Should Pit bulls be a Restricted Breed?

Caitlin - posted on 04/26/2011

NObody here I thin is saying that pitbulls are the worst, they are just the most popular and prevalent of the "fighting breeds" of dog. I'm sure if this was an obscure breed and a ton of people were walking around with neopolitan mastiffs or chows, people would be goin on about them too.. Sure, there are great and nice ones, but not all.. They ARE a dangerous breed, and in my mind it really doesn't matter how they became dangerous, but they ARE. I persoanlly would love to see those stupid little ankle biters banned too, but they don't cause severe damage when they bite. Not all loved dogs with boundaries are asfe dogs (unless by boundaries you mean in a crate - inside a fenced dog run).. The act talks about pitbulls and bans them, but takes measures agianst ALL dangerous dogs, not only that specific breed, it only bans the pitbull because of its prevalence and popularity, hopefully the ban will do good things, and bring the breed back to being well bred and not a fighting dog, but I seriously doubt it, because it's only in ontario, not all over (and enforcement in the rural areas is sketchy, that's where the bulk of the puppy mills turn up).

Constance - posted on 04/26/2011

I am tired of all the bickering back and forth. People who have a lot of love for pit bulls are just making statements that are true about the breed. We are only asking that you get full education about the breed and how loving they truelly are. The media is always to blame when it comes to blowing stories completely out of the water. Yeah you hear about pit bull attacks on T.V. but tey aren't the only type of dog who attacks people or other dogs. If they actually got noisy about the Golden Retriever that lives up street from me who killed two other dogs aka. pit bulls nobody would care or how about that he dog also has attacked three kids that were just walking down the street. Oh yeah they still have the dog and he is a threat not only to other dogs but to our children, but it isn't important for the News Truck to show up here and be noisy and actually report this dangerous dog.
For everyone who believes pit bull are the worst thing to ever be created they are only number 2 behind only golden retrievers as the BEST family dogs to have. You have to look at the owner who are raising dogs that attack. Dogs that are loved and given bounderies that don't threaten their safety you wll have a good dog. But targeting just one Breed is unfair when EVERY BREED WILL BITE AND ATTACK.

Caitlin - posted on 04/26/2011

The media doens't tend to screw it up here.. Last year there was an 8 year old attacekd by a neighbours dog.. the dog was a lab.. The article didn't get that wrong, or try to demonize it, th fact was the kid tried to take away his bone, and the dog had ressource guarding issues. Sometimes parents of kids need to be fined too, for letting their kid torment dogs!

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/26/2011

Jersey, you may disagree with what people say, but it doesn't mean people don't know what they are talking about. Everyone that has talked in here is talking about personnal experience, or reasons they are scared of certain breeds.

Yes, you are right about some people not being able to identify properly pitts. But that does not mean every report that was made about pitt bull attacks are wrong. Paperwork from owners, or vets that euthanize the attacking dog will also varify if possible the breed. Don't fool yourself with mistaken identity on every attack that has been made by a pitt bull. Hell, I will admit, I think very often they are confused with Dogo Argentinas....but that isn't necessarily the case....just my opinion.

Jersey - posted on 04/26/2011

I think people should know what they are talking about before they make statements...so many people assume because these dogs are used to fight...is because they are naturally aggressive and that is NOT the case...Do you know the abuse that these dogs go through? Do you have any idea the steroids and drugs that these dogs are given...Dogs that are being bred to fight...are given steroids...and street drugs to make them aggressive...and often times they are starved and beaten...which also causes aggression...if you do those things to any dog...what do you think will happen...In addition to that...THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO COULDN'T POINT A PITBULL OUT IF THE DOG WALKED UP TO THEM AND SAID "I AM A PITBULL" Going based on what media says about someone getting attacked by a pitbull is MOST of the time an INCORRECT STATEMENT...But no one cares to find out the truth...I saw a little girl get chased by a mutt and he finally caught up with her and bit her leg...the neighbors called the police and said A PUREBRED PITBULL was chewing on a little girl...I was fuming...I waited until the police got there and when they came they asked if I was the one who called and I said No my neighbors did....I pointed the dog out to them because he was eating the little girls ice cream cone....the officer was like we are looking for a purebred pitbull...I said your tipoff said that dog was purebred...the cop laughed and said Yeah..Okay...If that's a purebred anything...I am the president!!!! Alot of times when its HORRIFIC....the stories hit the web and the news and PITBULL is the first breed people pull out of the crack of their ass...When in reality they have no clue what the hell a Pit looks like...So...bad owners...aren't the only reason these dogs get a bad rep...Stupid people and liars are another reason! If people would stop going based what they hear...and use their own brains...maybe they would learn the true nature of these dogs...as well as what they look like...Shit..for what it's worth...Cockatoos (yes the bird) are some mean ass birds....VICIOUS even...(my grandmother's damn near bit my finger off) MAYBE THEY SHOULD BE BANNED!

