[SkiGirl]

Originally Posted by Lorina

A pit bull next door wouldn't necessarily worry me. I've met some very sweet ones.

A pit bull that the owner admits doesn't like other dogs would scare the **** out of me.

I'd ask the owner if they'd consider putting up a higher fence, or even ask if they'd like to go halfsies with you on a fence. If they refused, though, I'd want an 8ft stockade fence between an agressive pit and my yard, and would put it up myself if I had to.

yeah that's what I thought we are putting a fence up this summer not just because of the dog but because we dont want our dogs jumping the fence when they get bigger lol

Originally Posted by RedyreRottweilers

My dogs are quite correct in temperament.

They are never sharp or jumpy. Cautious, yes. Early training and socialization is important with breeds that can be territorial or have guarding tendencies.

My dogs can alert me, but unless someone is clearly intending my imminent physical harm, they better not make any fast moves. I demand my dogs be social and obedient, and would have nothing less.

When people say "turn" they generally mean a dog that turns unexpectedly and attacks someone who it knows or its owner.

If your dog goes from repose to being sharp and jumpy in a second, I would recommend even MORE strongly that you aggressively pursue good training in your area.

The guy on the otherside has a rott and she is a dollbaby however she stays on a chain but from what i can tell petting her she's really sweet.

[Snowshoe]

To be honest, I have not had great dog experiences with terrier breeds in general. I find that most people who do have terrier breeds, whether it is the larger breeds, or the smaller, don't take the time and effort to properly train and socialize them.

The only really great pit I've met happened to be a lab/pit mix, who was the SWEETEST girl, ever. She was absolutely beautiful- a red color with white feet and the bluest eyes I've ever seen (ok, so she was probably a Heinz 57, but she looked mostly pity)

She was also just wonderful with other dogs, but she'd also been taken to puppy class, then obedience, then obedience ii.

In my opinion, if a person is going to have a dog like a pit, they should take all proper precautions. They should educate EVERYONE around them with their dog, and encourage great amounts of great socialization.

In my opinion, pit bull owners should go out of their way to have the sweetest, most well behaved pet on the street. They should make the example, just to prove to other people that pit bulls can be sweet, well socialized and controled animals.

If their dog shows aggression, they should buy that 7 foot fence or that public muzzle and be responsible. They should love their dogs and the breed enough to do the safe thing.

All of the pits that Orchid and I had the "pleasure" of meeting in dog parks or just on the street have been terribly aggressive- pulling their owners towards us in some cases, or just full out attacking with the owners trying to catch them.

That's NOT the dog's fault. It's the PEOPLE WHO OWN THEM. IF their owners had better control or at least HAD THE SENSE NOT TO TAKE A DOG AGRESSIVE DOG TO A DOG PARK then likely my heart would not skip a beat when Orchid and I pass one on the street.

[DogAdvocat]

Originally Posted by Snowshoe

To be honest, I have not had great dog experiences with terrier breeds in general. I find that most people who do have terrier breeds, whether it is the larger breeds, or the smaller, don't take the time and effort to properly train and socialize them.

How does this differ with other non-terrier breeds? It seems to me that most people don't train their dogs, no matter what breed they are.

[babydolwv]

My best friends mother has a pit...and omg that is the sweetest dog ever and spoiled rotten as well, but she obey's her owner as well... but she is the biggest sweet heart...

and i totally agree... with any dog that is going to attack they give off some sort of signal... if the own pays enough attention he/she will know the signs and can maybe stop the incident before it happens... but then as many have said.... good owner, good dog; bad owner, bad dog....

[SkiGirl]

Totally off subject here but babydoll what part of wv ? Im from around clarksburgh.

[Snowshoe]

Originally Posted by DogAdvocat

How does this differ with other non-terrier breeds? It seems to me that most people don't train their dogs, no matter what breed they are.

This is true.

My point was that (and this is just me) I'd rather have Orchid meet a friendly, untrained pup then an unsocialized dog aggressive dog. This is, of course, stating that both were untrained.

[Laurelin]

My take on pit bulls? I think they're good dogs, but I think all dogs are good dogs. They're definitely not the breed for me, however they're perfectly fine for people who can handle them. The problem is many pit owners do not have the dog's well being in mind all the time or do not understand the breed. Pits can be dog aggressive and a responsible owner would know this and take precautions. Obviously all owners have to take these precautions.

So basically, pits are fine, but many owners of pits shouldn't have pits let alone any dogs...

