Flack because of a pet?

Mae - posted on 12/14/2012

I can relate to your problem. I had a "friend" say she was going to call Child Protective Services on me because we have a pit bull mix and her and my daughter are very close. My daughter lays on her and falls asleep she follows my daughter everywhere and even gets upset when my daughter get disciplined. I trust Belle (our pit mix) with my daughter's life BUT I watch them together all the time and if Belle showed any aggression we would be finding her a new home. We have 4 dogs all big breeds and 3 are considered dangerous in our community Belle the pit mix, JJ the German Shepard mix, and Spinner another Sheppard mix. All of my dogs are great with kids because of how we have raised them. Good for you stand your ground!

Andrea - posted on 04/24/2011

Dogs are like people. They respond to both nature and nurture.

Some lines of dogs, or just individual dogs tend to run aggressive and no amount of "proper dog handling" will fix that. It's just the way they are. Some of them are just nuts too, like people.

Others are made aggressive or get behavior problems due to lousy owners.

If you are careful to get a dog with good breeding behind it (someone who breeds for temperament, not just looks), and raise it properly, there is no reason to be afraid of the dog regardless of the breed you have.

Sheila - posted on 10/28/2010

i agree with you completely. i have 3 pitbulls. 3. my son is never left alone with any of them. i do not take for granted that nothing will happen, after all they are dogs that are big enough to do horrible things if provoked or threatened. i have never felt threatened at any time, but always be on your guard. they a loyal, worthy breed. you and your family will love them.

Candi - posted on 10/15/2010

I posted before about catching junk b/c I have a cat. Well just so happens, my friend and her son came over saturday and stayed a while. Well, Sunday night her son showed her a rash on his arm, so she took him to the Dr Mon morning and he said it was Hives and to keep him away from my house for a week just in case it was something here. Well, she came over Tue night for a little while and Wed morning her son had another flare up, so now she is saying her son is allergic to my cat! Ok, so the many times he has been here before with no issues doesn't count? Usually if you are allergic, you start to have a reaction right away. Right? Oh well, so people if you don't want company, get a cat. They seem to keep people away

Cara - posted on 10/15/2010

I agree 100%. I have a pitbull terrier. I have caught so much crap from people about how she's a dangerous breed and could just randomly attack and kill my daughter and blah blah blah. I find it so annoying. Do people really think I'm dumb enough to have something around my child if I thought even for 2 second she would hurt my child? In all honesty I've seen more dogs attacked by a small breed dog. This breed of dog was originally bred to protect farms/land and also to help "look after" the children. They were considered a "nanny dog". They have gained a bad rep because of the fact that on the occasion that one does attack they are a big enough dog that they can do a lot of damage. I personally have not been bit or known anyone bit or hurt by this particular breed of dog. I have however been attacked(for no reason) by a small breed dog. I think with some animals it really is the animal(ex: some animals/people are just ill tempered. Period.). When you look for a pet for your kids as a parent you tend to look for one that seems well tempered, easy going, friendly. My daughter loves our dog and our dog loves her. If I ever thought for a second that she'd ever try to hurt my daughter she'd be gone. 9 out of 10....it's the owner...not the pet.

Lesley - posted on 10/12/2010

Also they are doing behavioral studies with the Pit Bulls at the Humane Society and the Pit Bulls are doing all aroundGREAT!!!!!

Lesley - posted on 10/12/2010

My sister is a cognitive psychology Grad at University of Nebraska her Professor Dr. Stratuser has been doing Severe Bite Statics for the last year.. FYI this is a big state for Pit Bull fighting unfortunately. The reports showed that most bites were from Terriers and Mix dogs not one freaking bite was reported from a Pit Bull...

Candi - posted on 10/11/2010

People give me crap all the time b/c I have a cat! He is MY pet so he stays inside. If I wan'ted him to bother the neighbors, he would be an outdooor cat. But people will refuse to come over claiming they are allergic when I know thats not true. Some people have actually said "I thought you had a cat. I don't smell it at all." Really? Do all housecats stink? Oh well, if people are afraid to come over b/c of a little kitty cat, then who cares? My cat and I will just sit back and laugh! Good luck. People will give other people crap over some stupid stuff

Corinne - posted on 10/11/2010

Judge the deed, not the breed! All dogs have the potential to turn and bite, it depends on how they've been treated and trained.

