Pit Bulls are Evil

[goReptiles]

Why is it that so many people who are scared of Pit Bulls, have no fear of Rottweilers, GSD, Akitas, Chows, Dobermans, Cane Corsos, or any dog who has had the same vicious reputation current or in the past?

Why is it that these people know they're scared because of media reports yet refuse to talk to Pit Bull owners in attempts to solice their fears?

Why is it that people don't care to change their mind? Why is it that people prefer to hold the breed to the stereotype than to try to see both sides?

Why is it that when arguing that all have a super high risk of being bad and more and more people want them soley for ego and bad purposes, those people pull up Wikipedia notes and out/outdated sources instead of new reports? (Well, I can answer that one.. Because the new reports state that breed is not a determining factor of attacks and bites. New reports say that the old dog bite reports are inaccurate because the data used to pull the report together are from innacurate sources.)

Why is it that because one Pit Bull knocks a person down (in no attempts to be aggressive), the person feels the need to say that the entire breed should be restricted from a park?

Why is it that because a dog is a Pit Bull it can harm a small toy breed, yet no other dog in the park can?

I don't understand...

 

[Gregg M]

Its the same as the reptile hobby... A few stupid owners can screw things up for the rest of us good, educated owners...

In my opinion a dog is only as good or as bad as its owner...

 

[Kitsune]

In my opinion a dog is only as good or as bad as its owner...

I agree 100% with you there, Gregg.

 

[JordanAng420]

Its the same as the reptile hobby... A few stupid owners can screw things up for the rest of us good, educated owners...

In my opinion a dog is only as good or as bad as its owner...

Couldn't have said it better myself. :main_thumbsup:

 

[g3ckosr4me]

i know. just because some people decide to fight pitt bulls they get a bad reputation. It is not how the breed behaves, it is how they are raised.

 

[wilomn]

Well......there are some breeds that are more rambunctious and prone to aggression than others.

I've got a wolfhybrid, a pit and a dobie. The hybrid is 13 years old and not much for being aggressive nowadays but in his prime he never backed down from anything, never really started stuff, just stayed to finish. But, he looked like Balto so people loved him even when they were afraid of him.

The pit is just over a year and a goofy dog if ever there was one. He's been neutered since he was 3 months old but is a male and acts like one. He plays rough and is big. With his big wide head and so many teeth, it's easy to understand why the poodle crowd are uncomfortable even though he is not unduly aggressive.

The dobie is 8 months and a sweetheart. He ears are not clipped so she looks sweet, and is truly a good natured beast.

The thing is, most people do not speak Dog. I cannot tell you the number of times I've been at a dogpark and heard people calling their dogs off of what is really play because they are growling and barking. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard some nitwit tell me that their dog doesn't like sniffing dogbutts because he "knows" better, or doesn't bark because it's not nice or doesn't growl because he isn't aggressive.

Fools, the lot of them.

Dogs do things certain way BECAUSE they are dogs and people anthropomorphize them into what they THINK the dog should be all the while completely ignoring millions of years of genetic conditioning.

That said, I firmly believe that some lines of dogs, pits, dobies, rotts, shepards, are known for aggression for good reason. How many attacks on owners are made by these types? They've been bred for aggression and that is not always something that can be overcome by training. Some dogs, like some people, are just mean. Some dogs, like some people, should not be allowed to play with others.

Because people are basically ignorant these dogs are not kept away from those they could harm but are in fact repeatedly exposed to situations that are setups for failure which is not the fault of the dog but the doofus who owns it.

That is where the problem lies.

Of course, it is also due to the complete jackoffs who think mean dogs are cool and bring them out to show them off. It is my firm belief that most if not all of those folks are lifetime members of the Tiny Penis Club.

Ignorance and stupidity are rampant.

 

[paulnj]

I have owned Neopolotitan mastiffs, Bandogges(Pit / neo mix) , a dogue de bordeaux, 9 pitbulls rescued from a fighting ring(extremely aggressive when I got them) , fila brasileiro and a TOSA INU. All where very capable of protecting their owner, but they were broken of bad habits and became animal and people loving dogs.

Dogs are a product of thier environment and need to be tough to be mean (or allowed to be the alpha in alot of cases)

 

[Chewbecca]

I just want it made clear: An American Pit Bull Terrier should NEVER show aggression towards a human.
It's simply NOT in their genetic make up.
I think we should separate "aggression" into the categories it should and IS in:
There is:
Human aggression, dog aggression, and animal aggression.
There are probably more types of aggression, but those are the main categories that dogs fall into.

