Pit Bulls?

Question

I have a Pit bull and she has never once bit or tried to bit me or my other dogs. I don't understand why people are so scared of them, all Pit Bulls are different. It's the way people train they pits not the pits themsevles. No one who comes to my house wants anything to do with her, and it's because they hear something on T.V. If they got bit I understand but, just hearing something. Whats up with that?

Answer 1

My neighbor has the biggest f-ing pitbull ever. its chest is bigger than mine.(im 17). When he walks him, he comes right up to people and starts licking them. Its true. Dont judge a book by its cover.

Answer 2

Several breeds are affected by a disorder called 'canine rage syndrome'..Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels are the most common carriers of this trait, but Pit Bulls and some other breeds are known to frequently be affected
The main difference is, that when pit bulls are affected, their aggression is so much more dangerous! When a Cocker becomes raged, the result is usually stitches for his victim...when a pit bull becomes 'raged' the result is far more serious to the victim.
It is up to responsible breeders AND backyard breeders to NOT breed any pit bull until they are at least 3-4 years old (when it usually happens) so that they will not breed more pits with this trait.

Canine Rage Syndrome: This condition is characterized by sudden episodes of aggression, often directed at the dog’s owner (or other people most often around the dog). Many owners report that the episodes are completely unpredictable. Others report that the episodes are triggered by specific stimulus that varies depending on the dog. The episodes are characterized by extreme aggressiveness, often including multiple bites or bite attempts, and the episodes stop as suddenly as the begin. Dilation of the dog’s eyes are often reported prior to the attack. And the dog is often said to seem confused or “remorseful” about what he has done following the attack. There is a lot of speculation about the cause of this syndrome. The two most common theories is that it is either a form of seizure, or that these dogs have an underlying chemical imbalance (such as reduced serotonin levels) that are associated with similar violent outbursts in people. Many people prefer to refer to canine rage syndrome as idiopathic aggression because the condition is not really related to human emotions such as “rage” or “anger.” However, the term idiopathic aggression more properly refers to sudden unpredictable outbursts in which no underlying neurological or other medical condition is present. Canine Rage Syndrome is sometimes also referred to as Behavioral Seizure disorder.

Answer 3

You're absolutely right -- pit bulls can be wonderful, loyal, reliable companions with proper management and training, just like any other breed of dog. The reason pits are targeted as "dangerous" is that they were bred for protectiveness and without a conscientous owner, these natural tendencies can become a hazard.

I know how you feel, especially when YOU happen to be one of those conscientious owners with a stable, well-behaved dog -- i have a very large (110 pound) Greater Swiss Mountain Dog that looks a lot like a Rottweiler, except even more solid and powerful. He's a perfect gentleman, but people always give him a wide berth. If there were more owners like yourself who take the time to train their protection-bred dogs, lovely breeds like pit bulls would not be targeted legally.

Answer 4

Pit Bulls were bred for violence. No matter what the nurture argument may be, there is a genetic predilection bred into these animals for vicious attacks which is reinforced by the physical ability to hurt and mangle whatever it may attack more than most other dogs. Yes, the individual dog may be nice and good. But, there have been oh-so-many stories about the nicest dogs suddenly turning into a mauling (and sometimes killing) machine in a nanosecond without warning and with little provocation. (In a similar vein, people who meticulously attend to their health can still be felled by a congenital disease.) Of course, I know people who this has happened to (not just a television viewer hearing the stories), so perhaps you'll think my view is skewed.

Answer 5

Dogs of any breed don't just "turn on their owners", there are always warning signs. People are just too stupid to recognize it.
I absolutely agree, pits are one of the most trustworthy breeds around people. They are one of the few breeds bred to never offer to bite a person. A normally bred and raised pit bull is one of the soundest dogs out there.
BUT as far as dog aggression goes, that is a different story. They were bred for dog fighting so it's something that you can't love or socialize away. And dog aggression is ENTIRELY seperate from human aggression. Never confuse the two. Some pits would never fight but you can't take the chance of finding that out. Even if they don't start a fight they will finish it. And they will be blamed for it. Never trust a pit not to fight. It's nothing bad or negative, it just requires understanding and caution from the owner. Never set your pit up to fail.

