Following the recent news story of the young girl who was unfortunately attacked by a Bull Terrier dog a few days ago, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is yet again experienced the wrath of the media spouting false accusations of the entire breed. As many of you may have seen, or at least heard about, the complete slating of the Staffie on Lorraine Kelly's ITV1 show, stating that Staffies are "Dangerous Dogs" and how "You would never find an aggressive Labrador"
I really hope these people do not class themselves as experts, because this demonstration of complete and utter ignorance proves they are not. Any dog can be aggressive, from the Staffie, and Rottweiler, right down to little Chihuahua's and Jack Russell's; it's all dependent on the owner, and how they choose to bring their dog up.
Dogs learn by example, just like children. If you bring your child up to behave violently towards people, or things they do not like, then of course the child will grow up to be violent. Same applies to dogs - OF ALL BREEDS.
Like many Staffie owners, I am completely fed up of uninformed, small minded people passing judgement on my beloved animals; who may I add are considered part of my family. A petition has been created to Stop Staffie prejudice on T.V, and would encourage you all to take a couple of minutes to sign it. Staffies rely on us, to give them a voice.
From this, I have decided to share a story with everyone, boasting the amazing impact my two Staffie's have had on my life since having them. It's about time the Staffordshire Bull Terrier got some good press!
A year and a half ago I was crossing the road if I saw a dog coming towards me. Today, I’m cuddled up on the sofa with two Staffordshire Bull Terrier crosses, completely smitten with both.
Cynophobia is the extremely common specific fear of dogs, which can have devastating effects, limiting the sufferers contact with dog-owning friends and relatives, and restraining on their daily lives. The phobia is usually caused by a negative encounter with a dog, probably in childhood, however this is not always the case.
When I was fourteen, I was bitten by a dog. Not by a massively big dog, nor was it a nasty bite; but enough to put the fear into me. In severe cases of Cynophobia, sufferers cannot even look at a picture of a dog, or see them on T.V without experiencing palpitations, sweating, even fainting. Fortunately, I was never that bad. I have always loved animals, even dogs, and it always sickened me to hear of animal cruelty, but there was never anything I could do, because of my phobia.
A couple of years ago, we decided to get a dog. My dad was desperate for one, and I really wanted to get over my fear. As they say, to get over a fear, just face it. So that’s what I did; with a five year old Doberman/Rottweiler cross rescue dog. She was gorgeous, attentive, strong, and completely in love with my dad. But I was petrified. Granted she probably wasn’t the best dog to try and get over my fear with, but I jumped into the deep end…. And drowned. Five days into our trial period, we had to take her back. We were gradually learning her habits and personality traits, along with her abusive history to which were not told when we adopted her. It was all too much to handle and I even couldn’t cope being in the same room as her on my own.
It broke my dad’s heart to let her go, but he knew deep down that it wouldn’t have worked out. I felt really bad for him because I knew how much he loved that dog, even within those few days. I began wondering what it was that made me so scared of her. She had never shown aggression to any of us, not even to people who visited the house, but there was clear barrier I just couldn't pass.
After a while I decided to look into Cynophobia, and how to overcome my fear. There were plenty of companies who were extremely willing to take my money to help with this; however none could guarantee positive results. There were handbooks, DVDs, CDs, hypnotherapy sessions; the list was endless. But none convinced me that they would work; maybe due to my own cynical outlook on these things.
My research led me on to dogs themselves. I read success stories of people who had rescued abused and homeless dogs, and learning about dog behaviours, and meanings behind their actions. I began to understand dogs a bit better and gradually I was starting to become more relaxed around the four legged animals.
It wasn’t long before we decided to try again with having a dog; but this time it was puppies; two to be exact! At six weeks old Marley and Roxy were the new additions to the Dallimore household. We bought books, and DVDs and watched television programmes to educate ourselves about Staffordshire Bull Terriers; their heritage, personality traits, health, and what we should expect from them. 19 months down the line and they’re still as adorable as they were when we first got them, but more importantly, I’m completely fearless!
Me and my boy <3
I believe fear is due to the unknown. I had never taken the time to sit down learn about these animals, and so never understood them. Now, I can honestly say that I am not scared of dogs; I love them! I have learnt about Staffordshire Bull Terriers in particular, and believe they are one of the most intelligent and docile breed of dog around; despite public opinion. I have come so far with getting over Cynophobia, that I now volunteer at Bath Cats and Dogs home!
Roxy Baby <3
So anyone suffering from Cynophobia out there, I completely understand how you feel. I may not have suffered from the phobia as badly as some, but I know what it feels like to be so terrified of something, that you don’t know what to do with yourself. But there is light at the end of the tunnel! If you really want to get over it, then try learning about dogs. The unknown is always a scary and daunting place, but with a little knowledge and understanding you may realise that dogs really are man’s best friend. Treat them with respect, and you’ll reap the benefits tenfold.
I urge each and every one of you critics of the Staffie, to spend a day with one. Learn about them, understand them, and then maybe you'll understand why people want to own such a beautiful, loyal, devoted, and forgiving dogs.
Please don't forget that not every dog is lucky to have someone to love, and there are still people out there who use the Staffie's loyalism, and strength for their own personal entertainment.
And Don't Forget to Sign The Petition!!
