I have been in a situation where as I thought at the time my next-door neighbour's dog had broke loose (he was tethered outside permanently). He came through the hedge we had at the time. He was absolutely massive and was full on aggressive. I was hanging my washing out, I knew the dog well had taken scraps and water to him from him being a pup. I couldn't understand it. I assumed if he got closer he would sense it was me. I put the clothes down slowly spoke softly and encouraged him to me. He came after a short while and I was able to stroke and re-assure him. I could tell he was much more relaxed. Then my husband shouted from the kitchen window I hasten to add there are some people at the front shouting for their dog. The one I befriended was a female German Shepherd.

She was obviously bluffing. However if I'd have realised it was a strange dog, I could have easily and unintentionally given out the wrong signals and the outcome could have been completely different.

I had an incident today where a Labrador was jumping up at the gate and trying to get out of the garden barking all the time. We have all been there, you keep your fingers crossed he can't get out but he did. Fortunately both dogs although they were unsure of each other at first they were fine. I backed off so the owner could restrain her dog. The owner did apologise although I was shocked that the dog could get out onto a busy road.

Back to the dangerous dog laws - it would seem its okay for your dog to terrorize the general public provided its not a listed breed or a cross breed with similar characteristics as a listed breed.

I love my little dog to bits but I doubt very much I would ever own another Staffie. The worry as to whether they are going to become a banned breed fills me with dread. If I had have known about the DDL and BSL I would have chosen a different breed. I often walk with both my grandson in his pram/pushchair and Duke. Unfortunately we don't have the cute factor thanks to the media and people look upon us in horror. You feel you have to justify owning a Staffie because the general public believe you have a pit bull type - be that as it may (I'm no expert) my little chap is well behaved, well socialised and is a credit to my family, as you know he is almost 3 and my job hasn't finished in protecting him, training him and avoiding situations. I am not advocating the breed we are all fully aware it is down to ownership. As for recall I think I should have called him cheese - it never fails!

Thank you for your reply


Sue