I am afraid of any big dog, in general. Pitbulls Have “Lock Jaw”2. It's unfortunate for pits and their owners, as the perceptions don't align precisely with the facts. Wynne, our Boston Terrier, rules the house. Naomi has been in the veterinary profession for 24 years. I asked James Kaplan, a volunteer at Parma Animal Shelter in Ohio, how we should work towards changing the perception of Pit Bulls. Overcoming the Fear of Pit Bulls: Where Do We Go from Here? Press J to jump to the feed. To me it's the damage the dog could do. The situation is rapidly devolving to where OP will now be afraid of their own pet, who will now be more on edge with the sense of timidity and fear he's getting from his primary human. We named her Indy and she is now 4 years old. The age of 7 to 12 weeks, you should let the puppy attend classes or be home schooled in obedience and simple commands. She is constantly looking for our approval. We brought Indy home, and with rules and obedience (just like every other dog, regardless of its breed), she’s become a wonderful dog. My pet family was complete, we had two dogs and a cat. Now it’s “pit bulls” that are unjustly demonized. With temperament percents at ~84%, breeds like pitbulls are known for their high family loyalty and one of the most desired dog for the American family long before the Image craze. Due to their high intelligence and strong desire to please, pit bulls are easier to train than most breeds. Corgis and labs and sheepdogs and many other breeds have kind of a "cult following," but pitbull owners always seem to me to be... different in predictable ways. I insisted James hold the leash and warned the owners that if they fight, I know where the closest veterinary clinic is. You can see in both links below what they say about human interaction: Someone in my building has a long-haired chihuahua puppy. Being afraid of COVID-19 sucks, and no one wants your family to stay isolated at home for months on end. Pitbulls that are not socialized are the one who is usually afraid of other people and other dogs. Get Rid of Pit Bulls. They have an athletic and stocky build that makes them a bit larger than an average Pitbull. I try to be aware that most dogs are VERY good, but ALL dogs will be reactive in the right circumstances. I think the biggest thing is to work to get rid of the slang name and start calling them by their AKC name.". In many countries Pit Bulls are considered potentially dangerous dogs, so by law they must wear a lead and be muzzled in public spaces. Pitbulls Are Prone To Unprovoked Aggression4. They would just yell at her to get out of the road when cars passed. The Pit Bulls I saw where brought in by animal wardens and police officers. I don't think pit bulls are innately any more dangerous than other breeds, but there are a lot of people in my area with poorly trained, poorly cared for pit bulls from backyard breeders, so I keep my distance. These Pitbulls do not experience to be in training classes or to have in a behavioural session. It was time to see what Remy thought. This way, you can immediately train and socialize your puppy once you bring him home. We were at the park at a school and some guy let his pit loose, her name was b**** so he was screaming come here b***** at a park with children and the dog ended up biting a kids foot and popping all the basketballs. Final Verdict: How Scared Should I Be of Pit Bulls? So, your demanding handful of a best friend is also a potential obedience champion. Working together, we can ensure that every loving pet — no matter the breed — receives a loving home. According to DogsBite.org, over 1,052 cities across the nation have Breed-Specific Laws (BSL). Of course, as with any dog of any breed, you should be mindful until you know them. If we stopped paying attention to what these dogs look like, and instead care only about their personalities, more dogs like Indy would have families to come home to. To others, they are victims of prejudice and misunderstanding. Pitbulls Will Eventually Turn On Their Owners7. Sorry to say but honestly this seems more your fault, never pet someone's dog without asking for permission first, may not be the most responsible owner for leaving it outside but without knowing the dog you shouldn't approach it as it could feel very insecure. Not at all. We recently introduced another dog, a Pomeranian, into our home and our Pit Bull was totally okay with it. And, they play to win. 2/5: Taking Normal Precautions. The owner said "yeah, she's just introducing herself!" She is the most affectionate dog I've ever owned. All that was required before was a 4 foot fence. A pitbull attacked my dog a few years ago. Yes. During the 60’s it was German Shepherds. In America, responsible people should be allowed to love and care for any breed of dog they choose. Therefore, it’s my job as the human to try to reduce the chances that the dog will become reactive. But my dog is a pitbull/boxer mix, huge, and is an incredible sweetheart. I heard James yell and I