[quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1208611451]Oh, I can completely understand someones frustration with a barking dog / neighbors barking dog.
My concern is the people who should not have these dogs in the first place. I know a very good dog trainer, who turns these situations around quite well... But sadly, I don't believe most people who find themselves in these situations will go for the training. They will try to find the "quick" and "easy" way to curb the barking (shock collars and surgery). Sadly again, the reason these dogs are probably barking inappropriately is that they have never been trained and spend way too much time alone. Again, reasons these people should not have pursued pet ownership in the first place. If you don't have the time, and you don't have the patience and you don't plan on proper training... please don't get a dog. It's a BIG responsibility.
GITOC</blockquote>
As a former Animal Control Officer, I support GITOC in her desire for responsible pet ownership. But in my experience, the most common reason people buy pets is to please their children. This is the a recipe for problem animals. If/when the squalling brat loses interest in the puppy/kitten/pony/gila montster the parent is often left with the responsibility of the animals feeding, watering, and walking. Eventually the pet gets less supervision and attention than the children who 'own' them. When the pet reaches adulthood, it's had no training, no socialization with outside people or other animals, and is left to itself for the majority of it's day. The very qualities that make these animals good pets are also the ones that lead them to become an annoyance to neighbors; barking, digging, chewing, and turning smaller pets into chew toys.
Parents, please... if your child isn't ready to handle time-sensitive tasks without supervision, do not buy them a cute pet as a gift. Animals deserve better.
