Cat Woman

I know a few dangerous humans that need to be seized and locked up.. Can anyone arrange that ??

You might be missing the point I think. If what we've been told is correct, this little boy was in his Mum's gazebo, along with several other children. The dog was brought in by the dog's owner.

I have heard of other situations where kids have scaled fences to enter a dog's yard etc. and in a situation like that I think your point may be valid.

It was also said the child was told to stay away from the dog by the dog's owner which the Mum denies was said. If true why did the owner take the dog into the gazebo? Where they invited in? Did they ask to borrow shade as often happens?

Like it or not we have only heard one side of the story. And no offense but it is a biased side, same as if the dog owner was on here telling their side. Emotions, understandably, are running high, every single person in the area would have heard, seen something different and all would believe they are telling the truth.

I hope the child recovers 100% physically and mentally.

Of course we don't know the whole story.

But whether or not they were invited to share the shade is not important I don't think. I may invite a person to visit my home - but if that person comes over and then beats me up with a baseball bat they can't say 'well I had her permission to be there'. Because that permission always implies a certain level of expected behaviour (in this case from the dog).

One of the sad things here is that these people are possibly friends, and it is very likely that the person was invited into the gazebo on that basis.

This thread has become quite divisive and I think that is unfortunate. I suspect it is very likely that both the mother of the young boy and the owner of the dog have followed this thread, and wisely stayed out of most of this discussion.

To both of those people I would like to say this - I really feel for both of you. You must feel awful about what has happened. I hope that you are both able to heal and move on from this awful incident. While there has been a lot of talk in here about who is considered to be at fault in some way, no-one here believes you intended what happened and deep down we all know it was an awful accident, and something that has hurt you both.

My aunt's dog attacked me quite badly many years ago. I was hospitalised, although most of my wounds were to my arms and hands (not my face - I was an adult). It caused real tension between us for many years. Then finally, years later, we talked about it. She still had the dog, but he was old by then. He still wanted to kill me, and on this particular day I was standing in her back room looking out her back window at him frothing at the mouth on a thick chain trying to break away to charge at me. I asked why she didn't put him down. She said she just couldn't do it. She loved him. She wasn't trying to defend it - just trying to explain it to me. Neither of us were angry in this conversation - I remember us both choosing our words very carefully and both being a bit nervous speaking about it so directly. It was a topic we usually avoided discussing. I rarely visited her while he was alive. But on this day I was helping her move some furniture.

I was very relieved when this dog finally died (he injured a few people in the end). I think we were all lucky the injuries weren't far worse. But I did come to realise that she deeply loved this dog, he loved her back, and she felt awful about the things he did.

She died a few years ago, and it was playing on her mind in her last hours, and she apologised to me again on her death bed. Which is just so sad really, isn't it? That it got between us all that time, and obviously played on her mind. It wasn't really her fault - it's just that it happened so fast and she couldn't stop him. In the end she did stop him (she pulled him off me with chains - no easy task) and she did the initial first aid on my hands while I cried. I'm sure she was almost as shocked as I was. I feel a lot of sympathy for her now. I don't blame myself either - it was just that's how her dog reacted and it took us both by surprise.

No-one wants their dog to hurt another person. Of course we all have responsibilities. But we are also all human.

A breeder in QLD beautiful dogs such a lovely nature, Loving eyes that look into you <3 I'm constantly checking my phone LOL ..

I have had a look on Dogzonline at the Qld breeders, and none show pups, only stud dogs??

I am very jealous!

I think it also depends on the person as well.. We are getting an airdale ( he will be born any day :-) This will be our first dog but I am very strong minded and going to go to training also reading so much.. My partner had a very strong staffy and was fabulous at training his dog when younger.. I guess it also helps witha strong breed that the other person is able to support you if needed/ challenged..

You lucky thing! where are you getting it from? :laugh:But i was always the leader of the pack!! :D

Hi Cat, I am also looking into the breed.

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

First time owner. Years ago I had worked at a kennel that bred Airedales and I fell in love with them.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

The breed was developed in England to hunt

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not overly common though there seem to be a few around.

4. What is the average lifespan?

About 14 years

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

They are very excitable and energetic. Very intelligent, able to pick things up very quickly. Hamish loves meeting new people and animals.

Cheeky! Likes pushing boundaries. One day I had very cleverly managed to lock myself out of the house. I was late for work and very flustered so as I was leaving Hamish pushed past me and ran out into the carport. He had loads of fun as I chased him around my car trying to catch him. He didn’t escape with the intention of running away, he just thought it would be fun to give me a hard time or maybe he was trying to cheer me up . The vet has made a few comments about “there not being much going on upstairs”, but he is actually very intelligent, they just like to play by their own rules.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

With adults I think they would take as much exercise as you can give. A good walk once or twice a day would be good. We only walk Hamish once a day, but he spends a lot of time chasing his Shar Pei sister around the yard and vice versa. Until they are 16 months you need watch how much excercise you give so too much pressure isn't put on their growing bones.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Not really. He was the first dog I raised and I must admit it was very trying at times and we had to get the asistance of a behavourist. He has turned out pretty good though. They are a dominant breed and you can't let them be boss.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

No. He was originally an only dog and suffered separation anxiety, chewing everything in sight. Since we have gotten Yuna that has disappeared and he is more content at home alone with her.

9. How much grooming is required?

If they are a pet then they need to be clipped two or three times a year. Their coat needs to be stripped if you are going to show. Their furnishings need to be brushed regularly to avoid knots. It is pretty annoying in spring and summer when flower buds are falling from the trees. They and burrs end up in leg hair. They are a leaf magnet!

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

I think so. They are very excitable and can very easily knock a small child over.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Hip dysplasia. I have also heard that they can develop thyroid problems.

Also, as they have a deep chest you need to be careful to avoid bloat.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If the parents have had hip scores. Meeting the parents would also be good in order to make sure they have pleasant temperments.

Can any Airedale Breeders and owners, tell me if 2 desexed males would live together well?

Or do i need to get a desexed female to go with a desexed male?

Are the females timid? or snappy compared to the boys?

Thankyou in advance

As I said this is a new concept to me, in the past when I have had pups they had a bed on the floor to sleep on, were regularly taken out side to toilet and were in a safe room if left unattended, Im confused as to whether all this talk of crate training means we did it wrong previously??? And if I chose not to crate train could I change my mind down the track??? Or if I crate trained and wasnt happy with this will the dog become too dependant on the crate??? Aaarrrggghhh so many questions!!!!! And as someone mentioned earlier I will be asking the breeders thoughts on this

HAHA have to laugh, I'm in the same situation... Had a large breed and a small breed, and never used a crate.. This is new to me, and have to get my head around the whole its in a cage!! I have bought a 48" metal one which i will block off as it grows, and i am taking my new baby when i get him to work with me, where i will get a K9 soft one for him to not intimidate customers, and to have his own safe area.

Good luck, to us both on our new Crating Journey!