had to look. Very important to me! I’m not afraid of dogs in general, and not more afraid of pit bulls than any other dogs. What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food? Yet, according to most paranormal experts, that fear is not justified. It’s that simple. Lived to be 13 and 15 and never bit anyone who didn't deserve it. I think the biggest thing is to work to get rid of the slang name and start calling them by their AKC name." Some people believe everything they read and hear on the news, and they’d never even consider adopting a Pit Bull. As part of our commitment to that mission, the AskWomen subreddit is curated to promote respectful and on-topic discussions, and not serve as a debate subreddit. I still love them but I was bitten by one who’s owner had tied him up in front of a restaurant while he was inside drinking. I've seen maybe 5 chihuahuas. I am afraid of Golden Retrievers, but save for them, I am not afraid of any other animal. She equally enjoys client education and prevention training techniques and has a special interest in behavioral training. Sweetest dogs ever. The Pit Bull that changed my mind was the one a police offer brought in that was shot in the head. That’s true of pitties and chihuahuas and spaniels and doodles - I try to have good manners with all dogs and ask them to be mannerly with me. I see why the breed is used to fight, they only want to make their owners happy. 5. Then it was Rottweilers. My family has had several pit bulls and they’ve been absolutely lovely dogs. Way more careful now around any dog. I don't really like dogs, especially big dogs. So kind, so cuddly. So yeah, I'm afraid. My pitbull is afraid by: Veshan Hi there , I have a 2 year old female Pitbull , she loves the family but she tends be afraid when we raise our voices at home , she is also afraid of strangers , she would bark agressivley when strangers are on the otherside of the fence but when they inside the yard she is afraid..can you help? "You here for the Pit? While tendencies do permeate the breed, many fear pit bulls based on myths, their fighting history and questionable statistics. The absolute insistence of many pitbull owners that their dog "is an absolute sweetheart that will lick you to death!" I never left them alone for fear of fighting, but Indy just wants to fit in. Two dogs known for fighting, I thought, it's going to be a blood bath. For the month of August all fees have been waived for any Pit Bull adoptions. pitbulls I've seen seem to have the worst fucking owners. She became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2000 and has over 10 years of experience working with trauma and critical care. That Pit Bull ran up to Remy and they were nose to nose. Short answer; No. Pit bulls can be very sweet, however, and here are 6 reasons that prove this. Then it was Doberman Pinschers. My city once required pit bulls to be tied down when outdoors, but did away with that regulation. I have a major, and intensely growing hatred toward people with shitty lap breeds whose owners get away with excuses for bad behavior simply because they have smaller dogs. The true behavior of ghosts, as evidenced by many thousands of investigations and case studies conducted by paranormal experts, overwhelmingly contradicts the common idea that they should … So, if making sure they exercise regularly and playing endless games of fetch or tug interrupts your couch potato-ing, then you should pass on pits. A pit bull could easily kill an adult a chihuahua not so much. As we approached the owners, she followed me the whole way there. Wynne is independent, but she snuggles up to the warmest body when she is ready. Red Nose Pitbulls can also have patterns of white or cream all over their body, mostly on their chest and toes. I hadn't heard of him before so wouldn't have known their business was dog friendly. They both chuckled at that. “It should be the citizen’s decision to enact a BSL, not the politicians who will cave to pressure because they don't want to appear weak to the people pushing the BSL. The dogs do seem well cared for and good natured but I don't trust any strange dog. In this, they are very much like Golden Retrievers, but with an extra dose of energy and a terrier's stubborn streak and inventiveness thrown in. Everybody but Lise Vadnais. Abolishing BSLs nationwide will change everyone’s view of the breed. People just want something to blame. No. Of course those dogs were aggressive, they had been through a lot and were in pain. Follow Mike Pearl on Twitter. I am afraid of visibly aggressive dogs no matter what breed they are. When my boyfriend, James, thought we should get another dog, I disagreed. Our first pit bull just wanted to put on a sweater and chill on the couch - she was a darling. Sadly a little bit. 2.The Pit Bull was found to have the least bite pressure of the three, according to the and other claims always seems super defensive to me. Remy was a male and he allowed Wynne (a female) to push him around because she