Pit Bulls - Tell me your experiences

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Alicemcmallis said:
JUST because a pit bull is abused does NOT mean it is going to be "mentally messed up", especially not any more than any other breed.

I never said that. I said that any dog that's abused could turn out to be a good or bad dog.

[quote:hqkk3n8c]Making up such "statistics" is nothing more than a smoke screen

A smoke screen for what? My point was that an abused dog is more likely to have issues, which is a valid point. Obviously not all dogs who are abused will have issues. But any abused animal or person is more likely to have issues than one who is raised well with love and kindness.

And we're going to have to disagree about them being more abused than a lot of other breeds (obviously no breed is exempt from being abused). However, I think you may be specifically talking about American Staffordshire terriers? I’m referring to the whole range of pit bulls, including the big huge ones that you mentioned that must have been mixed with mastiff, etc. I do believe that certain breeds or types of dog are more at risk and many individuals of these breeds require homes with the knowledge and wherewithal to care for them properly.

Some of the comments here indicate that these types of dogs need special training. Obviously they're not the only breed that requires this and any dog requires some training, but I would feel a hell of a lot more comfortable adopting out the average labradoodle to a first time dog owner than the average pit bull (or German Shepherd, or beagle for that matter although for different reasons). Maybe this is because many of my experiences are shelter based?

I'm not trying to spread anti-pit bull propaganda, just trying to portray a balanced viewpoint. It's great that everyone on here seems to have had mainly positive experiences with pit bulls and similar type dogs, but I've had pretty much half and half. Same as some other dog breeds too - half the German Shepherds and Shih Tzus I've met are also scary and aggressive. But we were asked to share our experiences with pit bulls, not other breeds.[/quote:hqkk3n8c]

I'm not talking specifically about American Staffordshire Terriers, I am talking about the general group of breeds collectively called "pit bulls". If I were talking specifically about AST's I would be calling them AST's.

Initially you did not say any dog can be aggressive if abused, you pointed out specifically pit bulls dogs. That is where I take exception. On top of that you state pit bulls are abused more than any other breed, that's also where I take exception. That does appear to me that you are trying to spread anti-pit bull propaganda. My big thing here is that ANY dog can be abused, ANY dog can become aggressive if abused.

No, pit bulls are not right for everyone, but really, what breed is? Some breeds ARE better for first time owners than others. I really don't agree that labrador or labrador crosses make good first time dogs, FAR TOO MANY I have met are poorly behaved and even aggressive because people keep them under exercised and poorly trained. However I know many people who will disagree... so be it.

I don't really see this thread as only pointing out the positives of the breed. If you read my first post, you'll see that i pointed out possible negatives: that they can be stubborn and hard to manage, they need training, that I don't feel they are a good first time dog, they can be aggressive to small animals, etc. I really don't see those as positives, and don't know anyone that would consider them positives. I also don't see how calling pit bulls more abused than any other dog is offering a balanced viewpoint. There are many other options besides adopting an abused dog. The OP could go to a rescue that has had their dogs in foster homes, know the dogs, their temperaments, etc. The OP could adopt a puppy, or get the dog from someone they know who can't keep their dog any more, etc etc.
 
Nine out of ten dogs that I see needing homes are pitbulls - which means that they are absolutely the most abused dog in history. Many of them have their temperament results posted with their pictures and, more than any other breed that I see, they are moderate concern at best. Yes, there are many who are of 'no concern' but they are definitely not the majority.
They are abandoned, abused and destroyed by the hundreds of thousands in the US every year and most that I post on FB die. If that doesn't make them abused, then I don't know what does.
 
Vanessa said:
Nine out of ten dogs that I see needing homes are pitbulls - which means that they are absolutely the most abused dog in history. Many of them have their temperament results posted with their pictures and, more than any other breed that I see, they are moderate concern at best. Yes, there are many who are of 'no concern' but they are definitely not the majority.
They are abandoned, abused and destroyed by the hundreds of thousands in the US every year and most that I post on FB die. If that doesn't make them abused, then I don't know what does.

