by Jason Carne

Created on: November 19, 2008   Last Updated: December 01, 2008

It's amazing how Hollywood can change America's opinion on just about anything. When Hollywood puts out a new movie with a dog in it, it changes America's opinion drastically, whether it be for good or for bad.

Breeders often get into the hype of the movie and start breeding them without a second thought. The popularity of these dogs with breeders often hurts them when the breeder is inbreeding them or breeding them in bad conditions. Countless breeds have been put into situations like this and come away with serious health problems.

A big example of this for years was the bull terrier who was put into the spotlight and now every smart potential buyer is checking for deafness on every candidate. Also, pounds have been filling up because of movies like Beverly Hills Chihuahua. In this movie people see an adorable little puppy going to save the day.

What most don't bargain for is the training aspect of a puppy's life. They bring him home, feed him food from their table, don't discipline him, and wonder why they have behavior problems. When that stage comes along, the puppy goes straight to the pound. Also, other than giving dogs health problems, Hollywood gives bad names to certain dogs that "have been known to be aggressive". Breeds such as Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and American Staffordshire Terriers have been put on the aggressive list just because of bad training and the way Hollywood portrays them.

Every time an American sees an allegedly aggressive breed, the person is afraid. It may be subconsciously or only for a second, but seeing one of these breeds sends a shock through your body. Apartments are now denying occupants with these breeds of dog's because they are dangerous.

This may come as a shock, but they aren't dangerous. They are simply badly trained and mistreated. Strict training, but not abusiveness is required when handling dogs such as these, along with ample exercise. Also, shows have been popping up that are teaching dog handlers good training habits such as "It's Me or the Dog" and "The Dog Whisperer".

These shows are great for dog handlers who understand that their dog needs to be trained. What people don't understand is that you can't just tell your dog to sit and he immediately does it. Training your dog takes great amounts of patience and understanding. This has been Hollywood's other way of sending countless innocent dogs to pounds.

Hollywood has been creating countless movies with dogs that has been destroying the way we see, treat, and accept dogs. Dogs are an unforgettable companionship. and not something you take up on a whim just because you saw it in a movie. Dogs take responsibility which is something that Hollywood is overlooking.

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