Pit-Bull's...friend or foe?

[luvsJack]

I say that b/c tigers, bears, lions, and other wild animals have successfully been domesticated in the past. For the most part, they don’t attack their owners. But, sometimes they do & when they do it’s usually deadly. I think that’s exactly analogous to owning a pitbull. Most of the time it’s ok, but when it’s not, it very bad.

No it’s not the same at all. Tiger and bears are wild animals that someone tries to tame. And experts will say again and again, they should never be considered pets. They can hurt or kill just by roughhousing. They don’t have to attack.

 

[mya1k9]

This is a interesting thread. I havent read all of it. I love all dogs but am weary of pit bulls. I've met really nice ones and try really hard to not be judgemental but when my daughter spent the night at her friend's house who has 2, I was incredibly anxious. I just cant help it. I owned a GSD who was a very reactive dog, had him in training since he was a pup, socialized him at doggy day care and soon realized that he was never going to be a dog I could let down my guard. Sure enough one day my daughter didnt close the gate fast enough and he rushed the gate and bit her friend on the face with no provocation whatsoever. He knew these girls. I had him put down, and have never fully recovered from the trauma of that day. I now own the sweetest boxer in the world but am still very anxious when the kids have friends over.

 

[EveDallas]

http://www.fox4news.com/news/police-kill-2-dogs-that-attacked-woman-at-north-texas-animal-hospital

This happened not far from me and made me think of this thread.

 

[dish rag]

This is a interesting thread. I havent read all of it. I love all dogs but am weary of pit bulls. I've met really nice ones and try really hard to not be judgemental but when my daughter spent the night at her friend's house who has 2, I was incredibly anxious. I just cant help it. I owned a GSD who was a very reactive dog, had him in training since he was a pup, socialized him at doggy day care and soon realized that he was never going to be a dog I could let down my guard. Sure enough one day my daughter didnt close the gate fast enough and he rushed the gate and bit her friend on the face with no provocation whatsoever. He knew these girls. I had him put down, and have never fully recovered from the trauma of that day. I now own the sweetest boxer in the world but am still very anxious when the kids have friends over.

What is a GSD?

 

[luvsJack]

What is a GSD?

German Shepherd Dog

 

[luvsJack]

This is a interesting thread. I havent read all of it. I love all dogs but am weary of pit bulls. I've met really nice ones and try really hard to not be judgemental but when my daughter spent the night at her friend's house who has 2, I was incredibly anxious. I just cant help it. I owned a GSD who was a very reactive dog, had him in training since he was a pup, socialized him at doggy day care and soon realized that he was never going to be a dog I could let down my guard. Sure enough one day my daughter didnt close the gate fast enough and he rushed the gate and bit her friend on the face with no provocation whatsoever. He knew these girls. I had him put down, and have never fully recovered from the trauma of that day. I now own the sweetest boxer in the world but am still very anxious when the kids have friends over.

Oh my! I am so sorry you had to go through that! And I can understand you being anxious of any large dog!

 

[dish rag]

German Shepherd Dog

Thank you! Wonder why she just didn’t spell it out.

 

[ronandannette]

Thank you! Wonder why she just didn’t spell it out.

I find the “dog” part a little redundant. Nobody’s getting German Shepards confused with actual sheep herders from Germany...

 

[luvsJack]

I find the “dog” part a little redundant. Nobody’s getting German Shepards confused with actual sheep herders from Germany...

Honestly, I think historically that is exactly why the "dog" is in the name. That may be a myth though. It does seem a little redundant now though. I mean how many times does German sheep herders come up in conversation? Even in Germany?

 

[Jolly Cackle Farm]

FREMONT, Calif. — A pack of angry Chihuahuas attacked a police officer who was escorting a teenager home after a traffic stop, authorities said.

The officer suffered minor injuries, including bites to his ankle, police Detective Bill Veteran said.

The five Chihuahuas escaped the 17-year-old boy’s home and rushed the officer as he stood in the doorway Thursday, authorities said. The teenager had been detained after the traffic incident.

The officer was treated at a hospital and returned to work less than two hours later.



should we ban chihuahuas now too?????

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Is the police officer dead?

You can be attacked by 5 chihuahuas and come away with minor bites to the ankles.

Try surviving after a pack of five pit bulls goes after you.

That’s the difference.

