It takes more than cropped ears and a stocky build to
make a dog a "pit bull." Pictured here is a Dogo Argentino.
(Photo: pitbullsontheweb.com)
What is a "pit bull?"
Pit bull isn't a breed at all; it's a catchall
description for any one of the following
three different "bully" breeds:
Police are investigating a dog attack involving three people and two reported pit bulls that occurred at a home in Hoboken on Friday. The motivation for the attack is unknown but both dogs are dead today, one shot on the scene by responding police officers; the other dog was captured and sedated and died at some point thereafter. Details surrounding the attack are sketchy, but all three people are in stable condition after sustaining bites to their legs.
Critics of the breed are quick to point out dog attack fatality statistics that implicate pit bulls in a disproportionate number of dog attack related deaths. These same people call for legislation that severely restricts or bans outright ownership of "dangerous" bully breeds. Opponents of breed-specific legislation, and supporters of pit bulls point out the fallibility of those statistics and the dangers of interpreting them out of context.
One major problem with dog attack statistics is the details themselves. Many breeds are misidentified by the reporter of the attack and often labeled as pit bulls or other breeds with histories of aggression to humans or animals. The average person is unable to distinguish pit bull type dogs from other breeds, including boxer mixes, which often results in dog attacks mistakenly attributed to pit bulls.
Additionally, dog attack statistics do not take into account the context of the attack. Many dog attacks are perpetrated by unneutered male dogs that are kept outside, chained, and often involve unsupervised children. Legislation that currently targets specific breeds does not address the underlying problems of responsible parenting or pet ownership and the owner's responsibility to the public and to their pet to train, love, and appropriately supervise their animals. It does not address pet health, medical visits, neutering, or housing of these animals.
Breed specific legislation also provides a false sense of security by suggesting that only guarding breeds or bully breeds have the propensity to bite, maim, or kill people. This type of legislation ignores the trends in breeding and adopting or buying, such as explosions in popularity due to movies featuring a particular breed. Prior to the 1990s, Dalmatians, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, and other dogs have all had spikes in popularity that then led to indiscriminate breeding and an influx of temperamentally unsound animals being adopted into inexperienced homes.
The fact is that any dog can bite, and will bite under the right set of circumstances, and poor temperament is not the exclusive domain of guarding or bully breeds. In fact, according to statistics related to temperament, more pit bulls pass the ATTS than many popular breeds including beagles, malamutes, boxers, poodles, bichon frises, and golden retrievers. A woman in France received the world's first face transplant in 2005 after being mauled by her Labrador retriever. Pit bulls may currently have relatively high numbers of reported dog bite fatalities, but misreporting aside, they also make up a disproportionate number of owned animals. If 10 out of 1 million pit bulls bites and kills someone, it's not the same as 1 out of 1000 boxers that does the same.
One final thought is that dog attacks receive a lot of media attention, and attacks by reported pit bulls receive ten times more attention than attacks from other breeds. In the end, however, attacks make up a very small percentage of the interactions that people have with dogs of any breeds and no matter how sensational, you're really legislating based on far less than you think you are. Attacks and fatalities are uncommon and account for fewer injuries and deaths than many other average every day activities, like traveling in a car. The key to staying safe is being responsible and sensible.
- Don't leave your children unsupervised with any dog for any reason.
- Don't leave your dogs outside unsupervised, particularly chained.
- Invest in your relationship with your dog and take the time to train him.
- If your dog is behaving oddly, have him examined by a veterinarian and evaluated by a qualified professional behaviorist.
- Respect your dog's space and do not disturb him when he's eating, sleeping, or ill.
- Do not come between fighting dogs; learn the proper way to break up a dogfight.
- Consider neutering your dog.
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Comments
Have read the article in the Hobroken newspaper,no-one including the police appear to know what took place here,very strange.
smarock10@yahoo.com
Thank you for this well-thought out and intelligent article.
Also, for the record, there is NO documented case of anyone being killed in the state of New Jersey by a pit bull (1965-to-present).
