Heres an educational video about the truth about pitbulls.....
http://gprime.net/flash.php/thepitbullproblem
http://gprime.net/flash.php/thepitbullproblem
The truth about pit bulls
- Thread starter Friskycatz
- Start date
My truth about pitbulls, is that when my daughter bought home a pit puppy last July, My husband and I told her to take it back. Of course the BYB at the flea market was gone so she couldn't. threatened her with the pound until i found out that they euth all pitbulls that come in. Gave her a chance, and she is the most loving, playful and loyal dog I have ever known. she is so wonderful with my girls, and a great all around dog. smart as a whip.
I don't think the pitbull reputation goes COMPLETELY undeserved to all pitbulls. It's true that some pitbulls are used for fighting and aggression has been bred into some pitbulls today, but not very many. It is easily corrected by puppy training.
Pitbulls are not like any other dog, that's a fact. They are very strong willed, powerful dogs with lots of energy and a high prey drive. If you have not ever owned a dog before or can't keep up with a dog with lots of energy, pitbulls are definitely not for you.
I think most of the pitbulls that attack people today are just owned by stupid people. Combine a stupid person and a pitbull (well, any dog really) and it's a nightmare. Most people don't know how to train a dog so then that dog learns as a puppy that it's okay to show aggression, it's okay to pee on the floor and it's okay to show hostility towards strangers. When a dog is a puppy, a little nip on the hand or growling at a stranger who comes in seems ok or normal because they're little and can't cause much damage. But when a dog grows up and 'just nips' someone or 'just growls', it's a big deal.
I'm not against pitbulls or anything, but personally I wouldn't rescue a pitbull from a shelter, I'd rather get one from a breeder or a personal home where I know where this dog came from and what kind of people used to own it. All dogs end up in shelters for some reason. Some come with no history (found as a stray). I could see a reason why someone would be more likely to abandon a pitbull than a labrador. They could think it was too much to handle, couldn't train it properly, was afraid of it, etc. since labradors have a reputation of the best dogs in the world who love kids.
It's really sad though. There could be a sweet, harmless pitbull going for a walk with its owner, and it eagerly tugs on the leash to go greet some kids who are coming their way. Then those kids might whisper 'oh, it's a pitbull, mom said to stay away from them' and hastily walk across the street. Or perhaps someone was going on vacation and needed to board their dog somewhere, the moment they say "she is a pitbull", the dog boarder might say "We don't take pitbulls." or something along those lines.
Pitbulls are not like any other dog, that's a fact. They are very strong willed, powerful dogs with lots of energy and a high prey drive. If you have not ever owned a dog before or can't keep up with a dog with lots of energy, pitbulls are definitely not for you.
I think most of the pitbulls that attack people today are just owned by stupid people. Combine a stupid person and a pitbull (well, any dog really) and it's a nightmare. Most people don't know how to train a dog so then that dog learns as a puppy that it's okay to show aggression, it's okay to pee on the floor and it's okay to show hostility towards strangers. When a dog is a puppy, a little nip on the hand or growling at a stranger who comes in seems ok or normal because they're little and can't cause much damage. But when a dog grows up and 'just nips' someone or 'just growls', it's a big deal.
I'm not against pitbulls or anything, but personally I wouldn't rescue a pitbull from a shelter, I'd rather get one from a breeder or a personal home where I know where this dog came from and what kind of people used to own it. All dogs end up in shelters for some reason. Some come with no history (found as a stray). I could see a reason why someone would be more likely to abandon a pitbull than a labrador. They could think it was too much to handle, couldn't train it properly, was afraid of it, etc. since labradors have a reputation of the best dogs in the world who love kids.
It's really sad though. There could be a sweet, harmless pitbull going for a walk with its owner, and it eagerly tugs on the leash to go greet some kids who are coming their way. Then those kids might whisper 'oh, it's a pitbull, mom said to stay away from them' and hastily walk across the street. Or perhaps someone was going on vacation and needed to board their dog somewhere, the moment they say "she is a pitbull", the dog boarder might say "We don't take pitbulls." or something along those lines.
Squirtsmom, you may put what you like on this thread within reason. I knew there would be some on here with their disagreements we all have our opinions, like mine for instance a dog isn't (bred to fight) You train a dog to do so. It IS NOT in their genes as corgi has put it, although they are high energy dogs, it is not mainly or remotely genetic thing, it is what a dog has been trained to do, statistics show that labs are more likely to bite than pits, as some other breeds, what will someone say to t hat?
Owners of fighting pitbulls will breed two of their best and most aggressive fighters in hopes of creating aggressive puppies. It IS bred into the puppies. Most likely those pit pups will grow up to be aggressive, just as if you breed two very shy labradors, the outcome will be shy puppies. I'm not saying all pitbulls are aggressive, just a few that may have history of dogfighting.
