pit bulls and toddlers?

Question

i have a 2 1/2 year old and his father has two pit bulls who are bigger then my son. I have told him several times that I don’t want them around my son and all he says is that people misunderstand the dogs. He feels bad for them because people think they are violent and he thinks they aren't. I have researched this and found cases where kids have been severely hurt or killed because of these dogs. How do I get it across to him that they are dangerous before it's too late?

Answer 1

Actually, pits are fantastic with kids. You are not researching properly. Don't belive all the media hype. A properly socialized, well raised pit bull is not a threat...just a pet. Most of these attacks occur when either the children are playing rough with the dogs unsupervised, or the dogs are tethered (which causes severe psychological damage) My nieces and nephew LOVE my two pits, and those dogs would give their lives to protect those children (they're very bonded to them). My advice is to just never let them play with the dogs unsupervised ( or any dog for that matter. ) Even small dogs, like poodles and chihuahuas have INCREDIBLE bite records with kids, because children don't know how to play gently and tend to pull and tug a lot. You won't hear about them in the news because they obviously don't do as much damage when they bite. The only thing you have to worry about is your child getting knocked over. Pits are big and muscular, and super excited with people and kids, and the child might get knocked down by an enthisiactic dog. Other than that, they are nothing to worry about. If it still irks you, ask Dad to keep the dogs separated from the child until he's a bit older.

Answer 2

Let me ask you a question - and before you read the rest of my question - answer honestly.

Would you feel that your children would be safer if your son's father had two golden retrievers, or two labrador retrievers.

If you answered yes, you should know this. More people are bitten by those dogs than by pit bulls.

NO child, regardless of age, should be left alone with ANY breed of dog. My friend's children absolutely terrorized their mutt mix (15 pound dog). It would run under the table and hide and these 5-7 year olds would grab it by its tail and pull it out from under the table. Well, one day, the dog turned and bit one of those kids. And the parents returned the dog to the breeder. Was it the dog's fault - no. Those children did not know how to treat that dog. Most little kids don't. They pull on tails, poke dogs and so on. So ANY dog, regardless of breed has the possibility of biting a child. The thing is, pit bulls used to be known as the "nanny's dog". Parents WOULD leave their kids home with the pit bull and go out into the field to work. They left them with the dog because pit bulls that are bred well have OUTSTANDING very laid back, non-aggressive personalities.

I can't speak for the breeding of your son's fathers dogs. I think that you should visit (you have every right to ensure that the dogs are gentle and that you son is not in danger). But simply to say "oh it's a pit bull and therefore dangerous" is very irresponsible of you. Don't contribute to the stigma and the lies - educate yourself on this powerful but wonderful breed!

I have enclosed som you-tube videos. Images are powerful and can provide the beginning of an educational experience that you really should take.

You know, regardless of breed, you should research any type of dog that you and/or your son will be in contact with - learn about these breeds of dogs!

Answer 3

All dogs are dangerous around toddlers even the cute cuddly dogs you thought were safe such as Golden Retrievers , Labs , Cocker Spaniels , Sheperds , and much much more . These dogs are no more dangerous than any other dog . There all the same . You did NOT research properly enough . Pit Bulls are NOT normally aggressive towards people it is not in there blood to kill people either . They are trained to do that by idiots trying to " protect there property " or "look mean and vicious " . The top dog bites as of this year is the Golden Retriever . Again ... So next time dont judge a book by its cover . Everything the media says about attacks are LIES . Sure they say there "pit bulls " but you want to know the truth ? Almost half of those dogs were reported were either truthfully Bulldogs or mixes . The media wants you to be afraid .

Answer 4

I honestly don't think there is anything you can do until the dogs show signs of aggression. Granted Pits do have a bad rep, and personally I would not want to own one, but people do.

Sadly, any dog can be aggressive. Some are just more prone to attacking than others. It's the responsibility of the owner/parent to one, make sure your dogs are raised in the loving environment and aren't a threat to your family. Second, teach your children how to interact with dogs.

I have a 14 month old and a 7 month old Saint Bernard and 3 cats. My daughter has learned from day 1, sweet touches and do not pull on the animals. We love our animals and our children, but if ever one so much as growled at our kids, they would be gone.

Maybe that's the agreement you two can compromise on. They can stay for now, but the moment they growl at one of the kids it's time to go. Because at that point, it's only a matter of time before something worse happens.