[Alasse]

Personally i wouldn't have one...not really fond of them at all

But then its a moot point for me...they are a banned breed in my city

[mistyinca]

Originally Posted by DogAdvocat

Factor One - what they were originally selectively bred to do which is dog fighting. When a dog is selectively bred, all examples that are not desirable for that purpose are "culled" which can mean killed or just not bred. Pit bulls that attacked their owner/handlers in or out of the fighting arena were culled. Which meant that only people friendly, dog aggressive dogs were chosen to produce the next generation of pit bulls.

That seems to mean then that it is an uphill battle to selectively breed for not only the people friendly, but the dog friendly too, if the gene pool has been limited now for generations to the dog aggressive specimens.

It seems that maybe 100 or so years ago, then, there might have been a greater variation in the gene pool. If the non-dog-aggressive traits were culled, then it must be very hard to find one that has that range of traits to even select from. Of course, the job would not be any easier with the irresponsible breeders out there.

I know there are wonderful pits some people have as pets. One of the girls in my bunko group has one that I have heard is a just the sweetest dog in the world.

I, however, am still on the fearful side of them. I don't dislike the breed, but I maintain a respectful distance.

[sucker4pups]

I love pitts. my one dog Rosco has pitt and german shepard in him. i think they are one of the most loyal breeds you could ever own. they are the kind of dogs i would think to see on those animal rescue miracle shows where the dog rescues their owner. another part with being so loyal is they are very protective so if you are not getting your pitt out their and socialized you probally will have a problem. Rosco is great with people and other dogs when we are out at the dog park or on dog hikes and stuff. but when he hears someone come in through are gate of our home he hits my front door so hard i think he is going to bust through the glass! i think it is just a pitts nature to be a protective loyal dog. when our guests are inside he is so loving twards them. i think it is the fear of the unknown at first of who is at the door, and if i want that person to be their!

[iwantmypup]

Originally Posted by MagicToller

Wonderful dog, stupid people.

Very nicely said..

If I didnt live where I live (and APT and they dont let me have a pit ) I would totally consider one .. IS my life style would be good for him....

ANyways! I do hate when people are soo mean to them .

Its alll in the training...agh ..people....people....

Originally Posted by mistyinca

That seems to mean then that it is an uphill battle to selectively breed for not only the people friendly, but the dog friendly too, if the gene pool has been limited now for generations to the dog aggressive specimens.

It seems that maybe 100 or so years ago, then, there might have been a greater variation in the gene pool. If the non-dog-aggressive traits were culled, then it must be very hard to find one that has that range of traits to even select from. Of course, the job would not be any easier with the irresponsible breeders out there.

I know there are wonderful pits some people have as pets. One of the girls in my bunko group has one that I have heard is a just the sweetest dog in the world.

I, however, am still on the fearful side of them. I don't dislike the breed, but I maintain a respectful distance.

I am actually not quotingMistyinca but the quote DogAdvocat said.... YEs they were bred for fighting well beagles were bred for hunting ..doesnt mean they are going to kill cats and rabits (sorry my spelling..kinda early)

[Curbside Prophet]

Originally Posted by iwantmypup

YEs they were bred for fighting well beagles were bred for hunting ..doesnt mean they are going to kill cats and rabits (sorry my spelling..kinda early)

Sorry, in defense of the beagle, they weren't bred to kill...the hunters did that. Beagles were bred to track (with their nose), and I personally have never known a beagle who refused to track or chase prey. I had a basset who would chase cats, but once cornered, he didn't have a clue what to do with it, so he'd simple let it go to chase it again. Sorry, I had to point that out.


Bad Rap : Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls

[DOBERMAN_07]

Originally Posted by RedyreRottweilers

My dogs are quite correct in temperament.

They are never sharp or jumpy. Cautious, yes. Early training and socialization is important with breeds that can be territorial or have guarding tendencies.

My dogs can alert me, but unless someone is clearly intending my imminent physical harm, they better not make any fast moves. I demand my dogs be social and obedient, and would have nothing less.

When people say "turn" they generally mean a dog that turns unexpectedly and attacks someone who it knows or its owner.

If your dog goes from repose to being sharp and jumpy in a second, I would recommend even MORE strongly that you aggressively pursue good training in your area.

