Andrew Goodall asked:


photography offers particular challenges in composition, especially for beginners. You not only have to create a compelling composition (which is tough enough in itself), you also face a subject which may or may not want to cooperate.

I can’t help you much with an uncooperative subject. Rest assured that with practice and experience, you will find that you become much quicker at composing and exposing a photo so that you get the shot before the critical moment passes. There are a couple of simple tips that can make things a little easier.

First, practice your photography in places where the animals are used to having people around and are less likely to become jittery at your presence. This does not have to be a zoo or other enclosure. Most national parks have campgrounds and picnic grounds where the wildlife is used to being around people, and may even come closer looking for food. You have a much better chance of a shot if you can get close without frightening the subject away.

Second, try to organise your exposure before you set up the shot. If the light is fairly constant, it is possible to point your camera in the right general direction and work out the best aperture and shutter speed settings for the photo. Then when you approach the subject, you can concentrate on composition without having to waste time working out your exposure.

These simple tips may help to take some of the frustration out of wildlife photography, but what about the composition itself? Many people simply don’t know where to start. If that sounds like you, don’t be discouraged. Like I said at the beginning, composition can be tough; even for a photographer with years of experience.

Let’s start by breaking it down into two categories; close-up and non close-up photos.

In a close-up photo, the subject fills most of the frame. A lot of people get in a tangle over whether to position their subject in the middle or to one side of the composition. In my experience it is quite acceptable to have the subject right in the centre, as long as you allow some head-room so it doesn’t appear too cramped within the confines of the composition. A central position is especially suitable when the subject is looking straight at the camera, but often works just as well if the subject is facing a little to one side or the other.

The more space you have around the subject, the more you should consider putting it to one side or the other. In this you should be guided by the way the animal is facing. If it is looking to one side, position it a little towards the other side so it is looking toward the centre of the frame. So, if your wildlife subject is looking right, position it a little to the left. Not too far; you don’t want half of your photo to feature nothing but empty space.

In a non close-up, where the photo shows a lot more space around the animal, it becomes more critical that you use that space effectively. In situations where the animal is featured with a lot of background, it may be better to think of the picture as a landscape photograph, and compose it accordingly. Some of the tried-and-true techniques like the Rule Of Thirds (google it if you are not familiar with it) are a good way to help you position your subject within the overall frame of the picture.

For a landscape style photo, it may look quite unbalanced to position your subject in the centre of the picture. It is usually better to position it to one side or the other, and it is now even more important to have the animal facing toward the centre of the picture. The eyes of the subject have the power to guide the viewer to look in the direction the subject is looking. So if the animal is on the left and looking left, the visual flow of the composition will lead out of the picture, instead of into it. If the subject is on the left and looking right, the viewer will follow the gaze of the subject into the centre of the picture.

Naturally it helps if there is something of interest in the centre or to the right to catch the viewer’s attention and add interest to the composition. If the subject is looking into the composition, it makes sense that it is looking at something, not just at empty space. Almost anything will do…a tree, a beach, an impressive sky; as long as it adds impact to the composition. If there is nothing of interest to work with, you might consider zooming in closer, so there is less emptiness in the composition.

These simple guidelines are intended to do nothing more than give you some ideas. Nature is not governed by the rules of composition, and a wildlife photographer must be flexible to get the best result out of each situation. Above all, trust your own judgement, your own sense of visual balance, to create a satisfying composition. On the other hand, if you are struggling to get started, think back to these guidelines; if you can position your subject well, the rest of the composition will fall into place.



LUKE

abhishek vats asked:


The most curious feature about Rajasthan is its geographic diversity. From the semi-evergreen forests of Mt. Abu to the barren lands of the desert, and from the scrub-thorn arid forests of the Aravali to the marshy lands of the Bharatpur, Rajasthan spreads across 3,42,000 sq km providing a home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Rajasthan hosts three national parts and more than a dozen sanctuaries. Some of them include Ranthambhor National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary and Mount Abu Sanctuary. These wonderful destinations provide the most fascinating scenes from the wildlife world. Travelers can enjoy a ride through the deep jungles of Rajasthan by a jeep or on elephant back.

