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With more couples postponing child rearing until later in life and dogs growing in popularity, dogs are becoming more and more like children than ever before. With dogs playing such an important role in the lives and relationships of people it is no wonder that disputes arise when relationships end and custody of the dog is in question. Whether it is a divorce or a separation of cohabitating couples who gets the dog is a hotly contested issue. Joint custody, sole custody with visitation, no ongoing relationship at all or splitting the pets between partners are all options for consideration. Other issues include who pays expenses for the dog, regardless of who has custody, and what happens if the caregiver becomes incapacitated or links up with someone who hates dogs. In a 2006 survey of lawyers by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 25% reported an increase in pet custody cases of which 90% involved dogs.

These situations are difficult because the law has not caught up with American’s love affair with their dogs. There is no accepted “best interest for the dog” standard in the law today so agreements must be met without a specific law to outline responsibilities. It is very important for couples to put aside their emotions and resentments to determine what is best for the dog. There is very little in the way of information out there to show people how to get through this process properly, but the first step must be a calm and rational discussion.

There are several options when splitting up a dog custody situation. One person could keep the dog(s) on a full-time basis. This often works best with a dog who is not adaptable to change, has behavioral problems or special medical needs. These dogs need a constant routine and do not do well with major life changes. This is also the best situation when one person came into the relationship owning the dog for some time before the relationship began and bore the lion’s share of the physical and financial care responsibilities of the dog in question.

Then there are joint custody situations. These situations can work quite well with dogs who are properly socialized and easy going in demeanor. They will be able to handle the changes in routine and lifestyle that come with a joint custody situation. This also works well when the people who are separating can get along amicably and stay positive about the situation. This situation can have added benefits including a built in dog sitter when one half of the arrangement needs to travel. It can also be a financial benefit to both parties as the financial responsibilities can be divided along with the custody.

If there are two dogs in the household there can be an even split where one person keeps one dog and the other takes the remaining dog. This situation can be tricky for dogs who are strongly bonded to one another and is not always best for the dog. If the dogs are aloof and independent then they could do just fine under these circumstances. This is a situation that truly depends on the dog as some are more sensitive than others.

Regardless of the option chosen people should be honest with themselves about their financial and time constraints when making a custody agreement. While the thought of losing a mate and a dog all in one fell swoop can be crushing, it is best not to be selfish and relinquish some control if you are unable to provide proper care for the animal. You should also be conscious of your motives. Do you really like having a dog and all of the responsibilities that come along with it or are you simply trying to win something from your ex?

Article submitted by the generous authors from pet super store a site with large dog gate, electrical dog collars and dog crate free shipping.

Dog fighting is a fight between game tested or dog-aggressive dogs. It is a blood sport utilized for entertainment or fiscal gains from bets, prizes for winners or stud fees. The sport is illegal and most agree that it is morally wrong, cruel and inhumane. With the majority of Americans in agreement that dog fighting is wrong on many levels it is alarming that it is still so prevalent among certain socioeconomic groups within American culture. In some sub-cultural groups dog fighting is not only accepted, but it carries a certain mystique and respect for successful trainers, breeders and owners of fighting dogs. Some argue that dogs are not people and therefore have no feelings and that the sport is as honorable as any other. This is completely untrue and this so-called sport causes animal suffering and harm to people and communities as a whole.

Dog fighting causes harm to the fighting dogs, bait dogs and other innocent animals and family pets. Fighting dogs are often starved or tortured with the intent to make them game or aggressive towards other dogs. Dogs are not naturally aggressive towards each other and are often taught to fight over time for survival. They are often starved and think that they are fighting for their very survival. During the training process fighting dogs are often baited with small animals such as cats, rabbits or other smaller and non-aggressive dogs. These animals are used as bait to encourage blood-lust and provide easy kills early in a fighting dog’s career. These innocent animals are often obtained from “free to a good home” advertisements or are simply stolen from the back yards of unsuspecting pet owners.

Fighting dogs often endure severe wounds from fights without the benefit of Veterinary care afterwards. They suffer severe puncture wounds, bruising, broken bones and infections. Fighting dogs are often severely malnourished, dehydrated and exhausted. They live lonely lives tied outside with heavy logging chains and suffer neglect and abuse at the hands of their owners. If a fighting dog fails to fight he will often be set on fire, shot, drowned or left injured in an alley or ditch. These dogs live a life of torture and cruelty all in the name of this “sport”.

Dog fighting can also cause harm to people, especially children. These dogs are made to be aggressive towards other dogs; however, during the process they can turn on humans and lash out with bite attacks. While some fighting dogs are completely rehabilitated and turn into loving and devoted pets, others can turn human-aggressive. This often leads to the dog attacks on children so prevalent on news broadcasts across the country. This is unfortunate considering that the dog had no control over the situation in the first place and only ended up this way because of the abused they endured at the hands of humans.

Dog fighting can actually cause deep seeded problems in the community as a whole. When children grow up in this culture they are often desensitized towards violence and often engage in physical abuse to dogs themselves. Numerous studies have linked human on dog violence with human on human violence. This type of violence can become embedded into a child’s psyche making it difficult for them to be sensitive towards animals and eventually other people. Dog fighting rings are also synonymous with crimes including, illegal gambling, possession of illegal firearms, assault, drug offenses and even homicides caused by disputes in the ring or over bets. These elements cause harm and fear within an entire community or town.

Given the physical harm caused to animals and the myriad of illegal activities that accompany dog fighting the activity has been upgraded to a felony offense in most states. To further combat dog fighting some states have even passed legislation making attending dog fights a felony offense. While more needs to be done to stop this sadistic sport tremendous strides taken place in punishing these offenders.

Article submitted by the generous authors from discount-pet-mall a site with pet beds, elevated dog feeders and pet crates.