Pit Bulls were NEVER EVER originally bred to be human aggressive. EVER.
In fact, not only were dogs culled if they bit their humans (known as "man-biters"), but they were known as the "Nanny Dog" in the 20th century and before.
Pit Bulls were specifically bred NOT TO BE human aggressive because the dogmen had to be able to pull them off of a dog in the middle of fighting another in the pit and NOT get bit.
If they got bit, the dog was usually culled.

BUT, having said that, just as loving as a pit bull is towards humans, it can be THAT dog aggressive.
We're talking about dogs bred to fight other dogs for centuries.
It's in them.

Not every pit bull is always going to show signs of dog aggression, especially as a pup.
But if you own a pit bull, chances are you're going to notice that your dog goes from dog social to dog tolerant, and if you're lucky, it'll never reach dog aggressive, but they usually do. But what's awesome about these dogs IS their love for humans. Dog aggression CAN BE managed. I manage it every day. I keep my dog AWAY from other dogs.
I do NOT take her to dog parks. Dog parks are NOT the place for pit bulls because of their tendency for dog aggression.

Yes, people suck for discriminating against our dogs like that. Yes, we own "the bad breed", but I'd rather keep my pit bull home anyway.
She doesn't NEED to be buddy buddy with other dogs. She only NEEDS her humans.

Small playdates in a controlled environment are what's best for pit bulls.
When they're puppies (under 6 months old), sure, take them to a dog park.
Socialize the heck out of them while you can with other dogs.
But as an adult?
Do the rest of us pit bull owners who are trying to fight the bad reputation of these dogs, and keep your pit bull OUT OF dog parks.
It doesn't belong there.
TOO much of an uncontrolled environment.
And let me tell you, a pit bull may not START the fight, but it sure as hell WILL finish it.
So your pit bull WILL get the blame.
And that'd be another strike against the breed.

Let me ask you this:
Would you put two male geckos together?
No?
Don't bring your pit bull to a dog park.

 

[yellermelon]

My pit bulls be big old BABIES! My Doberman is scared of CATS. yeah but my chihaha..I dont mess with her...neither does the doberman..shes CRAZY!
My pit bull doesnt go to dog parks but does fine in petsfart and at the vet.

 

[BuryinDespair]

my neighbors had a pit bull, sweetest dog ever...peed every time you pet her. Her name was Destiny, and if I'd a known they were looking for a new home for her i'd of taken her.

I've seen chihuahuas more aggressive than most bully breeds.

 

[Bellalee]

I agree with the people above.. everyone.. I'm torn on this. Some dogs are aggressive.. but your right it's all the in the upbringing of the dogs. My pit does not start fights.. who knows if she'd finish them.. I'd never let her. She was fine when brought home 2 puppies, and when they grew up and had puppies she loved them.. she's afraid of other dogs.. she's unsocialized with the outside world.. does that mean she's dog aggressive? I have no clue.. I don't want to find out. Is she human aggressive... no fricken way.. but anyways.. I mumbled.

 

[LeapinLizards]

Small playdates in a controlled environment are what's best for pit bulls.
When they're puppies (under 6 months old), sure, take them to a dog park.
Socialize the heck out of them while you can with other dogs.
But as an adult?
Do the rest of us pit bull owners who are trying to fight the bad reputation of these dogs, and keep your pit bull OUT OF dog parks.
It doesn't belong there.
TOO much of an uncontrolled environment.
And let me tell you, a pit bull may not START the fight, but it sure as hell WILL finish it.
So your pit bull WILL get the blame.
And that'd be another strike against the breed.

Let me ask you this:
Would you put two male geckos together?
No?
Don't bring your pit bull to a dog park.

I agree with most of what's been said, beside what I quoted. I think this is an unfair blanket statement. People that own Pits, know they are ALL very different dogs, every one of them. It is the responsibility of the OWNER to know their dog...know it's behavior, it's body language, it's triggers (if any), etc. I don't agree with dog parks as it is (not because of the dogs, but because of the stupid humans), but I can say this...the 3 times I've been to a dog park, I've been bitten by dogs that are not even a foot tall. I saw a Chihuahua almost rip my ROTTWEILERS ear off. You know what the lady said? "Oh Schnuffles...you don't go picking on bigger dogs again...that mean dog could have hurt you!" Meanwhile my Rott is bleeding like crazy and I'm looking at her like SHE is crazy.