Ranthambhor National Park is the most popular tiger reserve under Project Tiger. With its vast 392 sq km area of land, Ranthambhor is home to a wide variety of wildlife species including cheetal, sambhar, wild boar, jackal, hyena among others.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, also known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the world’s largest bird sanctuaries. Spread across 29 sq km, the Park invites thousands of migratory birds to it every year. They are accompanied by a large number of predatory birds as well. Popular guests include egrets, grey herons, storks, cormorants, and the rarest Siberian cranes. The Park is also home to a large group of mammals including blackbuck, chital, fishing cat, and sambhar. The ideal time to visit the national park is from August to February.

Sariska Tiger Reserve is another tiger land protected under Project Tiger scheme. With Aravali Hills forming the backdrop, this beautiful wildlife destination also provides home to leopards, sambhar, chinkara and many other wild species. The ideal time to visit this place is November to June.

Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary is established in 1983. Main attractions of this land include leopards, chinkara and sloth bear. The sanctuary spreads across a total area of 229 sq km of scrub and dry deciduous forest. Ideal time to visit the sanctuary is between October and May.

Mount Abu Sanctuary is famous because the Guru Shikhar, the highest point of Aravalis, lies in it. This 289 sq km sanctuary is home to common langaur, wild boar, sambhar and leopard. The place also has a marvelous collection of plant species.

Other important wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan include Jaisamand Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, Desert National Sanctuary, Darrah Sanctuary, and many more.



GORDON

Sanjog asked:


“For every tiger you see in India, five see you !!”

The enchanting and the rarest species of wildlife in India are the true treasures. Wildlife tours India take you to some distinguished forest reserves for sighting the variety of wild animals and birds in their natural habitat. Wildlife in India is a fabulous treat to all the wildlife lovers. Wildlife travel packages, planned keeping in mind the rich legacy of wildlife and the comforts of the travellers, offer wonderful opportunities to explore the wilds of the forest.

Major Reserves/National Parks

With over 350 species of mammals and 1200 species of birds in the country, each Indian wildlife region has something distinct to offer. The enchanting India wildlife has been preserved through 80 National Parks and 441 Wildlife Sanctuaries. A few major of the India Wildlife sanctuaries are:



Bandhavgarh National Park (vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh)

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan)

Jim Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal)

Gir National Park (Junagarh, Gujarat)

Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

Kaziranga National Park (Arunachal Pradesh)

Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

Periyar National Park (Periyar, Kerala)

Ranthambhore National Park (Rajasthan)

Sariska National Park (Rajasthan)

Sunderban National Park (West Bengal)



Most of these Indian National parks & sanctuaries work to preserve the rarest and endangered species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles etc. Indian Government has taken adequate steps and measures for the conservation and regeneration of animals and birds like tiger, lion, panther, musk deer, Nilgiri tahr, great Indian bustard etc.

Apart from that, India wildlife sanctuaries and the National Parks are the best places to spot the rich Indian flora. India wildlife tours are ideal for Wildlife Photography, Eco-Tourism, Jungle Safaris and other adventurous activities. India’s topography and varying climatic conditions make it the second largest country to have such diversified wildlife tourism.



WM

jetworldholidays asked:


TheIndian wildlife variety is so impressive that a sizeable number of tourists visiting the country come here to specifically feast on the abundant natural world of the place. With a number of Wildlife sanctuaries in India as well as the national parks, India no wonder ranks on the second position when it comes to housing an assortment of bird and animal forms.

