I am a professional dog trainer and have been training dogs for various canine sports for over 25 years. Any training is based on understanding the true nature of dogs, channeling canine energy and developing a communication system.

I currently have a client who has three lovely, well-behaved dogs. If her dogs are outside, they are tethered so they do not wander. Unfortunately, her neighbor's dog has been loose numerous times and has attacked my client's dogs. Unfortunately, these attacks have changed the dynamics of my client's household.

Because of their experience, these dogs are now becoming defensive around each other. After the second attack, I was called to see if I could help, and I did. I gave my client training exercises to balance the dogs' energy and create thinking dogs instead of defensive reactive dogs. My suggestions worked very well. Until her dogs were attacked by the neighbor's dog a third time.

Law enforcement had been called as well as animal control on these attacks. Their answer: "It would be a different story if it were a child that was bitten. It was just a dog." They suggested that the neighbor's dog wear a muzzle. The dog has not worn one, and no obvious solutions have been made. My client is now installing a chain link fence to keep her dogs safe.

Isn't it strange how we attach human feelings to our pets and consider them to be part of the family? For some people, their dog is all that they have to call "family," but when our "family" is being threatened, hurt or abused, law enforcement tells us that their hands are tied because it's just a dog. What do you mean "it's just a dog"? It is a living creature. It bleeds just like you and I do.

All humans and animals must be treated with respect, and it is our responsibility to protect them from harm's way and from harming others. I believe that there should be laws and regulations when it comes to our pets being hurt by people or other domesticated animals.

In my opinion, it should be mandatory that the neighbor:

■ Pay for my client's vet bills.

■ Be fined the second and third time their dog attacked.

■ Put up a fence so that their dog is not able to leave their yard.

■ Do some community service at the local shelter.

■ Train their dog to be well behaved.

There should be enforceable laws in place making pet owners accountable for their negligence and irresponsibility of their animals.

Andrea Dugan

Massena