Lesley - posted on 10/10/2010

Rebecca don't worry about what anyone says they don't know your dog you do and your a responsible parent you don't need their opinions. I have a 2 yr old pit bull and she is soo great with my 10 month old daughter they absolutely adore each other... As with any dog just watch them like you said... They don't even know what they are talking about Pit Bulls make great family dogs...Thanx for loving the breed :)

Elisabeth - posted on 05/26/2010

BTW Lori a staffy is not the same as a pitbull, they are similar but differant in some ways such as a staffy is smaller. A pitbull is called an American Pit Bull Terrior and a staffy is called an English or American Staffordshire Terrior. An American Bull Terrior is another dog again, similar but also small like a staffy but with a distinctive long nose. I have been breeding both pits and stafs for most of my life and they are differant.

Elisabeth - posted on 05/26/2010

A lot of people are closed minded when it comes to this. The most visous dog is a jack russel but no one ever says anything about them. A labrador bit and killed an infact a few weeks back and didn't even make it to the news but if a staffy or pittie bits someone it's all over the news. I have two pitbulls (they are legal where I am) and the amount of evils I get for that but don't let it bother you. Some of my family and friends point it out and I tell them the truth, they would never hurt my two girls. My oldest girl rides on their back, pulls their tails, ears and collar, screams in their face and they do nothing. They run around the backyard with her and know not to knock her to hard. She feeds them and they won't eat until she says they can and shes only 2. I trust them and God help anyone if the dogs thought she was being hurt by them or in danger. Sometimes if a stranger says a snipy comment, I ask what sort of dog they have and when they tell me I say (even if it's not true) "Oh can you believe, I got bitten by one of them when I was younger, I have a scar from it (point out a random scar), haven't been bitten by my dogs though, hmmm." Usually wipes the smirk off their face quick.

Cara - posted on 05/26/2010

i also had a staffy...my in laws hated the idea n assumed it was a dangerous daog that was gonna kill my baby. mind u it was harmless n well trained. i came home one day to be told they had givin my dog away "free to good home" on the internet!!!! i was NOT happy n still cant n never will forgive them! good luck with your dog..i strongly believe its not the breed of dog but the owner.

Nikkole - posted on 05/19/2010

hi any dog can bite some one, and the breed has nothing to do with it! and you are it is the owners. we dont have a dog right now but when we move we are going to get one. my mom has newfoudlands and we let are 7 month old play with them. i wouldnt let it get to you.

Lori - posted on 05/18/2010

just so you know staffs and pitts are the same breed of dog. Staffordshire Bull Terrier or Staffordshire Terrier AKA pitt bull

Lori - posted on 05/18/2010

I have many pictures of my daughter just learning to roll over with my 80lb. red brindle pitt laying on the floor with her trying to lick her face. learn there history and why they are the breed they are and ignor those people that have no clue to there true nature. My daughter is 7 now and my pit that grew up with her for 2 years,is now in heaven. They are fantastic dogs, its all about educating them then educating the people that believe the news and have never had the breed in there lives day in and day out. congrats on being a pittie owner and lover

Jolene - posted on 05/13/2010

They are big and so intimidating to people, but are big teddy-bears. They are so protective of the baby! They are constantly on me about my parenting skills...sometimes they give me these looks like, "Are you sure that's a good idea to put the baby there?" Or they let me know if the baby is crying. They are absolutely adorable! Though you do have to realize that they are also big, slobbery babies too! =)

Michelle - posted on 05/13/2010

funny you should say that i was watching morning tv and they were on about types of dogs suiting type of people and they said staffs make good family pets, and as long as your watching at all times im sure its fine

Jolene - posted on 05/13/2010

I have two mastiffs (very LARGE dogs-the 1 year old puppy is 120 lbs!) and they are absolutely adorable with my five month old baby. Like you, I never leave them alone with the baby. You just have to be responsible. Funny story--these two older women were visiting me one day when I was pregnant and were asking what I was planning on doing with the dogs once I had the baby. I thought it was such an absurd question. As I was in the process of telling them how gentle and sweet my dogs are, the dogs decided to have a wrestling match which involved walls shaking as they threw each other into them. Needless to say, I don't think I convinced those poor ladies! =)

Paula - posted on 05/13/2010

all dogs have the potential to bite some mite be worse than others but the botton line is that they all bite. i agree that its the way u bring the dog up in your home which will determine his natura. i have owned a pit bull and he was the sweetest dog in the world, never bit a soul.

Emma - posted on 05/13/2010

your 100% right Staffies are great dogs, it owners who suck and the dog has gotten a bad rap for it ignore there ignorance,

Nikki - posted on 05/13/2010

I don't trust dogs, we have one but she is not allowed anywhere near our baby, she is now a full time outside dog. I love our dog she is 15 year old ridgeback, and she has always been gentle, in fact she is a big sook. But I don't think you can ever know what a dog is capable of, no matter how good they have been in the past. I am just not willing to take that risk.