A few of the topmost national parks in India that one could visit are Corbett National Park, Uttaranchal, Nandan Kanan, Orissa, Sunderban National Park, West Bengal, Gir National Park and Sanctuary, Gujarat, Kaziranga National Park, Assam, Pench National Park, Maharashtra, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan, Nameri National Park, Assam, Simplipal Tiger Reserve, Orissa, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, Rajaji National Park, Uttaranchal, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka.

Nature has been very kind when it comes to the lush greenery and plentiful flora and fauna varieties available here. There are several ways in which one could enjoy this pristine nature that is so unique and exceptional. Either you can visit them on your own and take your own time to marvel and appreciate at the diversity or else you could also avail of any of the several Indian wildlife packages and tours presented here. These packages are tailor made to suit and accommodate the most significant aspects of the natural world existing here. Tours like Birding trails of North India, Himalayan Adventure Tours, Tiger tours in Panna, Jeep Safari Tours and even Golden Triangle Wildlife tours have successfully catered to the varying guests coming to the country.

Indian Wildlife holidays do not only offer great alternatives of being one with nature, they are a complete vacation option too. Most of the national parks offer for luxury accommodation options with theme rooms and suites. Most of the Jungle resorts also serve delectable cuisine in the most authentic ambience and quintessentially the style of the restaurants, the crockery – cutlery, the sitting arrangements and even the staff serving the food, all follow a wildlife theme to make your stay and dining all the more fun…

So, if you were planning to travel across India, definitely accommodate at least one Indian wildlife tour to complete the trip in its essence.



LAMONT

Graeme Coyne asked:


The Sabi Sands Game Reserve, sometimes referred to as part of the “Greater Kruger”, is separated into a number of traversing sections so that the game rangers and trackers of specific safari lodges can take guests onto adjoining properties for game drives.



Game Drives

Open 4×4 vehicles with hop-on seats situated on the front left of the bonnet are used for game drives so that the tracker can scan the bush and dirt roads for signs and “spoor” (tracks) of animals. The tracker is constantly communicating with the ranger who is driving the vehicle and together they lead guests to large and small game.

Rangers who are in the different traversing areas keep in constant radio contact with each other so they can be aware of animal sightings all over the reserve. This allows them to be able to show visitors a vast selection of game as they always know where there is animal activity.

Aside from showing guests the “Big Five”, the knowledgeable rangers also inform guests about the animals’ behaviour, interesting birds and plants and even the night skies.

The wild leopard is an extremely elusive animal and people can often only speak about getting glimpses of this majestic creature. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of the best places in Africa to see leopard, as the cats have become accustomed to the safari vehicles, going about their regular activities allowing guests to observe them for far longer.



What Guests Can Expect

The day usually begins with an early wake up just before sunrise when guests can either enjoy a hot cup of coffee in their room (or on their private deck), or enjoy fresh, warm croissants, muffins and rusks with other guests on the central deck after which guests depart for the game drive.

The morning game drive usually lasts around three hours. Afterwards guests are taken back to the lodge in time for a leisurely breakfast. Typically, guests then have the choice to go on a guided walk or simply relax until lunchtime.

Guests meet up for tea and cake at around 4pm before leaving for the afternoon game drive. The ranger chooses a scenic or unique location for “sun downer” drinks and some snacks. The game drive carries on after sunset with the use of spotlights so that guests have the opportunity to see nocturnal creatures.

Once back at the lodge guests can enjoy a bath or shower, a hearty dinner and possibly indulge in a nightcap, before going back to their luxury suite to dream about what the next day in the bush might offer.

The lodges at the Sabi Sands Game Reserve do differ in respect to their location, localised game, number of guests accommodated in total, layout and style.

Accommodation

Notten’s Bush Camp is situated in the heart of the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve in Mpumalanga. Notten’s Bush Camp provides guests with a wealth of activities to enjoy. The most exhilarating activities would have to be going on game drives and discovering the African bush on foot with a professional ranger. The lodge is also perfect for bird enthusiasts.