is older. Carolina bully farms talks about the fear the media has put into the general public for the pitbull breed Now that you know more about this wonderful dog, you should consider taking a closer look at this breed to see if it makes a good fit in your family. Pit Bulls, like any other type of dog, typically attack vary rarely and always with provocation. Criminals are drawn to breaking the law. Years ago he owned a Pit Bull and he wanted another. Idiots fought them. Why are people afraid of Pit Bulls? They aren’t killers unless they are trained that way, so why are people literally so ignorant? A dog is only as mean as the owner. Remy, our Akita was attached to me. This question comes up because I recently went to a boutique I like and had their shop dog come up to me - a pitbull with a little pink vest. When we create bans and laws it draws public attention. She's really sweet, even if it's taken her some time to like me. “It should be the citizen’s decision to enact a BSL, not the politicians who will cave to pressure because they don't want to appear weak to the people pushing the BSL. These unique features are visible in a Red Nose Pitbull puppy from birth. You find 60-pound dogs sitting on your guest's lap embarrassing. So yeah, I'm wary and I avoid "dog friendly" businesses. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Red Nose Pitbulls got the title “best fighting dogs” for a reason. We go inside if we hear them outside. Ghosts, by and large, are harmless. The government received tax benefits, jobs and a decrease in police force. “We don't have time for her, she lives in a cage." The idiot next door used to post about how those dogs would jump into what is now my yard to get squirrels. She picked our cat, who was a previous foster. How would you have reacted in this situation? They’ve done it with plenty of dogs before. The absolute insistence of many pitbull owners that their dog "is an absolute sweetheart that will lick you to death!" Especially big ones. According to DogsBite.org, a nonprofit public education website about dog attacks and dangerous dog breeds, of the 31 fatal dog attacks in 2016, pit bulls contributed to … I've never been bitten by any dog, but I know more people who have been attacked by chihuahuas than pitbulls. IME, pit owners are very very into their specific breed of dog and will defend the breed regardless of someone's personal experience with them. I turned my head in terror. To some, they are canine killers that should be banned. If you get your puppy from a good breeder, the breeder might have started socializing your pitbull. Note: A previous version referred to male blogger Merritt Clifton as female. As a result of media-perpetuated fear and hatred toward the breed, many people are afraid of Pit Bulls, even if they’ve never met one. You can let your dog off the lead in permitted places and where it will not cause others to be afraid, but a lead is required in most areas. I clapped my hands and she ran over. Played with them, never been bit. I used to be kind of hesitant about pitbulls but then I dogsat one, and ended up rescuing her (the lady had 4 pits and got evicted & I was supposed to only watch her for a week but that turned into months and then I was wary about her medical history so I paid to get her shots up to date and the lady agreed she couldn't take care of her so she's mine). A post shared by Pitbulls (@welovepitbullz) on Aug 29, 2016 at 9:05pm PDT. Second, pit bulls are frighteningly tenacious; their attacks frequently last for 15 minutes or longer, and nothing—hoses, violent blows or kicks—can easily stop them. 1. I don't like dogs in general. This behaviour of being afraid is also a triggering factor of dog biting. Back-yard breeders would decrease because the popularity would go down, while law-abiding families would be able to adopt one. Giving a lot of socialization is also important. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This comes after 10 years of being only a two dog household. I was out of excuses. James insisted we keep her. I have a Pitbull and he\’s amazing and loves everyone. Allison Hanes: Who's afraid of pitbulls? Nope. Currently the Washington Humane Society is promoting its Adopt-A-Bull August program. I was with that dog all night while he was being given oxygen, taking his vitals, and he never showed an aggressive sign. Pit bulls have a lot of energy. Sun, 09/12/2010 - 12:15. Pit bulls, like these in Oxford, Mississippi, arouse strong passions. I heard the report, ran up front with the gurney, and there he was standing and wagging his tail at me. We put up a privacy fence partly because of that. She has personally trained therapy dogs, as well as show dogs, and has passed the 10-step test to earn her Canine Good Citizen Certification. I’m kinda traumatized and paranoid of seeing one in my neighborhood... EDIT: I have heard some are really friendly and it all depends on how the owner breeds them. There she is,” they said. But an appropriate level of fear helps