Nikki - posted on 04/26/2011

I also wanted to add- we had a rottie growing up that was the sweetist thing ever, scared of his own shadow, had to rock him to sleep. But he had 2 bad things happen to him- some kids jumped on him (literally, some neighbor kids) and my stepfather didn't always treat him right. He became aggressive and later was put down because of it. ( I was not living at home at the time, I had since moved out)

I also had a chow chow- who was sweet up until the day he died. the ONLY time we saw aggression from him- which was what he was supposed to do, we had an intruder and he protected the house.

I knew a Dobi that was so aggressive that the owner had to take a pistol out when she fed the dog.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/26/2011

See, Chihuahua's have a very bad rep...imagine if they were pit bull sized? Many think pit bulls are the chihuahua's of their size. Not all Chihuahua's are bad. I love them personally, and have owned 2. One was aggressive to anyone that came near me ( I was like 3-11 when I had her...she was my protector...but a mean motherfucker) and I had one just recently that was the sweetest lap dog you would ever come across. She would only bark at other dogs like any other dog might do...but only if she was safely in my arms. But, no this is not a breed that I would willy nilly recommend to anyone, because of the breeds tendencies. You just need to be honest and knowledgeable about breeds before choosing the right one to become a part of your family.

Caitlin - posted on 04/26/2011

Oh we knew about the agression in greyhounds to small animals, my mom was well aware of it, I was much younger (maybe 9 at the time) so I didn't really grasp the conceot of what happened (it also helped that I was away at sleepaway camp when it happened, so for years afterwards I got "the rabbit died" story - until I was older). Our beautiful girl was apparently an amazing racer, she was bred ruthlessly after many wins because her pups would be worth a lot, in fact, she was undersized because of the early breeding they put her through. She had scars on her nose from bites, scars on her hind legs from cigarette burns and no fur on her back haunces from sitting in a tiny cage in her own urine for so long that the fur and skin was permanently scarred so it wouldn't grow back. When the rescue picked her up, she was red tagged for the bullet, had 3 broken ribs and was farid of everything.

She overcame everything, except she's always freak out if she saw a man with a cane (it was assumed that she'd be beaten by a man with a stick or cane) she was alwayd afraid of water or the hose, because apparently her kennel used to "wash" the dogs by turning a firehose on them while they were in their cages... It was amazing what she went through, and she lived to the age of 16 years, which is pretty cool too, (we got her when she was 5 1/2 or 6).
It's sick what people do to dogs, and they really should eb punished, i'm not discounting that.

My husband and I said that to have a dog, everyone should need a license. It makes sense. Also, there should be different categories of license, not dependant on the breed, but the training of the dog. A pup is one thing, but after 1 year old, a dog that has passed their CGC (canine good citizen) should get one rate (say 30$/year) and a dog that hasn't should get another (say 100$ a year). That would encourage people to at least get that basic training for theri dog, that isn't really intense or anything. Anyone owning a "guard dog" should have to have seperate insurance for their animal, and be held responsible for any unwarranted attacks on other animals/people.

Nikki - posted on 04/26/2011

Sadly people have ruined this breed, yes they should be banned. too many children have been killed in the hands of irresponsible pet owners combined with kids. The breed has been bred to fight, the aggression is in their blood, and to find a line with no fighting blood in it, is nearly impossible. Of course not every pitt is bad, just like not every lab is good BUT. Sure a chihuawa (sorry I butchered that) might bite more often but it isn't going to kill you. Pitts once they start don't stop until they are dead or you are dead. Same with Chows, and a few other breeds. I would also ban some of the other breeds too. People are just too irresponsible and the breed has been ruined. Fighting people, breed the most aggressive to get an aggressive animal. Hopefully with breed bans and restrictions we can get the breed back on track. Sadly the animal pays the price for peoples selfishness

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/26/2011

Caitlin, BTW, greyhounds are breed for their speed, strength, and usually that comes with aggression towards little animals. The winners are bred, and bred, and bred to try to get the best racing dogs possible.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/26/2011

Well said Krista. On that note, I owned and incredible Rottie....the sweetest boy ever! His life was cut short due to aggressive bone cancer....we did Chemo, amputation...everything....through it all, he was a baby doll. Would I recommend to just anyone to own a Rottie due to my fanastic experience owning the breed? NO! HELL NO! Some people are not equiped to handle such a large breed dog, and yes Rotties have aggressive tendancies. Would I own one in the future? When my kids are old enough to help train, and be leaders in the pack...yes. Would I own one now? Not likely. It would have to be under extreme special circumstances. I have a 1 year old and a 5 year old.



