S/O If you have a pit bull...why?

[Anonymous]

Owner of four pit bulls here (not at the same time, mind you). Some posters seem to be mistaken about those of us who choose to adopt pitties; we think it is tragic that hundreds of thousands of put bulls are euthanized every year simply because of their breed ( and there is no "pit bull" breed, so the term encompasses millions of American dogs and mixes). We are not evangelizing that everyone should own a pit bull, but rather trying to demonstrate that they are not all inherently dangerous simply by virtue of their appearance. I wish like hell that there were stricter penalties for backyard breeders and those who neglect or abuse animals. The problem is that pits are cheap and have a reputation for being bad-ass, so they appeal to the masses in a way that is hard to counteract. Much like the American love affair with guns, even though guns kill and wound thousands of children every year.

Ironically, the hysteria over how dangerous pit bulls makes them more attractive to many people, so thanks for continuing to be part of the problem. And for the love of all things, learn something about statistics. It's embarrassing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: My question is why do you choose a pitbull over other breeds that are just as loving and cuddly as you claim your pitbull breed to be? Especially since you have to be aware that pit bulls have a very negative reputation and people will fear your dog? What is it about you that you want to purchase a dog that other people obviously fear and do not trust?

We are not buying these dogs! We are rescuing them. Shelters are overrun with pit bull mixes because there are millions of them.

[Anonymous]

I cannot believe somebody is actually quoting dogs bite. Org. They have been discredited by almost everybody. That lady is a wacko.

I mean, feel how you want about pit bulls or whatever issue, but at least have real facts

I mean, when ethical alarms calls you out you know you're bad.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/ethicsalarms.com/2015/10/20/unethical-website-of-the-month-dogsbite-org/amp/


https://adbadog.com/truth-behind-dogsbite-org/

I could copy and paste links all day. There is not a shred of Evidence or truth from dogs bite. Org

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Owner of four pit bulls here (not at the same time, mind you). Some posters seem to be mistaken about those of us who choose to adopt pitties; we think it is tragic that hundreds of thousands of put bulls are euthanized every year simply because of their breed ( and there is no "pit bull" breed, so the term encompasses millions of American dogs and mixes). We are not evangelizing that everyone should own a pit bull, but rather trying to demonstrate that they are not all inherently dangerous simply by virtue of their appearance. I wish like hell that there were stricter penalties for backyard breeders and those who neglect or abuse animals. The problem is that pits are cheap and have a reputation for being bad-ass, so they appeal to the masses in a way that is hard to counteract. Much like the American love affair with guns, even though guns kill and wound thousands of children every year.

Ironically, the hysteria over how dangerous pit bulls makes them more attractive to many people, so thanks for continuing to be part of the problem. And for the love of all things, learn something about statistics. It's embarrassing.

What is it that I don't know about statistics? Pit bulls are statistically disproportionately responsible for fatalities and serious injuries. Of course that does not mean that ALL pit bulls will cause harm. But to me it DOES suggest that all pit bulls are INHERENTLY capable of MORE harm than other breeds, and should be regulated accordingly.

https://www.livescience.com/27145-are-pit-bulls-dangerous.html

[Anonymous]

This thread has reconfirmed my belief that pit bull owners occupy some mental territory of criminality, math and logic blindness, stupidity, and willful obliviousness. My god.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: My question is why do you choose a pitbull over other breeds that are just as loving and cuddly as you claim your pitbull breed to be? Especially since you have to be aware that pit bulls have a very negative reputation and people will fear your dog? What is it about you that you want to purchase a dog that other people obviously fear and do not trust?

We are not buying these dogs! We are rescuing them. Shelters are overrun with pit bull mixes because there are millions of them.

There are also other dogs at the shelter that need to be rescued. You are deliberately choosing a dog that you know other people fear or avoid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My aunt and uncle had an adorable tan and white pit with a pink nose. Raised from a puppy, snuggled with all of us on the couch, ran miles with my uncle every day. Never saw anything aggressive in her, rarely even heard her bark. I also wondered how people could malign the entire breed and assumed it was dogs who were abused or mishandled that attacked. My uncle was talking to a neighbor in his yard about sports or something where the neighbor was speaking animatedly and gesturing with his hands. Out of nowhere the dog jumped up and attacked him and clamped onto his arm. It took both my aunt and uncle hitting her with a chair to get her off of him and my uncle finally was able to confine her to the garage. The neighbor required hundreds of stitches and my aunt and uncle had the dog euthanized.

We were all truly shocked and saddened by it - it changed my opinion on dogs in general, to be honest, and I'm hesitant to have one as a pet (I know this is super paranoid). Meanwhile my aunt and uncle's daughters were really traumatized by the whole thing and went the other direction - they both rescue pits and post pictures of them with their kids, insist that they are still great family dogs. It's insane.

Wow.

This just happened the other day: https://nypost.com/2017/12/22/pit-bull-mauls-2-year-old-boy-at-pet-adoption-event/.

