Pet a Pit...Please
Aug 16 '00 (Updated Aug 21 '00)
Screams rent the air. Hysteria mounted. A woman shrieked, "The Pitbulls are loose! The Pitbulls are loose!" Becca sighed. Glanced out the window. Sighed more heavily and shook her head. Once again her nephew had lost control of her dogs and they were careening through the neighborhood oblivious to the wave of terror they'd caused. Healthy, young and active (very) they were also friendly, gentle and completely reliable. They were also Boxers. AKC registered Boxers, obtained from a reputable breeder and fine examples of their breed, physically and mentally. "They don't even look like Pitbulls." Becca complained.
In another instance a neighbor watched helplessly as a dog struggled desperately to free himself from the fence he'd gotten hung up on which was slowly choking him. "Stay back. That's a Pitbull. He might do ANYTHING!" the neighbor warned as I rushed in to free the terrified dog. Which was quite friendly. And an Australian Blue Heeler / Shar Pei cross.
Pitbulls. Myths, legends, lies and misconceptions surround the breed resulting in an ugly brew of paranoia, hate and mistrust. Too often every mean dog is perceived to be a Pitbull. Equally tragic, many assume every Pitbull is a mean dog.
I have no Pitbull bias. I've never owned a Pitbull. I don't plan on acquiring one. None of my friends or family have Pitbulls or plan to. This is also true of Pitbull crosses and similar breeds (American Bulldogs, Staffordshire Terriers, etc). But while I don't 'love' the breed it is a breed I like and admire. Its undeserved reputation for viciousness is regrettable and dangerous.
Obtaining a 'bad' Pitbull is easy. Too many unskilled breeders have carelessly bred for heightened aggression, including human aggression! Other experienced and knowledgeable breeders have quite deliberately bred for these traits. These deplorable cretins WANT thuggish dogs. Equally true is that acquiring a 'good' Pitbull is also easy. There is an abundance of Pitbulls that are mentally and physically sound. These dogs are a joy in the right home and make a terrific family dog.
The old mantra 'This breed is not for everyone' must be carefully considered when thinking of bringing a Pitbull into the family. Some of the breeds most vigorous defenders become defensive at the notion that there are profound differences among breeds regarding temperament, risks and potential problems. This denial only serves to land innocent animals into the wrong homes where people are baffled by their failure to cope with a dog horribly suited to them.
I worry less about the vagaries within the breed than human nature. Fearful people seeking a guard dog are bad candidates for a Pitbull (or a Rottie, Bullmastiff, Doberman etc). Nervous owners do poorly with this robust and potentially forceful dog. Undisciplined, laissez faire types often neglect to provide and enforce the rules, structure and guidance Pitbulls require. The appropriate owner will be firm, gentle, confident and devoted to instilling the training and manners needed. This owner will ensure that the dog is fully integrated into the family and that all family members are respected.
Well bred Pitbulls are not vicious. Historically bred AGAINST human aggression they're friendly, steady, reliable, devoted and courageous. But it's a BIG mistake to assume they're cupcakes (or Beagles). They're confident, bold, athletic, outgoing, dominant dogs with a high opinion of themselves. Handled poorly they can readily become full of themselves. Given the opportunity many will cheerfully take over from meek or timid owners. More dangerous is the owner that 'leads' with sheer physical force. Pitbulls are noted for meeting force with force. Physical punishment can elicit aggression rather than submission. A Pitbull philosophy is 'Back at ya'. Aggressively challenging a Pitbull is destined for failure. Even tragedy.
Tenacious, hard, possessing incredible drive, they thrive on physical and mental activities. Frisbee, agility, obedience, tracking and retrieving provide excellent opportunities to constructively channel that abundant energy. Public activities offer the invaluable benefit of socialization with people and dogs outside the family. Older children can participate in some of these activities but it is essential the dog is fully trained. Many Pits display both strong prey drive and dog to dog aggression. It is unfair to expect an adolescent to have the maturity and judgement to handle a dog in these circumstances. Thorough training and socialization helps Pitbulls to develop essential SELF discipline.
Socialization...I maintain dogs should be reliable not just with the children in the family but with ALL children. Ideally, I prefer that dogs be reliable with ALL people in the community. All Pitbull owners should expect this of their dog.
Socialization with Pitbulls can be problematic due to their bad rep. Our Parks Commissioner recently raised that tired cry of 'Ban the Pit.' His editorial was rife with allusions to drug dealers and the underworld but woefully uninformed regarding Pitbulls. He has quite obviously made no effort to approach any of the dogs (or owners) he's so blithely damning. In another editorial a PETA member was clamoring to have ALL Pitbulls destroyed! Even many dog lovers that will approach a Golden, coo at a JRT or scratch the ears of some handsome mutt will shun the Pitbull. People fear them. Avoid them. Cross the street. Reverse directions. Urge their children to flee. None of this provides the hands on socialization Pits need throughout their lives. Further, this miasma of fear and anger gives this tough but friendly breed a bad message.
Realizing this I make an effort to pet and talk with every Pit I see (with the owners permission). The owners, including the young 'macho' men have been delighted to confirm that their dogs are gentle, people loving companions. Dismayed at the pervasive stereotypes plaguing their pets, they appreciate the positive attention from my daughter and myself.
Petting a Pitbull is a very minor community service. It's sinfully easy and pleasurable as well. But it is of real benefit to these unjustly scorned and despised pets. It is also beneficial to the children that inadvertently come in contact with these dogs. So, for the dogs, for the kids, have some fun and pet a Pit.
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Epinions.com ID:
LaBruja
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Member: Jacinta
Reviews written: 43
Trusted by: 18 members
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