Should we have to take a test/ exam to own a dog?? what do you think? I had a very interesting conversation the other day with a lady while out on a walk with Luna. We got in to conversation because she reacted as allot of people do to Staffordshire bull terriers , (if you own one you will know what I mean… the quick turn the other way… pick the dog up and move as far away from you as possible. Etc) After I assured her that Luna was not going to have her Pomeranian for dinner we were discussing dogs etc. And the following topic came up. The lady said “I think we all should have to take a good ownership test to see if you would be a suitable dog owner”. I thought about this and spoke to some doggie friends who all agreed. Maybe we should have a test like the theory test for doing your driving test... suitable questions and re creations that you get in to every day with you dog. If you pass you get your “licence to own a dog”. There should be random checks on people to check that they have complied with this or extremely heavy fines for those who don’t. I would happily take a test of my knowledge of basic dog ownership etc. I’m starting to feel that what ever law, idea or suggestion the people who run this country thinks of it will never be the solution. What do we all think? From the topic: Comments Post a comment in this discussion: 19 Apr 2008 16:24  I fully agree with you. Apparently in Spain, if you own a "potentially dangerous dog" (Spain have included the work "potintially") then you have to have a certificate to show that you are mentally ok to own such a dog. We just got Charlie's passport last week (he is a staffy cross). Together with the passport, we were unexpectedly handed an internet printout about the Dangerous Dog Act. We had no idea about such a law until last week!!!!!!!!! and, we had already booked to travel on Eurotunnel to France. Do you think we'll be allowed through? Do they actually look at the dog on leaving UK by Eurotunnel? We have got his passport changed to read "Terrier Cross" rather than "Staffordshire Terrier Cross" which it said at first. Please can you tell me if you have any experience in this...... 24 Feb 2008 23:34  Its crazy that anyone can get hold of a pet or have a baby without having to show basic knowledge of how to care for them yet to burn my own hedge clippings i need a license! It may be hard to enforce and people are always going to ignore the rules, but that is the case with any law and at least if there was some sort of system in place it would go part way to solving the problem. 24 Feb 2008 17:45  A dog licence? A good idea in theory. BUT..... all that provides is check scoring and so many people who would and do make perfect dog owners do not check all the boxes when it comes to tests and exams. All a test/exam would do is narrow the field of who can own a dog and who can't and give rise to more judgmental attitudes. "You can't have a dog cos you are xyz........." What we need to be fostering is a kind, compassionate, respectful, responsible nation. People who think carefully before they bring a dog into their home, know that he/she will be with them for on average 13 years of its life and doesn't come with an off switch. If they are ready for the commitment then I say they will be a perfect owner whether their situation is perfect or not. It's atttitudes that need to change which could possibly be helped by education rather than going in for the kill with a heavy hand law......... You want a dog you WILL pass a test. As an aside, it's not only dog owners who should take a test, parents should to but can't see either happening. 24 Feb 2008 13:25  I've said this for some time, but I really think it is the breeders who should be regulated. A responsible breeder will make sure their puppy's prospective owner knows what he or she is taking on, yet there are still many who are just interested in how much money they can get. When walking my Newfoundland I had a lady ask if I knew he was going to get that big! Stupid question as far as I am concerned, because I went to a lot of trouble to learn about the breed before I bought him. But there are still people out there who will buy a giant breed then get shot of him because he is too big. Great idea, but as already said, unworkable. 23 Feb 2008 18:21  Can't see a licence will work as it never did before. So these irresponsible owners will carry on getting away with what they want to. Also the checking of dogs homes doesn't always work as I learned when I did some for the local dogs home. This put me of doing it. I was asked not to re-home in flats above the ground floor and went to see one for a collie dog witch every one knows needs loads of time. When i got back and said no they said I had not given them a chance so sent someone else. Pleased to say they supported my comment. So if the dogs homes are letting things through how can anyone else control how the dogs are looked after. Cant see how good ownership can be controlled. 23 Feb 2008 11:34  A test and/or exam would be good,but would virtually impossible to bring in and enforce. I cannot see the Government and local authorities,spending both alot of time and money on such a scheme.......and how would such a new law,affect the so many whom already own a dog???. Many may simply refuse to take a test & exam,following a course,many may not want to pay up for such a thing and many could end up getting rid of their pets so as to avoid such a scheme.....the results could be quite devastating and backfire big time. If this scheme was ever going to be employed,it should have been brought in,right after they scrapped the dog licence,all those years ago,but alas,I have to say,that I cannot see such a good and practical idea getting off the ground. 23 Feb 2008 11:32  l am totally AGAINST bringing back the dog licence, which was abolished in 1987, firstly it would still be as unworkable now as it was then.(that's why it was abolished) Most people would NOT buy one look at TV, Fishing and car tax etc:!! and the people who don't buy them. Licence wont stop people buying dogs,and mistreating dogs, but it might stop them handing them into rescue centers, if they thought they would go to court for not having a licence's usual its only the responsible dog owners who would pay, and I'm sick of paying for schemes that is impossible to monitor. Microchipping at present is not fool proof either, as Kennels, Dog Wardens, Police and Vets don't by law have to scan stray dogs, why should l put a foreign body in my dog when the scheme isn't guaranteed to be checked? l think what your club is doing is great Patricia, but how does one make irresponsible owners attend??? 23 Feb 2008 10:46 What a great idea... But I would like to see it made law and compulsory. I will keep note of the number Many thanks Mike 23 Feb 2008 10:35  at the training school my dogs go to to achieve your awards which is run though the kennel club we have to answer questions before our dogs recieve there awards,its open to any dog not just kc reg dogs,i think a licence should be brought back and owners attend a training session to earn there licence,we are given a talk at every session about dog laws,dog behaviour,any problems they will advise you,the only draw back i dont think there would be enough classes to manage,our class is full at the moment.if people contact there kc they will tell them there nearest approved training school,the number is 0870 606 6750 23 Feb 2008 09:22 Hi Michael, l asked exactly the same question, see the General Forum Page 4 (Pitbull Terriers) take a look at the replies, there very interesting. |
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