Let's get to know pit bulls...sm
Posted By: blondie_1147 on 2008-11-09
In Reply to: To pit bull owners and defenders: - truffle
A lot of people on here I am sure do not own a pit bull. It is hard to know the breed when you aren't around them on a day to day basis. I would just like to share some traits of pit bulls.
Pits are robust. They are active and love to play. They are a smart breed of dog too. I guess you could say they are roughnecks. They will do anything to please their owners and want to be a big ole lap dog. Oh yeah they will and mine does (all 70 pounds) climb up in your lap wanting to be nurtured. LOL.
If I had to describe their personality I would say first of all contrary to all the media hype and hysteria of pits, the dogfighting community (by the way I do not condone dogfighting) did not breed pit bulls to be human aggressive. They wanted a dog they could work with in the fighting arena and not have to worry about these dogs attacking them or other people watching this sport. (which is unscrupulous but just trying to explain this is how they were bred). A lot of pit bulls are so happy on meeting owners friends they don't even know; that some people who get them worry they won't make a good guard dog because some happily greet strangers. The protective instinct a pit has usually won't surface until they are about a year old. I would say they want to be the center of attention. They are very self confident dogs.
I have to say pits can be funny. One reason is pits have some of the most expressive faces.
Sometimes though you may have a perfectly nice pup which will grow up to be mean because he was encouraged to be mean. Raised to be mean.
If pit bulls could choose their owners instead of the other way around then I would say a pit would choose an owner with high spirits and a joy of living. Good owners of pits are able to handle their dogs.
A pits character traits seem to be contradictory in that they are strong but sensitive; rowdy but gentle; outgoing but devoted; easily fired up but highly trainable; mischevious but sensible; energetic yet serene; peaceful but always alert. All these describe the pit bull.
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How do you feel about pit bulls?
A year ago we adopted this amazingly sweet puppy from an animal rescue. Was told he was a golden retriever mix, they thought with Aussie. As he grew we just did not see the Aussie and in trying to figure out his breed, through the vet and some research found out is part pit. He is a lovely, sweet, gentle dog.
Here is the problem. Ohio has strict restrictions regarding pits; you have to carry extra liability, fenced yard, keep them in a pen, etc. Any incidents and the dog is destroyed. My dog is never outside unattended. If we aren't with him, he is tied. When loose we are always right there, and he listens well. He loves our cat and has never shown any aggression towards other people or animals. You should see him with kids and babies. Would melt your heart. My neighbor's Sheltie is meaner than my sweet baby, having bitten my kids several times, and they let him roam loose.
Now a representative Yates in Ohio is proposing a bill that all pit bulls or those suspected of being pit bulls be taken and euthanized. If this bill passes, the dog warden would have the right to issue a warrant and come and take your dog if it is suspected of being a pit. You can read about the law here:
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/breed-bans/article/524
Breed specific legislation is so amazingly stupid and closed minded. Any dog is capable of being vicious, it is just a matter of responsible ownership.
Pit Bulls, please read this!
I love dogs, and I don't really have an opinion about pits, because I never owned one. But, please everyone, read what happened in my town a few days ago. This lady was mauled by hers. Its at Greensburgdailynews.com. I was so scared after reading the details of this, and wonder what made him do this unspeakable thing!!
Unfortunately, pit bulls, dobermans
and german sheps have bad reputations but you must remember that it is not the dog itself who is bad - the owners make the dog that way. I have always owned dobermans and german sheps who were the sweetest dogs and got along with kids well. I never cropped my dobemans ears or tail and all dogs went to obedience school. It's a shame that these dogs have bad reputations just because of irresponsible owners. I equate it to children...you treat them bad and they will live up to that reputation.
abused pit bulls
Again I refer to the web site I have posted which gives statistics regarding pit bull ownership by criminals. I don't think it would be a leap of logic to suggest that if they are the #1 most abused dogs, it is because they are the #1 breed of dog owned by criminals. Of course I am not suggesting that you or blondie are criminals, but I would hope that you could at least admit that a large percentage of pit bulls are owned by those involved in drugs and other crimes, with the purpose of attacking and/or intimidating others in their criminal circle.
There are countless other breeds capable of providing the same companionship and loyalty and unconditional love as a pit bull, but without the strength and aggression to kill human beings.
Did you read on the web site about the 24-year-old woman who was killed in her own bed by her 2 pit bulls she had raised since puppyhood? Nobody knows what happened, but these were her two babies, and yet then turned on her and killed her. It is believed that she could have had a seizure, as she was epileptic. Why would a dog perceive their master lying in bed having a seizure (if indeed that is what happened) as a threat, and why would they kill her? What set them off? Ask yourself THAT question.
If pit bulls were the only loyal dog or the only loving dog available to own, I could maybe understand the risk all you owners are taking. But that is just not the case. There are so many other breeds with which you can form that same bond, without the terrible risks.
Pit bulls are very prone to allergies.
From a little research I did, have you tried a high quality lamb kibble yet? That's what most of the sites are recommending for pit bulls. This is one site, but it is down at the bottom of the page.
http://www.mprgroup.net/recommendations2.html
There are other antihistamines that are used for dogs besides Benadryl (never use one with a decongestant, of course). Tavist is one I've used. You may find a 12-hour or 24-hour one more beneficial, but do check with your vet for dosing. We actually got an air cleaner for Misha at one point, though her problems didn't turn out to be allergies.
We have a city ordinance about pit bulls
You have to provide proof of $100,000 insurance to have it; it cannot roam free; and anyone has the right to kill it if they feel they are under attack. If your pit is found running free, it is put down.
Pits do not have to be used for fighting to be aggressive. It is part of their nature - far more aggressive than other dogs.
Yes, I've had plenty of up close and personal experiences with pits that were friendly but that has nothing to do with their underlying aggressive nature.
Dangerous animal.
I had only heard negative about pit bulls
until I heard Rachael Ray talk about hers. With a personality like hers how can she have a bad dog? I do have a new respect for them now, but I agree that I would want to do some research on their "family". I personally prefer tiny little dogs that don't shed. Do pit bulls shed? I posted below that we had a boxer and the shedding was unbelievable but that is not the reason we no longer have her.
Just read where a 42-year-old woman was mauled and killed by her own 2 pit bulls sm
in FL near Jacksonville. Then the dogs turned on her son who was also bit in the throat but luckily will survive. Then the dogs turned on the sherrif's dept before they were both shot and killed. THANK GOD. I hate these dogs. I'm sorry. When my brother was walking home from fishing years ago pits attacked him and he's never been the same. Thankfully he survived. When you go to the FL news website you see tons of pit bull owners sticking up for this breed and saying how they are great dogs. if they are so great why are they banned in multiple counties across the nation? No other type of dog is banned? Neighbors, cousins all say that she was a very loving owner who even slept with the dogs. No neglect, nothing. There were people saying that they leave their pits alone with their young children, as young as 3 years old! How ignorant can you be?
Tons of FL residents are calling of the extinction of this breed and I think that's a great idea. You cannot trust a pit bull PERIOD. There is something in their brains that can TICK at any time - this was quoted by a vet who specializes in dog care. So tell me, why do people take chances with this kind of dog? I'm so angry right now!!!!!!
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