Dogs in Hua Hin

[DawnHRD]

OK, where are we? I agree we're really hard to find in our present location - it's even worse now they've built right in front of us. We're just about to start building our new center, but for the next couple of months, here's the directions:

Just South of the Hua Hin Grand (on the same side of Petchkasem Rd) is Soi 88. Go up there & cross railway line. Immediately past railway line is a fork in the road, take right hand fork & carry on for just over 1km. We're on the left hand side. There is a small blue & white sign, but it's easy to miss, especially as two small apartment buildings are being constructed right in front of us. If you reach Khao Pitak School & temple on your right, you've gone too far by about 100m.

I agree Malcolm, the neutering is an essential way for us to start going, it's the only way to effectively reduce the stray problem. It's been difficult for us, as we were started up (by Christine) as a rescue center, primarily. So, although we neuter our own dogs & any dogs we return to the street, we've never had the funds to be able to neuter largescale. This neutering clinic in October is largely due to the organisation & help of Soi Dog Rescue in BKK (they, like many other organisations here concentrate more on the neutering than the rescue). I'm beginning to think that would have been an easier way to go, but once you've started down the rescue route, it's very difficult to change - not that we'd want to stop rescuing, but it would be nice to do more neutering. If this goes well, we're hoping to bring in other foreign vet teams to do similar clinics.

Thanks for the input Dangerous. We think short term fostering could be a good experience for the dogs, as you said. It's just a case of if we can find foster homes for them. I think it's worth a try anyway.

[Yung]

A question, Dawn:

I've been told that you should never hit a dog even if it does something wrong, you should rather lift it by its neck skin (to fake the same thing that a puppy's mother would do when it has done something wrong). It's my impression that dogs that are beeing hit become nervous and unpredictable. I've also heard some people say you sholdn't even twist the neck-skin but only use rewards (food or toys) to encourace good behaviour, but that requires that you deal with the dog from day one offcourse. The stray dogs in Hua Hin are certainly beeing hit, kicked and slaped with sticks even, not improving the situation? What is your opinion on this?

[DawnHRD]

Hi Yung,

Sorry for the delay in answering. I'm really not the best person to ask this, as I'm not a dog trainer or behavioural expert, but I've heard a lot of the arguments both ways. I don't think hitting a dog does any good whatsoever, and I think there is never a valid reason for beating one. The arguments for how a dog should be disciplined, however can only really be applied to domestic dogs in a home situation. For instance, the accepted way to train a dog is to reward good behaviour and totally ignore them after they have shown bad behaviour. The idea is that even shouting is positive reinforcement & a dog wants interaction with you (the owner) and will be really upset by being ignored. I used to put one of my dogs into a "time-out" place as a pup & he hated it - it was his worst punishment. However, this isn't going to work for a stray. He's not going to give a toss if you ignore him! Aversion therapy can also be used (in a training situation) ie a sudden noise or quick squirt with a water pistol accompanied by a firm "no" when a dog does something you don't like. Again, not practical on the street.

Having said that, I still don't believe street dogs should be hit or abused in any way. I think that is why we have a problem with aggressive dogs - most have been badly treated by humans. I'm aware that people have had problems in Thailand with aggressive dogs, through no fault of their own; people do get chased and bitten, and it doesn't help them to say "Oh, that was because the dog was abused", although it may be true. I think education (long term) would be the best policy. If you can reach the kids & tell them how to treat dogs & also how to react if a dog behaves aggressively (ie don't shout & scream, don't run - try to walk away slowly & calmly etc), eventually things will start getting better for humans & dogs.

As for the scruff of the neck thing, I think it can sometimes work if done (gently) on over exuberant puppies who haven't learnt to listen to you yet. I'm not sure it would have much value (or be too pleasant) on adult dogs.

[Willow]

hello, just reading the many opinions on strays. i must say, my american sensibilities are greatly stressed by what i see daily. their is a dog charity round-up, located on third floor of shopping mall. they try their best to put a band aid on this huge problem. phone # for assistance is: 01 981 4406. they run a small thrift shop with too few volunteers and they will try to help in an emergency.
you can help by donating, buying or giving some time. business owners could help by posting an ad for the thrift shop.
there is also the King's dog center, on the way to pala-u/petchuburi. they will take strays who are not old/injured/sick.
if anyone comes up with a plan, other than a bag in the sea, i am interested.

[niceday]

I'm very surprised the governer of Hua Hin does nothing about the terrible dog problem.

Well on my soi are around 15 dirty sick soi dogs in a gang and it is dangerous to walk past as they growl bark and run at one. One bit a kid recently and i was told the dog got whacked to death. Should never have being there in first place but the heat must make people too tired to take care of business or something.