I truly do love Pitts. I have seen their wonderful nature, and loving attitude to its owners and kids. But, I have also seen the damage they can inflict in an INSTANT!



*edited to add* more damage than any other breed with one single bite. Why? Because they do not let go...until the skin rips from the body. Many dogs will nip....yes breaking the skin...but not literally tear the skin from the bone. You all may not like to hear it, but it is true. The strength of a pitts bite is like no other.....and they are FAST!

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/26/2011

Best scenario in my opinion. Anyone that owns a dog or cat must have them spayed/neutered within a cedrtain timeline of adopting them. To control population, and over breeding of animals. Some are bred to the point of death. If you are planning on breeding, you must register withing the town, and get a license to breed. Also, there would be a limit of how many times that specific pet can be bred by law. I would think once would be sufficient. After that point, the pet must be fixed ASAP! BY LAW!

Reality, most people don't even register their pets. One reason is because they have more animals in their house that is allotted per town rules, and they don't want their pets taken from them. Also, not eveyone vaccinates their pets...sad but true....and people who aren't going to shell out money for necessary vaccinations, certainly are not going to pay a pretty penny to spay/neuter their pets. They want to breed, not because their pet "is the best ever" but for the potential money they can make off of certain breeds.

I strongly feel people need licenses to own pets....especially those that have aggressive tenancies. this would make for much more responsible owners.

Jersey - posted on 04/26/2011

Sonja! I should have rephrased that...especially since one of my pit babies came from being abused....and she is yhe sweetest littlw cow ever...(seriously...she looks like a cow LOL) but I also have been around rescued pitties that were used to fight and they were some of the sweetest ever...scared to death YES but sweet nonetheless! And I didnt know that about the dogs involved with Michael Vick and his crap! I am a true animal lover...But pitties have a special place in my heart and I think while Retrievers are the family dog...for some....Pits will be my family dog!

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/26/2011

Caitlin...exactly the point I was making about greyhounds earlier. You just never know. From the day they are born, they are trained for the track...chasing a small animal and the winner gets the "rabbit". It is terrible and cruel the conditions the greyhounds are kept in. High protein diets that destroy their teeth, trained to be aggressive to the other greyhounds for a win....so many of them come with scars from the teeth of other greyhounds. Very short life on the track, and there are great rescue organizations that save them from certain death, and find compatible owners. It is not always a successful match, but they really try. Most greyhounds cannot and should not be around small anumals.....I am sorry that you found out the hard way. The training is very deep in them. Some never make it to be racing dogs, and are gentle as can be. But many do, even if just for a short period of time....and they come off the track with a taste for other animals blood.

Krista - posted on 04/26/2011

This whole discussion is really about nature vs. nurture.



Some dogs have certain instincts bred into them.



Terriers want to dig. Sight hounds want to run. Retrievers want to retrieve. Border Collies want to herd your flock, do your taxes, shingle your roof, and rearrange your furniture...all before breakfast.



A firm and responsible owner can control a dog's tendencies to a certain degree. However, the owner cannot make the dog into something it is not. Some instincts are just hard-wired.



Are aggressive instincts hard-wired into the bully breeds? They're not SUPPOSED to be.



Unfortunately, you get unscrupulous backyard breeding assholes who will breed for aggression. And as more and more of those pups grow up and breed, you basically see a subset of these dogs who ARE naturally aggressive -- whose instincts are to attack and to fight.



So, is it accurate to say that this breed is naturally aggressive? No. However, nor is it entirely accurate to say that it's 100% due to the owner, either. If an unwitting, well-meaning responsible owner gets a hold of a pup whose last 6 generations have been bred for aggression, then it's very possible that no matter how good the training is, there WILL always be an aggressive streak within that dog.



