I wanted to get the dogs out and needed something at Petsmart so I stopped in this evening. I was paying the cashier with my two GSD's sitting perfectly beside me on leash when a young woman came near and asked me if my dogs were mean. I chuckled and replied that they were actually quite friendly and invited her to come pet them. She responded that "those types of dogs are mean" and walked away, not that I cared.

A moment later I spotted a big pit pull walking toward my dogs and pulling some stupid looking, young punk. As his pit came closer it started to fire up and it was quite apparent that his dog wanted to attack mine. With that I looked at the idiot, who was struggling to control his dog (on a flat collar no less) and I said to him rather strongly "Hey man, why don't you train your dog"? He responded "He IS trained"! And with about a dozen people standing around, including several employees, I sarcastically said (and I kid you not) "Where did you get him trained, HERE"? I continued..."Your dog is super-dog aggressive and he's pulling you around the store. Do everyone a favor. Get your dog trained or leave it at home"! The punk didn't say a word and neither did anyone else. We both left the store with our dogs and headed to our vehicles. You know the kicker? The girl I mentioned earlier LEFT WITH HIM! Amazing.

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You know the kicker? The girl I mentioned earlier LEFT WITH HIM! Amazing.

There's no accounting for taste, is there? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

**SIGH** My poor, poor beloved former breed <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />. I'm so glad I have grudgingly moved on from them. There unfortunatly are just to few responsible pitbull owners left, the idiots, thugs and punks have completely taken over them IMO to the point of no return. When my now 7yr old pit named Toro passes on he'll be the last. I hate to feel this way, but the irresponsible ownership of these dogs are so great that there is no more hope for them, the days of being able to own one are numbered and the last thing I want to do is be forced by goverment to have to end up giving a young 2 or 3yr old that I may have at the time away or even Euthenize.

Patrick, I love the "Where did you get him trained, here!?" I hate that store. I went there tonight for a new Guinea pig and their like would like to sign up for our petsmart savings card, I just chuckled and said, no thanks.

I would never own a pitbull. For the very reason that they excel in many dog sports, they would be hard to live with as house pets (IMHO). Not to mention the public hysteria and the liability if it ever escapes (digging under a fence, chewing through it, etc.)

Having said that... there's nothing wrong with the breed itself. I am so sick of these clueless pitbull owners that just don't get it. I have a few friends that own pitbulls. To my knowledge, they are all responsible pet owners and as such, their dogs are well mannered, well socialized, sufficiently OB trained pets.

Maybe a new law...
At the first sign of aggression, an investigator attempts to get 3 or more eye witnesses to verify the aggression. If witnesses are in agreement, the owner is heavily fined ($1500 maybe?) and put on notice... if this dog attacks somebody, you're going to jail as if you shot someone. At this point, the dog owner is given the option to reduce the fine (maybe save $500) if they attend a comprehensive "aggressive dog" class that requires the owner to pass a test proving that they have learned how to appropriately handle an aggressive dog (muzzle, prong, crate, etc.)

This is just a "concept" for a law that might help accomplish the obvious goal, without discriminating against any specific breed. Does this go too far? Maybe a "second chance" if the first sign of aggression does not include an actual bite. Thoughts? Suggestions?

By the way... I'm against BSL and fully respect a person's right to bear arms as well as own any breed of dog they want to. But dogs, much like firearms, are deadly if left in the hands of an irresponsible, unaccountable fool.

The only time my dog has ever urinated inside since he's been house trained was inside a petsmart marking his spot on a big bag of food. I wasn't sure wether to laugh or correct him for it, so I did both.

Are they still allowed to sell puppies and kittens at Petsmart/Petco?

I thought I read something about them 'cutting back' on that - or eliminating it completely. (After all their dirty laundry was aired..)

If they ever sold puppies it must have been years ago because I never knew they ever did.

They have puppy adoptions.

well its been 3 years since Ive been in the US. And I rarely went to Petsmart, except when an old roommate used to drag me there.

I get Petsmart and PetCO confused.. maybe it was only one or the other- but at least one DEFINITELY sold them. (or adopt.. maybe.. though surely it was for a donation. how could they afford to care for them before they were adopted?)

The singer Pink made a big public stink about abuse at one of the chains. But I forget what the abuse was.. stacking them up like merchandise maybe.. maybe something else. I forget.

Actaully the more I think about it I think that particular case was PetCO.. whoever it was promised to stop whatever they were doing.

There, is that vague enough for you?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Pink Article/ PetCo Abuses

So maybe not cats and dogs here.. maybe Im confused on that part.. but I could swear Ive seen them in one or the other.. will have to look into that..