Squeals and yelps from smaller dogs is an everyday and everynight thing.
It's disgraceful for the country but the hua hin authorities aren't man enough to take care of the problem yet.

Phuket last year built a big pound and quarintined sick and dangerous dogs. the neuter program i think was either 200 or 400 baht a dog, which is nothing for a town like hua hin.

It would be only kindness to put a lot of them sick creatures down i think but to each his own. Someone else was on about antifreeze but that would be far too painful. Not the best country for antifreeze anyway.

Round them up, neuter them and put kind quick bullets in the sick or angry dogs heads like any civilised country would do. Wild dogs don't belong in towns near children.

[TALAY TODAY]

I'm no dog lover and the thought of promoting Hua Hin as a Korean package tour destination springs to mind.
Anyway what with horse shit on the beach - dirty brownish sea water and now mad dogs I think I'll put buying that condo down there on hold.
Strewth the only dogs that chase me on my bicycle are down Soi Cowboy.

[Norseman]

The do in fact something with huge the dog problems in HH.
You can go down to the city hall and fill out a form with how many dogs you wanna remove. The dog catcher will then remove these dogs and put them in a fenced in area not very far from the elephant village.
Worked for me as I have removed 7 dogs from where I live.
You'll find these people on the groundfloor to the right innermost office in the town hall.

[troopie]

I'm no dog lover and the thought of promoting Hua Hin as a Korean package tour destination springs to mind.
Anyway what with horse shit on the beach - dirty brownish sea water and now mad dogs I think I'll put buying that condo down there on hold.
Strewth the only dogs that chase me on my bicycle are down Soi Cowboy.

Hey, we did it -- scared off another potential punter!
Keep going, lads -- we'll soon empty the town/beach to a tolerable level, even with the peak season nowq upon us!

[TALAY TODAY]

Sorry I misunderstood the purpose of your forum - silly old me thought it was about the exchange of information not about scaring people off. Still it's your cabbage patch and long may you be guests in it.

[Willow]

hello all,
i see by the 4 pages of comments on dogs that there is quite a bit of interest. i also want to thank Dawn for taking part in this forum and for the difficult task she takes on.
there is a female soi dog named "Cope" who lives on the small soi fronting euro bakery; sunshine internet; thanawit hotel.
i have been feeding her and making sure she has water for the past several months.
she is a sweet girl, but she has a severe distaste for thai men. (wonder why ). she chases them on their motorbikes and has bitten a few legs.
last week, one guy came back and tried to run her down. luckily, i was there and stopped the action. mind you, i am not defending her .
anyhow, i decided she would be killed in the next few days. i called Dawn's office and they could not help her, as their focus was on sick and injured. understanable.
with someone's help, we got her in a car and i brought her home to soi 94. i have a fenced yard and she seemed so very happy. the second day i had to leave for several hours. she was gone when i returned. i have been searching for 2 days now and it is like she has disappeared.
the only photo i have to show around is on my mobile and there seems no way to print it out.
sorry this became a novel here. just had to vent to those who are like minded.

[Norseman]

Thank you Willow for taking care and time for some of these unfortunate
creatures.
I also have taken care of one of the street dogs in my area.
Cost me several thousands of Bt., but it's worth it.
She now enjoys life and the care we give.
I'm was spending a lot on first-class food for her, but she prefer cheap and highly seasoned food. You can say she's got quite cheap now.
She's a pure thai queen and we love her.
Sorry the hear you lost your dog.
Hope you'll find her!!!

[machersjohn]

Hi Willow your dog is ok. It followed a friend of mine home and is now happily playing the part of a contented lap dog. My friend is keen to keep her but if you want to make contact with him and discuss the situation let me know.

[Willow]

hello machersjohn:
i can hardly believe what i am seeing. . we have been searching day and night for Cope, fearing the worst. if it is truly she, we are happy to let your friend enjoy her and keep her. she is a sweet girl.
also, she has not accepted our other dog and it has made it difficult for both to use the yard at the same time.
just to clarify: she is large of body, white with mottled spots. blackish belly, also spotted. her head is brown with ears going out to the sides. she has a narrow muzzle. she has also been spayed.
please let me know asap, so my family and i can stop worrying. if you would please call my son's mobile: 09 174 7737 his name is brian.
bless you

[JW]

Troupie, that was a bit harsh. The fella was only confirming what we all complain about.

[Willow]

cheers all around: to this forum; to machersjohn; to all of you who care about the dogs and especially to jim--cope's new master.
he called us to come see her and indeed it was her. he met her at the night market on our corner; she knew him and followed him home. he lives down the block from us and around the corner.
he actually gave her a bath; attached a collar and leash and she is very, very happy.
sometimes, things just work out.