Guests can relish the scrumptious cuisine served at Notten’s Bush Camp during their safari holiday at Sabi Sands as there is a wide mix of international and traditional South African cuisine served either in the Boma (outdoor enclosure) under the beautiful African sky or summer house. There is a large menu providing options for vegetarians as well.

Guests can unwind at the Notten’s Nature Spa with a relaxing beauty treatment and be pampered with a range of treatment options including a number of massages and sports therapies. Massages are also available to guests in their own room or viewing deck. Golf trips to Skukuza Golf Course can also be arranged. The course is only 45 minutes away.

A trip to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve will leave guests with a lifetime of memories, making them want to return to relish more of the magic of the African bush.



PETER

Marcelle Trethewey asked:


Collective Names:

Antelope - herd, cluster, tribe

Apes - shrewdness, troop

Badgers - cete, colony

Cats (Wild) - destruction, dowt, dout

Cheetah - coalition

Elephant - parade, herd

Giraffe - tower, corps, journey, group

Hedgehogs - array, prickle

Hippo - raft, pod, bloat, thunder, school

Hyaena - clan

Impala - rank

Jackal - skulk

Leopard - leap, lepe

Lion - pride, sault, sowse

Monkeys - shrewdness, cartload, troop, troup

Mongoose - business

Pigs (Wild) - sounder

Rhino - crash, stubbornness, herd

Wild Dog - pack

Wildebeest - implausibility, herd

Zebra - dazzle, zeal, cohort

Name Origins:

Aardvark: Afrikaans word translation “earth pig” as ears and nose resemble those of a pig, also burrows a lot.

Bat-eared fox: Refers to the big ears resembling those of egyptian slit-faced bat

Blesbok: Afrikaans word translation “bald buck” referring to the white blaze on the face

Bushbaby: Lives in the “bush” and their call sounds like that of a crying baby

Caracal: From the Turkish name “garah-gulak” meaning black ear, with reference to the black ear tufts

Cheetah: Hindu word “chita” meaning “spotted one”

Duiker: Afrikaans meaning “diver” from the action of the antelope when running away

Eland: Dutch word for elk, thought to be related or similar

Elephant: Greek word “elphas” and latin word “elephantus” for the species

Gemsbok: Dutch word “gems” meaning chamois in reference to colour

Genet: Name of area in Spain the species inhabited in the 18th century

Giraffe: Arabic word “xirapha” meaning “one who walks swiftly”

Hartebeest: Afrikaans word translation “heart cow” with reference to the shape of the horns

Hippopotamus: Greek “(h)ippo” meaning horse, and “pot-amus” meaning flowing river ñ a river horse

Honey Badger: Eats honey, badger from French word “becheur” meaning digger

Impala: Zulu name “imphala” and Tswana name “phala” for the species

Jackal: Persian name “sagal” for the golden jackal

Klipspringer: Afrikaans word translation “stone jumper” with reference to the bounding action in rocky habitat

Kudu: Khoikhoi name for the species

Leopard: Greek words “pardus” for panther and “leo” for lion, shortened to leopard from leopardus

Lion: Greek word “leon” for the species

Mongoose: Indian name “mangus” for the species

Nyala: Zulu name “iNxala” for the species

Pangolin: Malay name for “peng-goling” for the species, which means “the roller” from their habit of rolling into a ball for protection

Porcupine: Greek word “porcus” meaning pig and “spina” meaning species, direct translation “spined pig”

Rhinoceros: Greek word “rhis” meaning nose and “keras” meaning horn, direct translation “nose horn”

Springbok: Afrikaans meaning “jumping back” in reference to their unique jumping action called “pronking”

Warthog: Refers to the outgrowths or warts on the face

Zebra: Portuguese or Italian name of the species in the Congo region

View our stunning wildlife photo gallery at http://www.wildafricasafarico.com or our African Lion Safaris at http://www.wildafricasafarico.com/safaris.html



