The Rainbow Bridge Curse: Loving Dogs Into Dumbness

[Amy and Annabelle]

I ran across this interesting article today, talking about a book that is coming about how we are loving our dogs into dumbness. Would our dogs be able to survive on their own without human intervention? I know Annabelle wouldn't last long. When I had Annabelle at the vet last winter during a nasty cold spell. I would say about half of the dogs in the waiting room were wearing warm sweaters. So what do you think? Here is the link.

http://www.bedlamfarm.com/2016/03/16/the-rainbow-bridge-curse-lovin...

[BG and Gavin]

When dogs were left to do their own thing...they also died a lot. His food/shelter rant burned my butt. Sounds like a cruel bast*** to me.
One interesting bit: "more and more as helpless and dependent .... over-regulated and over-protected to the point that they can’t learn or grow or develop their own great survival skills and intellects."
Interesting because I thought he was talking about (some) children these days. Lol.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And this is coming from a man who left his wife and child to go play sheepherder with a couple of untrained Border Collies bred for show. When that didn't work out, he gave one of them away and had the other one euthanized, so he could get some new dogs. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

ha! I thought the same thing about the kids, BG!

[Adina P]

I'm not going to read the article, but seriously.  Since we are NOT raising children to be independent people who contribute to society, but ... um...dogs, who cares if they can't survive on their own?  That's so utterly irrelevant.  I don't want my dogs to survive on their own if they are going to live with me their whole lives. 

[Gail and Bailey]

Absolutely.

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Interesting discussion! As I was reading the article, I kept thinking, "Are we talking about the same thing- a domestic dog?" Yes, I realize that dogs were originally bred for certain tasks. Their body types, instincts, senses, etc. were well suited for various activities. And, that is true today as well. Some dogs are being used for what they were originally bred for. But, does that mean that we shouldn't have them as pets and treat them as fur babies? I don't think so!

I do agree, though, with one statement he says: "Animals need to work, whether it be going on hikes, riding in cars, doing agility, show, herding, rescue, show,  or therapy work." A lot of behavior problems can be linked to lack of exercise, being cooped up in the house all day, not being stimulated mentally or physically, etc. That's one of the things that I really like about DK- we encourage each other by suggesting different ways of training, exercising, playing games, taking them safely in our cars, etc.  

[BG and Gavin]

Totally agree Lori!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Exactly! I agree too.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Sorry - I couldn't get past the first 3 paragraphs. Total garbage - not worth my time. Anyone who thinks my guys are dumb are total idiots.

[Amy and Annabelle]

True, and I think it's a well documented fact, that doodles are smart. That is one of the reasons I got one. Every article I read on doodles, said they were smart.

[Gail and Bailey]

I can't get past the part where he thinks we should not break a window to save a dog in a hot car. Does he think the dog can open the door and get out on its own when the temp reaches dangerous levels? This is totally different from his dogs finding shelter from the heat, rain or cold when roaming his property! What an idiot! Just my opinion.

[Sally M]

I didn't like this article.