Allyson - posted on 05/13/2010

I have a pitbull as well, and have been given a hard time about it by my own parents, who are terrified of her, just because she is a pit. In reality, she is the gentlest dog I've ever owned! Her best friend is a gerbil, who she will lick and lay with ALL the time! He have 3 boys, ages 9,8, and 2 1/2. We dont leave our kids alone with the dog either, just because of the fact that ANYTHING could happen, but thats with ANY pet-I once read about a 1 month old baby that got her face chewed off by a ferret! Maybe we should try to ban them, 2! Our dog is very loving and gentle, but we always watch for changes in her behavoir, and I've never seen her be anything but the sweet, loving pitbull that she is!

Kelli - posted on 05/12/2010

Your totally right, if you raise your dog to be nice they'll be nice, if you raise them to be mean they'll be mean. I don't think you should worry about it... and heck, even the nicest dog can nip a little finger once and a while if it's where it shouldn't be.

Tammie - posted on 05/12/2010

Totally agree we have a red nosed pit that belongs to my eldest daughter whom recently moved back in with us. This dog scares EVERYONE that sees him because of the bad wrap pits have been given. This dog is more gentle than our cat. ANY animal can turn on you or be taught to be vicious. It is the owner that causes the problem not a certain breed of dog.

Melissa - posted on 05/12/2010

I agree with you... I worked in a vet clinic and would see Chihuahuas meaner then some of the big dogs(pit bulls, rottweilers, etc.) Keep your pup as long as you feel comfortable with him!

Amanda - posted on 05/12/2010

i believe it is the owner of a pet that should take the responsibility to raise their pet properly, i've trained dogs, horses and cats for 15 years, if you teach them to learn and respect, then u will also learn and respect, however i'd ignore people who comment about your dog, you know your dog, i don't, but the breed is very good with kids, my friend has an english mastiff and has 3, couldn't ask for a better pet, even though he hasn't been trained hes still a good dog

Michelle - posted on 05/12/2010

I have a american Staffordshire terrier ( comonly known as pitbull) and i have heard it from every one. Including my family who all know and love the dog, they just dont trust her around my 21 month old. The funny thing is, that every time i turn around for 2 seconds, Thomas is running to the dog to give her hugs and kisses :) he loves her, and she loves him. But i think that it would be irresponsible of a parent to leave their child alone with any pet, as things happen all the time. So Thomas is never alone with our dog. She is downstairs where we have an open concept home, so if im in the kitchen doing dishes i see them, or she is upstairs on her bed.

Xenia - posted on 05/12/2010

I have 2 Pitbulls, They are the most softest loving dogs. My partner is dog crazy, He works alot with pitbull owners in america and from him i have learned so much about dogs. Staffs and pitts come from the same blood line and all this stupid press coverage is ridiculous It isnt the dog breed, Its the dog owners and how they bring the dog up. My dogs know that we are the 'pack' leaders and they are beneath us. The problem is alot of people let the dogs run them anfd they become unrulely. My dogs are never left in the room alone, that isnt because we dont trust them, Its because ANY dog can switch at any time. Even a chiuaha (however u spell that). Everyones always saying, their dangerous blah blah blah. Yeh they are when people fight them, people beat them.. wouldnt u be. Its people that know nothing about dogs that assume all dogs are the same!!

Janet - posted on 05/12/2010

I would do some research on that particular breed. Some dogs are really good pack animals while others are good individual animals. For example, a chow and a dalmation are not good in a multi person home. I am not saying that they will attack but the stress may be overwhelming one day and they will lash out. You will also know your dog from watching it over time and seeing it in different situations.

Andrea - posted on 05/11/2010

I feel your pain. My male is a Staff. and my female is a pit. They are both wonderful around our daughter and my stepson. We often have friends over and the dogs have always been excellent with the kids. Just for my own peace of mind I do not leave them alone in the house or outside with the dogs. Our dogs are both very active and outgoing but when the kids are around they are great. Our male, who isn't fixed yet, was lying on the couch one day when my daughter (who at the time was about a year old) grabbed his manly dog parts and pulled on them. He laid there and didn't move. He's a big softie. It is very true what they say about how the owner's raise them. As long as your dog does well in your home and is safe around your child that is all that matters!