All these stories and looking at the photo of this poor child, I would never ever even think of getting a pit bull.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My aunt and uncle had an adorable tan and white pit with a pink nose. Raised from a puppy, snuggled with all of us on the couch, ran miles with my uncle every day. Never saw anything aggressive in her, rarely even heard her bark. I also wondered how people could malign the entire breed and assumed it was dogs who were abused or mishandled that attacked. My uncle was talking to a neighbor in his yard about sports or something where the neighbor was speaking animatedly and gesturing with his hands. Out of nowhere the dog jumped up and attacked him and clamped onto his arm. It took both my aunt and uncle hitting her with a chair to get her off of him and my uncle finally was able to confine her to the garage. The neighbor required hundreds of stitches and my aunt and uncle had the dog euthanized.

We were all truly shocked and saddened by it - it changed my opinion on dogs in general, to be honest, and I'm hesitant to have one as a pet (I know this is super paranoid). Meanwhile my aunt and uncle's daughters were really traumatized by the whole thing and went the other direction - they both rescue pits and post pictures of them with their kids, insist that they are still great family dogs. It's insane.

Wow.

This just happened the other day: https://nypost.com/2017/12/22/pit-bull-mauls-2-year-old-boy-at-pet-adoption-event/.

All these stories and looking at the photo of this poor child, I would never ever even think of getting a pit bull.

Sweet 'nanny dog' my a$$.
The pit devotees will probably try to blame the child.

[Anonymous]

I know only one person personally who has a pit bull. He was our dog trainer and he is absolutely great! He trained our bulldog and he is awesome now. His pit bull obeying him unconditionally. He would just look at him, and dog would know what to do. I think only people like that should be allowed to have a pit bull.

[Anonymous]

That was the breed of most of the dogs at the shelter. I wasn’t going to leave a readily available dog who needed a home so I could compete for the few non-pit bulls who were in high demand. So glad we adopted our dog. She is a loving, affectionate dog and we adore her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:100% positive your pit will never harm you? You can never be 100% sure about ANY dog. I have a very docile GSD who adores children and babies. She has never shown any sign of aggression towards anyone or any animal. And you better believe I watch her when little kids are around.

This type of blanket “my dog would never....” illustrates pit owners’ attitudes. No one can say that about a dog, least of all one specifically bred to kill other dogs.

But you are a responsible owner. I have a GSD and a pit looking mix and they are very gentle, good natured dogs (they share food, snuggle together and with us). I wouldn't leave them (or Lassie, herself) alone with small children - ever. small children are curious, defenseless and do unpredictable things that might startle a dog.

Agreed. I was careful with my child when she was young around any breed. In fact, she got bit by a little lap dog at a friend’s house when the kids ran past the dog. Our big dogs never were a problem. But we also didn’t let them be a problem. I was very cautious with my kid around the Rottie mix and the pit mix when she was growing up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: My question is why do you choose a pitbull over other breeds that are just as loving and cuddly as you claim your pitbull breed to be? Especially since you have to be aware that pit bulls have a very negative reputation and people will fear your dog? What is it about you that you want to purchase a dog that other people obviously fear and do not trust?

They're adopting and purchasing these dogs to look badass. Ultimately, they'll bring the pit back to a shelter or put it down once they have children who want to have playdates. No sane adult will bring their child over for a playdate at a pit owner's house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:


Sadly, I have. I met a cute, cuddly, funny, and affectionate pitt who spontaneously attacked two different people in a short period of time. This same sweet pitt also lunged at my toddler when my DC got to close to the pitt owner's child. I get it. The pitt was in protective mode and new toddlers make strange noises and are unpredictable. But given my experiences, I will never EVER allow my kids to be in a home with a pitt. You just can't compare them to other large dogs. A pitt is completely different than, say, a lab, great dane or bernese mountain dog. Suggesting otherwise is just silly and makes pitt owners seem foolish.

You are been nice. Dogs can perfectly scale the level of danger. One toddler is not dangerous to another toddler. Even if they hit each other and one starts crying. Dogs instinctively know all sounds, they know that if a kid stepped on their tail it's because he does not have full control of his body due to young age.
Smart dogs gently insert themselves between two fighting parties or gently pull one away by the clothes and they never hurt a kid.
Temperamentally defective dogs attack.
I hate to say that but the dog from your post should be destroyed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
But you know what? We would have done the same for any breed of dog. Pit bull puppies need the same things all dogs need: love, discipline, and responsible owners.

Not really. I had a rescue coonhound for 12 years, unfortunately he passed away this spring, he was naturally sweet and well mannered. I never disciplined him, never taught him any commands, only loved and spoiled him. We were friends, not master-submitter.
He was abused once by my toddler god daughter (her dad supposed to watch her and fell asleep on the couch) and handled it perfectly - inserted his head between the couch and the wall and let her hit his back and butt with the plastic crocodile until I came to his rescue. My min poodle on the other hand would push a kid with his shoulder if he is cornered and run away. He would not give a damn if a kid falls and hurts himself.
No, not all dogs are naturally the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why sre they not putting down these pits, especially in a county run shelter?

Those dogs ended up in a shelter for a reason, likely very negative. It is irresponsible to rehome those pitbulls out again to another family, especially to one that lives in a neighborhood or has kids.

Shelters don't take dogs (any dogs) that mauled people. "Very negative" reasons why pitts end up in shelters is neglect and abuse. I agree with the poster who said that pitts suffer horrific and systemic abuse more than any other breed.
Are they unpredictable after due to their terrible life experiences? Absolutely.