QUINCY

John Parks asked:


e of life in animal species coincides with the human world. If a portion of the animal population would collapse, this could have a huge effect on the human population. Each animal, on land or in water, determine how another animal or human will continue to thrive. Nature, as we know it, also known as “birth.” Everything in the natural, material or physical world is known as nature. The physical world we see, touch and feel is also known as nature. Whatever man creates or will create is not known part of the natural world. That is, unless human’s are referred to as in “human nature” supernatural. Wildlife is known as anything that is not domesticated. That would include animals, organisms and plant life. All types of ecosystems: plains, wetlands, oceans and deserts would be where wildlife lives. Sad to say, human beings many times get in the way of a wildlife habitat for the wrong or even right reasons. The natural environment is also known as the environment. The natural environment entails every living organism, which is living, and non-living naturally on planet. If it were not for humans interfering, the natural environment would do what it does best: live, eat, play, mate and pass away. If you consider how vast our natural environment is will wow you. That is because each ecological system has animals, vegetation, soil, rocks, microorganism’s natural phenomenon and the atmosphere. It looks like all of nature, wildlife and the natural environment have to be in sync for the earth, as we know it, to run smoothly. In college, I took two environmental science courses. In one of my courses, I learned about deer overpopulation. What happened was, a herd of deer were growing in numbers on the parcel of land they living on. The deer needed to be ‘thinned’ out. The only predators to thin out this herd were lions. This is the circle of life. One animal will thin out a species in order for all of us to live on this planet. Not a single human should ‘pretend’ to be an animal to ‘thin’ or protect any animal species. It is a good thing human beings are taking pride, and care for our planet. Going to extremes to protect the animal and plant life is just messing with an already perfect plan. It is just not possible or plausible to ‘save’ every single organism on this planet. It is best to let ‘nature’ take its course and allow each species to thrive at will. There is something human beings can do to cure the unnecessary elimination of plant and animal life though. It is not for certain if when the industrial era was in full swing, how it would affect all our lives. It seems highly unlikely humans knew that pollution from steel, car and coal factories would affect our air, soil and waterways. That would be a conspiracy, right? Now that we know how pollutants shorten all our lives, we have begun to ‘mend’ a hurting planet. Through constant repetition, we are starting to reduce, reuse and recycle. Everyone of these things is making a big impact on our daily lives, even the animal and natural environment. For more information on nature, visit http://naturemicroblog.com and http://environmentmicroblog.com

CALVIN

Sadhana Dhanyal asked:


A couple of decades back, mobile phones were available to selected few. As they were expensive and could not be afforded by all, they were used by a few.  The gizmo was a wonder to people which could be used to talk, send SMS. Over a period of time, additional features were added on to it. Facilities such as MMS, Internet, music, video recording, camera, games, Bluetooth, USB, voice mail, video and photo DJ, have made them a favourite. It is much more than a mere tool to talk and send sms.

The rapid advancement in the field of technology has led to innovation.  They are used for various purposes. You can send a mail, chat with your friend, hold conference calls, and do many more things that were earlier limited to a PC or a camera. In times of urgency, you can communicate with your loved ones. Communications is the crux of mobile phones. It keeps you connected with your loved ones, helps carry out business transactions and deal with clients at a short notice. The idea is to communicate quickly and effectively. Today, you can find mobile phones with almost anyone. They have become much more affordable and accessible to all. Daily workers too own mobiles! They have become a part of everyday life. It is almost difficult to imagine a life without them.

Additional facilities such as international free mobile call, internet radio and many more facilities have been added on to it. If you need to make an international call and cannot afford to pay, you can make use of international free mobile call. Do more with your mobile with these add on facilities. You need not restrict yourself to limited services. For those travelling all around the world, mobile phones can provide amazing benefits. Besides this, there are many other kinds of mobile phones, such as camera, Bluetooth, 3G, FM, GPRS, PDA mobile phones. Depending on the requirement of the user, one can choose a handset of his or her choice.

