[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

Just my silly distaste for "dog pimps" (breeders who do it for profit) makes me breeding "pets for profit" should be outlawed as long as there is one adoptable pet in a shelter. Like breeding captive men and women and selling the babies to folks who want a "skin baby" to lord over like a pet. That's how disgusting it is to me.
As for Petey, I loved laughing at him as he bit the truant officer on the butt and tore his pants. Peter was also often the hero as he would protect young and old from dastardly villians. Peter was a good dog (every incarnation of him).

I loved Pete. The Little Rascals and Our Gang were "must-watch" shows when I was a little girl. Even though they were reruns by the time I got to see them, my parents and sister and I loved to watch them together.

Pete was the inspiration for my love of "big" dogs. The bigger the better, except for Great Danes. I just find them unattractive for some reason. Pitbulls aren't even large dogs. They just have large bites and their jaws are set in a way that makes them able to simply not let go once they've latched onto their target. That makes them dangerous, if not trained and controlled by a TRAINED owner. If the owner isn't also trained, then the dog needs to be placed with an owner who is.

My dream dog is the Great Pyrenees. But I also love Long-haired German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Cane Corsos, and this guy here:

Newfoundland dog - Wikipedia - if you've ever had the privilege of the company of a Newfie up close and personal, you can't help but want to just wrestle with him. 150 pounds of slobbering drooling muscle and fur. How can anyone resist!

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I still have a piece of a BB in my back from when a fellow high-schooler thought it'd be funny to shoot me in the parking lot of the strip mall next to the school on our lunch break. .

I still have an old BB pistol. I've never shot anyone or any living thing with it, no matter how much I may have wanted to. I don’t carry it, so if I ever show up at your place, I'll be the bewildered stranger with no weapons. Just tell me to go home and I will. I'm very well trained.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

St. Bernard, Great Dane, and others were bred to hunt wolves. They were NOT bred for dog FIGHTS.

St Bernard's were bred as rescue dogs. Not wolf hunters.

[ithos]

I don't think this has been posted yet but it provides all the details including about the irresponsible owner who will face charges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoGxPzzxxpc

[ithos]

The mother saw the attack through a window and ran over to protect her son. It was the most heart wrenching part of the press conference.

https://youtu.be/WoGxPzzxxpc?t=1890

Edit: The mother ran out and laid on top of her son while the dogs were right next to them. She was yelling for everyone to stay away because the dogs were dangerous.

Heroic doesn't even begin to describe her actions.

[Veracity]

In my opinion, there is a lot to be said about how nature (genes) and nurture (upbringing) interact to shape canine behavior. My experiences have taught me to understand and respect every dog’s breed (nature). If I buy/adopt a border collie, just like its ancestors, it will be genetically programmed to herd. It’s very unlikely that I will ever be able to completely train that dog NOT to display herding tendencies. If I don’t live on a farm, and I am very kind and loving to the dog, and I never teach it or expose it to herding (nurture), under certain circumstances, herding tendencies will still surface and the dog will naturally chase, circle, and nip at a moving object (nature). It’s not that the dog “snapped.” It’s just doing what it was bred for. Everyone seems to accept herding behavior from the entire category of breeds called ”collies.” Yet many people deny that the category of breeds called pit bulls, who were bred to fight but raised in a loving home, have the propensity to attack, regardless of how friendly they appear. Just as I will never drink and drive because I won’t jeopardize the safety of myself and others, I will never own a pit bull. If I were ever at fault in an accident that injured or killed another human being (child or adult) after consuming alcohol, I would not be able to live with myself. If I owned one of those sweet pit bulls who “out of nowhere” injured or killed a human or someone’s pet , I would have the same feelings. I cannot fathom any parent taking a pit bull into their home and then allowing their children to climb all over the dog, even into their bed (as described in an earlier post). Why would anyone take a chance of potentially putting their child in harm’s way? Is it me, or are they being totally irresponsible?

[ByebyeMichigan]

Wrong .