There have been eight fatal dog attacks in NJ by other "breeds" of dog, and not a single one of them was identified as a pit bull. (Source: National Canine Research Council)
what took place was the unpredictable behavior of a pitbull. The dogs serve a purpose, I suppose---they can be the participants in illegal dog-fighting competitions, or maybe to guard junk yards at night....other than that, they are not a vital part of the earth's eco-system and food chain, and their extinction would be a mild yawn to intelligent, caring people.
Just because dogs killing humans is relativey rare, pit bull zealots neglect to mention the multitudes of people (mostly children) who are hospitalized due to DOG BITES. Virtually ALL home owners' Insurance prohibit keeping such dangerous dogs (or will deny coverage or must put out a HUGE policy), as well as the United States Marine Corps (Marine Corps Order P11000.22 Ch 6, released in August 2009), mandated all installations ban any breed of pit bull, does ban specific breeds of dogs due to statistics analysis and claims filed. I think FSB1276/HB1276 is a common sense intervention to a growing problem of dog fighting and human victims of dog bites. I say if it's good enough for the US Marines, it's a good law for us, to let local municipalities dictate such interventions addressing public safety. Most dog bites require emergency room treatment and majority of thoracic surgery was due to a dog attack, namely, pit bulls. BAN THEM!
Thank you for your insightful article. I put a link to it on my Facebook page.
My neighbors, who could best be described as bullies, have a pit bull. Their dog is as nasty as they are. I suspect they selected their pit bull because pit bulls have a bad reputation.
Because they do not know how to behave, their dog was not properly socialized and it does not know to behave.
Now, if their dog bites someone, is it because of the breed or because they have done a lousy job training their animal? I suspect it would be the later. To blame any dog because its owner's are unqualified to own a dog is unfair to that dog, regardless of its breed.
Once again, an apology piece for the Pit Bull breeding business!...Not a single responsible voice in the Pit community ever asks who bred these unstable maulers...Why can't the Pit Bull community self-regulate like other breed communities?
Funny how breeding is everything until the money changes hands!
PREVENT THE DEED...
This piece is no apology, it's simple ethology with logic. The fact is that it is impossible for the pit bull community to regulate breeders because of the sheer popularity of the breed and the easy access to unaltered animals. This problem happens any time there is a surge of popularity with a breed. There are currently hundreds of chihuahuas in the LA shelter system because people think they are a fashion accessory. Where there is a will, there is a way. Backyard breeding in and of itself is a problem for the bully breed community, but more than that, responsible ownership and owner education are what makes the difference.
Most responsible bully breed owners will tell you that the APBT was bred for dog-fighting and to be handled by people without aggression. Any animal that exhibits signs of human aggression should be evaluated by a qualified behaviorist and the owner should be prepared to euthanize if necessary, no matter the breed but especially in a breed like this one.
I don't believe I neglected to mention in my article that children are often the target of dog bites, in fact I think I highlighted that. However, it is often unsupervised children who are bitten by dogs and they are often bitten by unneutered dogs who are chained outside. The solution to that problem isn't to ban bully breeds, it's to watch our children and to bring our dogs inside where they can receive proper training and socialization. It's about educating people, not banning breeds because any breed under those circumstances is liable to become frustrated and aggressive.
Any dog who receives positive training, appropriate medical attention, thorough socialization, and generally has its needs met should be a well-adjusted dog and if a dog aggresses in those circumstances, it's time for a professional evaluation. Euthanasia is a humane response to a serious issue of human aggression and responsible owners are prepared for it as a possible last resort.
A brown Pit Bull ironically named "Petey", had to be shot off a pit bull owner in Somerville, NJ yesterday...A perfect opportunity to exert some breed stewardship.
It always amazes me how Pits are popular, yet no one can identify one....despite with the 24/7 media blitz of the Vick dogs, Tia Torres and the new Dwarf-Felon pit bull show. How do the breeders actually sell them without a DNA test?!?