Mobile internet radio enables you to access unlimited and free music. You can also broadcast content of your choice. You can also personalise the playlist and manage the profile by using easy to use interface. This gives users ultimate freedom to listen to their favourite stations and genres. Basically, the radio operates on mobile phones with Internet connection (GPRS - CDMA and GSM). In certain circumstances, a mobile phone may be the only way to get online. If your phone line is not connecting, you can use this facility. The mobile phone is a wonder accessory with updated technology.



THURMAN

Karen Peterson asked:


What began with four original designs – the Buck, Mallard, Labrador and Bass - depicting the trademark outdoor sports of hunting and fishing, has now grown to 48 one-of-a-kind designs in DRI DUCK’s Authentic Wildlife Series line of headwear.  The original, embroidered designs have become an industry trailblazer, creating a collectible series of wearable art for outdoorsmen of all types.   The quality and uniqueness lit the fire in what can now be called a bonafide success story.  The Authentic Wildlife Series’ original design collection grew 1100% in just three years – from 4 to 48 one-of-a-kind designs that simply make wildlife come alive! 

“It’s a supply and demand thing,” says Scott Tubbs, President of DRI DUCK.  While it seems the Midwesterners were the originators setting the trend for many of the new designs, it wasn’t long before the East and West Coast folks starting to weigh in.  “They were the driving force behind our salt water fish designs,” said Tubbs.  DRI DUCK responded with new original embroidered art by way of the Marlin, Sailfish and Salmon.

For the collector or advocate, join DRI DUCK in spotlighting awareness for Endangered Species.  Four meticulously designed Wildlife scenes perfectly depict the unique likeness of an image fading fast from the planet:  Peregrine Falcon, Eastern Cougar, Gray Wolf and the Grizzly Bear – all crafted from 100% pure Organic Cotton.   “DRI DUCK works with conservation groups through a variety of alliances and as a result, our design fabrication is the most authentic representation and it serves as a voice for the endangered,” said Cathy Groves, Vice President Marketing for DRI DUCK.   

DRI DUCK takes their role in the animal world seriously, and is committed to the environment and green initiatives from the inside out.  As part of their enterprise-wide dedication they have developed a program called Shades of Green, through which they take a comprehensive look at ways DRI DUCK can positively impact the environment. From fabrics to freight, the DRI DUCK team is continuously evaluating day-to-day operations to identify ways to be more environmentally conscious.  As a result of their Shades of Green program, combined with their involvement with the Organic Exchange, a non-profit organization committed to expanding organic agriculture, DRI DUCK began offering 100% certified Organic Cotton apparel in January 2007, including the Eco-conscious collection of jackets for both men and women, and the Endangered Species headwear from the Authentic Wildlife Series.

The Authentic Wildlife Series is a high-quality collection of hats and caps designed with DRI DUCK standards of uncompromising craftsmanship.  You’ll find a full range of designs and color options, 100% cotton chino twill or camo patterns with 60% cotton/40% peached twill, Velcro-adjustable straps or FLEXFIT® options, mesh back and styles for women, as well. 

For the man (or woman) in your life, that guy (or gal)  who hunts, fishes or just loves the great outdoors, put DRI DUCK on your shopping list and grab a Wildlife Series hat.  Better yet, start his (or her) collection this Holiday season.  We invite you to find the style that will keep you looking a head above the rest. Visit driducktraders(dot)com  today.



GRAHAM

Adam Katz asked:


Dear Adam:

I purchased your book about 5 months ago, and I was hoping that might would “entitle” me to some advice. First, let me say that I’m very satisfied with my purchase. Not only does it give advice on specific techniques, but, more importantly, it explains the foundation of all training–timing, motivation, consistency–allowing the dog owner to better understand the training process. Also, it does a very good job of explaining that dogs are pack animals–and will test the alpha’s leadership at various times (in my case, all the time)–and how that factors into training. Finally, I like your common sense approach, e.g., “stay” is a double command, if the dog’s not supposed to break a sit or down without the release command, why do we need to tell it to stay.