And yes, this could happen to any breed. But right now, it is happening to Rotties and APBTs. So, I don't think people are 100% wrong to view those breeds with a little bit of caution, IF they do not know the dog's provenance or the owner's level of expertise.



But, once again, it comes down to this: they HAVE, HAVE, HAVE to crack down on those owners who train dogs to be aggressive, who fight them, and who breed them to be aggressive. If we can do THAT, then those aggressive strains can eventually be bred back out, and every APBT and Rottie can be the big sucky babies that their TRUE aficionados know and love.

Caitlin - posted on 04/26/2011

Well, stricter penalties would be really nice (coming from the least enforced area in north america per capita), but they still need to be enforced. How many puppy mills are out there that haven't been discovered yet, or have been and are waiting the years it takes for an inspector to be sent over. Penalties wont STOP the practice, they'll just make those breeders and fighters better at eluding enforcement.

This isn't a breed specific issue. I rescued a Newfoundland from a craigslist ad 2 years ago (for those who don't know, Newfoundland dogs are of the gentlest out there, and notoriously friendly as heck, lovely creatures). This dog was purchased by the family from a backyard breeder. Both the sire and dam were registered, though they never bothered registering the pup, he was a gorgeous specimen of a Newf physically, in great health, but this boy had ISSUES, more than I could deal with. After having his shots updated, him fixed, I had no choice but to turn him over to the Newfy rescue in the area, who sent him to be evaluated by a behaviorist and trainer, and after 2 years, this boy is still not adoptable. He is gorgeous but agressive (he bit me about 5 times, not piercing skin, but having a 8 month old in the house (along with another Newf) made that a NO WAY situation. 150 pounds of biting dog wasn't going to happen. This dog is off, no signs of abuse or anything, just BAD breeding. There's no way you can enforce these penalties with everyone, though I believe that any dog that bites in an agressive manner should be put down, no questions (but then, what's agressive to some may acutally be a defensive mechanism for the dog and the people just don't understand that).

It's a tricky thing to enforce, and they may be taking the easy way out, but I don't see a feasible other way.

Mary - posted on 04/26/2011

Caitlin, there is another "enforceable" option...much stricter penalties for the humans who are either irresponsible with their pets (of all breeds) or abuse them.

Caitlin - posted on 04/26/2011

Marina - I had the sweetest little greyhound that we rescued when I was a kid, she was a sweetheart to the bone, thought she was a lapdog too. We also had a rabbit, and they used to snuggle up together on the couch and go outside together and lounge in the sun, until one day, about 4 years after getting the greyhound where she must have woken up from a dream, and killed and ate the rabbit. So sad, but it was in her nature and training, and not really her fault. She was still a sweetie, but the night after killing the rabbit she was standing by te bunny cage and whining all night, trying to tell us we forgot the rabbit outside (the rabbit went out on a harness). She didn't even realise it.

I wont trust pitbulls around my kids, I've known some 100% sweeties that were raised great, some of the friendliest things around, just bigh snuggle-bugs, but my husband was randomly attacked by a pitbull/boxer mix 3 summers ago and so I will never trust strange dogs. The aggresivity is bred in and trained in, and sadly, most "breeders" of pitbulls make more money badly breeding fighting dogs than greeding docile and sweet pitbulls for families, so they go to where the money is..

Ban the breed? Not really the solution, but there isn't really an enforcable option beyond that..

Sonja - posted on 04/26/2011

Mary - I'm with you. As a dog lover and rescuer and a football fan and the mom of a young football player - I do not believe that Mike Vick should ever have been allowed to play football again. BUT - I don't think that they should allow any felons to play NFL Football. I truly believe that playing professional football is a privilege and that if you can't keep your nose clean - you need to step aside and let someone who can take your place.
I do not believe that his sentence was harsh enough. And I will fight with every fiber in my body to get legislation passed allowing harsher punishment for abuse of all kinds. To me, it is no more "just a dog" than it would be "just a child".

Mary - posted on 04/26/2011

Sonja - I agree. My pit is a rescue, who was about 4 when we adopted him from a shelter. Although he had a lot to learn about living in a home environment (he didn't understand how to play with toys, and steps terrified him), he was never aggressive with either humans, or my other male dog or cat (that 10lb aged cat was the boss of both dogs until the day he died!). That rescued pit, who spent the first few years of his life mistreated, is now an (almost) perfect family dog. He is also well behaved with strange dogs; I periodically take the boys to an off-leash dog park, and he loves to play with other dogs. He is not an anomaly; many of the pits who have come through my local shelter have become wonderful family pets, in spite of their rough start in life.