Luke Thomas you would not be a member of PETA would you,but I like your approach anything that gets in your BAN and KILL,I wish I had your courage.I dislike Black People because they are all Rapists and Killers,I hate all Muslims because they are all Terrorists ask the US Government,Jews they are all Thieves BAN THEM ALL.For the record I am Jewish and my apologies to the 3 races mentioned no insult was intended,merely trying to HELP a very BIGOTED individual.
smarock10@yahoo.com
I live across the street where this attack took place. It was scary watching cops with semi-automatics and the victims being dragged by rescue workers down blood-stained sidewalks.
While I am not dog person, I think it is ridiculous that anyone would own a pit bull in an apt. building. It's been reported that the dog that attacked the 3 victims bit another dog at the dog park and the roommate of the owner (one of Fri.'s victims) the week before. Something was up with this dog and the people who surrounded it, but where the hell did dog #2 come from?
Dog person or not, bred well or not, there is no excuse for a dog taking human life, provoked or not. I don't understand how people can put a greater value on that of an animal than a human being. That being said, a pit bull should not reside in a residential community, let alone, an apt. complex. Hopefully, our apt. community will review its dog ownership rules after this ghastly attack that could have been far worse.
Michelle, I have no doubt that it was scary to witness the police action in your community, but rules that target specific breeds provide a false sense of security. If the dog was unsound, if the owners were unsound, then the breed of dog is irrelevant. People harp on the unpredictability of aggressive dogs when honestly, the warning signs are usually there--you yourself just provided a few of those signs. When warning signs are ignored, it's human error, not breed, that determines outcome. If this dog had a history of dog-aggression, it should not have been at a dog park. If it was a bully breed, then it should not have been at a dog park. Dog aggression does not, however, predict human aggression but there are certainly warning signs of human aggression that are clear to people who look. As unfortunate an incident as this is, it truly sounds as though it's irresponsible ownership that is the issue. Plain brown mutts and retrievers alike can do this damage. Ask the lady in France.
First of all Mr Thomas not all pitbulls have been banned by the Marine corp. I saw a very interesting article if the pit bull can pass a temperment test the owner can keep the dog.
I own 3 pit bulls and vol a lot at a pit bull friendly shelter. I find these dogs over all are very people friendly but can be dog aggressive.
I doubt if the pit bulls in this article were properly trained or exercised. Exercise seems to keep this breeds energy in line . They are not a dog that can lay around 24/7 but need a good hour of stimulation every day. Especially when they are young. Also we are yet to see a picture of the dogs to determine if they are pit bulls.
I have handled probably by now hundreds of dogs. I am considered to be pretty dog savvy...but I always call it common sense. I mean if a dog is in a corner with hair up and teeth barred leave it alone.. but you would be surprised how many people ingore these overt warnings. Even a quick show of the teeth should be headed.
Here is some important information regarding the events surrounding this dog attack.
As usual in cases such as this, irresponsible humans are the culprit.
From DogStarDaily/Drayton Michaels:
"As is always the case with incidents involving dogs that attack, there was human negligence and abuse towards the male dog, Giant. In a post on NJ dot com and reports to Hoboken 411 dot com, there are allegations of the dog being repeatedly hit in the face and generally not cared for and treated inhumanely."
By the way, statewide NJ law prohibits breed bans. Englewood was taken to court over their anti-Pit Bull law, and the law was eventually overturned.
Laws that attempt to control dogs based solely on a dog's looks are far from the answer. There are absolutely no scientific studies proving that dogs that look a certain way are more prone to aggression. The CDC no longer keeps bite statistics based on breed because they recognize that doing so accurately is virutally impossibl
Excellent Article! Statistically speaking - a parent is 300% (percent) more likely to be kill their own child than would the family Pit bull. So, do we ban people from having children? (Rhetorical question) Skippy/Luke - you're a prime example of what's wrong with this country ... and the racism that's been plaguing society for the past 200+ years. Dog killings are very rare ... but when they do occur there's almost ALWAYS an irresponsible owner(s)behind the scene! So what you're saying; we should let these animal abusers (probably you) get away with their crimes and kill an entire breed to solve a problem? just absolute ignorance!
