Pit Bulls

Pitbulls, when trained can be a very good companion. They are very intelligent,loyal and very territorial. One time, one of our pits got out of her cage and unfortunately, ran straight to our open fence. Our helper went outside to ran after the dog, and instead of running away from our helper, the dog, instinctively run towards our helper and jumped to our helper's arms as if it wants to be carried back to her crib, like a baby. We did get a very good laugh from the incident.

Pit bulls are not my breed of choice, but, I'm against BSL. We have it here in Ontario, and it even applies to dogs that "look like pit bulls". I would talk to people to are thinking of putting this law in, because it is a real slippery slope.

I met someone who had two Pit Bull. From what I was told... the problem with those dogs is that when they grab you between their jaws... they won't let go... no matter what you do to them. Other dogs will bite you and let go. But these will keep hold of you and cause maximum damage in doing so... as their grip tighten as you fight them off. Even that person who did love her two pit bull had problems because they were jealous of each other and would hurt each other when they were fighting. When one dog did grab the other dog... it would not let go. She had to keep them separated when she was not at home.

I absolutely agree with you. All agressive pit bulls that attack other people are trained to do this by the owners. They are the ones who should be punished for their dogs actions.

Most people should not own a pit bull because they are not up to the challenge it takes to care for or train a pit bull. No they should not be banned. Owners of them should be required to attend a class. Heck owners of most dogs should be required to attend a class on animal behavior and responsiblities. If you are not going to breed responsibly please spay or neuter. This way you are not subject to misbehaviors or accidents you don't want to handle.

You are not the only one that feels that way. I do not own a pitbull but have known many. People are looking for a scape goat rather than addressing the real problem. UNNEUTERED and UNSPAYED pitbulls allowed to roam free ignored or who are perpetually chained up ARE a problem - but so are chihuahuas, dobermans, lab mixes, pomeranians, terriers, and any other dog that is in the same predicament. In fact 90% of dogs who were involved in fatal bite incidents were not neutered. It is much easier to do away with pitbulls in some people's minds than to challenge people. There are people who like to see spaying and neutering - or not - as a "philosophy choice" and not something that you just do for the health of your dog, to prevent litters you can't take care of or find homes for anyways, and to make your dog a better canine citizen especially living in such a congested area. I won't sugar coat it and say a pitbull is a dog for everybody - but the majority of the people that have issues with pitbulls is that they do not understand that they are not "guard dogs" to sit on your porch. They need exercise. They have stamina, and drive which makes them awesome companions for people that like to hike or walk long distances - other dogs wouldn't be able to keep up with them. They also do very well in agility classes and when given a "job". Sure, some are coach potatos but many will go cage crazy/cabin fever if kept out on a chain all the time or locked in a small area for days. There was a day when the pit bull was a trusted family companion. In the 20s-50s they were a common sight with children. Just look at Petey from the Little Rascals. It is because of the overbreeding that started in the 80s where the problem started. But any dog that becomes wildly popular with the wrong people meets the same end. because of the Taco Bell commercials and because of Paris Hilton EVERYBODY wanted a chihuahua - puppymills and backyard breeders cranked them out and people got them on impulse and then dropped them like cold potatos when they didn't meet their expectations or got bored with them or they bit someone who tried to dress them up. The pounds are FULL of chihuahuas now. Some great, well adjusted little guys and some who were treated like infants and have a nasty atitude. So, you are not alone!!!

Pitbulls are highly intelligent dogs with a great temperment, when raised correctly. Because of the pits intelligence and strong personality it is easy to lose control of the dog. I do not believe that pits should be banned, maybe just require a training class or something for first time pit owners. Actually I think any first time dog owner should have to take a class on dog behavior and care. there are just to many people that do not take care of their animals. for many people it is truely a lack of knowledge, for some it is a lack of common sense. Pits are gorgeous dogs that have gotten a bad rap, when really there are other breeds that are more dangerous, aggressive, and unpredictable. I think pits have gotten a bad rap because they are such a powerful dog that even a minor bite from them can cause serious injury. Where other dogs can go crazy and attack you, but the jaw and body is not as powerful so that outcome is not as bad. I hope that you take the time to go to the city meetings and fight against the ban... Crystal

Poor Pits... They are a misunderstood breed. Mostly because of the people who thought it would be cool to fight their dogs. To tell you the truth I would much rather work with a pit bull then any other breed because at least they give some warning. Anyway, more times then none they'd lick you before they'd bite you. Unlike the golden retriever mix that bit my ear off at work.... I used to work for a veterinarian. I didn't quit after I got hurt. The next dog I worked with (after my second surgery) was a psycho rottweiler. But at least you knew he was going to bite you.... It's so unfortunate that all of the pit bulls are lumped into one group... It's an all or nothing thing. The ironic thing is that the people who are training their dogs to fight probably never bring the dogs to the vet anyway.... EERRR