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Pit Bull Terriers: Dangerous, or just dogs?

Before we get started, I'll admit that a pit in the wrong hands can kill a person. I'll admit that a pit has a stronger bite than a small breed. I'll admit that most people don't know how to handle a pit... But my point here is, do most people know how to handle ANY dog that big? I've done research on dog breeds myself, and have come to find out that it's not the Pit that has the strongest bite out there. A Rottweiler has a stronger bite than a pit (I learned this while trying to help a neighbor with their unruly Rottie pup, doing research to give them a bit of insight on the breed because they refused to train her). Now, let's look at why pits are so hard to control. Firstly, they're terriers. They're bred for that single-mindedness that makes terriers, of all kinds, hard to handle. They see something and, by golly, they want to do what they want to do. Second of all, they're a larger terrier. I won't say they're 'big' dogs because they're surprisingly not "Large Breed" but instead are considered medium, because most don't even size up to a German Shepherd (which, coincidentally, is also considered a medium breed). But that still means they're a little more to handle than your standard Jack Russell. Thirdly... or, should I say firstly again, they're a terrier! They need extensive amounts of exercise in order to meet their physical needs. It's like getting a hyperactive kid and telling it to sit in a chair in a room indefinitely. You're going to have problems. Now, this isn't to say they can't be dangerous. By all means, they can! Just like any other breed of dog! Personally, I've been attacked by more unruly labs than anything else. Thankfully, I know how to handle situations like that, due to my being a certified dog trainer. My own mother had to have her face and arm stitched up from a vicious chihuahua attack, where the owner was claiming the dog was just trying to play with her. Yes, a pit can do more damage... but so can a horse. A horse can kill you with one swift hoof to the head. But we still think of them as gentle creatures. Some people will say the difference is in the head. That a pit is vicious, and will try and kill you the first chance it gets... but that can't be further from the truth. Pits are very loyal, loving dogs. Even in the fighting rings, a dog who bites a person, is gotten rid of. As a dog trainer, I have to point out that there is a difference between animal aggression and human aggression, and Pits are bred to be animal aggressive, not human aggressive. The instinct to attack another animal is something that ALL terriers have. Only difference is the size, here. Which makes it even more important that the dog, like every other dog, be trained properly. Am I saying this is a dog for everyone? No. Am I saying that pits cannot hurt people? No. What I am saying is, that like every other dog breed, this dog has needs. Needs that have to be met, or else you end up with a crazed, oversized terrier who's never been told what is and is not acceptable. What I am saying is that, with the proper treatment, like any other dog breed, this breed will be a great pet. Remember - Pits were considered a family dog for a long, long time, despite their past as bull-baiting and bear-baiting dogs. And they didn't turn and suddenly kill anyone back then, because they were properly handled. What makes it any different -now- besides the fact that they're the new face of dog fighting? Edited: As a note, I also would not recommend any dog be left out in a home while people aren't there. It's dangerous for not just other animals in the house, but for the dogs themselves, especially if you have more than one dog. Dogs who have been living together for a long time have turned on each other and even killed each other while people aren't home, leaving no explanation for the humans who have to come home to injured or dead four-legged family members. This is why I also support crate training for -all- dogs.