Answer 6

I don't know. I think pit bulls are just missunderstood. I don't think it is fair how people treat them. They're just like any dog only long ago they were used as fighting dogs (still are, i just don't understand that) and because they are terriers, all terriers have some kind of aggression because they were bred to fight or hunt. I don't hate pit bulls, they're just not my favorite breed because my dog, that i love with all my heart, got attacked by one, only because the owner let the dog out. I was so mad. But I really don't trust pit bulls. I like them, I'm a dog lover, I just dont really feel comfortable around them.
I truley hope people stop having dog fights and using pit bulls.

Answer 7

My aunt has a pit and she had 10 puppies. her pit was very aggresive and I told her she shouldnt breed her. Honestly it people like that that give them a bad name. Plus she bred them in an area where they were using them for fighting, which is illegal and in humane. Also, you cannot own one is you are an ex con. Really you just have to keep ensuring people that come over that she is friendly. They will eventually decide if they want to come see you or not, or worry about the dog. If so, maybe they arent trustworthy also.

Answer 8

With over 5 million pit bulls in this country, if they were as bad as people think, there would be 1000s of attacks every month. Any dog cna trun just like humans go "POSTAL" so can dogs. My neice's well trained and deeply loved black lab attacked and almost killed ny grand nephew. The f****** poogle next door as bite me twice along woth every kid on the block. Well trained pits as with any breed can attack. Most pit bull attacks are done by dogs owned bgy jerks that want a "bad lookin" dog, or by criminals who fight them or are thier watch dogs for illeagl active.

Answer 9

If I had a pit I would feel safer not having people around him because he can since the nervousness.Also I have to admit I have taken care of alot of peoples dogs anything from rotts to chows and the pits made me a little nervous.They would be all sweet but I just could feel something.I would never get rid of a dog that I had just because others didn't approve >I have a mutt and he bites hes also 14, but I don't like it when I have company because I don't want to chance anything.love your dog but keep in mind that its not always good for him or the people around your dog to be together.If they don't like your dog or if there nervous than in order to protect your dog and your friends its better that they don't come over.The dogs there for you anyway.

Answer 10

Whats up with that is misinformation and only dealing wiht fighting dogs. I LOVE pitt bulls and only find fault with the owners. People who need to feel better about themselves. With a big dog that can defend them. I'm a chick and my wolf could kick any of the fighting dogs butts on here but I would rather have a dog loyal to a fault than have a fighter any day.

Answer 11

OK, You are getting tired of people running down pit bulls. I am getting tired of people telling me that they are so wonderful and that if there are any problems that it is owner.

My own pit bull was absolutely the 'sweetest dog in the world', until he attacked and nearly killed my 3 year old daughter. (unprovoked) He had never been hit or abused in any way, but was a beloved family member.
My friend and neighbor's pit bull attacked her and mauled her leg, just because she told him "No, go lay down" when he was begging at the table.
My friend's pit bull attacked him while he was feeding him.
I work at a boarding/day care kennel. We have only 3 pit bull clients. None of them can be allowed to play with the other dogs, as they are always looking for a fight. These dogs are owned by the outstanding citizens of our town, who care enough to put them in day care while they work.
ALL of these were responsible owners, with well trained "sweet" pit bulls.
My friends run a pit bull rescue and show UKC pit bull's and poodles. They came home from a trip to the grocer's to find 3 poodles dead, and 1 wounded. The pit bulls were all bloody and happy.

Yes, many pit bulls are and STAY wonderful pets. But many of them do not... I will never trust another.

Just look at the asker's questions for a couple of days. So many are about a dog aggressive pit bull, and how to make them not kill the other dogs, or tear the fence down trying to get at people and dogs, etc.