Answer 5

My opinion is that the breed of the dog is irrelevant. The world's first face transplant recipient was mauled not by a vicious pit bull, rotweiler, or german shepherd but by a labrador retriever. A well-bred, properly socialized pit bull is probably less dangerous to kids than your average golden retriever. This particular dog's body language however shoots up huge red flags. A nervous dog is not safe around toddlers, period. If she is acting uneasy and scared around the little kids, then they should not be allowed near her without extremely close adult supervision (ie, one adult with their hand on the kids' hands and another adult with their hand on the dog...preferably distracting the dog's face with a tremendously yummy treat). Your sister needs to get her into training classes and work on socializing her with kids. If your kids are dog-savvy, then they may be just the kids to teach her that little kids aren't scary horrible monsters. BUT, the socialization needs to be under extremely well controlled circumstances and work needs to start at a distance where the dog is not showing any signs of uneasiness or anxiety due to the kids. Given this dog's behavior around your kids and the potentially life-shattering consequences (for both the dog and the kids) if an incident should occur, I think that your sister does owe it to you and her dog to take measures to keep them separate. Crating in an off-limits room while your kids are there is a reasonable compromise, especially if they are only there two or three times a month. If you do decide to have your daughter's birthday party at your mother's house, then the dog definitely needs to be somewhere else during the party. You should talk to your sister about your concerns. When you do, don't mention a thing about her dog's breed. Simply tell her that you noticed her do seems very nervous around your kids and for the dog's safety as well as your kids' safety you feel that things need to be done. Let her know that not only are you concerned about your children's safety, but you would also feel horrible for her and her dog if they had to deal with animal control over a bite incident.

Answer 6

Sooo many people on here are going to argue your case about pit bulls, including your sons father. For the record, I am a major dog lover but feel the same way you do about pit bulls (and chows). All of these people who argue their point that pit bulls are good, it's how their raised, etc will continue to feel that way until the day their dog turns on them (it happened to me).
I would be furious if I were in your position. But, you are not going to be able to convince him that his dogs are not dangerous, nor could they ever turn that way.
Do you live with him or is your son only around the dogs on ocassion? (I can't really answer farther w/o knowing that.)

Answer 7

he should not have to give up some thing he loves because u don't like that breed and u shouldn't have to feel unsafe to let you're child go over there and spent time with him come to a agreement ask him don't yell or tell him to but ask him if he would be willing to get a cage 4 the dog or make a small area where the dog can go while you're child is there where he or she cant get to the dog u have to be responsible with any pet around kids and there is no reason that u cant both make it work so u both get what u want

Answer 8

All dogs are dangerous around toddlers. Toddlers think they're playing when in fact they're hurting the dog and the dog turns on them. Pit bulls do have a reputation for being short tempered especially if they're not neutered. If it were me, I'd give an ultimatum -- get rid of the dogs or you and your son leave, or if the father only visits, then no visitation. He may feel bad for the dogs now, but how is he going to feel if something happens to the child? The child should always come first no matter what.

Answer 9

I am a mother of a 5 yr old and a 2.5 yr old. Both boys. I also am the owner of 2 American Pit Bull Terriers. Breeding plays a HUGE role in your dog (ANY breed) just as it does in people, horses, cats, etc. We are what our lineage makes us. Our dogs are both fixed, both well trained and socialized dogs, one male, one female (had both since puppyhood). Does it make a difference? Depends on the dog. Our female is as bombproof as ANY dog I have ever met, she lives for her people and adores the children. She is the rolemodel for dogs everywhere. My 2.5 yr old son is rough with her, and no matter how many times we tell him to not "ride the dog", "pull her tail", "poke her eyes" and so on, at that age, they need so many repetative reminds that they should not be left alone with ANY dog. Hence the reason our female follows me around the house, I have taught her too so I can always be within eye shot of her and the kids. My 5 yr old is much better with the dogs and is even helping in their training. I love my dogs and my children, but to tell you the honest truth, I don't trust our male with the kids. He is a different personality than our female, and really doesn't put with half the stuff she does. As soon as he started his training I knew he was cut from a different cloth. This doesn't make him a bad dog, it just means he is different than our female. THIS is what people do to make big mistakes. Yes dogs need training, socialization, excellent care, love and attention. BUT we must also realize that not all dogs love all situations we put them in, and we can all but hope (unless we are smart enough to read what a dog is trying to tell us) that we figure that out before something bad happens. It is one of those missing puzzle pieces we dog owners rarely think of. Your husband says he knows his dogs, but does he really KNOW them? And in ALL situations? Is he a great pack leader and has he shown his "pack" that the children are also a part of the pack and above them? If he hasn't (or has no idea how to), then I wouldn't care WHAT breed of dog these two were, I'd stop my kids at the door. Dogs are creatures that speak a totally different language than we do, and we are ALWAYS sending them mixed messages because we just don't take the time to listen or learn what we are saying to us. We treat them like "people" and that is their great undoing....and ours. Good luck in trying to get your husband to understand that at this point in time, the dogs and the child are NOT a good mix. Go out on the limb of saying you are afraid that the child will hurt the dogs (eye poking, tail yanking, ear grabbing, skin pinching, skin biting, you name it a toddler will likely do it) and in return the dogs might nip the child purely out of instint and reaction. We slap at a mosquito, a dog nips. Doesn't make them a bad dog, it just hurts more if you are in the way of the teeth. Dogs in one secure area, child in another....always a good solution.

Answer 10

Tell your son's father your son always needs to be supervised when around the dogs. As long as someone is supervising your son around the animals there should be no problem. Unless these dogs have been specifically bred for fighting don't worry. Teach your son to be gentle with animals and supervise him when he is around ANY animal. The Pit Bull breed is misunderstood by ignorant people and slanted media.