What you see in your area is not necessarily what is happening in the rest of the country or the rest of the world. In my area, while there are a lot of pit bulls, there are just as many, if not more, chihuahuas showing up in shelters and rescues or being removed in cruelty cases. Following closely are German Shepherds, Labs, Poodles, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus. You also see a lot of Beagles, Dachshunds, other hounds, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies. Other breeds follow in smaller numbers.

Part of the problem with so many pit bulls being put down compared to other dogs is that they are simply not given chances. Other dogs are given chance after chance, even after they have bitten people. Pit bulls are often put down for no reason at all, other than the fact they are a pit bull.
 
Sorraia I think you're misunderstanding where I'm coming from. I'm not trying to discourage people from adopting these dogs if they are able to care for them properly. There is a great need for good homes for pit bulls. And as I said, half the ones I've met are completely awesome. It feels like we're arguing but saying the same thing.
 
I didn't want to write in this thread because honestly, the pit bulls I've known where not good dogs. Granted I've only come across very few since we do have that ban. One of them, comes from a very loving family...but it ended up mauling a 2 year old child. Another is just out of control and lives with idiots. The others... again, stories attacking, mauling and causing serious damage. I have heard of other dogs biting people but never causing the amount of damage a pit pull does. So for me, that's a breed I stay away from and will always cross the street if I see one coming.
 
Like I said I have seen lots of nice ones....BUT they are strong dogs who NEED certain types of owners. The majority of people who want them want them for the wrong reasons.....either it is the big tough guys wanting a big tough dog or it is the overly soft people trying to prove how sweet and gentle the pit bull is....neither works out well. They are great dogs....in the right home with the right owner. They are not different then a lot of other breeds but because of the reputation they have they often end up in the wrong homes.

Oh and Jo...if I was walking my dog and saw one I would also cross to the other side of the road....my experience has been even though I have met many who are great with other dogs I have not met many people who can control or train their dogs properly.
 
I always get in trouble for saying this, but the best thing that could have happened to pitbulls in Ontario is that they were banned. It is unfortunate that responsible dog owners can't have them anymore, but at least we aren't killing them in shelters and animal control facilities by the thousands like other places are.
Again, I am not condemning the breed or responsible owners, but it is a breed that is paying for it's popularity with tens of thousands of lives. It has happened before, and it will happen with other breeds again, but at least it isn't happening in Ontario with pitbulls right now.
Maybe one day we will be able to have the ban lifted without the result being abuse and neglect of thousands of dogs, but I don't see that happening any time soon. That isn't a reflection on the dogs, or the breed, but the people who own them.
 
Vanessa said:
Ontario has a ban. I am referring to Alabama, California, Texas, and many other states in the US.

I am talking about California, as I live there. Pit bulls are NOT the number one dog going through shelters or rescues, and certainly not 9 out of 10 dogs are pit bulls. As I stated before, there are just as many, if not more, chihuahuas going through shelters and rescues, including coming out of cruelty cases. Labs, German shepherds, and poodles are also high on the list, as well as other breeds. After going through listings for over 600 dogs, I found that pit bulls made up only 7% of those dogs. I was surprised by the number of collies and mastiffs that were listed. I was not so surprised to find more chihuahuas, labs, and german shepherds listed than pit bulls. These listings included rescues who do not normally take pit bulls but DID.
 
I sat in the back seat of a car with a Pit once. Initially I had reservations but I was assured that the dog was gentle and even a little dim and lazy. Which turned out to be true. He was very cute and just sat there staring out of the window.
 
Where do you live in California that only 7% of dogs in shelters are pitbulls/pitbull mixes? I did my own little project and picked the six facilities serving the Los Angeles area and came up with the following numbers.
North - 197 dogs, 45 pitbull mixes - 23%
South - 113 dogs, 25 pitbull mixes - 22%
East - 177 dogs, 43 pitbull mixes - 25%
Harbor - 73 dogs, 26 pitbull mixes - 36%
West - 81 dogs, 25 pitbull mixes - 31%
West Valley - 144 dogs, 20 pitbull mixes - 14%
Total average for the LA area - 25%
It is horrific that, considering the number of dog breeds that exist, that 25% in shelters are pitbull or pitbull mixes. That most of those dogs are probably going to die, in itself, is the ultimate abuse.
 
