Visiting Central Park Without Soldier

By Nathaniel Rhine

This afternoon, my wife and I had the opportunity of visiting Central Park, a dog park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, without our American Pit Bull, Soldier. The reason being we were having our lunch at the nearby shopping mall. As we were walking towards our car to go home, my wife saw a dog that looked like a Bulldog. We got closer, and sure enough, it was a puppy Bulldog who was only five months old.

Perhaps, due to it being late in the afternoon when we visited the park, there were many dogs there. When I usually bring Soldier for a walk in the mornings, Soldier and I are usually the only ones in the park. There were approximately six to eight dogs playing together, which I thought was exciting. Unfortunately, what wasn’t exciting was the fact that the owners of the dogs allowed their dogs to run freely off of their leashes!

As a responsible dog owner, we should take every precaution to make sure that our dogs do not harm anyone. Yes, we may know our dog very well, or so we claim, but there may be times when our dog will do as it pleases, which may include bitting someone. The very last thing any dog owner want to be faced with is having to appear in a courtroom, trying to defend one’s dog for bitting someone.

Malaysia is a very anti-dog society. The vast majority of the population are Muslim and unfortunately, many of them are anti-dog. Having said that, dog owners, whether locals or foreigners, we must respect the culture of the country, even at times if one feels that it is very closed and backwards.

One of the best ways to respect the culture and those who do not like dogs is for the dog owner to keep their dogs on their leash, especially in public places. The State of Selangor, Malaysia has provided a public park in which dog owners may freely walk their dogs. However, many have failed to be appreciative of the dog park by allowing their dogs to running freely off of their leashes.

It doesn’t matter if one’s dog is a puppy or a toy dog or a German Shepard, all dogs should be on their leashes. It is for the safety of people and other dogs. My dog is an American Pit Bull Terrier, which historically, has been bred to fight other dogs. In their nature, they are dog aggressive. They will attack other dogs. Having said that, I am very worried to bring him to Central Park while there are many other dogs present, especially, when they are off their leashes. I will give it great thought as to whether to bring him or not next weekend to meet other dogs. For sure, Soldier will be on his leash at all times, as he always is, except for when he is at home, guarding it.

So again, as responsible dog owners, especially in a country like Malaysia where dogs are looked down upon as well as their owners, I encourage you all to set a good example to other dog owners and those who despise dogs, that you are a responsible dog owner and that you respect other people and their cultures.

Chilli' at Central Park - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Central Park at Bandar Utama, near Taman Tun Dr. Ismail is the only "legal" park in which dog are allowed to be walked, to my knowledge, in the state of Selangor (Malaysia). Most public parks that I have tried to walk Soldier, had signs posted stating that dogs were not allowed.

To all dog owners who walk your dogs at Central Park, please be mindful to keep your dog on the leash at all times. Yes, the Malaysian government have provided a place in which dog owners may walk their dogs, however, be thankful and grateful by keeping your dog on the leash at all times.

Better Safe Than Sorry

By Nathaniel Rhine

I spent about two hours early this morning adding more security to the front gate of my home. The existing gate is approximately 4’-6” high, perhaps high enough to prevent Soldier, my American Pit Bull Terrier, from jumping over. However, so far there has been no incident where he has bitten anyone. I am not looking forward to that day, therefore, I must take the necessary precautions to prevent such an incident.

For the past 13 months since I’ve had Soldier, there have been no children in my neighbourhood who play in the streets in the evening, a very typical thing children do in the evenings here in Malaysia. Just recently, a new family moved in my neighbourhood directly across the street from me. I welcome them with open arms. However, that family also have four children who not only play in the middle of the street, but they also love to climb other neighbours’ gates!

Thus far, the four children have not mustered up enough courage to climb my gate due to Soldier always being present. However, as a responsible Pit Bull owner, I am compelled to make certain that absolutely no incident will ever occur between my Pit Bull and other neighbors’ children.

So this morning around 7:30am, I added two layers of plastic coated wire mesh to the existing gate of my house, with the intention of preventing children’s little hands from reaching into the gate to pet Soldier. That would be the very first and last time that they will ever do such a thing for Soldier will attack anything and anyone who enters my yard without my permission and invitation. He is only doing his duty; guarding his Master’s property.

Yes, my front gate is not the most beautiful gate on the block, but it is for sure the most child-proof gate on the block. I encourage all dog owners, especially those who have a vicious guard dog like mine, to go the extra mile and apply extra security and safety features to your gates. It may not have to look like a jail or a chicken coop, however, make it child-proof, a gate that prevents tiny hands and feet from entering the gate of your home.

