BSL 861 - Pit Bull

Scott Andrade of BreedMagazine and I did this video a couple of years ago in order to bring awareness to SB 861, it was a spoof of what the NBA was using for there commercial's at the time with players. In order to get the word across we created these video's, different approaches needs to be taking. We had fun in the making of the  video's and I'll post them all up for your viewing.... as always your comments are appreciated..... 




steve the dog trainer

WHAT TO DO WHEN ANIMAL CONTROL COMES KNOCKING

WHAT TO DO WHEN ANIMAL CONTROL COMES KNOCKING

 by George J. Eigenhauser Jr.

SOMEONE SENT THIS ON MY FB, VERY INTERESTING.... PLEASE READ AND SHARE.

Steve the dog trainer......

ANTI-DOG ENFORCEMENT

What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know:

Dog owners and ethical breeders are increasingly being targeted. Disgruntled neighbors may

retaliate against dog owners, and many other reasons drive complaints and anti-dog enforcement

action, which many times may be conducted illegally. The following text outlines methods of

inquiry and enforcement that may be used by local officials in an attempt to enforce ordinances in

your community and suggested techniques of response. These techniques are entirely legal and

based upon the rights of citizens as stated by the US Constitution. No breeder or rescuer wants to

have Animal Control come knocking on the door ... but, if they do, it will help if you know what

your options are. Remember, Animal Control is law enforcement. They are bound by the same

Constitution as any other government agency. To protect yourself, you need to know your rights.

These vary slightly one jurisdiction to another, but some general principles apply. One rule applies

everywhere: NEVER physically resist an officer.

When Animal Control is At Your Door:

1. Do not let them in, no matter how much they ask. Animal Control generally cannot enter your

home without a warrant, or without your permission. While regular police can enter in emergency

situations when human life is at risk (i.e., they hear gunshots or a scream inside), there are few, if

any, situations in which Animal Control can enter your home without a warrant. Simply tell them

(very politely) they may not come in.

2. If you let them in, anything they find in "plain sight" can be used against you. In some

circumstances, Animal Control officers , unable to find a legitimate reason to make an arrest, have

reported building or zoning violations. This may include caging you attached to a wall without a

building permit, that extra outlet in the puppy room, having more pets than allowed by zoning, even

extension cords in violation of fire codes! No matter how clean your kennel, if they want to find

a violation ... they will.

3. Do not talk to them from an open doorway. Step outside and close (lock it, if possible) the

door behind you. This is necessary because:

A) Anything they see through the open door is in "plain sight" and may be the basis for an

arrest or probable cause for a search warrant.

B) If they make an arrest or even feel threatened, they are usually permitted to search for

weapons in your immediate area. Do you keep a baseball bat behind the front door for your

protection? Even if you don't, once they step inside to look, they are in your home and may

continue to search.

C) It is hard not to be intimidated by someone in authority. Some animal control is even done

by local police, who carry guns. It is easy for them to get "in your face", causing you to back up

into your home. Once you go in, it will be interpreted as an invitation to follow.

4. If they claim to have a warrant, demand to see it. In general, a search warrant must be signed

by a judge. A warrant to search your home for dogs does NOT include an inventory of your jewelry

box. A warrant to search your kennel in the garage or in the barn does not include a search of your

home.

5. In some locations, dog owners may have obtained special "breeder or rescue permits" that

stipulate that Animal Control has your permission to enter your kennel at any time. If you have

signed such a permit, they still cannot enter against your wishes since you can revoke permission

at any time. However, if you refuse permission, it may allow them to cancel your permit, so you

have to weigh the consequences.

6. WARNING -- anyone in lawful possession of the premises may be able to give permission

for a search. Make sure your roommate, babysitter, dog sitter, housekeeper, etc. know they should

NEVER let animal control into your home or on your property (i.e., backyard, garage, barn, etc.).

How to Handle Questions:

1. Don't answer any questions beyond identifying yourself for the officer. Anything you say to the

officer in your defense cannot be used in court (hearsay). Anything you say that is harmful to you

will be used in court (confessions are not considered hearsay). You cannot win except by remaining

silent.

2. Be polite, but firm. Do not argue, bad-mouth, curse, threaten, or try to intimidate the officer.

3 Do not lie to an officer; however, it is NOT a lie to exercise your right to remain silent.

4. Keep your hands in plain sight. People have been shot by police when common objects, such as

a wallet, were mistaken for a gun.

5. Do not touch the officer in any way. Do not physically resist an officer, no matter how unlawful

his or her actions.

6. Don't try to tell your side of the story; it cannot help.

7. Do not threaten the officer that you plan to file a complaint for their actions.

8. If the questioning persists, demand to speak to a lawyer first. Repeat as necessary.

Gathering The Facts:

1. Get the name and badge number of each officer involved. If he/she does not volunteer this

information, ask.

2. Ask the name of the agency they represent. Different agencies have different enforcement

responsibilities.

3. Ask why they are there. Request factual basis of the complaint and complainant's identity.

4. If they have other people with them (HSUS, press, etc.), get names and organizations for all

present.