Christina - posted on 05/11/2010

Aw! I agree. Punish the deed, not the breed! But you know, I have a Pit Bull. She seems to love my daughter. She tolerates typical toddler behavior very well just like your dog from what it sounds. My dog's problem is her outward appearance to strangers and I understand why passersby would be scared of your dog but I don't think that justifies them giving you advice on your family! I'd say if you want to be more confident in your pet, take a training class with them. I am in one right now. The way I see it, I can only improve my situation by doing the work with my dog!

I know you have a Staffordshire Bull Terrior which is completely different but I thought you'd might like this to cheer you up.
http://www.hellobully.com/pb101/pitbull1...

Good luck with the fam and your poochie, Rebecca!

Tia - posted on 05/11/2010

I have a pit bull and have got many of those same responses. I just shrug it off these days instead of getting worked up. My daughter loves my dog (we refer to them as sisters) and they are practically connected at the hip. Anyone that think that they are vicious beasts obviously have never been around family raised pits or else they would know pit bulls are excellent family dogs and great protectors of the children they love!

Tomesa - posted on 05/11/2010

i ignore folk like that...i have a pit bull and she is the best dog walking.

Sharon - posted on 05/11/2010

It's just that a BULL (anything) has a bad rap for being agresive. However I have heard that german sheperds are more likely to turn them most bulls. I will say those they have proven that a PITbull and a rottweiler do have a certian unusual malfunction, that does at random pionts in thier life cause them to change from a ever docial and loving dog to a very aggresive dog. the thoery I've heard on it is similar to the Hibertation reaction in Racoons and scunks, you can train them from a baby to be pets, but if they EVER go into habernation they always wake up wild. I know dogs don't hibernate, but it's just a theroy.

Personally there are a number of odgs I would never have around young kids, but I don't judge other for the choice in pets, as long as they care for and protect everyone the same (child and dog). I have a docksen and 3 cats, they all know not to bite, but I can't blame them for nipping when my 2yr is trying to lay on top of one of them. I acctually have to protect the animals from my son, more than the other way around.

Jessica - posted on 05/10/2010

Yes!I use to have a pitbull and never hurt a fly we had a ferret and would hang off her mouth.They have a bad name to we moved years ago and the places didn't want them so we had to put her asleep because the shelters didn't want them either.I cried all the way home.I would have her today if people would treat they're animals right.Your a mom you have your childs best interest at heart.

Taralee - posted on 05/10/2010

As a canine behaviour specialist I fought the ban tooth and nail up here in Ontario. The breed has recieved a bad wrap due to bad owner; often drug dealers etc.. The ironic thing is that most owners of such breeds are very responsible and have no illegal ties. Hence, the phrase "one bad apple ruins the bunch". Pitties were bred from the staffie and bull mastiff lines to create a fighting dog, not a working dog. That is were the name "pit"bull comes from. As in the fighting pit. It is not that they have a harder bite, as someone mentioned, but that the mechanism of their jaw is to dislodge at the joint and as another dog pulls away the pittie does not loose their grip, but the grip actually tightens. Staffie were original "nannie" dog. They were on large properties to protect children from large prey and "bad" ppl. If you look at pictures of women and children in the forties during WW2 almost every other picture is a staffie as a family dog. This being said, you are very wise to always watch the two together, especially as the child gets older. When I go on a bite call, 8/10 times the child was teasing, or harrassing, or hanging off the dog, or playing in the food. Therefore, your best bet is to teach your young one to act properly around dogs. Some good books to get are "Dogs and Kids" and "Dogs and babies". Also a video by Dr. Ian Dunbar called "Every picture tells a story" or his book "Dog Training for children". Therefore, you can tell ppl that you are being proactive about your two babies living together in harmony. Good luck. I have never met a staffie I did not like :)

Amy - posted on 05/10/2010

My philosophy is there are no bad dogs only bad owners. we have a pit and bull dog mix and she is a very gentle dog she has never growled or nipped at my son and we have kids over all the time. Who ever is giving you flack is most likely a non- animal lover to begin with.