I fear the bad reputation these dogs have is far from being set right. What kills me the most is the media. A poodle could maul a child, and it would hardly get any coverage, but should a pitbull nip one, it's a front page story and people call for blood...they want it to be euthanized. It's just the sad world we live in right now, and like I said, with all of the irresponsible owners out there, I fear it will only get much worse.

 

[LizMarie]

I agree with most of what's been said, beside what I quoted. I think this is an unfair blanket statement. People that own Pits, know they are ALL very different dogs, every one of them. It is the responsibility of the OWNER to know their dog...know it's behavior, it's body language, it's triggers (if any), etc. I don't agree with dog parks as it is (not because of the dogs, but because of the stupid humans), but I can say this...the 3 times I've been to a dog park, I've been bitten by dogs that are not even a foot tall. I saw a Chihuahua almost rip my ROTTWEILERS ear off. You know what the lady said? "Oh Schnuffles...you don't go picking on bigger dogs again...that mean dog could have hurt you!" Meanwhile my Rott is bleeding like crazy and I'm looking at her like SHE is crazy.

I fear the bad reputation these dogs have is far from being set right. What kills me the most is the media. A poodle could maul a child, and it would hardly get any coverage, but should a pitbull nip one, it's a front page story and people call for blood...they want it to be euthanized. It's just the sad world we live in right now, and like I said, with all of the irresponsible owners out there, I fear it will only get much worse.

I agree with Heather on the unfair blanket statement. All dogs are different. While some breeds might be prone to certain behaviors/attitudes doesn't mean that each and every dog will be that way. It's is up to the owner to know their animal. I live in the bronx and when I go to the dog park 9/10 dogs there are PITBULLS. Funny thing is I've NEVER seen a pitbull start a fight or even be involved in one. But I've seen poodles, chihuahua, various small dogs, and Labs causing A LOT of the issues!

In my eyes Chewbecca it seems that your feeding a little into the stereotype of pitbulls by saying "Would you put two male geckos together?
No? Don't bring your pit bull to a dog park .." I've seen numerous pitbulls that are dog friendly and live in a household with multiple others animals, dogs, cats, rabbits, etc and don't have issues. are the pitbulls I've been exposed to the exception and a small percentage? Because by your statement it seems that they shouldn't be that way and that they MUST be dog aggressive or have some form of it.

 

[sunshinegeckofarm]

i agree. IMHO all dogs are capable of being really mean and aggressive toward animals and humans alike. No certain breed should be pinned for this every dog should be judged individually and how they are raised and their genes will be the ultimate thing that will determine their attitude. You may have a sweet pit/rott/dobe/shep etc but have a mean as heck golden retriever that will attack anyone and everyone. Just like people there are nice people then there is others that are not nice and those that are nice generally have nice kids those that are mean have normally not so nice kids not always the rule on this but it happens more often than not. to me people should have to prove they are good owners to own dogs and those with alot of any breed should be checked out very well and often. this is my opinion i dont want to offend anyone

 

[wilomn]

Ya know, I was thinking about the Pit that lives here and he IS a killer. Not snakes, he ignores those. Not the cat, they eat out of the same bowl. Not the other dogs though the dobie does try his patience when she sticks her butt in his face to get him to play.

He is HELL on rodents though. I breed rats and every once in a while I have a quick one jump out when cleaning and disappear. Generally a day or two later I find a new chew toy in the yard. I have NO problem with this.

We do the dogpark, no often, but only because other dogs start stuff, not him. The other two are fine at the dogpark, the dobie pretty much ignores everyoen and my hybrid is just too old to put any real effort into much of anything other than marking territory.

 

[Chewbecca]

Um, remember all, I, too, am owned by a pit bull.

No, not EVERY pit bull will become dog aggressive.
But those are the few, and read the different levels of dog tolerance.
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/dogdog.cfm

I'm not going to say that every pit bull can NEVER be around another dog or dogs.
But to me, dog parks are a HUGE no-no for pit bulls.
I think it's irresponsible to take a pit bull to one.
Sorry, that's just my opinion. And I'm SURE it's going to be an unpopular one.

Sure, it IS the responsibility of the owner of the dog to KNOW their dog.
But just how WELL can a human know their dog?
Do you all speak dog? Do you speak dog better than dogs do?
Do you all know dog body language?
How do you know if another dog or dogs is going to cause your dog to react?
And maybe you know your dog, but do you know other people's dogs?