My question is not about dog training, however, but about breeds of dogs. Specifically, APBTs [American Pit Bull Terriers] and AmStaffs [American Staffordshire Terriers]. The AKC does not recognize the APBT as a breed, however, many dog fanciers recognize the two as separate breeds even though they share a common origin and look very similar. Or, if not separate breeds, two “strains” of the same breed, the AmStaff being bred for “show” and the APBT being bred for “performance” - meaning the gameness of the original dogs has largely been bred out of AmStaffs, but still remains in APBTs. I’d like to hear your take on this subject since you own and have owned APBTs or mixes thereof.

The reason I ask is that I’m considering getting an AmStaff or a Staff Bull Terrier. My wife and I currently own a Dalmatian, however, so I’m a bit concerned about the two getting along, especially when I’m not around. Should I stay away from these breeds? I’ve had one breeder tell me they should be fine if the Staff is introduced as a puppy, while another told me never to leave them together alone. What would be your recommendation (I realize all dogs are individuals and may possess different traits than others of the same breed)?

Thanks,

Ryan Fehlig

Dear Ryan:

Thanks for the kind words. You’ve asked an excellent question!

I love the bull breeds, personally. And while everything you’ve stated is pretty much “right on the money,” … I would suggest that if you decide to adopt one of these breeds you make sure that:

1. The dog you’re adopting is the opposite *** of the dog you already own.

2. If the new dog is a male, then neuter him before he hits sexual maturity. (Before 1 year of age.)

3. If the other dog is a male, then definitely neuter him. (Although this will not be a “cure-all” it may help somewhat.)

It’s true… many of the dogs in this breed seem to have a genetic basis for dog aggression. I don’t think that they come out of the womb being dog aggressive, but rather that they have temperament characteristics that tend to make them more dog aggressive. (i.e., dominance and a strong defensive nature).

As for the difference between the APBT and the AmStaff, the difference is largely one of registration. (AKC vs. UKC). And yes, the AKC version has been bred with more of an emphasis on conformation (like all AKC breeds).

If I were to adopt another bull breed, it would likely be the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (the smallest of the “pit bull” breeds). I like the idea of having a big dog in a small package. But to be honest, I’m really tired of the media stigma that this breed has received. And in real life terms, this means having a dog that you can never really take off leash at a park - not because the dog is dangerous or untrained - but rather because people are so darn afraid of what the media has led them to believe about this breed, that they snatch up their children and run screaming from the park.

On the upside, this stigma can work in your favor, too. Most criminals know that a “pit bull” is the type of dog that you don’t want living in the house that you’re about to rob.

On a personal note, there was a character who let his Rottweiler run off leash at the park I used to train at. This dog had a bad attitude and was a very dominant-aggressive dog. The owner was under the impression that his dog was trained. He’d give multiple commands, such as, ‘Ranger come, come, come, come,’… but all Ranger would do is engage my clients’ dogs and try to initiate a dog fight.

Well, after I adopted Forbes (an APBT-mix that looks like one big muscle and is about as wide as a Mack truck) and started keeping him in a down-stay while I worked with my clients’ dogs… Ranger’s owner suddenly started keeping their dog on a much shorter leash. If he didn’t attach his dog to a leash as soon as he saw me enter the park, then he’d definitely run to grab his dog THE VERY INSTANT that he saw that Ranger wasn’t going to immediately turn and come when called.

I guess that’s what you call motivation, eh?

Yes… it’s probably a macho thing. But IF there is a stigma, then you might as well use it to your advantage to encourage reckless dog owners with untrained dogs to keep their mutts on-leash.

That’s all for now, folks!

Adam



PETE