Are there some dogs who are not "fixable"? Of course - but that is true of all breeds and mixes/mutts. I have encountered some dogs that were simply unsuitable to be around other dogs, or should never be in a home with children; the breed was really irrelevant - it was more about the individual personality and temperament of the dog.

The whole Michael Vick thing makes me insane. ALthough I know a lot of you feel that he did his time, and should be able to go on with his life, I fear that the message that it sends to animal abusers everywhere. Bottom line, despite the atrocities he both committed and enabled, the punishment was only a small bump in his life. No big deal. Within a relatively short amount of time, he was back in the NFL, earning ridiculous amounts of money, and was even awarded that stupid fucking Ed Block Courage Award his first year back.


Really?? All that did was show other assholes engaged in dogfighting that if they get caught, it won't really be that big a deal long term. Hell, someone might even give them a fucking award for getting through the ordeal of being busted for it!

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/26/2011

Thank you Mel, that was very kind of you to say. Gotta run the boy to school, be back later!

Jenni - posted on 04/26/2011

This whole thread has just made me more and more frustrated and irrate at people who fight dogs. It's inexcusable, remorseless, cruelty. And the reason why certain dogs get such a bad name.

I do think that a lot of these fighting dogs are generally more aggressive than CKC registered American Pitbull Terriers because they pick the most aggressive dogs for breeding. The aggression is being largely breed into them.

I've seen a documentary on selectively breeding behavioural traits. The experiment was done with foxes but they were breeding the ones with the least fear of humans. Eventually, they became more and more docile through the selective breeding. (The experiement was primarily done to explain the relationship of colours of coats to temperment but I think it also supports my argument here). The same as the dog we know as our family pet today grew it's friendly disposition from selective breeding by our ancestors. Or picking the friendliest dogs as companions. The problem with the pitbull and other tougher exterior dogs is they are being selected by many humans who want a more aggressive dog (and I'm not talking about the CKC registered breed that is contrarily being bred for friendliness and a calm disposition). It almost seems to me that the original breed is being split into two seperate dogs. The CKC registered breed and your common street pitbull. Am I wrong about that? Just a theory.

Cathy - posted on 04/26/2011

My best friend had a Jack Russell, wonderful family pet for 8 years then he just turned.
First he bit her brother, no reason. He was an adult, went got stitches, left the dog be. Took the dog to the vet to get him checked for any medical reason for his sudden aggression, nothing.

Second time the dog lunged at her eldest daughter. She wasn't anywhere near him at the time, no provocation, just walking past more than a metre away. After that they had to rehome him. He had just become unpredictably volatile and wasn't safe to have around kids.

My uncle has 3 Jack Russells. I hate those little rats. Nasty yappy little things. He brought the mother of the younger 2 over to my house one Christmas. I had to lock my beagle in the kitchen because she kept attacking him everytime he got within a metre of her. These dogs have no discipline, my uncle lets them rule the roost. They got taken to my grandparents house and were left to run wild, marking their territory with a quick cock of the leg. My grandparents, were not amused!

Sonja - posted on 04/26/2011

Jersey - you're welcome!

I see a lot of well-meaning posts stating "it's how their raised". I don't disagree completely with that statement, but do want to point out that even Pitbulls who have been in raised in the fighting ring, who have been abused and neglected - can still be rescued and given the right owner and the right training - can be magnificent pets! I take in dogs of all breeds that need a little extra TLC before they're ready to find their forever homes... I have seen more forgiving, sweet, easy-going Pitbulls than I have any other breed. Probably the most neurotic I've worked with have been labs and lab mixes.

Out of the 51 dogs seized from Mike Vick - did you know that only 1 of those dogs had to be put down for human aggression? It was a bitch who had been bred so many times in the very cruel "rape stand". Who could blame her for being distrustful to humans after that? 1 of the dogs was euthanized for medical reasons and 2 of the dogs died while in shelters. All told, 47 out of the 51 dogs are now living amongst people. Many have passed the Good Canine Citizen test and several are therapy dogs.

My point is - it's not even so much about "how they are raised". Most Pitbulls are just natually good dogs. They are forgiving and loyal and sweet. If you make a friend with a Pit - you'll have a friend for life... and if you get off on the wrong foot... they're generally willing to give ya another chance... because Pitbulls seem to understand... you're only human.