I know quite a few people that own pit bull type dogs that live in apartments or townhouses. They walk their dogs and jog with them. However if they are smart and good dog owners they will not take their dogs to a dog park.. anyway most dog parks are for humans anyway. I much rather interact with my dog than sit around talking while my dog does what he wants. I really dont think dog parks are good..your dog can catch diseases from another dog..or parasites from stepping on dog poop.
It's NOT true that only provoked or abused dogs attack. I had a spayed female cocker spaniel that occasionally attacked unprovoked. But pitbulls are especially dangerous because of their jaw strength and breeding. Pitbull owners are all very naive and think it can't happen to them. Even Roy was mauled by his highly trained tiger. Every kid needs a parent but nobody needs a pitbull when there are so many safer, better breeds. Pitbull attacks get more media coverage for good reason: the injuries are much more severe!
This article contains a lot of baloney. Just as a start, the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) to which you refer is basically useless as a test of dog dangerousness--it tests dog BOLDNESS. Pit bulls do tend to be bold, so they do quite well on this set of tests. They include reactions to gunshots, reactions to an umbrella opened in the dog's face, etx. Shetland sheepdogs are less bold, so they do poorly. But when is the last time an apartment full of shetland sheepdogs sent people to the hospital? When is the last time a poodle killed a person in this country? Of course, pit bulls have already killed several people (and there will be more) this year.
Another aspect of the ATTS which pit bull apologists never mention is that it is BREED SPECIFIC. Passing behavior differs from breed to breed, according to what the evaluator imagines to be the "proper" temperament for the breed. What passes for a pit bull may not pass for a golden retriever.
Melissa,
Your admission that it is "impossible" for the (responsible) pit bull community to regulate pit bull breeding is EXACTLY why breed specific laws are so necessary to curb the pit bull crisis. Have you gone to the nearest urban shelter and walked along death row? If so, you have seen the rows and rows of pit bulls waiting to die (only to be replaced by other pit bulls, who will shortly be in the freezer, too).
The same irresponsible breeders who breed the pit bulls that glut the death row of your shelter are also breeding pit bulls FOR elevated levels of dangerousness. Sometimes it is for fighting, sometimes for guarding junk yards, sometimes for attacking DEA agents. Anybody who thinks that folks who like dangerousnes in a dog won't look for and breed for dangerousness is living in a fantasy world and that is exactly what has been happening with pit bulls.
Which is why stories like this one are very common.
Melissa,
Please comment on whether you would support the following breed specific law:
Mandatory microchipping of all pit bulls and pit bull mixes and mandatory spay/neuter of all pit bulls and pit bull mixes except AKC and UKC-PR registered show dogs.
If you wuold not support such a law, what do YOU propose to address the pit bull crisis? You have already admitted that the (repsonsible) pit bull community is powerless to address the issues here.
Re your comment that dog aggression is not the same as human aggression, tell that to Rosie Humphreys, an 85 year old woman who just wanted to take her toy poodle for a walk last November 30th. A neighbor's pit bull got loose, and attacked the poodle as they reached the end of their driveway. Ms. Humphreys was killed when the pit bull redirected its aggression on her when she tried to protect her dog. (It was futile, the pit bull also killed her beloved poodle).
Interestingly, after a complete investigation, no criminal charges were filed in this case. The pit bull who killed Ms. Humphreys was a "family pet," with no prior history of dangerousness and there was no evidence that he had been mistreated or abused in any way.
Where did you get your "statistic" that "attacks from pit bulls receive ten times the attention as attacks from other breeds?"
It is pretty funny that you put that in the same essay as your comment about a non-fatal attack by a Labrador retriever that happened five years ago in France. Pit bull people love to dredge that up, (even though it was non-fatal, happened five years ago and was in France, for Pete's sake) since they don't have a good answer to the question of why labradors almost never kill people, while pit bulls do so with regularity.
How many pit bulls have killed people in the five years since this woman was mauled by a labrador in France? Can you name the victims or describe the facts of fatal pit bull attacks in this country in just the past several months? Why not, if the media really devotes that much more attention to pit bull maulings than lab maulings?
