Many people don’t know the difference between the Pit Bull, the Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Bull Dog. Pit Bulls do have a bad reputation in the mainstream media and, unfortunately, to some extent the reputation does seem to be somewhat warranted when considering the data behind dog attacks.
Again, most of these dogs were bred for aggression; it’s hard- wired into their brain, which makes them unpredictable. Pit Bulls can be cute and, when loved, can be one of the best companions for humans – but there needs to be that voice in the back of your mind that reminds you what they are bred for, and how the human population has ruined them.
We have also seen Pit Bulls behaving really well with other dogs for years, and then suddenly turn. It truly is not their fault; it’s simply human error. We have destroyed this breed. Many of our clients who are Pit Bull owners have to sign up for our Board and Train programs to get control of their dog and maintain the training so they can take their dogs for walks in public, however, many are still unable to turn them loose to play with other dogs.
Over 1,000 years ago, Pit Bulls were created by breeding Bulldogs and Terriers together to produce a dog that combined the quick gameness and agility of the Terrier with the amazing strength of the Bulldog. In Europe, these dogs were used in blood sports such as bull baiting, bear baiting, and cock fighting.
In the dog training world, the “Bully Breeds” are often the most misunderstood out of any other dog in the world.
On top of that, consider that breed and genetics arent reliable factors that can predict aggression. According to Pit Bull Gurus Position Statement on inherited dog-directed aggression in “Pit Bull” dogs, Its a common myth that all or a vast majority of pit-bull type dogs are inherently more aggressive than other types of dog breeds due to genetics. As behaviorist Patricia McConnell reminds us, “genes are written in pencil.”
Also, they are known to turn on their own small family members too-kids. They can be nice and the sweetest s of dogs until something clicks in their brains, and they attack. An instinct that may have stayed dormant for years but suddenly re surges.. Sorry, I would rather meet a bear in the woods than two Pit bulls looking to fight and kill.
Now, it is something that owners need to acknowledge as a possibility especially when their pup (regardless of breed) reaches social maturity (generally between the ages of eight months and two years). As with other large, powerful breeds, (but even the smaller ones) responsible ownership of a pit bull is a must. Pit bulls should be well socialized, trained and exercised and should never be set up for failure as any mishap may contribute to giving the breed a bad rap. Knowing in what situations your pit bull will and won’t do well and managing accordingly is a fundamental trait of being a responsible owner. But after all, this should ultimately apply to any breed of dog.
Tresa, so sorry this happened to your dog. She should have never taken her dog off the leash, no matter how friendly her dog was in the past. Its astounding the number of people who think their dogs will always be friendly to all dogs. It gets old hearing people say “my dog never did this before.” I hear it too often. There is always an element of risk when introducing two unknown dogs. Lets hope shell learn from now on to never approach other dogs with her dog and that she gets professional help to learn how to prevent future episodes as such. I must disagree about goldens though. I have seen my fair share of goldens attacking other dogs and people too. Just not too long ago, I was working with one who was very possessive and took a big chunk out of another dogs stomach. The sweetest dog, but if another dog got near his toys, it was scary. Its often a matter of how people raise dogs, their experience level and their ability to manage their dog if there are behavior issues. Sometimes, truly, dogs have never shown the aggressive behavior before, but many times there were warning signs prior that went unnoticed or the dog was were never exposed to a certain kind of situation. I hope your dog is doing OK, even if not injured, there are emotional consequences may occur.
I adopted “Two Female Am Staff Terriers My neighbor who has come to my home 3 times since i have had these dogs asked if my oldest one which is 16 months old was my dog this is after having the dog for well over a year , goes to my neighbor and loves him as if he owned her since she was a pup all kisses & all huggs He Jokes and asks
Theyâre unpredictable. The popular notion is that pit bulls can be fine their entire lives and suddenly snap and turn on their owner. Reid says thatâs no more likely to happen with pit bulls than it is with any other breed.
Jim Gorant, a Sports Illustrated senior editor and author of The Lost Dogs, a book that documents Vickâs dogs and their path to redemption, says pit bulls are caught in a self-perpetuating cycle of incrimination and bad ownership.
The abuse of pit bulls drew national attention in 2007, when Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty to running a dog-fighting operation. He spent nearly two years in federal prison.
Indeed, the ASPCA web site gives the breed an endorsement that could fit a golden retriever. It says, âA well-socialized and well-trained pit bull is one of the most delightful, intelligent, and gentle dogs imaginable.â
Owning a pit bull should not be taken lightly. Some cities and towns have banned the breed. You also may face rising insurance rates or cancellation of your policy, difficulty renting, and the watchful eye of neighbors and passersby.