Amanda - posted on 04/26/2011

Last year a dog on my street caused a child to get 24+ stitchs on her face, this same dog two weeks earlier had bitten its owner on her thigh. Guess the breed! beagle/jack russell. It ripped the owners childs face apart, why? Because she walked by her. It wasnt this dogs fault, it was 100% the owners fault. She knew her dog had issues, but kept her alive. This is how many children get bite, by their OWN dogs, whom the parents couldnt make the responsible choice to get rid of a dangerous dog.

I was bite as a child in the face also, by a small lap dog. I was lucky to not need stitchs, but I have a scar on my left cheek for the rest of my life. This was also a family dog, that everyone thought was safe. There was warning signs, but adults around me where to busy having fun to notice that the 3 year old was under the table with the growling dog. Again this wasnt the dogs fault, the dog clearly was warning me, but as a small child I did not know I was suppose to back off. This dog was put down on the spot.

My daugther has also been bitten (on the face), by a puppy rottie. She walked past her dads rottie and stepped on the dogs paw. Because this dog was abused by her owners, she reactted the only way she knew how and bite my daugther. Again not this dogs fault, she was raised to be aggressive because all the humans around her were aggressive towards her. After this bite, they refused to put her down, so I refused to allow my child in a home with an aggressive dogs home.

Dogs are taught to be aggressive, many dogs bites can be prevented if the humans around them are responsible! It has nothing to do with breed.

Casey - posted on 04/25/2011

This is a tough one cause I don't think any dog is born aggressive it's usually the way that they are raised just like with kids no child is born bad it's usually bad parenting that results in naughty kids. So it's hard to say that a certain breed should be restricted just because some of those dogs are aggressive, I know some Jack Russell Terriors that are aggressive too but they're not a restrictive breed, but on the other hand if a Jack Russell bit you then chances are you might end up with a small scar but it's probably not going to kill you whereas if a nasty pitbull got hold of you they could do some serious damage.
I think all dogs regardless of the breed should be locked in a backyard and they should never be allowed to just wander around the street and if your not going to be a responsible pet owner and keep your dog locked away where it can't be a danger to other people then you shouldn't have a pet.
My next door neighbour has an American Pitbull and it just wanders around the street all the time and the damn thing will bark and growl at you I hate it, the pound has tried to pick it up but even they are scared of it, we have a beagle and even though he is the most friendliest dog you'd ever meet I would still never allow him to just wander around and do as he pleases.

Cathy - posted on 04/25/2011

I had neighbour at my old house who owned a Rottie. It bit my son twice, both times by accident. It was not an aggressive dog but the lazy ass owners never walked him and he only had a small back garden for exercise. As a result it had an abundance of energy and too enthusiastically tried to jump our wall to see my son in our back garden. My son got the tip of his finger bitten when he put his hand up to stroke him and the dog tried to lick him, accident. Second time he got a tooth in the forehead, again not an intentional bite but it was enough for me to raise the fence an extra 3ft to prevent further incidents.
I don't blame the dog. He was a good natured softie. I don't think they should have owned a dog like that because they didn't have the room, time or inclination to give him the right care he required.

Kate CP - posted on 04/25/2011

Yea, I had one beagle come out of anesthesia and started screaming. My boss looked at me like I had poked it in the eye with a sharp stick. You never know how they'll react when they come out of it.

Mel - posted on 04/25/2011

Marina - I am loving all your posts. You are a very intelligent lady

Vegemite - posted on 04/25/2011

In all my time working as a Vet Nurse the only dogs I have been bitten by is the small fluffies and not once a "big scary" dog. The only time a big dog has gotten "aggressive" and bitten was a Rotti coming out of anaesthesia but that happens with many dogs because it very disorientating and scary for them.

Jersey - posted on 04/25/2011

SONJA!!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR POST!!!!

Jersey - posted on 04/25/2011

I don't disagree that dogs are capable of being aggressive...but I think that it has alot to do with how they are raised...and again...I am going based on watching my father breed pitbulls all my life ( I am 26)...and I have never seen them snap or anything like that in all the years I have been around them...It is also coming from the fact I have 2 pitbulls...ONE I had since she was born...and the other I adopted from my father's family...she was being abused by the older female that was there (which was NOT a pit)... they are both 7 years old now...and they have NEVER EVER snapped...or showed signs of aggression...Both of them were around when I had my daughter (she is now 4) and they LOVE her and she LOVES both of them...and she pulls their tails...tugs on their ears...and even tries to ride on their backs and they have never done anything to make me think they would hurt her...they are very protective....and sweet dogs...

