Quote Originally Posted by Longdogs View Post
So you're saying there a two populations of people- those who re-home dogs and those who buy new ones.
No, I said those who are irresponsible owners who have bought dogs from breeders and those who are not but have bought dogs anyway. I've done my venn diagram.

Quote Originally Posted by Longdogs View Post
The example i gave is not 'therapy'- it's part of a daily interaction with all dogs, all the time, that results in particular behaviours recurring or not recurring.

You ask why should someone go to the trouble of reshaping the behaviour of a dog who does happen to have some problems? Because they care. Because its rewarding. Because its the right thing to do. Because it gives meaning and purpose to your life. Because nobody else will. Because the dog is not a commodity for our selfish convenience. Because they can. Because it demonstrates to others that its possible and they might try it. That's off the top of my head, i may think of more reasons later..
You're a better person that I am Longdogs. I think it's fair to say that for most people (me included), this isn't why we get dogs. I have no great ambition to undo the evils of society, but will help if I can and it doesn't put me out too much. I just want a dog for the enjoyment it brings to both of us.