No, I'm NOT trying to feed into ANY stereo-type that the pit bull already suffers from.
I know the breed. I know what the breed was bred for.

I am also well aware that dog aggression doesn't only have the ability to exist in pit bulls, but in other breeds as well.
ANY dog can be dog aggressive, I know this.
But I just don't think I'm going to take my dog to a dog park (even if she WASN'T dog aggressive) and place the expectation on her to get along with swarms of unruly dogs.
It wouldn't be fair to her.

Believe me. Talk to a few responsible pit bull owners of adult pit bulls.
Or multiple pit bull households, they're going to be well familiar with dog aggression in pit bulls.
It's NOT the end of the world.
But I think to deny pit bulls' propensity for dog aggression is irresponsible.
There are tons of ways you can say these dogs are "just dogs" or "just like any other dog". But when it comes to dog aggression, it's the responsibility of the owner to KNOW that the chance is always there and to act responsibly.
Just like a collie herds animals, beagles and bloodhounds sniff, greyhounds run, terriers were bred to go after rodents (well, most of them, that is). You world doesn't have to revolve around it, but you have to keep it in mind and there might be a few activities you may not allow your dog to participate in.

Here's what Bad Rap (they took in and worked with the Michael Vick dogs)
has to say about pit bulls and dog parks:
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/dogpark.cfm


Just so you all know I'm not the only one that thinks taking pit bulls to dog parks is not the best thing in the world to do.

 

[sunshinegeckofarm]

I dont think any dog that has shown dog aggressiveness should go to a dog park at all no matter the breed there is too much of a chance of a fight happening and people or dogs getting hurt and lawsuits at hand and blah blah, no aggressive dogs should be taken to a dog park. I dont take our beagles because they are a pack and they dont like others in it they act crazy around other dogs so I dont want to risk anything maybe individually but not together for sure. but personally i dont like dog parks too many idiots take their dogs there and then they yell at u when your dog is stiffing their dogs butt i dont think so its dogs nature to do so so go sit down somewhere and pick up after your dog.

 

[leonut]

Certain dog breeds go through places in time where the are considered crazy man-eating maniacs. Before the pitbull it was the german shepard, akita, bullmastifs and several others as well. We also have to take into consideration the psycology of it all. Because people are scared of pits from all the storys, rumors and such, when they see an off leash pit, or even walk into a dog park where there are pits they tend to freak out. Dogs can sense emotions (and even if they didn't a 4 year old can see when someone is scared ) and have a natural tendacy to "correct" unstable behavior. In other words the dog comes near, the person freaks out, the dog freaks out, and the rest is a news story. This is quite unfortunate because it can happen with any dog but it's a hundred times worse with a pit than with a lab because "a pitbull is a homicidal monster!" :no:

 

[Foreverandever]

Then no dogs should go to dog parks, since all breeds can be dog aggressive


I had a pitty when I was younger and she was the sweetest dog ever. She was about 70 lbs and would be the dog rolling on her back and being submissive to tiny 20 lb dogs. I miss her

 

[nrich]

First, the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize pit bulls as an actual breed, but most people think of them as dogs that resemble the short, stocky Staffordshire bull terrier or the longer-legged American Staffordshire terrier — dogs such as Petey, the dog with the ring around his eye in “The Little Rascals.” The AKC says these dogs are friendly, intelligent, obedient, courageous, easy to train and good with children. The UKC accepts them as a breed closely related to the Staffy.

Secondly, that type of dog was not origionally bred to be in dogfights. The UKC traces the breed back to the 19th century, when breeders in England, Ireland and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between bulldogs and terriers. Farmers used pit bulls to catch wild cattle and hogs, and also to help drive livestock. They were able to lock their jaws onto an animal and hold on, no matter how hard they were shaken.

They began to be exploited in dog fights primarily because they are so willing to work and so intent on protecting and pleasing their masters.

IMO most pits don't have aggressive traits, BUT those traits can be encouraged by their owners, purposefully or not. Almost any dog can be trained to be non-aggressive towards people and other dogs, but it takes a lot of patience and dilligence. Most aggressive behavior stems from fear. Fear of other dogs because of a past experience, fear that someone is entering their territory, fear that someone might harm their master. These are all situations that can be addressed with steady, continous and calm training.


Like everybody else: I think there are no bad dogs, just bad owners.