Jersey - posted on 04/25/2011

Marina...I have to disagree with you my dear...Pitbulls are not naturally aggressive....and this is coming from someone who has grown up with them...and watched my father breed them...These dogs are very sweet pets...but unfortunately are raised by people who like to fight them and raise them to be aggressive and in most cases they are not taken care of properly...the owners don't keep a decent yard....that is well fenced in...so they get loose...or they just let them roam free...I think there should be restrictions but at the end of the day the owners should be help responsible...I think that it is unfair...especially for owners like myself that take damn good care of their dogs to have to deal with the constant harassment of having a pitbull....and as far as %'s go...half the time...people don't even know the difference between a pitbull and other breeds...which is another reason these dogs get a bad reputation...any dog can be raised to be aggressive...I don't care what breed it is...there was just a case of a labrador retriever biting this lady so bad she had to get reconstructive surgery to put the skin back on her face...I think more needs to be done to protect not only the breed but the owners as well...BUT I DO NOT THINK THEY SHOULD BE BANNED...

Sonja - posted on 04/25/2011

I forgot to say this... Socialization is very important for all dogs. It helps reduce the risk of fear aggression. When we make it taboo to own any specific breed - we make it even harder for responsible owners to socialize their dogs. In many counties across the US they've made it mandatory that if you have a Pit Bull you have to keep them in a locked enclosure or have them muzzled in public... all that does is create a barrier and a sense of frustration - which can lead to aggression. Dogs react to body language... there is something scary about seeing a big dog with a muzzle on - how will that dog react when everyone who looks at him recoils in fear?

Mary - posted on 04/25/2011

Yeah, Kate, I've come across that site before. Everything on there is completely biased; most of their "facts" are not even remotely in agreement with other, more reputable and impartial organizations.





Funnily enough, I was out walking Molls & the boys tonight, and a new neighbor was out with her one year old. She came up to me specifically to ask about the "scary, psychotic" dog in our court. She was concerned, since her daughter has just now started walking, and they are out and about much more on the sidewalks. She figured I would know the scoop, since she's seen me out so much with my boys. That viscous dog she's referring to? The one who has bitten its (bitch) owner twice that I know of, and who growls and bares it's teeth at pretty much ALL humans and animals it encounters? ....Yeah, that would be a yellow Lab.



ALL dogs, regardless of breed, are capable of agressive, destructive and harmful behavior.

Sonja - posted on 04/25/2011

I share my home with 5 dogs - 2 of whom are Pit Bulls. All of my dogs are rescued and came from questionable backgrounds. I am completely against Breed Specific Legislation. If you make Pit Bulls illegal - the only people who will own them will be criminals.
I am a responsible pet owner. My life revolves around taking care of my dogs and any other dogs that come along through the rescue that I work with. Much of my day is spent feeding, medicating, walking, training and working with dogs. I am careful to make sure that my dogs are never put in a situation where they cannot succeed.
Pit Bulls are NOT naturally aggressive dogs. In fact, there was a time when they were called the Nanny dog because they are so wonderful with children. The arguments that people want to throw out there about dog bite statistics are so skewed that it's ridiculous. I have had people guess my dogs breed to be puggle, boxer, boxer mix, etc. People do not know what a pit bull looks like. They expect them to be huge! In fact, many of them are not. I encourage anyone to go out to this website and play this game... can you fin the pit bull? http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/...
The fact is that most people could look at any of the dogs on that webpage and target them as a Pit Bull. In other words, the APBT and Staffordshire Terrier are taking the rap for several different dog breeds!
One of my pit bulls currently has a torn ACL in her knee. She is having surgery on Friday. This dog has to be in a lot of pain. But I can tell you this... not ONCE has she growled, been grumpy or anything... she just continues to be loving and sweet. I can tell you this - if I had torn my ACL - I probably would have taken a piece out of someone by now. But not my girl... and her temperament is VERY typical of other Pit Bulls. They are just big, goofy love bugs who want to be loved.
Punish the deed - not the breed. Ban Stupid People - Not dogs!

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/25/2011

oh, and I mentioned small dogs that have the same stigma as larger aggressive breeds. But I have yet to hear of an adult dying from a brutal chihuahua attack.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/25/2011

ALL dogs need proper handling and training. Some breeds need more than others for proper socializing....