Why would I go and train the dog to be something its not? The reason I got him is to have those characteristics and I would be an idiot to try and suppress them

[Wimble Woof]

I also would never really look for a Pitbull or amstaff as a pet... No reason for it, just not my breeds. On that note I wouldnt get a shih tzu or a pom either.
And toboot pits are banned province wide here, stupidity I know, but gotta love Ontario... the dog hating province. ( rolling eyes)

[DogAdvocat]

Originally Posted by sucker4pups

I love pitts. my one dog Rosco has pitt and german shepard in him. i think they are one of the most loyal breeds you could ever own. they are the kind of dogs i would think to see on those animal rescue miracle shows where the dog rescues their owner. another part with being so loyal is they are very protective so if you are not getting your pitt out their and socialized you probally will have a problem. Rosco is great with people and other dogs when we are out at the dog park or on dog hikes and stuff. but when he hears someone come in through are gate of our home he hits my front door so hard i think he is going to bust through the glass! i think it is just a pitts nature to be a protective loyal dog. when our guests are inside he is so loving twards them. i think it is the fear of the unknown at first of who is at the door, and if i want that person to be their!

What happens if you ever are in need of paramedics? Are they going to be safely able to come through the door if you aren't able to handle the dog?

Originally Posted by iwantmypup

I am actually not quotingMistyinca but the quote DogAdvocat said.... YEs they were bred for fighting well beagles were bred for hunting ..doesnt mean they are going to kill cats and rabits (sorry my spelling..kinda early)

A beagle might not kill a cat or rabbit, but why would you want to take a chance? When a breed is selectively bred to do a job, should it surprise anyone that a dog of that breed actually does that job?

One of the things that's advised to those planning on buying or adopting a dog is to do their homework and consider what the breed they want, was originally bred for. Dachshunds, for instance, and some of the terrier breeds, were bred to "go to ground" and dig in the search for prey. It's not impossible to keep a dachshund from digging, but they have been selectively bred to do it, so it's going to be difficult and just isn't advised for those that value their landscaping.

[iwantmypup]

Originally Posted by DogAdvocat

What happens if you ever are in need of paramedics? Are they going to be safely able to come through the door if you aren't able to handle the dog?



A beagle might not kill a cat or rabbit, but why would you want to take a chance? When a breed is selectively bred to do a job, should it surprise anyone that a dog of that breed actually does that job?

One of the things that's advised to those planning on buying or adopting a dog is to do their homework and consider what the breed they want, was originally bred for. Dachshunds, for instance, and some of the terrier breeds, were bred to "go to ground" and dig in the search for prey. It's not impossible to keep a dachshund from digging, but they have been selectively bred to do it, so it's going to be difficult and just isn't advised for those that value their landscaping.

I am sorry if i gget this worng but are you saying NO one in the world should get a Pit Bull for instance because they were bred as fighting dogs?

[DogAdvocat]

Originally Posted by iwantmypup

I am sorry if i gget this worng but are you saying NO one in the world should get a Pit Bull for instance because they were bred as fighting dogs?

No, what I'm saying is that no one should get a pit bull, or any other dog, from an irresponsible breeder. It's the irresponsible breeders that are producing bad quality dogs and placing them in inappropriate homes that won't properly train them. Responsible breeders are selectively breeding the dog aggression out of pit bulls, and the human aggression has always been taboo.

[iwantmypup]

Originally Posted by DogAdvocat

No, what I'm saying is that no one should get a pit bull, or any other dog, from an irresponsible breeder. It's the irresponsible breeders that are producing bad quality dogs and placing them in inappropriate homes that won't properly train them. Responsible breeders are selectively breeding the dog aggression out of pit bulls, and the human aggression has always been taboo.

oh oknow i get it..sorry .. I get so frusterated....really sorry

Me

[DogAdvocat]

No problem.

[German Shepherd Lover]

Personally I see absolutely nothing appealing about the PB's. They appear to me as a well below average looking dog that is made of pure muscle and is a perfect fighting machine.

I personally just don't see any reason for having one unless you are tryng to protect yourself from other dogs.

Don't be too fast to think I single out PB's because I also find very few dogs as beautiful as the German Shepherds that I have had.

Any dog can be made mean and the people that train and raise them certainly are important but it is my opinion that the PB is the perfect terminator and I wouldn't want my child alone with one. I have friends that have many PB's and they love them and I can tolerate them when visiting but I never feel comfortable. I can handle any German Shepherd but the PB is one strong muscle with vice-grip jaws without a tail to alert you to it's moods.