5. Note names & addresses of any witnesses to the encounter.

6. If you are physically injured by an officer, take photographs of injuries immediately, but do not

forego proper medical treatment as soon as possible.

7. Write down all information, as well as date and time of incident, immediately while details are

still fresh in your mind.

8. If your rights are violated, file a complaint with the appropriate body.

If You Are Arrested:

1. REMAIN SILENT -- answer no questions until you have consulted with a lawyer.

2. DON'T EXPLAIN ANYTHING -- you will have time for explanations after you talk to your

lawyer.

3. They must allow you a phone call (for calling a lawyer or to arrange bail) within a reasonable

amount of time. They are NOT allowed to listen to your phone call to your attorney, but may

"monitor" the rooms for "your protection". Do not say anything you do not want overheard; save

that until after you are out on bail.

Telephone Inquiries or Threats:

You may receive telephone inquiries concerning the number of dogs you own and whether any dogs

or puppies are for sale.

Other questions may also be asked. Your response should be to inquire "Are you interested in a

puppy?". If the answer is "yes", ask for the person's name and phone number. Suggest that you or

a responsible breeder will contact that person at a more convenient time for you.

If the answer is friendly and genuinely inquisitive, invite the person to look at your puppies.

If you are asked, "What is the price of your pups?", simply say that puppies of this breed are being

sold for between "X" and "Y" dollars. NEVER say that you are selling them.

If you are asked, "Are these your puppies?", you should ask, "Why do you want to know?"

If conversation indicates the person represents County Clerk's Office or other official body, ask for:

--- Full name, title & phone number

--- Agency's full name and address

--- Supervisor's full name and phone number

--- Nature of inquiry (what it is about)

--- Why the inquiry is being made

--- How your name and phone number were obtained

--- Ask that all future questions from that agency be submitted in writing

Preventative Measures:

1. Always keep your kennel clean and take good care of your animals.

2. Consider a PO Box or other address for business cards and advertisements. Keep descriptions

of your location general (i.e., Southern California, rather than the name of the city where you live).

The internet can provide anonymity for initial contacts. You can even buy a "remote prefix" to get

a number from a nearby community forwarded to your phone or to a voice mail. Avoid local

newspaper classifieds, they are often monitored.

3. Screen any potential puppy buyers carefully. Always be alert that they may be Animal Control

or even Animal Rights working under cover.

4. Don't allow strangers into your home until you have screened them.

5. Be fair and honest in all of your dealings, and be on good terms with your neighbors. Most

animal control contacts are complaint-driven. Some complaints may arise as harassment by people

with unrelated grievances against you. It may be a disgruntled dog buyer or a cranky neighbor who

does not like you parking in front of his house.

6. Anything about you that can be observed in "plain sight" from the street or sidewalk can become

probable cause for a warrant. Even areas on your property open to visitors can be dangerous. Be

aware of which areas of your home and property are visible from the outside and plan accordingly.

7. If you are confronted by Animal Control and turn them away, assume they will be back. Use the

time available to make sure everything is clean and presentable. If you are over the limit on the

number of pets, find friends who can provide temporary shelter for your dogs.

Whatever you do, stay calm and keep your wits about you.

Just say "NO", no matter what threats or promises of leniency they make.

When in doubt, SAY NOTHING, and speak to a lawyer ASAP.

*Mr Eigenhauser is an attorney at law licensed in the State of California

since 1979 and practices in the areas of civil litigation and estate planning.

TOP TEN AGGRESSIVE BREEDS

Here is a list of the top 10 dangerous breeds as per the CDC (Center for Disease Control) 

1) American Pit Bull Terrier

2) Rottweiler

3) German Shepards

4) Siberean Husky

5)Alaskan Malamute

6)Doberman Pincher

7) Chow Chow

8) Great Dane 

9) Saint Bernard

10) Akitas

If you notice the breeds you'll see that breeds that not only are common but most wouldn't agree for them to be on there yet they are. WHY? because they actually bite people as much or more than a breed (Pit Bull) than people would come to believe. This list is not based on the amount of bites but by the way the CDC thinks is most aggressive. Do your research before judging a breed, any breed for that matter. It is a must to fight against the banning of a specific dog breed, give them the power to allow a breed to become extinct/banned then it would be easier for another breed to be banished too. 

WORLDWIDE BABY

I received an email from someone in Malaysia. I'd like to share it with my readers so you can see that people all across the world have the same issues as we here in the states.  The email has been formatted and cut down for posting issues. As always your comments are appreciated.....




Hello Mr.Steve and greetings from the country Malaysia.. My name is Amit and i have watched your videos on You Tube such as the Kennel Maintanence etc. I have recomended it to all my friends and work colleagues who have home kennels and we all thank you so much for the inspiration and tips that you have provided, it has been a great help and keep the excellent work..

All my life Mr Steve, i have had been a dog lover just like you and the breed that fascinates me is the Doberman.. Im 29 years old male i have grown up with Dobermans ever since i was a kid.. My grandfather started the Dobe trend and it has stucked in my family ever since..