They aren't necessarily bred to fight, they are bred for aggression, then they are trained to fight. The more aggressive they are, the easier it will be to train it and the better it will fight.
They aren't necessarily bred to fight, they are bred for aggression, then they are trained to fight. The more aggressive they are, the easier it will be to train it and the better it will fight.
While i do beleive that could be a factor, by breeding two aggressive dogs, the outcome is not always the same, I've seen some aggressive dogs have litters and the majority end up even tempered or worse scared to death of everything, and i have seen those one in a litter to be extremely aggressive. While i still beleive it is specualtion on the genetics, because how did the dogs become agressive in the first place? These dogs are not bred to fight, they are TAUGHT to do so. Someone with a cockerspaniel or lab or whatever can do the same thing, and cause just as much damage.Why target the breed?
I'm probably going to be sorry for doing this, but I'm doing it anyway. Awhile back we had (and still have some of them) some very knowledgeable Pit Bull people interacting with us and sharing their knowledge.
http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38419
http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38419
Friskycatz, If you have any questions concerning the link between dog aggression and breeding, rather than take the word of those who are "targeting the breed" why not read up on the breed by its biggest supporters.
The APBT Conformation site is the most authoritative and most used internet resource for pit bull breeders and fanciers.
Please follow this link to the temperament page:
http://www.apbtconformation.com/temperament.htm
Some key quotes: Our breed is in mortal danger because too many dogs with fear and human aggression are being bred. People do not realize that temperament is 80% (some say more) genetic in dogs. Regarding aggression in the breed:
1. DOG toward DOG aggression IS a characteristic of most terriers, including the APBT.
2. DOG toward HUMAN aggression IS NOT a characteristic of the APBT at all in any form.
Any APBT that displays dog toward human aggression in any form, unless saving the life of their owners, should be euthanized. The APBT is not a guardian breed and should never act like one.
While you are there please click on the "Superdog" tag if you want to see examples of pit bulls that are the very best examples of what a dog can be. You will also find another plea to end the breeding of aggressive dogs, which WAS the history of the breed.
Point is, if you do not think that Pit Bulls are different in terms of aggression, strength, forcefulness and stamina from other breeds then you are not knowledgeable about the breed.
The problem with titles like "The Truth About Pit Bulls" is that the issue is so emotionally charged that you never get the whole truth...only the truths that support the point of view of the poster.
The APBT Conformation site is the most authoritative and most used internet resource for pit bull breeders and fanciers.
Please follow this link to the temperament page:
http://www.apbtconformation.com/temperament.htm
Some key quotes: Our breed is in mortal danger because too many dogs with fear and human aggression are being bred. People do not realize that temperament is 80% (some say more) genetic in dogs. Regarding aggression in the breed:
1. DOG toward DOG aggression IS a characteristic of most terriers, including the APBT.
2. DOG toward HUMAN aggression IS NOT a characteristic of the APBT at all in any form.
Any APBT that displays dog toward human aggression in any form, unless saving the life of their owners, should be euthanized. The APBT is not a guardian breed and should never act like one.
While you are there please click on the "Superdog" tag if you want to see examples of pit bulls that are the very best examples of what a dog can be. You will also find another plea to end the breeding of aggressive dogs, which WAS the history of the breed.
Point is, if you do not think that Pit Bulls are different in terms of aggression, strength, forcefulness and stamina from other breeds then you are not knowledgeable about the breed.
The problem with titles like "The Truth About Pit Bulls" is that the issue is so emotionally charged that you never get the whole truth...only the truths that support the point of view of the poster.
Good video. Old, but good.
Corgi - Dogs aren't trained to fight. Its either in them, or it isn't. You can't take a dog with no desire to scrap and turn it into a champion pit dog, no matter how much training you give it. Nor are they bred to show the maximum aggression towards the other dog. Simply put, some dogs will puff up and make a great show when another dog comes on the scene, and they end up being worthless as a match dog. And others will remain laid back until put in a pit situation and faced off with their opponent. I think a lot of the old-time dogmen preferred a mellow dog that wouldn't waste a lot of energy trying to find its opponent until you actually put them in the pit. If you listen to some of them talk, they have no use for dogs who will kill puppies and such, because they feel its a sign of cowardice rather than bravado.
Ugh. Gruesome stuff aside... I think the reason folks are more likely to dump Pit Bulls is because of the very high availability. They can get a pup as an impulse buy for $50, dump it, get another, dump it. And like it or not, the situations you described where people can't board their dogs, can't get insurance, are alienated by family for owning the breed; those things contribute to the dump rate, IMO. Its easy enough for someone to get a Pit Bull puppy, say they're going to raise it up right, until they realize that they're getting the police called on them for having a "vicious" dog, or that their kids' friends aren't allowed to come over and play because of the dog. That kind of pressure can sour people very quickly. I had to make sure my entire family was cool with the idea of me getting a puppy, because I knew the kind of strain it would cause if they weren't.