[Luisa]

Originally Posted by Veracity

In my opinion, there is a lot to be said about how nature (genes) and nurture (upbringing) interact to shape canine behavior. My experiences have taught me to understand and respect every dog’s breed (nature). If I buy/adopt a border collie, just like its ancestors, it will be genetically programmed to herd. It’s very unlikely that I will ever be able to completely train that dog NOT to display herding tendencies. If I don’t live on a farm, and I am very kind and loving to the dog, and I never teach it or expose it to herding (nurture), under certain circumstances, herding tendencies will still surface and the dog will naturally chase, circle, and nip at a moving object (nature). It’s not that the dog “snapped.” It’s just doing what it was bred for. Everyone seems to accept herding behavior from the entire category of breeds called ”collies.” Yet many people deny that the category of breeds called pit bulls, who were bred to fight but raised in a loving home, have the propensity to attack, regardless of how friendly they appear. Just as I will never drink and drive because I won’t jeopardize the safety of myself and others, I will never own a pit bull. If I were ever at fault in an accident that injured or killed another human being (child or adult) after consuming alcohol, I would not be able to live with myself. If I owned one of those sweet pit bulls who “out of nowhere” injured or killed a human or someone’s pet , I would have the same feelings. I cannot fathom any parent taking a pit bull into their home and then allowing their children to climb all over the dog, even into their bed (as described in an earlier post). Why would anyone take a chance of potentially putting their child in harm’s way? Is it me, or are they being totally irresponsible?

Excellent response!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Veracity

In my opinion, there is a lot to be said about how nature (genes) and nurture (upbringing) interact to shape canine behavior. My experiences have taught me to understand and respect every dog’s breed (nature). If I buy/adopt a border collie, just like its ancestors, it will be genetically programmed to herd. It’s very unlikely that I will ever be able to completely train that dog NOT to display herding tendencies. If I don’t live on a farm, and I am very kind and loving to the dog, and I never teach it or expose it to herding (nurture), under certain circumstances, herding tendencies will still surface and the dog will naturally chase, circle, and nip at a moving object (nature). It’s not that the dog “snapped.” It’s just doing what it was bred for. Everyone seems to accept herding behavior from the entire category of breeds called ”collies.” Yet many people deny that the category of breeds called pit bulls, who were bred to fight but raised in a loving home, have the propensity to attack, regardless of how friendly they appear. Just as I will never drink and drive because I won’t jeopardize the safety of myself and others, I will never own a pit bull. If I were ever at fault in an accident that injured or killed another human being (child or adult) after consuming alcohol, I would not be able to live with myself. If I owned one of those sweet pit bulls who “out of nowhere” injured or killed a human or someone’s pet , I would have the same feelings. I cannot fathom any parent taking a pit bull into their home and then allowing their children to climb all over the dog, even into their bed (as described in an earlier post). Why would anyone take a chance of potentially putting their child in harm’s way? Is it me, or are they being totally irresponsible?

The herding dog will NOT try and herd, which is their nature to do, if they are trained to NOT do that, and they are "on duty." If their current "job" is to stay home and hang out, and stay on their leash, and obey their owner who says "NO" when a group of people scatter in the park, then that is their job, and that is what they're trained to do, and that is what they will obey.

A herding dog WILL herd, if they are "off duty" or if they are not trained to not herd. My shepherd was a perfect example of that. She was an off-leash dog. She had the run of the neighborhood. And she loved herding joggers on the street. They all knew her and they'd let her run with them once they realized she had zero intention of biting anyone, she just enjoyed the chase because that's what herders DO.

But when she was on my lawn, hanging out with me, she was "on duty" and wouldn't take off chasing after joggers if I told her to stay. That's because that was how I trained her.

A fighting dog is bred AND TRAINED to fight. They can be trained to NOT fight instead. It takes more work to train them against their nature, but basically all dogs need a job. If the job is to sit there and NOT attack, then that is their job, and they'll do it if properly trained AND if their owner is properly trained in mastering their dog's behavior.

A properly trained pitbull will not suddenly attack for no reason. It just flat out won't happen. If it's attacking, then somewhere there's a failure. Either there WAS a good reason for the attack, OR the person training the dog failed in their own training by not properly training and commanding their dog.

This guy trains dogs off-leash, here he is with his cane corso in a shopping mall picking up a gift for his wife at Nordstrom's:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-KB4Be3M48

Cane corso are primarily guard dogs. They're considered "giant" dogs (bigger than "large" dogs), have massive heads and jaws, can EASILY protect a henhouse from coyotes (ask me how I know), and fiercely guard their families. If not trained, socialized, and exercised properly, they can become terrifying aggressors. But a well-trained, socialized, and exercised cane corso is very likely to be just a really comfy, warm footrest when you're watching TV at night, or pillow if you've given him access to one end of the couch.

