Pit bulls??

[DrKym]

In reference to Animal rescue: YES VIRGINIA THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS! meaning that yes there are unprovoked attacks. Most recent in a personal matter is a friend of mine that rescues Dobes and Fosters them she is 57 years old, has been doing this for over 30 years, so I think she has enough experience to speak. A rescue Dobe(4 yr old F) we were interested in that had been being fostered by her for almost 6 months, got along with dogs cats etc. had been around her family kids grands etc. walked over while 2 other dogs were playing fetch with her grandchild grabbed him by the head and began mauling him he required 122 stitches. There was NO provocation, she got up went out the dog door and attacked him. Period end of story and for Sparkle end of the line she was humanely PTS. Who knows what happened in her life? or what her thoughts were when it happened? the point is it did.

[K9soul]

I think there can be a difference between "provoked" and "triggered." I think it's more accurate to say there is always a trigger, but whether that is something that is within the dog and not identifiable, i.e. neurologic disorder perhaps, or just prey drive suddenly kicking in, is not always apparent to us. Provoked I think more along the lines of a person is doing something directly to the dog that causes it to react by attacking.

[DrKym]

Based on that definition I will agree. It not only makes sense but rings true if you understand my meaning?

[MajesticCollies]

I think there can be a difference between "provoked" and "triggered." I think it's more accurate to say there is always a trigger, but whether that is something that is within the dog and not identifiable, i.e. neurologic disorder perhaps, or just prey drive suddenly kicking in, is not always apparent to us.

OK I'll jump in real quick, but just real quick. I think K9Soul just hit it. We look at the breeding not just the breed. Look at us humans. What Neurological break down is causing the human race to be so aggressive and murderous? Is it bad DNA from these peoples generations past that the Neurological part of thier brain snaps in a blink of the eye? Why should a dog be different? Unfortunately in purebred breeding we are in control of what line breeds to what line.
Now why the concern of the Pit bull? Look at the power of the breed. Thats what makes it so much more dangerous then some of the others. I think I would rather be snapped and bitten by a Dachsund then crushed by the powerful jaws of a pit bull.I would rather be bitten by a GSD/Husky mix (which I have) then to encounter the bite of a pit bull. This is where all the bashing on these pits are coming from. They are just to powerful of biters. Someone said earlier in the threat that they were used to hunt and kill rats. Well when they found the rat I bet they didnt play with it till it died but crushed it till there was no movement in thier mouth before they let go.
It all boils down to what the neurological problem a certain dog may have if he wants to attack for no reason. No matter the breed. I have never been charged by a pit bull. I have been charged by 2 GSDs while walking my collie. I was able to quickly settle them down as they were 30 ft from me by talking nicely and acting like I was thier best friend. It usually works on most dogs. Luckily they weren't on a mission to attack.

Thats my two cents today on this subject. Oh and I want to thank all the groomers out there for taking one for the team for those who don't want to learn to groom thier own dogs.

[luvofallhorses]

I have met a lot of pit bulls every one of them have been sweet and I am NOT just saying that either! I volunteer at my local no-kill shelter and have met quite a few and they all are sweet! they are bred for fighting which I hate and they are good with people..some are not good with other dogs. they cannot be shown ANY human aggression at all. when they fall into the right hands of RESPONSIBLE owners like Jadapit, I wish there were more responsible pit bull owners in this world like her. when they fall into the wrong hands, it screws up the reputation of the breed and ya know why they are banned in some places and have the reputation that they do? because of irresponsible ; careless owners!!

[cali]

I personaly have never met a "mean" pittie, not even dog agressive, Happy has attacked pitties before(she is fear agressive) did she hurt them? no. what did the pitties do? they stood there smiling and wagging their tails. Rotties? I have never met a mean rottie, but I AM afraid of them. why? because when I was young rotties eemed to be attracted to me, they never hurt me, but when your 8 years old and on 3 seperate occasions Rotties have appeared and chased you and jumped on you its frightning. a family friend had a Rottie, Jules, I was terrified of her, but I loved her lol I dont hold anything against the breed, if anything they are too friendly, they just scared be enugh when I was younger to make me very nervous around them now. labs and goldens? never met a mean lab or golden either, but I have only met 5 labs and 2 goldens.

now recently I read a story in the paper, the story under the picture was saying how how these 2 "rougue pit bulls" were going on a cat killing spree and the AC officers nad a hard time catching the dogs and they were bahving visiously. there was a photo of the scene with the story, and the phto did not match the story, the photo? 2 american bulldogs standing unrestrained beside the AC officers with grins on their faces looking up at the sun, and hopping willing into the van..yes these dogs were so horrably visious and uncontrolable

[wolfsoul]

2 american bulldogs

Exactly, most of the dogs involved in attacks are not "american pit bull terriers," but dogs that look similar.

[luvofallhorses]

I think there can be a difference between "provoked" and "triggered." I think it's more accurate to say there is always a trigger, but whether that is something that is within the dog and not identifiable, i.e. neurologic disorder perhaps, or just prey drive suddenly kicking in, is not always apparent to us. Provoked I think more along the lines of a person is doing something directly to the dog that causes it to react by attacking.

I agree. there's there is almost always something that triggers a dog to attack you.. they don't do it on purpose! there's always a reason why a dog would attack. being abused, neurogical problems, in pain..bad past life, etc. Some give a warning as a growl at first and then you need to leave them alone. I just don't know, a lot of what was said on this thread upsets me..just the bad things being said about dogs. I am a hard core dog lover and I hate to see them discriminated against. they don't judge us, why should we judge them?

[animal_rescue]

I think there can be a difference between "provoked" and "triggered." I think it's more accurate to say there is always a trigger, but whether that is something that is within the dog and not identifiable, i.e. neurologic disorder perhaps, or just prey drive suddenly kicking in, is not always apparent to us. Provoked I think more along the lines of a person is doing something directly to the dog that causes it to react by attacking.

Well said, yes a reason there. Hannah(our RB German Shepherd) attacked for what seemed like no reason we then found out she was grieving the death of Simon(our other RB German Shepherd). It may seem like it was "no reason" but mentally there was.

[Love That Collie]

Dr. Goodnow.......re your posts #67 and 69.......well stated.
And how could I even forget, last year I was chased by an unrestrained lab and a GSD at the same time and I also owned a Doberman years ago too.
And I do agree with you in that the breed is being destroyed on the fast track.
And the only point I'm trying to make is that a lot of people have their "eyes wide shut" and instead of that breed enthusiast whining about how it's not right, those enthusiasts need to stop whining about it and expend some kinetic energy doing something about their supposed beloved breed.

[DrKym]

Totally agreed LMC. I raised and showed Rotties for nearly 23 years total, had some of the top Am Can Japanese champions. Fact is my beloved breed is being ruined by a deadly few people, compared to the many breeders and showers that care. The Pittie is on the fast track to total destruction and our only hope is to fuly support those that are breeding for all the right things these dogs have to offer. I say this not just for the pitties but for all the breeds. Not everyone should be a breeder no matter how adorable Fluffy may be. Our Cocker has more Champions in her line than you shake a stick at, she is stunning! She is Amazing! She is spayed. Yes I paid a small fortune in breach of contract fees but the fact is she has issues she can and will pass on to pups. Period. I will not spend my days wondering if a pup of mine harmed a person.