Ashley=) - posted on 05/10/2010

SUSAN your post is SO sweet but sad..i love animals and i got my first little pet a beautiful snow white half chiwawa and shitzu.my kids were five and 6mths at the time.He was such a lovely little puppy but he died a week later,he had parvo that we didnt know about when we got him and he was 6weeks old and died at 7weeks.We were all devastated and spent a fortune to save him, but i am so glad he was loved for that week and cared for&in a warm clean bed instead of a cold dirty shed were he was.Its been over a year since and my oldest girl still cries for him,we called him AJ.Dont think i could brave getting another dog.My partner is thinking about a Husky but im to scared to own another again after the first pup getting sick.:-(

Susan - posted on 05/10/2010

Our beloved terrier mix, Chloe, was my baby. We had a very hard time getting pregnant so I mothered my little dog so much so that I really do think she thought I was her mother lol. Anyway we'd had Chloe almost three years when we were finally blessed with our DD. Things were fine until DD learned to crawl. Chloe became extremly jealous of DD to the point where I was afraid of what she'd do. Then one day she did go after DD when she was crawling on the floor. It was unprovoked, thank GOD I was right there and my DD wasn't injured. I placed Chloe outside and we took her to the animal shelter that day. I know there isn't a comparison but to me it felt like I was putting my child up for adoption. One year later I still cry because I miss my first baby but I know I did the right thing for my real baby.

Good luck and I hope that you have a dog that continues to be good with your child!

Ashley=) - posted on 05/10/2010

I believe dogs can be unpredictable with a good loving owner as well,as my partner was attacked by his cousins beloved pet who was giving to him when hes wife's, mother died of cancer.It was her pet that she loved and treated like a child.His cousin got a deep bite on his arm and it could of caused nerve damage any deeper,my partner was bite on his tummy.

Generally most animals act fine with good loving owners but always be careful of any animal around your children.

Mynique - posted on 05/09/2010

I think that how an animal is treated and how his owners treat him reflects on the actions of the pet. If you feel safe with a pit bull as a dog, then that's your choice. I am scared of all large dogs, but that's from past experiences i have...I got flack to w/ my cats..we have 3 and i was told to keep them away from the baby cuz they will steal the baby's breath ect...People are always judging what they don't know. I think that if you raised a kind sweet dog that is good with your child then that's your choice and you should feel confident that you know it was raised with love and kindness and wouldn't hurt your family. Our cats love our little girl, have never tried to harm her in any way and have never tried to steal her breath as so many cautioned me to...which i thought was just ridiculous from the start...Don't let them make you second guess yourself..If you know your dog is kind and safe, then that's that..You live with the pet, not them.

Sarah - posted on 05/09/2010

I LOVE dogs...and that REALLY gets to me when people start talking about "aggressive breeds" and how dangerous they are & how you should never own one blah blah blah. Give me a break. It's all about how they are raised and treated. I bet your staffordshire bull terrior is absolutely precious! :)

Heather - posted on 05/09/2010

i agree. it is the owner... it is unfortunate that people jump to conclusions like that. =( animals are just that.. they are animals and they are only as good (or bad) as their owner makes them...

Vanessa - posted on 05/09/2010

I agree..... my next door neighbour has 3 huskys & a child...She also never leaves the child alone with any of the dogs...People should not judge a book by its cover....

Sheila - posted on 05/08/2010

i agree with you. i own 4 dogs, 3 of which are pittbulls--1 of those are inside. my son has grown up (so far) with these pets. they are never left unattended with him, have never shown any signs of aggression towards him, and they actually engage with playing with him. i don't take for granted that they can turn on anyone. when you become blind to the fact that they can turn, then you can become a bad pet owner, which can be harmful to your child or children. just keep your guard up.

Nikki - posted on 05/08/2010

it`s the owner not the dog, we have a 4 year old weimaraner and my son is 11 months, everyone is like OMG you have such a big dog w a baby. Im more worried about my son hurting the dog then the other way around. My poor dog takes his beatings all day and just sits there she`ll even lick him as he is smacking her across the head, Im trying sooooo hard to teach him gentle, we have two cats as well and they are petrified of him.

Cyndi - posted on 05/08/2010

Wow, this is SO familiar! I heard quite often about my Rottie "Jerico" He was my first child. And that is what I would tell people. He was part of the family and he was very good for the family. When I had my first daughter he was SO excited and he would not miss a thing going on with her, he watched everyone that approached her he did not even growl and he would come get our attention if she woke up and we were not in the room. He was raised well he went to behavior classes and was going to be a guide dog. I heard from many people "oh my, you let him around your kids?" I inform them that he is their sibling I get /got nasty looks and walked on.
Blessings,
Cyndi

Erica - posted on 05/08/2010

I think as long as you are comfortable with the dog, dont worry what others think. Some people will always have bad judgements on certain animals because of stories theyve heard or a bad experience they ve had. But any kind of dog can be agressive or kind & gentle. Even tiny dogs can be very aggressive, it depends on how they are taught & their own little personalities

Jessica - posted on 05/08/2010

i had a staffie with my 6 month old daughter and he was a bit hyper but was always settled when she was around. i was bought up with dogs (staffies rotties and greyhounds) xxx