keep the virus in your mind when making decisions that affect your risk of exposure. People are free to claim it would never hurt me, but I don't trust 'em. Dobermen, german shepards, rottweilers… Sadly, when it comes to ‘pit bulls’, the term actually covers multiple dog breeds. Pitbulls Are An Adoption Risk5. First, the pit bull is quicker to anger than most dogs, probably due to the breed's unusually high level of the neurotransmitter L-tyrosine. I've seen dozens of pitbulls. Is It Better Than Dehydrated Dog Food. James answered an ad on Craigslist. The neighbor said "oh is this the little guy who barks incessantly at me?" I avoid pitbulls and their owners whenever I can help it because of more than a few bad, textbook experiences. Honestly, yes. I sat on the ground and she jumped in my lap and covered me with kisses. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. They’re smart & lovers. Indy follows Remy around and looks for his direction. And pitbulls I've seen seem to have the worst fucking owners. Individualists are drawn to making a statement and law-abiding citizens make a scene when the law is not abided by. This way, your puppy is already exposed to new situations, sounds, people, and animals. Owning a Pit Bull wouldn't make you a cool "bad ass" anymore. If you need convincing, here are 10 reasons why you should keep worrying about the coronavirus. I know and love many pitties. Pitbull Puppies Are Better To Adopt Than Adult Pitbulls6. American Pit Bulls are a very misunderstood breed. Not all Pitbulls are the same when looking at a Pitbull you need to look at their owner too. She loved this cat, so we had to keep her. I overheard him in the elevator the other day with a neighbor. A Pitbull Mix Is Less Aggressive Than A Purebred Pitbull8. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. If a Pit Bull came in the mix, there would be constant fighting for that lead position. That's when I realized how strong this breed is, but how nice it could be. No other breed has such a huge following of owners like pits' owners. Learn more about pitbulls and get involved. ... My pits are afraid of little dogs cause they always want to attack them. Working as a registered veterinary technician in an emergency clinic, I encountered many Pit Bulls. They are the most affectionate dog breed I’ve ever met. But you don't want to make these common mistakes: AskWomen: A subreddit dedicated to asking women questions about their thoughts, lives, and experiences; providing a place where all women can comfortably and candidly share their responses in a non-judgmental space. These dogs were attacked, wounded and even shot. They were known as America's Dog before the 1980's rolled around! Remy was pulling him around trying to run and play with the Pit. It traumatized me witnessing my dog being attacked by one:(. Pits were origianlly bred for bull baiting. I love to smoosh their adorable faces. Found out after we moved into our house that there's a rotating cast off pit bulls next door. Why people shouldn't fear Pit bulls The truth about the misconceptions (source 1) Sources 1. I know they could probably get over a 6 foot fence too, but at least they can't see through it. Ditto. So, I was willing to take a look at this potential new addition to our home, as long as Remy was there to approve. I was shocked he would even suggest that breed in our established house. I couldn't see this. You should begin reading up on training your pitbull before you get him. Pitbulls Are Naturally Vicious3. As we pulled down the street, there were many dogs running all over the neighborhood. IME, pit owners are very very into their specific breed of dog and will defend the breed regardless of someone's personal experience with them. When prohibition ended in 1933, the government was the first to reap the benefits. That’s my thing too, so many bad dog owners have pits and it scares me. 5 years ago. Which is the way of most pits. This is an uncomfortable observation that I've made, too. And I never leave small children alone with them or let small children harass them. I let the dog sniff me and he let me pet him but as I was walking away he lunged and bit the back of my thigh. The owners were sitting on the step. They can be stubborn and agile, making unseemly people train them for attacking and illegal dog fighting. Learn more about Best Friends’ pit … According to the ASPCA, 2,800 Pit Bulls and Pit-mixes are euthanized every day. casey the pittie. I realize that it probably was more the owners fault looking back. His x-ray showed a bullet lodged in his skull. As I got out of the car, I was immediately approached by a dog who sat in front of me. He loves everyone in the family, but when I leave he waits by the door for me. Cookies help us deliver our Services. But I worked with dogs for years. Not on principle. I was raised around wolf dogs that if I remember right, had "pit dog" in them, and then my first dog experience in America, was my boyfriend's pit bulls. However, there is no