The most misunderstood breed, The Pit Bull
The pit bull is in the terrier group. They rank as one of the most aggressive breeds around. Other powerful breeds are Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Bull Dogs. Powerful breeds need stronger leadership, a leader that has experience. One that can set rules, boundaries, and limitations from the start with 100% consistency every day.
Not one pit bull puppy has been born aggressive. They are a strong breed, but not born aggressive. The pit bull has been trained to be aggressive. This is why there are so many attacks from pit bulls. It is not the dogs fault. It comes from how they have been treated by their owners. When treated right these dogs are the best family dogs around. Great with children and cats too.
Pit bulls at their worst, can be rehabilitated, only with a professional, and still become sweet dogs. That to me is amazing spirit to survive. However most of them are put to sleep. These dogs have been taught to fight other dogs for money and to the death of one of the dogs. It really breaks my heart. This is a huge issue, abused and misused dogs that do not deserve it. Gangs don't care, it's as if they have no soul. The dogs are treated with such abuse it's horrific. Then when they are old and beat up and worn out they are gotten rid of. Then new puppies come in and the cycle continues on and on. All for the money of a killing sport, and illegal behavior.
The rescue organization that takes pit bulls know they are among the hardest to handle, particularly if they are aggressive. Pit bulls are the hardest to adopt out as well. For good reason. People are afraid of them. Often they are abandoned and left to die. I know it's hard to believe, but they can be gentle giants. They deserve a second chance. Don't you think?
Powerful breeds need big jobs to do on a regular basis. But not fighting! Early humans used the dogs natural ability to scent out and capture prey, and later, to keep the farm animals in line and to pull heavy equipment. Dogs have been working for thousands of years. Even if they no longer go out and hunt, they like to work for there food. It's in their DNA. It's what they were built for.
The Myth of the "Problem Breed"
"Well, because she's a Dalmatian, she's naturally nervous" or "He's part border collie, part pit bull, and it's the pit bull that's the problem" and "Dachshunds are always a problem breed". Dog owners are making a fundamental mistake by blaming the breed of a dog for its behavior problems. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a "problem breed", just owners that have to change how they understand their dogs. Dog education.
Breed is something humans created. Geneticists and biologists believe that the first humans to live with dogs selected stray wolves with the smallest body size and teeth, so they would do less harm to us and be easier to control. Then hundreds of years ago, we began to mate dogs to create offspring that would excel at certain tasks. The bloodhounds were bred to have heightened scenting abilities. Pit bulls were bred to fight bulls. Sheep dogs were bred not only to herd sheep but also to look like them. Today we have the German shepherd, the boxer, the Chihuahua, the Lhasa Apso and the Doberman. There are hundreds of breeds to choose from now.
All dogs share the same innate abilities, but certain breeds have been selected for their specific characteristics. We have a tendency to misinterpret those conditioned skills as the dogs personality. One conditioned skill is tracking ability. Because of their breeding, bloodhounds will naturally be better at it. Can all dogs track? Can they find things with their noses? Without a doubt, absolutely. All dogs recognize the world through smells, and all of them use their noses the way we use our eyes. And some people see better than others.
It's hard for big dogs to live in cities because its genes are telling it to range over long distances and take long hikes to work off excess energy. Without sufficient exercise, it will get frustrated more easily, than, say, a dachshund. And when this huge powerful dog is frustrated, it will develop the same symptoms as a dachshund that's frustrated. Or a pit bull that is frustrated . Or a greyhound that's frustrated. Nervousness, fear, aggression, tension, territorial behavior. All these issues and illnesses result when the dog is frustrated. It doesn't matter what breed she is. That's why it's a mistake to obsess about the breed when your dealing with a problem behavior.
Dogs see the world completely different from the way we see it. It's time for dog owners to appreciate the unique mind that comes from that disparate worldview. Our pet's personality and name exist because we believe in them. It makes us feel better to associate with them in this way. It's very therapeutic for us. When a dog has issues you have to start with the animal, then dog, then the breed and of course, the owner of these powerful dogs.
The great thing about dogs is that, is that their mind can move on right away, but the human mind has a harder time doing that. Dogs don't look back. They don't worry about the past or the future. Dogs live in the moment. A pit bull can be a wonderfully balanced, calm and peaceful dog. When it comes down to it, they are creatures of cause and effect. Once a powerful breed has been conditioned to act a new way, they are so willing and able to change.
As long as we show strong dogs strong leadership, setting rules, boundaries, limitations and consistent leadership, they can overcome nearly any issue they have.
If you need help it is serious to get it. Strong breeds are nothing to fool around with. Be sure you know how to handle them before you get one. Get a dog that matches your energy. Dogs are special in our lives, please treat them with the most respect you can muster up. They will be your true pal for their wonderful lives.