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/25/2011

Specifically because these can be highly aggressive large dog breeds that need owners that are fully aware of their capabilities. They will recognize this, hopefully training and socializing them properly. If you can not see that certain breeds have a higher rate of attacks on other dogs, children and adults that often are not a part of the "pack", then you are as much a potential danger by ignoring and even enabling aggressive behavior. Ignoring it exists does not eliminate the problem.



T

Jenny - posted on 04/25/2011

"I feel that anyone that owns a Pitt, Rotti, Shepard, Chow Chow, Dalmation, Chihuahua, Pekinese, Sharpei, and other aggressive dogs, first need to admit that their can be aggression in the first place with these animals. "

Right here, you are listing specific breeds as if the others are ok. If that's not your intention what is the point of listing breeds and not just saying dogs?

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/25/2011

No jenny, I never said ANY breed was safe. We are specifically talking about pitts, and I am encorporating other dangerous breeds.

And since you own APBT, you are well aware they are nicknamed pitbulls.

I would like to see you show me where I once said any breed was specifically safe. Some are less dangerous than others. You MUST be aware of that.

Jenny - posted on 04/25/2011

Marina, you are halfway there. We need to have expectations that all DOGS can be aggressive.



I find it very dangerous for you to be saying there are safe breeds. No wonder so many people don't train their little dogs thinking they can't potentially be dangerous but it's horseshit. Why would you list chihuahuas but not pomeranians? Or Shitzhus? Or Golden Retreivers? ALL of whom can attack.



You're on the right track but you need to apply your ideas to all breeds and stop cherrypicking.



And I don't own a pitt or a pitbull or a pibble or a pitty. I own an American Pitbull Terrier, a valiant and noble breed.



My next dog will be a Boston Terrier and I will be just as cautious with him as I am with my big dogs. There is no such thing as a safe dog.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/25/2011

I am trying to say that it is indeed a real threat and a problem. People have every right to be emotional after an attack. It is a scary thing. Some people will never physically or emotionally be the same.

I feel that anyone that owns a Pitt, Rotti, Shepard, Chow Chow, Dalmation, Chihuahua, Pekinese, Sharpei, and other aggressive dogs, first need to admit that their can be aggression in the first place with these animals.

Many of the problems are because people think they are really harmless, and this is where the problem starts. It ends when there is a problem. I am sure your pitts are awesome...seriously. I am not being sarcastic. Some people have awesome dogs that still can turn. The difference in a dog bite or attack from a pit is FAR MORE SEVERE than from say a Golden retriever...or even a Shepard. Why? Because of the muscles in there jaw, and the fact that they were LITERALLY bred to kill. It is by instinct to go for the throat with them.

Sorry to say all this, I am sure I have pissed plenty of you off....but I don't think it is right to think every pitt is perfectly fine, and has absolutely NO chance of biting someone. If you feel this way, I find you as dangerous as the actual attack. You must be able to admit the harm certain breeds can inflict. It will make you a better, more cautious owner in the long run. Someone who will train the ass off of their dogs, and learn its behavoir to the best of your abilities. Taking precautions when needed.

Vegemite - posted on 04/25/2011

That's true Jenny....sad

Jenny - posted on 04/25/2011

What does an emotional response have to do with solving future problems with a practical response? It's very shitty what happened to them and let's reduce the incidents in the future with methods that may actually work like those I have listed previously.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/25/2011

Jenny, tell that to the victims of the attacks.

Jenny - posted on 04/25/2011

Christine, that is a scapegoat for the shitty owners. They will find another breed to change into their dicks on a leash. We have to make those responsible accountable, there is no other acceptable alternative.

Jenny - posted on 04/25/2011

I know why, media hysteria and misinformation.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/25/2011

This is a quote from me earlier today...i just didn't feel like saying the same exact thing twice:

"I know my views are going to be challenged...that is expected. I do not think the breed should be banned as a whole....but I do think you should need a license to breed them...and if you do not have that license to breed, you should serve jail time. Also, I think for the safety of the animal, there should be a limit on how many times it CAN be breed. I have seen one female pit bred almost to death...and she was only 6 years old."

~♥Little Miss - posted on 04/25/2011

This site is becouse of children and other people that have actually been attacked. Go to the home page. The part about mixes is directly referring to dogs that are mixed with pitts and rotties.

I said alot of you would not agree with it, but this gives a different perspective of exactly what the OP posted originally.....why people feel the way they do about Pitts and Rotties.