 

[ThistleMae]

I agree with your son on the dog parks. There is a lot of bad doggie behavior, as I said earlier in the thread, especially on introductions and bullying (some) other dogs. I can understand that lady was probably a little afraid to let her dog go in the park, but a bunch of dogs ganging up on another dog who's leashed as they're entering the park isn't a good situation, either. If one had started biting, a pack mentality could've ensued and there could've been a problem. Dogs can usually get away from other dogs when they're running free, and in a fun manner (depending on the personalities of the dogs; "weak" dogs probably shouldn't be at a dog park because they're at risk). Even my relatively small terrier can run amazingly fast, the big dogs can't catch him so it's a little comical to watch - but then at some point when he gets tired he turns around and stands his ground with his tail up and his chest out and the big dogs usually stop in their tracks knowing he's not an easy prey, he's a tough little guy. He was bitten once by a chocolate lab over a ball, which didn't make me too happy, but as I've said here, food, and sometimes toys, at dog parks can cause problems when dogs are willing to fight over them. Overall my dog loves dog parks and we go to many wherever we happen to be. But I prefer the ones that have a lot of places for the dogs to explore (and get away from other dogs who might be bothering them) to rectangular ones where there's little choice for dogs to be in eachothers' faces. But when in a dog park, good manners should apply. Dogs who are bothering other dogs should be redirected by owners, and that often doesn't happen, like it does at a training class. I, personally, have never had a problem with any pit bulls at a dog park. We were at one near a relative's house where it was almost all pit bulls, and I admit at first I was a little hesitant, but we went in and they were fine, primarily running around playing with eachother, and frankly, I was happy to see them letting out their energy in such a positive way, which is important for most dogs.

Your little guy sounds adorable. And yes, I would definitely be a bit weary at a new dog park, until I watched for a bit, just to see how good the dogs are and whether or not the owners are responsible if there is a need for redirection. But my son says there are a variety of dogs, including pit bulls and there's never been an issue. He goes every day with his dog.

 

[ThistleMae]

This is actually exactly what I did! She's actually decided to wait to adopt since she just doesn't have the space in her current place.

OMG...yes...we have all been so worried!

 

[ThistleMae]

This is a interesting thread. I havent read all of it. I love all dogs but am weary of pit bulls. I've met really nice ones and try really hard to not be judgemental but when my daughter spent the night at her friend's house who has 2, I was incredibly anxious. I just cant help it. I owned a GSD who was a very reactive dog, had him in training since he was a pup, socialized him at doggy day care and soon realized that he was never going to be a dog I could let down my guard. Sure enough one day my daughter didnt close the gate fast enough and he rushed the gate and bit her friend on the face with no provocation whatsoever. He knew these girls. I had him put down, and have never fully recovered from the trauma of that day. I now own the sweetest boxer in the world but am still very anxious when the kids have friends over.

What's interesting about your story is you noticed he was a very reactive dog...that told you something about his disposition and behavior in certain situations, and you said you realized he was a dog that you had to watch (couldn't let your guard down). It just makes me wonder, and I don't know this, whether the dogs who do bite or attack, did show some kind of sign that owners may not have recognized. Obviously, you did notice and were weary. But what other owners. What about all the different situations dogs may be exposed to, socially or around little kids or around loud noises, maybe even arguments....most responsible dog owners would notice every little change that may indicate caution. I just really wonder whether signs have gone unnoticed in some, if not many of these instances. Just a thought.

 

[Jolly Cackle Farm]

Is the police officer dead?

You can be attacked by 5 chihuahuas and come away with minor bites to the ankles.

Try surviving after a pack of five pit bulls goes after you.

That’s the difference.

quite true, but this shows that it is not just "big" dogs that can turn on people. smaller dog breeds, many of which are considered harmless, can attach humans as well.

 

[Hikergirl]

quite true, but this shows that it is not just "big" dogs that can turn on people. smaller dog breeds, many of which are considered harmless, can attach humans as well.

I don't think anyone is disputing the fact that any breed of dog can snap or attack.
Fact is that some breeds, Pit Bulls included, have a higher chance of maiming or killing you if they attack.
Give me 5 chihuahuas any day over just one PB.

 

[Adelle Dazeem]

should we ban chihuahuas now too?????

I wouldn't complain if they did! I can't stand those yappy little things. Our neighbor had one that was just a nasty thing - barked 24/7 and bit me, my friend, and everyone that lived in their house. I was not sad when he died.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Your little guy sounds adorable. And yes, I would definitely be a bit weary at a new dog park, until I watched for a bit, just to see how good the dogs are and whether or not the owners are responsible if there is a need for redirection. But my son says there are a variety of dogs, including pit bulls and there's never been an issue. He goes every day with his dog.

That's a lucky dog!

 

[low-key]

I have stayed away from owning one, but I know if I did I would probably fall in love with it, as I do all animals

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I have stayed away from owning one, but I know if I did I would probably fall in love with it, as I do all animals

I could see it.