The truth is that amount of media attention a particular dog attack gets depends on a lot of factors. A minor bite by a pit bull will probably typically generate more attention than a minor bite by a poodle for the same reason that minor shark bites get more media attention than minor parrot bites. Sharks DO sometimes kill people, parrots rarely or never do. And since we are nearly always in the wake of a serious or fatal pit bull attack, the media tends to cover less serious ones.
But compare the amount of media coverage of the single pomeranian (mix) who killed an infant in 2000 to the coverage of any of the MANY pit bulls who have killed infants and toddlers since. Expecially if the victim is a family member, the typical fatal pit bull attack generates a few local mentions under the "Pit Bull Kills Toddler" headline, and then the media yawns and moves on. In contrast, the media STILL talks about that pomeranian mix.
Selwyn,
Understanding that different dog breeds have different talents/traits has nothing whatsoever to do with human racism. The reason we HAVE different dog breeds is that people breed for different traits and it is possible to predict that most dogs bred for some traits will have them. What were pit bulls bred to do? (Hint: Race across a pit, attack without provocation and keep on attacking until the other dog is dead). Does every pit bull want to kill other dogs? No. There are some labradors who hate the water and won't retrieve, too, but people who get labradors better understand that MOST will want to do what they are bred to do (swim and retrieve). MOST border collies will want to do what they were bred to do (herd). MOST Italian greyhounds will want to do what they were bred to do (shiver).
Pit bulls aren't magically different from other dogs. They are the product of their breeding and it isn't racist to to notice that.
Melissa,
By the way, you say that people should "learn the proper way to break up a dogfight." I am fine with breaking up dogfights between dogs not bred to grip and hold on. And I even understand how pit bull people say to break up a dogfight between pit bulls. (Use a breaking stick to pry the dogs' jaws open to get them to release their grip on each other).
But pit bull people say NEVER to use a breaking stick in a fight involving a non-pit bull, don't they? This is because pit bull fighting style is to grip and tear, whereas the fighting style of other dogs is more bite at random. Hence you will likely be bitten if you reach in there with your hands and face.
So please tell us exactly what the correct way to break up a fight between a pit bull and a non-pit bull is.
Melissa,
I hope you will answer the question I asked below. I have asked it to lots of pit bull people and have yet to get a good answer. One guy told me that if my dog is attacked by a pit bull, I should wait until my dog stops fighting and gives up, then use a break stick on the pit bull. Hmmm...since my dog will (rightly) understand that she is fighting for her life, she won't be giving up until she is dead or dying. I am not going to be standing around watching while my dog is mauled to death in front of me.
My niece Jennifer Lowe was killed by a dog attack in Knoxville Nov. 12th, 2007. The dogs that killed her were pit bulls.
With this issue so close to my heart ...I feel they SHOULD NOT outlaw pit bulls. I call it "chasing the doggy tail." If pits are outlawed...then people who want a visious dog will get rottweillers...if those are outlawed they will get german shepards...with no end in sight. Instead the fools that want a "mean dog" should be court ordered not to own dogs...punish the owners....not the breeds.
As for the dog owner who hung meat from the trees to train his dogs, well he got a 50.00 fine, he has 2 new dogs and is now living in the projects in Oak Ridge. I worry about his next victim. BTW...no court order to prevent him from continuing on his quest to have mean dogs. Check out www.myspace.com/jenniferlowefoundation please request her as a friend.
Thanx Aunt Sue
Aunt Sue,
I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I agree with you that pit bulls should not be "outlawed." But while punishing owners after the fact might make you feel a little bit like you have gotten revenge, it won't prevent future tragedies like the one you have suffered.
After all, prior to the attack, Jennifer didn't know that the pit bulls who killed her were insanely dangerous, even though she lived with them. If she had known that they presented a threat to her life, she wouldn't have stayed at that house.
The person who owned those pit bulls was a pit bull breeder, right? And the dogs who killed Jennifer were intact? The vast majority dogs who kill people are intact male dogs of breeds bred for dangerousness (most often, of course, pit bulls). If a law requiring the spay/neuter of all pit bulls except show dogs had been in place, it is very likely that the person who owned the dogs who killed Jennifer would not have had them.