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Pits are just dogs! The reason they're so hostile is because they were bred to be that way. They were bred for the purpose of dog fighting, which is a cruel and dangerous "sport," if you can even call it a sport. Their jaws are strong for biting and are hostile because they have fighting in their blood. But Pits are highly misunderstood. There are two Pits that live around my friend's house. He was telling me that they were "dangerous" and "unpredictable." But me, having been around dogs pretty much since I left the hospital when I was born, had no fear of dogs whatsoever. I walked right up to one of the Pits, let her sniff my hand, and scratched her behind the ears while my crazy friend screamed at me to get away from her or she'd chew my face off. O.o But I do agree that Pits are a bit unpredictable. That's why I think they should be owned by people with more experience with dogs. They're definately not for first-time owners, I'll admit that. But really, can you blame them for their cruel past? No, I don't think so. The worst thing a Pit ever did to me was a puppy trying to bite my loopy earrings, but really, he's a PUPPY! I shouldn't of been wearing the earrings. xD
i understand that fully purrson but i have no idea as to what that has to do with me or why you told me that. are you just *um ponders* agreeing with me and giving another example?
Meredith when I leave work I count myself lucky when someones walking a dog past. Some coworkers have thought me crazy for approaching dogs I dont know (with humans on leash) although the dog tells before I am close enough to ask the owner, sometimes the owners answering as I am being slimed... Its generally bad owners NOT bad dogs or breeds.
i screamed at my pe teacher today because he said he saw me walking my pit bull and he wouldn't shut up about how vicious they are. ***ever single day, i have to set people straight*** i Never let a "killer dog" comment go buy unrebuked. i am the only one who can speak for my doggie.
Just on last page and have nt read all but love this post. I am new here, shy to post and seems mostly asking questions on hub or in chat when I dare ;) <br /> Like others have posted "pits" are a group of terrier breeds and types. Artexstaffies which are show type side of breed, were actually also bred as drover dogs, to cart loads to market, and help with cattle in the pit, it's when they fall into the wrong hands, the poor dogs are treated abusively and pushed to attack other dogs, even then like others have said, the owner human needs to be safely able to remove the dog from the fight, so any HA a dog shows is a negative to keeping the dog fighting or breeding. They are like any dog, in that all people need to examine themselves and their capabilities in handling a dog, terriers do need someone that knows dogs and how to train, more important as the size and strength of the dog goes up. Most dogs just want to please their master/owner. Today took my kitty in for repeat labs at vets, someone had 2 piggies there, one with a muzzle that they were walking toward the door. Dog looked at me with a totally soft wiggling pet me look, and I asked if he was friendly. Man hesitated a sec saying he will want to lick you, I said that's ok, and he added and jump up, he's friendly to people but wants to say hi, I said that was ok, and accepted pitty slobber lol, and a big pitty hug. Also petted their other pup. Nope had not met them, and had no fear, dogs said they were friendly before owner did
I LOVE LOVE LOVED reading the very first post. i own a pit bull and on a daily basis, i have to stop my dog from being attack by prejudice nonsense. im the only one who constantly stands up for her and never lets a ''killer pit bull'' insult go by unrebuked. i deal with people run across the street to get away from my Baby girl. Insulting. Any dog could be just as efficient of a killer as a pit bull. training a pit bull is not for just any idiot, you need to know what your doing. and im going to be honest, we never owned a pit bull before and had no idea of what her breed would require, but we did our best and we came out with a dog that has never bitten Anything(person or animal) ever. some say i got lucky, i say no, i had to change my life to meet the pit bull breeds requirements and even though i didn't do much as recommended, i still tried and if you try to do whats best for your dog it usually turns out good. ***what people don't realize is 85% of pit bull attacks are Blue Genes. pit bulls bred especially for a silver blue coat, have been bred Poorly and that's the result.***
Haha, sorry if I seemed like I was disagreeing with you at all. I have a habit of throwing in random facts/opinions. My brain is a rambling one. ;)
Understood and agreed.<br /> <br /> <i>"human aggression is uncharacteristic of the breed."</i><br /> <br /> That was the point I was attempting to make clear-- you stated it in seven words; I could not accomplish that in a whole post. x3<br />
It's actually been like that for awhile. One of Colby's dogs killed his nephew, and there have been several "man biters" in the ring but since they were successful they were still bred for money.<br /> <br /> And they don't obey in the ring, handlers carry break sticks with them so they can get them off each other without harming themselves.<br /> <br /> I need to find that darn site again!<br /> <br /> If there is a threat of APBTs being unstable, it's dogs from BYBs. They don't understand genetics at all. Especially now that some people are crossing them with guardian breeds such as Mastiff-type dogs, Presa Canarios, etc. And tying to put them off as APBT and people believe them.<br /> <br /> In Game-bred dogs human aggression is very rare, as it is uncharacteristic of the breed.<br /> <br /> I know several "dogmen", they live in countries where dog fighting is legal. They take young pups and "spar" them, grabbing their scruff and trusting them at each other.<br /> <br /> They also tie dogs to jennies and put a live animal in a cage and have them chase it. At the end they get to kill it as a reward. <br /> <br /> APBTs have a high likelihood to be animal aggressive, but human aggression is uncharacteristic of the breed. ;)<br /> <br />
<i>"APBTs weren't really trained to obey during a fight, they really weren't trained at all."</i><br /> <br /> Sort of.<br /> Back in the day (I will not say for these ages), they <i>did</i> have an honest behavior bred into them. The owners needed to be able to break up the fight without getting harmed themselves-- thus the fact that they were not originally considered, or wished, to be human aggressive. <br /> Those times have passed, fortunately or unfortunately. In the rings now... the most thirsty dog takes the prize, regardless of behavior towards humans.<br /> <br /> <b>-Vol

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