Vanessa said:
Where do you live in California that only 7% of dogs in shelters are pitbulls/pitbull mixes? I did my own little project and picked the six facilities serving the Los Angeles area and came up with the following numbers.
North - 197 dogs, 45 pitbull mixes - 23%
South - 113 dogs, 25 pitbull mixes - 22%
East - 177 dogs, 43 pitbull mixes - 25%
Harbor - 73 dogs, 26 pitbull mixes - 36%
West - 81 dogs, 25 pitbull mixes - 31%
West Valley - 144 dogs, 20 pitbull mixes - 14%
Total average for the LA area - 25%
It is horrific that, considering the number of dog breeds that exist, that 25% in shelters are pitbull or pitbull mixes. That most of those dogs are probably going to die, in itself, is the ultimate abuse.

I am in the Inland Empire, not Los Angeles, and searched an area within a 30-40 mile radius. What you are seeing in Los Angeles shelters and rescues is the result of gangs and dog fighting that occurs in the area. As you can see by this comparison - it DOES depend on the area one lives. In Los Angeles where dog fighting is more common, you see a higher number of pit bulls - 25%. In the Inland Empire where dog fighting does not occur as much, you see a much lower number of pit bulls - 7%. OF COURSE areas which a larger prevalence of illegal dog fighting are going to have more pit bulls, since that is the most popular breed for fighting. That does not necessarily mean they are the "most abused" breed, or even necessarily the most prevalent going through shelters and rescues. If the trend were consistent across ALL areas, not just those with a prevalence of dog fighting, then there would be something to the claim.
 
You are a breeder and I am a rescuer and you just don't seem to understand because you are coming from a different mentality than I am.
I don't care if it is one or one million animals - one animal dying in a shelter because a home cannot be found for it is one too many for me. Period. You can list off to me a thousand reasons why it happens but it boils down to too many animals being born and not enough homes for them to go into.
Having to destroy animals in shelters is the ultimate betrayal and abuse to them. End of story.
 
Vanessa said:
You are a breeder and I am a rescuer and you just don't seem to understand because you are coming from a different mentality than I am.
I don't care if it is one or one million animals - one animal dying in a shelter because a home cannot be found for it is one too many for me. Period. You can list off to me a thousand reasons why it happens but it boils down to too many animals being born and not enough homes for them to go into.
Having to destroy animals in shelters is the ultimate betrayal and abuse to them. End of story.

The point I am making is that you were wrong. You made the statement that 9 out of 10 dogs going through shelters and rescues are pit bulls. You are WRONG. You pulled up a 25% statistic. That is 1 out of 4 NOT 9 out of 10. 9 out of 10 would be 90%, VERY BIG difference. THAT is what is being discussed here. Your attack against me is merely a straw man argument to deflect the truth.
 
jorats said:
I didn't want to write in this thread because honestly, the pit bulls I've known where not good dogs. Granted I've only come across very few since we do have that ban. One of them, comes from a very loving family...but it ended up mauling a 2 year old child. Another is just out of control and lives with idiots. The others... again, stories attacking, mauling and causing serious damage. I have heard of other dogs biting people but never causing the amount of damage a pit pull does. So for me, that's a breed I stay away from and will always cross the street if I see one coming.

I am so very sorry to hear that Jo. I am also very sorry to hear of what your missing out. 9/10 people I meet nearly puke in their mouths when I tell them I have pet rats.... you may see where I am going with that. :)
 
I don't hate pit bulls and I find them beautiful. But I won't go near one unless I know and trust the handler, they certainly don't make me puke. I don't think there's an animal on earth that could make me puke.
 
I know what you mean Jo. Any dog in a stranger's hands is dangerous... I wont meet dogs on leash if I have dogs with me. I'm comfortable enough with strange dogs and their body language to ignore the "Oh yes, they're friendly" that oftentimes come from owners if I am without my own dogs.
 