The very last thing any dog owner wants is to be faced with a law suit from the parents of children who were bitten, mauled or worse, killed by your dog. Any dog owners worst night mare indeed. So spend a few extra dollars and time to child-proof your premises of wondering hands and feet of neighbors’ children. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry. Enjoy your day and keep it movin’.

Ain't Nothin' Like a Good Ole Bone

Useful Tips on Walking Your American Pit Bull

By Nathaniel Rhine

Every dog love to go for a walk, especially an American Pit Bull Terrier. They require a lot of exercise. Before you even think about get a Pit Bull, please make sure you will have or make the time to walk him daily, if not, you will not be a responsible Pit Bull owner.

I walk Soldier at least twice a day, Monday through Friday, and on the weekends I may walk him at least three times a day, since I have more time to spend to be with him. One must make time to walk your dog. There is no if, and or but about it.

When you and I go for a walk 9 times out of 10, we are wearing some kind of foot wear, be it sneakers (tennis shoes), boots or sandals. However, when was the last time you saw a dog wearing shoes? And if you have, I can guarantee you that it was not an American Pit Bull Terrier, either. Having said that, it is advisable to walk your dog either in the early morning and/or late evening/night when the atmosphere is cooler and so are the street’s surface area.

Most of us do not have the luxury of having a large enclosed yard or field to allow our dogs to run in. Like most people, I have to walk Soldier in or on the streets. Therefore, the streets are very hot due to the sun shining down on them all day long. Our dog’s paws are in direct contact with the street’s surface area. Just imagine you walking barefoot down the sidewalk or in the streets at 2:30pm? Crazy! Yet, many dog owners do just that, without giving it a second thought.

As responsible dog owners we want to be considerate of our dog’s needs and wants. Our dogs need to walk and want to walk as much as possible, so why torture them by having them walk on scorching hot concrete/pavement?

One more advice I’d like to share with you and that is, before taking your dog out for a walk, massage his legs and shoulder muscles. It will help stimulate the blood flow and get the dog prepared for a good workout. Like humans, before we engage ourselves in a physical activity, we are encouraged to stretch, to warm up. Our companions deserve the same attention. It only requires 2 or 3 minutes. It is also a great way to bond with your companion.

Last but not least, after the walk, give your dog a cool down as well. Simply, massage the legs, shoulders and thighs for a few minutes. Again, like humans, after a strenuous workout, we cool down so that we may avoid cramps and stiff muscles.

These are some very simple tips that I hope you will find helpful when it comes to walking your dog. Your dog will love you more for the little extra attention that you give him. Happy walking.

To Chain or Not to Chain

By Nathaniel Rhine

A bright and shiny Wednesday morning, in my home office working as usual, when I heard, Soldier barking. Yes, it was the trash collectors coming to cart away trash. Soldier has a keen sense of smell and hearing. He picked up on the trash truck blocks away. So for a few moments, both my neighbors and I had to hear his barking. That's normal.

The trash truck is now in front of my house collecting the trash and Soldier just went crazy. That too is normal. As I was looking out of the window of my home office, one of the trash collectors, gestured that I should put a leash on my dog. I gestured back, which meant no. He walked away to the next house to collect trash.

Should I put a leash on Soldier? I thought to myself. I began to reason aloud. One, I should not put a leash on him since is he surrounded by a 5 feet and a half brick wall and a five foot gate. Two, he is a guard dog, meaning he is to protect my house, my car and everything within my gated property. Three, if someone were to enter my gated property, how would Soldier be able to protect my valuable property if he is chained, and not able to get at the intruder?

Immediately, I said, "To hell with the trash collector who suggested that I chain Soldier, my guard dog."

So, that's my answer. Soldier will remain as he is, free to roam freely within the protected compound of my property. He has a valid license, he is well guarded from neighbors and others and there is a beware of dog sign on my gate.

I am confident that I have taken all the measures of being a responsible dog owner. All I can humbly say to anyone who wish to come into my gated property without my consent, and Soldier does what he is supposed to do, which is to protect my property, then that is their ass! Soldier will get a big piece of it as well.

Soldier Gettin' His Grub On...

All photographs and their captions are supplied by my beloved wife. I thank you very much for your efforts.



Yuummmy...

This is mine. Mine and all mine...

Soldier in Action

It U can't reach the gate in 1.4 seconds, don't even try gettin' in.

Don't even think about it...