Chaining dogs is not the huge problem its made out to be. Last year 6 people were killed by chained dogs. 4 of those chained dogs were pit bulls. And pit bulls killed far more people than all the chained dogs did. Even pit bulls that receive proper training and socialization can and do attack, including their owners. Clearly, the underlying issue is not the chain or the training but the traits of pit bulls.
Bully Bob said:
First of all Mr Thomas not all pit bulls have been banned by the Marine corp. I saw a very interesting article if the pit bull can pass a temperament test the owner can keep the dog.
Although I disagree with your comments a lot of the time, this was a good fact (though not complete). You walk the line but it seems like you could be one of the few pit owners that may want to work for better laws for both sides.
Aug 11 2009 US Marine Corps ban pits. Owners had until Feb. 11,2010 to apply for a waver to grandfather them in. They then needed a certified temperament test paid for by the owner. Bachelors are prohibited from have pits their housing. Families have until Sept,30,2012 or until they move off the base to have a pit on base.
US Army grandfathered existing pits in until they move off the base or the dog shows a propensity for aggression (growling, barking at people, escaping enclosure to chase people, aggressive running of fence line, biting or scratching peo
American Temperament Test
Does anyone really believe that a small dog with tiny paws would do good in this test?
Sub-test 7: Wire Footing
In this sub-test, the handler walked beside the obstacle rather than on it, as in sub-test 6. The dog was required to walk the entire length of a 12-foot by 3-foot unfolded exercise pen (X-Pen). X-Pens were typically 12-gauge wire panels with 1 x 2 inch weave. Similar to above, if the dog avoided the surface or sought to escape across or back on the surface, it was considered a failure.
American Temperament Test
Supplimental Table. This table provides the groupings of breeds used for statistical analyses.
Same pit breeds in 3 different groups With 3 different passing percentages.
APBT Group; American Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bull Group; Bull Terrier, BullDoggue, American Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier
Terrier Group; Airedale Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Tunnel Terrier, Australian Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Border Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Skye Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wire Fox Terr
My mistake; Oct,11,2009 instead of Feb 11,2010
Aug 11 2009 US Marine Corps ban pits. Owners had until Oct 11,2009 to apply for a waver to grandfather them in.
Melissa,
Where did you go? This is your blog, so I can't believe you aren't reading the questions I asked you. Why aren't you even trying to answer them?
Melissa, you have arrogantly given the rest of us your expert advice, including;
"Do not come between fighting dogs; learn the proper way to break up a dogfight."
So what should I be doing when my neighbors pit bull latches onto my dogs throat and refuses to let go? Yell and cry? Let my dog be killed? It seems that pit bull owners love to blame the victims for injuries they receive trying to save their beloved family pet from the jaws of a pit bull. I once saw a pit bull grab another dog by the throat, crushing the dogs throat in its jaws while the poor animal screamed in pain and terror. I watched two grown men beat that pit bull unconscious with their fists to pry its jaws off the other dogs throat. Why don't you tell me what they should have done? Because by then, the other dog was dead.
I am tired of pit bull apologists making excuses for these animals....they are doing what they were bred to do. Lets spay and neuter them out of existence.
Wow, lots of comments.
For information on safely breaking up a dog fight, specifically with regard to pit bulls and break sticks, please visit pbrc.net/breaksticks.html
I do not support breed-specific legislation. I support owner education. In all cases owner education is the solution to the problem of overpopulation in general--it's about marketing so people can find the animal right for them, it's about providing support so the animals stay adopted and are provided appropriate care so they make good pets.
Pit bulls were bred for dog-fighting and as part of that, they were bred to respond to, not attack, their owners. When animals don't get what they need, whether it's socialization or training, attention and love, or even go so far as to receive abuse and neglect, they won't make good companions. This is not to say that some dogs aren't just unsound. But in all cases, it's an owners responsibility to address the issue.
