[Finny]

I would venture to say that with all the money, time, and experience these guys had invested in training their dogs to be good working cowdogs, if there was a quick and easy way to "cure" a disobedient and destructive dog, they would have known it. I would venture to say these guys probably had a whole lot more hands-on real-world experience, generations back, of dealing with animal in training and behavior (not just dogs, either, because they worked with horses and cattle and other critters) than the person who works in a vets office, though they didn't use terms like "alpha spot." And again, please remember that these ranch folks and farmers don't shoot the dogs because they're heartless or just because it's the easiest thing to do. In their world, it's the MORAL thing to do. Because in their world, as in the REAL world, dogs are not on the same level as people. Our society gets into trouble when we forget that truth, and we end up with "pets" that maim and kill innocent kids and strangers.

I did not say that all "pet" dogs are missing out. I did say that to think that the typical ranch dog has a harder, less joyful life than a city pet dog is bunk and shows a poor understanding of the pure rightness of respecting an animal's dignity, and the relationships between men and dogs in a real working environment.

[solosmoke]

Now this is just my opinion, but I do believe the only "dignity" being thrown around is ours. Dogs have no shame. They aren't anywhere near human, and giving them dignity isn't helping them either. And just because someone is around dogs a long time doesn't make them anymore an expert than anyone else. I have worked with dogs many years in all sorts of situations, and that doesn't make me an expert. However, if I continue doing what I do now, with all the books I've read and research I've done, some day I may qualify for that title, but no, not right now.

Many farm people I have personally known have been downright ignorant of dogs, yet they've had them all their lives and used them for various things. I don't think they're heartless at all. I think sometimes an animal's problems are beyond what some people are capable of handling, but not all people. They're farmers, not dog behaviorists, so of course I do understand that they have their priorities and limits. I think it's just a clash of generations, personally. Yes, this new generation seems "mushy" to the elders, but we are also the same people that spay and neuter, dress our dogs up in funny clothes (how's that for dignity :D ), and don't shoot them when it gets rough. I think we aren't going to ever agree on this for these very reasons.

And let me clarify. I don't mean to say that farm dogs or city dogs have it better than the other type. I think it's all in how the dog is raised and treated. Having said that, there are good and bad owners in both situations, and that is why people make assumptions about them. One of the greatest thing about dogs is their ability to find comfort in just about any situation, as long as their human is right there with them. I don't know about your situation, but I do know that my city dogs look at me sometimes like I am the greatest thing, and I feel the same about them.