The reason that i am writing this email to you is that i would very much thankful if you advice me on this situation that i am facing currently..

The other day i took my dobe out for a walk. He's a 1 year 6 months old, trained in obedience and is always on the HEEL command when he's out for walks but unfortunately the other day he dashed out upon seing a squirel and i fell on the road obtaining bruises on my elbows and knees..

After getting controlled , i will forever regret what i did which was landing a kick in his hips..!!

I know that i should have never done that and i will never ever forgive myself for doing so.. What happen was he snapped and growled at me WHICH HE HAS NEVER DONE BEFORE!!!! I WAS IN TOTAL SHOCK WHEN HE DID THAT MR STEVE.. Im in a position where i feel disappointed and sad with his reaction towards me, i dont know whether its fear or something else. Each time when i check his teeth or give him a bath i have this constant thing running in my mind that he might snap again or i would be bitten.I think my interest and love for the Doberman breed will eventually fade away based on this incident..

I have spoken to a small number of people here in my country. Many say that the dog has an issue with temperament and that he has to be put to SLEEP!!!!!!!!Some say that it was my fault where by i shouldn't have kicked him in the first place and because he felt pain,that's the reason why his reaction was such..Well,i have set aside all this comments because they were not given to me by a profesional.

We love him alot especially me. I still remember the day i held him in my arms and brought him back home when he was just 1 1/2 months and he has been with us ever since..i have not shared this incident with any of my family members as i thought that it would be best if i seeked professional advice from someone like you first..

please help Mr Steve.. thank you..

Regards,

Mr Amit-Malaysia

BELOW IS MY ANSWER TO HIS EMAIL

Mr Bhatti,

I appreciate the email and happy to hear that my videos/words are being followed even across the world. 

I like to ask questions to find out more about your dog and of your lifestyle but i will also try my best to answer your question/concerns.

Before attempting to answer, i would like to take this time to ask my questions: 1) has he shown any aggression since 2) have you noticed him focusing on kids, if so do you think he'll do anything to them VERY IMPORTANT 3) a dog with a temperament issue would show aggression early and often, can you say that he's been doing this for awhile 4) is he dog aggressive and/or animals VERY IMPORTANT 5) does he allow you to pet him or put your hands in his dog bowl while eating 6) how is he when he meets people, is he happy or do you think he's gotten worse in this area as he's gotten older 7) is he a natural dominant dog where he carries his tail/head up high as he walks around you and others  - when answering these questions, you must be absolutely honest in answering them in order for me to give you my best answer. 

*Dogs have feelings with that being said it's a possibility that when you kicked him he reacted towards you in that manner not in anger but because he was caught off guard and that was his reaction (ex. imagine you and a friend are walking, you think your playing w/him by kicking him from behind. What do you think he'll say to you? more than likely he'll be upset and yell/possibly swing at you) This is normally called "Mis-directed Aggression" and the reason why im putting this first. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A STRONG POSSIBILITY THAT THIS COULD BE YOUR ISSUE.

*Nervous Aggression can also be a trigger, now from what i've read and from your answers to the questions will determine if it's that or not. A nervous aggressive dog will react like this from puppyhood, they usually are dogs that want little to no inner-actions with people but it's mainly because of lack of socialization and/or bad temperaments because of inferior breeding. I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS IT EITHER

*Predatory Aggression can and possibly be another answer to this issue and the reason why i asked earlier if he focuses on kids and have aggression towards dogs/animals. When a dog has this type of aggression they are like children in that they'll want whatever there going after first and be the only one with it. If stopped then they'll react aggressively, not necessarily to bite you but to scare you away from the chase so they can be the only one to get it. THIS CAN BE YOUR ISSUE TOO but i would need the answers to the questions to better give a precise answer. 

*Another possibility is that it could've come from a "fear aggression" issue. A dog does not know how to tell you NO or GO AWAY so when they feel vulnerable the only way a dog knows how to react is to SNAP at you. So far I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS IT

There are other types of "aggression" behaviors to mention but i strongly feel that they have nothing to do with the issues your dog is having. 

As important as to know what his issue is but how do you deal with it. Keep in mind that neutering is not a definite answer to anything. I always say that "you will not solve a behavioral problem with a hormonal solution" A reputable trainer can help you with these issues, it is a must if you want to keep your dog to train him more in obedience and get a better control of him with focus work (which is ironically the problem that led him to go after the squirrel in the first place) so you can get him under YOUR control. 

Dogs with aggression issues will only get worse. One of the things that concerns me is that knowing the issue, if he did it once the possibility will be that he will do it again. 

One last thing i would like to say is that by all means, do not judge the breed by your dogs actions. From your email you mentioned that the breed has been in your family for years. I really hope you change your opinion and think on a more individual basis. As stated earlier with more information i can throughly answer your concerns and dicipher what's right and wrong with your dog. Hopefully i gave you a better perspective of your dog and please answer those questions and I will answer them to give you a more exact of your dog. 

DOGS AT WORK

According to a CNN poll in 2006, 75% of all dog owners would work longer hours if they can take there dogs to work. Here's a company that does just that....