I meant to say also how devastating for the owner of Woody I hope he recovers to full fitness. You were in NO way to blame by having your dog on the lead- again this is an excuse used by cretins when they cannot control their own dog- and his dog was not under control (yours was which is why there may be a case under the DDA). If this man knew (and the fact that he used it as an excuse is a giveaway) that his dog is likely to attack other dogs when they are on a lead then he should never let his off a lead- not under any circumstances. Someone may have a young pup not ready to be let off that they are walking in the park, another may have a bitch in heat, another may have an ill, elderly or injured dog. All of these will be on a lead in the park at some point- all have a right to feel safe from dogs that are in the habit of attacking other dogs on lead. Please pursue legal action against this guy- he should not be allowed to keep a dog.

"Don't try to keep up with the Jones', drag them down to your level." Quentin Crisp

Again, leave the wall as is. It's fine. I cannot stand the idea of areas being given a fresh "identity" by council and community committee- you just feel that the end result will be a series of compromises- bland and tacky. Still cannot understand why this is an "ishooo" at all. I cannot ever recall seeing graffiti on this wall. Can Councillor Barber give times and dates of offending graffiti? Concentrate the funding on getting the paving sorted, I say, so fewer of us trip whilst on our way to peruse market goods.

No line for five days. Eventually fixed. Problem was damage after bad weather to local exchange.

No thanks. Ghastly waste of money. It's an odd place for a 'work of art'-this looks nothing of the sort. Why not just erect a large perspex box, stick it to the wall and let budding artists display a new work every month?

womanofdulwich, These people sound a bit of a disaster to be honest. If the dog is barking/crying continuously it does not take a genius to work out that it is distressed. Anyhow, no use me venting here. Probably the best contact is Bobs Broadbent at Dog Knows. She's based in SE6 and is APDT registered as well as having other behavioural qualifications. being a professional though she will have to be paid. Her contact details are: Website: http://www.dogknows.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 07867507774 Dog Knows and Puppy School, based in South East London. Specializing in resolving puppy problems and training kind reward based methods. Puppy and Dog Training, Problem Solving, Dog Walking and Puppy Care. Pre-vaccination Puppy Consultations Puppy School training and socialisation classes - vaccinated to 20 week old puppies Home consultations to give advice, or for if you have a puppy trouble or dog behaviour problem Private training programmes for puppies and dogs Exercising and Puppy Care service Pre-vaccination Puppy Consultation Puppy Training and Socialisation Classes Private Puppy & Dog Training Puppy Troubles Solved Dog Behaviour Consultations Puppy Care and Dog Walking Address: London, London, SE6 4XN UK I hope this helps. If, as I suspect, they are not the kind of people to spend money on their pup/dog then please come back. I would have a word with them about the pup barking. I don't understand why it is left out for two hours. If it is being properly exercised etc.. according to it age, it could be left inside, in a puppy pen, where it would happily sleep for two hours. If it is older it could be going through a teething phase and being destructive, but there are ways round this and if they are responsible dog owners who properly considered a taking on a puppy, they should have known what to expect and how to deal with it. Please keep us updated and well done to you for being concerned. Unless this is sorted I can see another dog heading to rescue.