My family had pit mixes when I was a kid and we never had any problems. They were great with people and there was never any concern with us as kids around them. I don't remember much of them, but what I do remember was that they were the sweetest dogs ever. I remember how much fun it was being greeted with big pittie smiles and dancing and how tolerant they were with things they obviously didn't like (we used to give them baths all the time and they hated water but the worst they ever did was sulk as obviously as possible lol) The only thing they did that really annoyed anybody was killing squirrels, mice and other small animals once in a while but nobody really discouraged this behavior...and I think it was a kind of expected with them being terriers and all.

The biggest concern for you, like everyone's already said, would be dealing with the stigma. It's kind of annoying, but it's never going to go away unless good owners deal with it quietly and let your (and your dog's) actions speak for themselves. Obviously there will always be people who will never accept them simply because of what they are but, unless they're harassing you, it's best to just ignore it (I know it's easier said then done, but it's really the best thing to do)

Obviously every dog has "special needs" either because of it's past, breed, personality or whatever...the key is finding the dog that suits you. Don't make it harder on yourself by saying "I'm going to get a pit bull" and cutting out other homeless dogs because they're not the pitties. Look on your local shelter or rescue group's website or go down and volunteer; get to know the dogs and look for the one that suits your life; if there aren't any that suit you, wait - there's no shortage of homeless animals. Eventually, your perfect dog will come along, whether it's a pit bull or not. Or if you only want a pit bull, that's fine too. Ideally, if there's a breed-specific rescue, do the same thing as above with them...I've seen so many pit bulls come and go through the local pittie rescue and let me tell you, no two are the same lol. I guess what I'm trying to say is that every dog is going to have "special needs" so you should look for the "issues" that you are willing to deal with. A few years ago I fostered a beagle mix for a few months and, my god I loved her but she drove me insane. She was completely trained and obedient but she was constantly on the go and, after a while, that drove me nuts. No matter what I did, she never got tired. When she got adopted, I told myself I would never get another dog because I couldn't deal with it. After a while I decided to look into getting another dog, but I was reeeeeeaaaally careful not to get another dog like that.

Almost 2 years ago, after a year and thousands of profiles on petfinder later, I saw Jade and I knew I had to go see her. She had (has) issues and the shelter was having a hard time finding a home for her because lots of people wanted her since she's a purebred but the were ignoring the fact that she has separation anxiety and severe dog aggression. They let me take her for a walk and I could tell that our personalities meshed. I went home to sleep on it and I went back to next day and adopted her. Yes, it's hard sometimes because she gets upset when I leave (She cries and barks until I'm out of sight/earshot, then she lies by the door and doesn't eat, drink or move until I come back) and I have to schedule our walks around all the other dogs in the neighbourhood (so we don't have to meet up with any and cause a scene lol) but these are the kind of issues I'm prepared to deal with. Honestly, I would rather stand in a ditch, holding back a berserk looking 90lb German Sheperd, smiling innocently waiting for the person and dog to go by (that happened once...kind of embarrassing but what the hell) then have a dog that has no aggression issues but never sits still...that's what I mean by finding the issues you're prepared to deal with.

lol I just remembered: I guess we all have to remember that pitties aren't the only dogs with stigmas (positive and/or negative) attached to them...all dogs have some sort of "image" to them. One time, within 20 minutes of each other, I encountered both public images of GSDs. No joke, on the same walk I had a guy call Jade a "Nazi dog" then 15 minutes later another guy say "Ooo, a German Shepherd! They're the best dogs ever. I had one as a kid and he was so smart and loved everybody!"

Anyways, now I'm just rambling. When the time comes, I wish you the best luck in finding your perfect dog :thumbup:
 
In response to the question about having 4 pits and no aggression? There's actually 3 females and one male.

Jamie is an amazing dog trainer. And it shows. Gah, I love little Athena the best though, I so would steal her.
 
I have had nothing but good experiences with Pit Bulls. The only dogs that have ever bitten or attacked me were a Schnauzer and an American Eskimo Dog.
Pit Bulls have only ever been loving, playful and sweet.
Which is odd because where I live, having a Pit Bull is totally 'gangsta' and hardly anyone trains their dogs properly here.


I would love to rescue a Pitty someday, and I plan to. Right now simply isn't the right time for me to, unfortunately. So I admire from afar.
 
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