Speaking to the reported facts of THIS CASE: the dog in question was witnessed to be abused by its owner and other people, two of the people injured entered the home where the dog was cornered in direct defiance of what the police told them to do, for an all around recipe for disaster. The people ignored the signs the dog had given that it was unsafe around other animals and even around people and either needed professional intervention or humane euthanasia.
You can't legislate this problem away, you have to educate it away because if it isn't a pit bull it WILL be another breed just as it's been other breeds in the past. That is the problem with BSL. BSL teaches people that only bully breeds can be dangerous when it could really be any breed.
You are telling all non-pit bull owners to carry a break stick to use against the neighborhood pit bulls? Why should a beagle owner go out and purchase a break stick? The link you provided is for pit bull owners who have multiple pit bulls. The advice given in that link is to never use a break stick on any dog other than a pit bull, not even other terrier breeds, because allegedly pit bulls won't redirect their aggression in an attack. That's a bald-faced lie, and has been disproven a thousand times over in pit bull attack cases where a dog owner was attacked while protecting their dog from a pit bull attack. What should my friend have done when the neighbors pit bull jumped the fence, grabbed her elderly Lab by the throat, and tried to kill him? My friend is 5 feet tall, 90 lbs. The dog sitter caring for the pit used pepper spray, it didn't work..so she sat down and cried. If neighbors hadn't helped, hitting the pit in the head with a shovel until it let go, the Lab would be dead.
You are wrong that "education" is the answer. Your piece came up under a Boston Examiner, I don't know why..but here in Mass, we don't have a dog overpopulation problem. Spay/neuter education and leash laws worked, and most all-breed private rescues are importing adoptable dogs and puppies from high kill southern shelters. But step into any open admission municiple shelter, and its filled with pit bulls. Pit bulls are still owned, bred and dumped here, and large numbers of unvetted pit puppies and dogs are sold on CL regularly. So education works on MOST dog owners, but not pit owners, because the dogs are bred deliberately for dog fighting, guarding meth labs, for cheap burgler alarms. As long as losers can make a few bucks off a litter, or big bucks fighting them, they will be bred. That is why mandatory s/n laws should apply to pit bulls. Its a breed specific problem that demands a breed specific solution.
I am stunned by the level of stupidity by MOST of the responders to this article. The fact of the matter is, owners are responsible for their dogs behavior, period. APBT'S have never been proven to be any more dangerous than any other breed. All of these alleged attacks you guys are referencing, do you know for sure it was a APBT? Or was it a dog that "looked like one". Example, my friend has a UKC reg american bulldog, but the warden MAKES them register it with the city as a "pit bull". So, if their American Bulldog was to bite someone, a "pit bull" bit someone, not an american bulldog.
A dogs appearance does not determine its behavior.I have seen so many reports on alleged pit bulls that attacked someone, then they show the picture and say "a 95lb pit bull attacks child. Guess what, APBT'S do not grow to 95lbs, therefore it was a mix of some sort. MAstiffs, boxers, ambulldogs, lab/boxer mixes all get labled "pit bulls" when they attack. Behind every bad dog, ther is a bad owner.
Just so you know the picture in this article IS NOT A PITBULL!!! See it's people like you that mislabel every damn dog a pit bull.
"Just so you know the picture in this article IS NOT A PITBULL!!! See it's people like you that mislabel every damn dog a pit bull."
@Johnny: If you're addressing me, the author of the article, then may I recommend reading the article and its caption for further assistance? The dog in the photo is clearly labeled a Dogo Argentino as a point that it's difficult to categorize a "pit bull" on sight alone.
Well the fact is most of the time it is how the dog is raised. No matter what oppinion's are stated the fact still remains abuse you animal and it will bit. Most of the time people scream pit bull and it is something else. I have had all the bad breeds as they are call. I handle k-9s as well. Education and training is the answer not kill dogs that have done nothing wrong. That is like killing a person cause they looking like a killer. I also rescue as many dogs as i can i have never had one bit an animal or person. Education and Training is the key to good pets and family members with four legs. By the way befroe you talk about dogs learn about them first. Pitbull terriers were uses as working dogs, fighting was a by product not the main perpose in life!!!!
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