And in all fairness, the breed has a history of dogfighting. Its not just a few dogs. And IMO, its not a bar to owning the breed. You just have to be more attentive. If you don't want a dog that's going to challenge you, this is not the breed to pick. If you want a dog that's going to play nice with other dogs at the dog park, again, not the breed. I agree that you can train appropriate behavior into these dogs, but you can't expect them to act like dogs whose pack behavior has been encouraged through the generations. Its not fair to the dog, or to other dogs around him. When I encounter new people looking into the breed, I always prefer that they acknowledge the potential for dog aggression, rather than feel they can train it out. There are just too many people who get these dogs, raise them together, then are stunned when one day the dogs bloody each other over some unseen stimulus. There is no shame in being prepared, only in avoiding the truth.
Corgi - Dogs aren't trained to fight. Its either in them, or it isn't. You can't take a dog with no desire to scrap and turn it into a champion pit dog, no matter how much training you give it. Nor are they bred to show the maximum aggression towards the other dog. Simply put, some dogs will puff up and make a great show when another dog comes on the scene, and they end up being worthless as a match dog. And others will remain laid back until put in a pit situation and faced off with their opponent. I think a lot of the old-time dogmen preferred a mellow dog that wouldn't waste a lot of energy trying to find its opponent until you actually put them in the pit. If you listen to some of them talk, they have no use for dogs who will kill puppies and such, because they feel its a sign of cowardice rather than bravado.
Ugh. Gruesome stuff aside... I think the reason folks are more likely to dump Pit Bulls is because of the very high availability. They can get a pup as an impulse buy for $50, dump it, get another, dump it. And like it or not, the situations you described where people can't board their dogs, can't get insurance, are alienated by family for owning the breed; those things contribute to the dump rate, IMO. Its easy enough for someone to get a Pit Bull puppy, say they're going to raise it up right, until they realize that they're getting the police called on them for having a "vicious" dog, or that their kids' friends aren't allowed to come over and play because of the dog. That kind of pressure can sour people very quickly. I had to make sure my entire family was cool with the idea of me getting a puppy, because I knew the kind of strain it would cause if they weren't.
And in all fairness, the breed has a history of dogfighting. Its not just a few dogs. And IMO, its not a bar to owning the breed. You just have to be more attentive. If you don't want a dog that's going to challenge you, this is not the breed to pick. If you want a dog that's going to play nice with other dogs at the dog park, again, not the breed. I agree that you can train appropriate behavior into these dogs, but you can't expect them to act like dogs whose pack behavior has been encouraged through the generations. Its not fair to the dog, or to other dogs around him. When I encounter new people looking into the breed, I always prefer that they acknowledge the potential for dog aggression, rather than feel they can train it out. There are just too many people who get these dogs, raise them together, then are stunned when one day the dogs bloody each other over some unseen stimulus. There is no shame in being prepared, only in avoiding the truth.
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i have seen labs that would save a baby and i have just about had my face bitten off by one. I have been bit by little dogs..more little dogs then ever big dogs..but no one talks about that since they aren't going to do "life threatening" damage. It is not a good time to be a pitty, it is not a good time to bring more pitties into the world until the senseless breeding by idiots comes to a close. They will pick a different breed to bring to horror. THis is a good video however I couldn't bring myself to watch it again. It makes me cry.
I get a little sad when people say Pit Bull Terriers are not like any other breed, and use it in a more negative than positive way. I don't like to compare breeds, because we set ourselves to a certain standard of what all breeds should or could be when doing that.
"he's as gentle as a Lab"
"he's great with children! like a Golden Retriever!"
I just hate hearing that.
Pit Bulls have similar history to a few other breeds. But they are not targeted anywhere near as much, because they are not as plentiful. They might be common, but there just aren't as many. So there's less of them to be manipulated and less to cause trouble.
It's too bad that people take dog aggression as seriously as human aggression though. They buy these dogs, and don't want to take on the responsibility. Baha said it very well, great post indeed!
I just wish more people understood these breeds (with bloodsport/upsetting histories) better, instead of comparing their previous purposes to the ways they are now, to things that dont relate to their history at all.
"he's as gentle as a Lab"
"he's great with children! like a Golden Retriever!"
I just hate hearing that.
Pit Bulls have similar history to a few other breeds. But they are not targeted anywhere near as much, because they are not as plentiful. They might be common, but there just aren't as many. So there's less of them to be manipulated and less to cause trouble.
It's too bad that people take dog aggression as seriously as human aggression though. They buy these dogs, and don't want to take on the responsibility. Baha said it very well, great post indeed!
I just wish more people understood these breeds (with bloodsport/upsetting histories) better, instead of comparing their previous purposes to the ways they are now, to things that dont relate to their history at all.