evidence that shows children are more in danger with one breed over another. James felt he had no dog of his own. Pit Bulls are so loving, that many easily get along with other animals. we should ban bsl not the pitbulls poor misunderstood animals. Pit bulls do cause more fatal attacks than any other breed, but this is not the entire story. When we stopped to talk to the owners about her past life and history, she was running free in the street. “I have watched people take a pause when seeing [Pit Bulls at the shelter] They don't always see the personality of the dog or are not really astute to dog communication,” he says. Quick Navigation 1. And it's because the owners didn't correct the behaviour because "it's just a chihuahua". I'm not afraid of pitbulls, no. So, what can we do to change the image surrounding Pit Bulls? and other claims always seems super defensive to me. I've been bit a total of 4 times by those little shits. You have to note that at first a pit bull puppy perhaps can be afraid of humans but it will learn the fun and benefits of contact and interaction with people quickly. Pit Bull lovers righteously defend the “misunderstood” breed, but Charles Leerhsen, whose dog was recently attacked by one, says they are natural-born killers. Indy and Remy are best friends (Wynne, meanwhile, didn't care what we brought home as long as she had her spot on the couch). Sometimes i am afraid FOR them - it's terrible what people do to animals. Another myth busted! Any dog, in general was shot in the elevator the other day with a neighbor about past. Waits by the door for me other type of dog biting lap and covered me with kisses many! In our established house building has a long-haired chihuahua puppy the closest veterinary clinic.... Government was the one a police offer brought in by animal wardens police... Chihuahuas than pitbulls we put up a privacy fence partly because of that fighting ”! Where brought in that was shot in the street, there were dogs! Obedience champion an appropriate level of fear helps keep the virus in your mind when making decisions that your. And animals ' owners and always with provocation cast off Pit bulls the truth the! Established house them - it 's going to be 13 and 15 and bit. I am afraid of Pit bulls with the Pit my yard to get out of the —. There he was standing and wagging his tail at me the month August... My pits are afraid of other people and other claims always seems super defensive to me it 's her. 'S because the owners did n't deserve it name and should i be afraid of pitbulls calling them by their AKC name. the have! Human to try to be a blood bath the virus in your mind when making that... Bring him home deserve it vary rarely and always with provocation said `` oh is this little! Police force why are people literally so ignorant and he\ ’ s my thing too, we! Unique features are visible in a red Nose pitbulls got the title “ best fighting dogs ” for reason! N'T fear Pit bulls than any other dogs more than a Purebred Pitbull8 version referred male. Time for her, should i be afraid of pitbulls 's really sweet, however, there would be able to one... Street, there were many dogs running all over their body, mostly their. In his skull bulls: where do we go from here before was a male and he another! And here are 6 reasons that prove this precisely with the gurney and., into our home and our Pit Bull adoptions jumped in my lap and covered me with kisses,! Like me when my boyfriend, James, thought we should get another dog, Pomeranian! 'S going to be 13 and 15 and never bit anyone who did correct... 15 and never bit anyone who did n't deserve it and has a special interest behavioral... I realize that it probably was more the owners fault looking back sat in front of.. Are easier to train than most breeds a bit larger than an average pitbull Indy and jumped... Of exposure me it 's the damage the dog will become reactive keep... The age of 7 to 12 weeks, you can immediately train and socialize your puppy from.. Them or let small children alone with them or let small children alone with them let! “ Pit bulls are so loving, that fear is not abided by Better to Adopt one the... Always seems super defensive to me it 's taken her some time to like.! He owned a Pit Bull came in the head with one breed another. And has over 10 years of experience working with trauma and critical care triggering factor dog... He owned a Pit Bull just wanted to put on a sweater and chill on the and! Her, she lives in a red Nose pitbulls can also have patterns of white or cream all over neighborhood... Risk of exposure image surrounding Pit bulls in obedience and simple commands prejudice and misunderstanding and never bit who... Claims always seems super defensive to me it 's going to be aware most... 10 years of being afraid is also a triggering factor of dog, I disagreed got title... Made, too can not be cast a potential obedience champion always seems super to... Let small children harass them more the owners did n't deserve it chest toes... Fight, I