How can I?

Question

How can I tell people whom are affraid of my dog, ( She's an American Staffordshire Pittbull terrier) that she is not going to attack them our slaughter their children as I walk her?

I'm just tired of getting dirty looks from people and hearing them and their children say that she is a dangerous dog, when she has never EVER posed a threat on people or other animals. I also want to let people know that they shouldn't believe all the myths on pitbulls without giving a lecture.

I'm also pregnant, and I would think that if they saw that, that they should take into some consideration that I obviously consider my dog trust worthy and friendly around my family.

I try to ignore this, but it really bothers me.

She constantly wags her tail and I never leave her unsupervised.

Answer 1

There are always going to be people that are prejudice against certain breeds. I own two German Shepherd Dogs and they are both registered therapy dogs. They always wear the tag that says I am a therapy dog (bright yellow) and we compete in obedience so my dogs are very well behaved but it never fails when we are out for a walk, people will cross the street to avoid my dogs. I have gotten the dirty looks and even some comments. I think it is funny especially because these same ignorant people rush to pet a dog that hiding behind its owners leg because it is scared but because it is a small dog it will not bite ( so they think). I think the best thing to do is to ignore ignorant people and do not worry what they think. Maybe if possible you could invite them to pet your dog, maybe that might help them change their minds. I will add that I believe it is a really bad idea to muzzle your friendly dog ( as was suggested by another member) because your friendly dog will appear dangerous/aggressive because people always assume a dog is vicious and will bite when it is wearing a muzzle. That will not help you at all.

Answer 2

I feel for you. As long as the public is ignorant about pit bull breeds, you will always get the dirty looks and stupid remarks. Its part of being a Pit Bull owner until the public gets more educated on the breeds. You can be the most responsible owner and your dog could be the sweetest and most well behaved advocate for the breed, and you will still get those dirty looks and remarks. Its not fair and it IS descrimination and it will just be something you and your dog will have to deal with until things change.

What we can do for now is just educate people. Some people will have a closed mind, but there are some people who end up loving the breed after proper education and experience. It is hard to do it without making it sound like a lecture.

I don't know if you have ever seen the show mythbusters but I am participating in a forum to try and get them to do a show on Pit Bulls to test the myths on the breeds. I'll post the link below if you are interested in participating.

This kind of thing bothers me too, and its just a shame that there are so many wonderful dogs being discriminated against and they cant even standup for themselves.

Answer 3

It is a difficult task, changing people's preconceived notions about anything. Unfortunately, your dog's breed as a whole has a reputation because of some who choose to use these dogs as fighting dogs. Any dog can be trained to be ferocious, but pitbulls are the breed you hear about so often. The best thing you can do is to continue to walk your dog in public, and let people see how gentle and friendly she is. It is okay to correct people when you hear them sharing myths, and offer the opportunity to interact with your pet. Smile, and don't take personally human ignorance.

Answer 4

Bad owners give good ones a bad name. You're not going to change some people mistakes. I mean I know of people who mistreat their dogs (pit bulls) and the dogs are still nice (unfortunately I still would not trust them). Just keep doing what you're doing, and don't mind what others think (I know that's very hard for a lot people to do), but it's easier than trying to please or change the whole world. Good Luck, with the dog and the baby.

Answer 5

I once owned a ShihTzu. She was groomed show style, very fussy and feminine. When I walked her down the street, people would cross the road to avoid walking past the dog. They gave me dirty looks too. At first I was upset that anyone would consider her dangerous. Then I realized that you can't do anything about the narrow minded and began to laugh every time a grown man felt it was necessary to get out of my 10 lb. dog's way.
If it's important to you that people pass your dog in close proximity then you can always try a muzzle. Dogs don't mind them as much as the owners do. There are some very mouth friendly muzzles available nowadays.

Answer 6

People are afraid of different things for different reasons. Pittbulls may not bother you, but maybe you'd scream if a cockroach came running up to you. I know I would!

Anyway, it's not your responsibility to make people like your dog. As long as your pet is appropriately restrained and socialized, your doing good enough.

Answer 7

Dress her up in a tutu when you walk her. Sorry, just being silly. No, but its an idea. I always get the same thing when i walk my dobes, and i got some of those doggles (dog sunglasses) for summer walks and a cute coat for winter walks, and people now comment on how cute it looks and most kids react 'mommy, mommy look at that dog its got glasses on' rather than being scared.

Answer 8

i guess you can't stop dog haters from being dog haters if they cant see that you perfectly love your dog and that your dog is harmless because it just wants to play an its tail is wagging then quite frankly their idiots my dog -a lab- is rally hyper she barks at people an starts to jump on leash people think she's a mean dog but she actually is the sweetest dog in the world... you can try to be all like to your dog its allright you jus want to play huh girl ..loud enough so they can hear it or you can give them a dirty look back ..that sometimes helps...i hate people who judge dogs on their looks/breeds or how they act on leash

Answer 9

It's called ignorance. People see a tough looking dog and they ignorantly panic. I have the same panic with my 2 babies, an Aussie and a GSD.
Try to keep in mind that they ARE ignorant and just explain to them in an amusing way if possible that your baby will not hurt them.
Good luck.

Answer 10

i have two red nose pits and i get people tell me they are going to kill some one blah blah blah. you cant change every ones mind. if some one doesn't like my dogs owell i do.