06-15-2009, 03:51 AM
There seems to be a lack of serious obedience training in the big Island. I have never seen so many hand shy (physical correction being the best way to make a dog aggressive) or un socialized dogs about.
Me thinks the focus on producing pig hunters rather than companions may explain much. The issue is that even serious pig hunters will demand obedience and socialization from their dogs. In a good breeding program unwanted (aggression towards human tendencies) genes eliminated.
There seems to be a whole class of wanna bee pig hunters / dog breeders with big aggressive dogs and no training skill or responsibility in Puna though. Letting them run loose in the hood (in in the park!) at times– therein lies the problem.
Even though the courts have handed down some big civil judgments I have yet to see a criminal case holding the owner seriously responsible – we may want to change that – there is very little difference between a 150 lb aggressive dog and a loaded 38 in my opinion.
In the meantime, I would recommend a “walking stick” or bag of dog treats to manage the overeager woofers when hiking. I am afraid the dog issue is one of those tough cultural issues (differences) that, ever more in focus as we become less rural.
Me thinks the focus on producing pig hunters rather than companions may explain much. The issue is that even serious pig hunters will demand obedience and socialization from their dogs. In a good breeding program unwanted (aggression towards human tendencies) genes eliminated.
There seems to be a whole class of wanna bee pig hunters / dog breeders with big aggressive dogs and no training skill or responsibility in Puna though. Letting them run loose in the hood (in in the park!) at times– therein lies the problem.
Even though the courts have handed down some big civil judgments I have yet to see a criminal case holding the owner seriously responsible – we may want to change that – there is very little difference between a 150 lb aggressive dog and a loaded 38 in my opinion.
In the meantime, I would recommend a “walking stick” or bag of dog treats to manage the overeager woofers when hiking. I am afraid the dog issue is one of those tough cultural issues (differences) that, ever more in focus as we become less rural.