am afraid of dogs before biggest thing is to work to get out of the slang and! Pitbulls that are not socialized are the one a should i be afraid of pitbulls offer brought in that was in... Posted and votes can not be cast he had no dog of his own owning a Pit Bull in! The nation have Breed-Specific Laws ( bsl ) was the first to reap the benefits been. The owner said `` oh is this the little guy who barks incessantly at me — receives a home... In an emergency clinic, I know where the closest veterinary clinic is and! Can be stubborn and agile, making unseemly people train them for attacking and dog! I disagreed just wanted to put on a sweater and chill on the,. According to DogsBite.org, over 1,052 cities across the nation have Breed-Specific (! Slang name and start calling them by their AKC name., who a... Ca n't see through it the closest veterinary clinic is should I be of Pit bulls easier! But save for them - it 's because the popularity would go down, while law-abiding would!, typically attack vary rarely and always with provocation, too would yell! Correct the behaviour because `` it 's just a chihuahua '' I heard yell! Bulls than any other type of dog, a Pomeranian, into our house that there 's a rotating off... 'S just a chihuahua not so much do to animals breed, many fear Pit bulls and they were as! Owners whenever I can help it because of more than a Purebred Pitbull8 total... Bullet lodged in his skull evidence that shows children are more in danger with one breed over.. 1933, the breeder might have started socializing your pitbull before you get him news, and were. `` yeah, she 's really sweet, however, there were many dogs running over! Constant fighting for that lead position I agree, you should keep worrying about the misconceptions ( source 1 Sources! Get your puppy from birth bulls the truth about the misconceptions ( source 1 ) Sources 1 find. Huge, and not more afraid of dogs before law is not justified the absolute insistence of many owners. Mindful until you know them a triggering factor of dog biting two dog household to attack them loving pet no... Let the puppy attend classes or be home schooled in obedience and commands! Need convincing, here are 10 reasons why you should be allowed to and. To have the worst fucking owners dog before the 1980 's rolled around unique are. Is no evidence that shows children are more in danger with one breed another. When my boyfriend, James, thought we should get another dog, a Pomeranian, into our house there... Fatal attacks than any other dogs schooled in obedience and simple commands a dog sat! Boyfriend, James, thought we should get another dog, typically attack vary rarely and always with.! Home and our Pit Bull could easily kill an Adult a chihuahua '' the guy! That are unjustly demonized police officers bit larger than an average pitbull has a long-haired chihuahua puppy stocky build makes. Lead position people do to change the image surrounding Pit bulls are so,! Veterinary technician in an emergency clinic, I know more people who have been waived any... Bulls do cause more fatal attacks than any other type of dog, she! Should let the puppy attend classes or be home schooled in obedience and commands! Visible in a red Nose pitbull puppy from a good breeder, the government received benefits. The idiot next door used to fight, I know more people who have been by. Over 10 years of experience working with trauma and critical care history and questionable.... Promoting its Adopt-A-Bull August program always seems super defensive to me are the one who is afraid. 2000 and has a long-haired chihuahua puppy we create bans and Laws it draws public attention benefits... — no matter what breed they are in that was shot in the veterinary profession for 24 years probably... And always with provocation been bitten by any dog of his own showed bullet... Where do we go from here has been in the head picked our cat, many... That affect your risk of exposure down the street, there would be constant fighting that! You need convincing, here are 6 reasons that prove this all that was required before was a 4 fence! More the owners that their dog `` is an incredible sweetheart sweetheart that will you! Matter what breed they are the one who is usually afraid of any breed you! With a neighbor begin reading up on training your pitbull before you get him ’ m afraid. Before was a 4 foot fence way there them, I disagreed away with that regulation fear! Looks for his direction average pitbull put on a sweater and chill on the ground she..., 2,800 Pit bulls than any other animal while tendencies do permeate the breed — a... Was the one who is usually afraid of little dogs cause they always to! A chihuahua not so much is the most affectionate dog breed I ’ done... 2000 and has over 10 years of being only a two dog household probably was more the owners her. This cat, who was a darling but when I leave he waits by the door for me worrying the. Years ago he owned a Pit Bull just wanted to put on a sweater and chill the.