Can I rely on my American Bully XL to be safe around my baby daughter? “Balancing Safety and Trust: Examining the Compatibility of an American Bully XL with a Baby Daughter”

I trust my American bully XL around my baby daughter

Background

In response to several high-profile attacks involving American bully XL dogs, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed a ban on the breed. However, many American bully XL dog owners argue that this ban will not address concerns around aggression and that responsible ownership and training are key factors in determining a dog’s behavior. Samantha Wood, a dog owner from Aberdeen, shared her experience of trusting her bully XL Kano around her young child, emphasizing the dog’s gentle and good-natured disposition.

Personal Experience: Trusting the Bully XL

Samantha Wood, in an interview with BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime program, expressed her trust in her three-year-old bully XL Kano, stating that she has never had any issues with him. She shared that even when she was pregnant, Kano would lie on her bump, seemingly protecting her. When her daughter arrived, they introduced Kano slowly to the baby, and he displayed no aggression. Wood further emphasized that Kano is gentle with her daughter, often licking her face.

The Role of Responsible Ownership and Training

Wood strongly opposes the proposed ban, stating that it would be “ridiculous” and that she is “petrified” of losing her beloved dog. She argues that not all dogs of the breed should be deemed dangerous based on the actions of a few. She compares this situation to the justice system, where individuals aren’t judged collectively based on the actions of a single person. Wood firmly believes that it is not the breed but the upbringing, treatment, and environment that shape a dog’s behavior. She places the responsibility on owners and advocates for more stringent measures against irresponsible ownership and treatment.

Expert Opinions: Addressing the Real Issues

Jayne Dendle, from Save Our Seized Dogs, concurs with Wood’s perspective. Dendle emphasizes that a breed ban will not solve the problem; instead, action should be taken against irresponsible owners and backyard breeders who prioritize physical appearance over temperament. She argues that if the XL bully is banned, breeders will simply create a new breed that circumvents the ban. Dendle suggests exploring effective measures implemented in other countries, such as the Calgary model in Canada and the Blue Dog project in the Netherlands. These models focus on tackling the root causes of aggression, including responsible ownership and breeding practices.

Comprehensive and Workable Solutions

Dendle calls for more robust and proven measures to ensure public safety, without unfairly targeting well-behaved dogs based on their appearance. She urges law enforcement to prioritize dogs that are causing concern in the community rather than removing dogs from homes solely because of their breed’s reputation. This approach, she believes, will offer better protection to the public.

Editorial: Moving Beyond Breed Bans

The proposed ban on American bully XL dogs raises important questions regarding responsible pet ownership, the significance of breed, and the influence of upbringing and training on a dog’s behavior. While it is essential to address concerns around aggressive dogs, a blanket breed ban may not be the most effective solution. Instead, it is crucial to focus on education, responsible ownership, and the enforcement of measures that have proven successful in other countries.

Balancing Safety and Trust

Ensuring the safety of our communities and families is of utmost importance. However, it is equally important to recognize that not all dogs of a particular breed exhibit aggressive behavior. Samantha Wood’s testimony highlights the need to consider individual dog temperament and the role that responsible ownership plays in fostering harmonious interactions between pets and children. By focusing on promoting responsible pet ownership, providing accessible resources for proper training, and cracking down on irresponsible breeders, we can strike a balance between safety and trust.

Philosophical Considerations: The Role of Environment and Nurture

Wood’s argument that it is the environment and treatment that shape a dog’s behavior invites philosophical reflections on the nature versus nurture debate. While breed characteristics may influence certain traits, it is the dog’s upbringing and experiences that ultimately determine their behavior. This perspective aligns with the notion that it is not the dog but the owner who is responsible for the dog’s actions. By acknowledging the impact of nurture on an animal’s behavior, we can shift the conversation from punitive measures targeting breeds to a more holistic approach focused on responsible ownership and training.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Pet Safety

While the proposed ban on American bully XL dogs may have been triggered by legitimate concerns, it is crucial to adopt a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to pet safety. Focusing on responsible ownership and breeder accountability, along with education and training programs, can lead to safer communities without unfairly stigmatizing specific breeds. By learning from successful initiatives in other countries and promoting a culture of responsible pet ownership, we can create a safer environment for both humans and animals.