[Topspinmo]

Bit bulls are terriers? Yes and no?

Bottom line Pit bulls were crossed breaded for fighting dogs from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Which was cross bread form Staffordshire terrier and bulldogs. Which IMO created vise like jaws with crushing teeth with grip of Chinese finger trap. When person take ownership of pit bull hybrid you taken on great responsibility and liability.

Now shall we talk about Bullmastiffs, Rottweilers, Tosa, and Neapolitan Mastiffs and dozen more breads bread for specific purposes. But IMO only the pit bull was bread to be killer. Even though some or more don’t display there specific purpose it’s lurks in there genes. Few dogs have the crushing jaw muscles and clamping strength of pit bulls. I see some pits that look like their ears was chewed off and some may have been? but probably was docked for purpose.

So, if you knew ****ed off MMA fighter lived next door you be aware what the person could do if provoked. You would either be their best buddy or avoid any confrontation know you could be bet within second of your life. IMO same goes with pit bulls, best to avoid them and give the WIDE safety area and carry 454 Casull which makes any threat equal.

[Kathyo]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

It is the owner usually to blame with these tragedies.
The Volusia County news story about the death of the little boy from a pit bull attack was on last night. Looked like a bad owner with badly trained and poorly controlled dogs.

Video of Sheriff and Animal Control Investigation of the incident. Note background info regarding owner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu4OJW3Zuyg

[Lea N]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

I was working in my garden several years ago when I met Max for the first time. He had somehow gotten out from his invisible fence and decided to checkout the neighborhood. He saw me with a piece of heavy rope in my hand across 4 vacant lots. I never saw or heard a thing until I was attacked by a werewolf. Or so I thought. Max was a large, young and playful black Lab. He bloodied me up pretty good, but (for him) it was all just good fun. Max and I soon became very good friends.

The point is that even breeds not known as problems, can
ALL be dangerous depending on the specific situation. Owners must be vigilant at all times. You may never have a problem, but the possibility is always there.

PS. Max's owers were shocked by what had happened and feared a lawsuit. I happen to love roughhousing with big dogs. We settled out of court for a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

I love how you handled this!!

You are so right dog owners, regardless of their dogs breed or size need to be vigilant at ALL times. Those who own large breeds (or mixes) such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rotties, etc. need to be especially vigilant and teach their dogs well. There is no room for error with these breeds. I've had German Shepherds, one Dobie, a German Shepherd mix and more large breed dogs. Our dogs had to learn early good behavior.

[Lea N]

Originally Posted by Cuervo

I love dogs but do not own one, because at this stage of my life I do not want to responsibility. First, I believe all dogs should have chip implanted not only for human safety, but also for the dog. When people either recue or purchase a dog they should have to sign a document of what ownership actually means which is registered to the county. In this way they will not be able to abandon their pet on the side of the road and will be responsible for any harm or damage their pet has done.
I do not hold dogs responsible for their actions, it the owners.

I love this!! It's such a common sense way to help a lot of dogs who end up abandoned and neglected.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Veracity

In my opinion, there is a lot to be said about how nature (genes) and nurture (upbringing) interact to shape canine behavior. My experiences have taught me to understand and respect every dog’s breed (nature). If I buy/adopt a border collie, just like its ancestors, it will be genetically programmed to herd. It’s very unlikely that I will ever be able to completely train that dog NOT to display herding tendencies. If I don’t live on a farm, and I am very kind and loving to the dog, and I never teach it or expose it to herding (nurture), under certain circumstances, herding tendencies will still surface and the dog will naturally chase, circle, and nip at a moving object (nature). It’s not that the dog “snapped.” It’s just doing what it was bred for. Everyone seems to accept herding behavior from the entire category of breeds called ”collies.” Yet many people deny that the category of breeds called pit bulls, who were bred to fight but raised in a loving home, have the propensity to attack, regardless of how friendly they appear. Just as I will never drink and drive because I won’t jeopardize the safety of myself and others, I will never own a pit bull. If I were ever at fault in an accident that injured or killed another human being (child or adult) after consuming alcohol, I would not be able to live with myself. If I owned one of those sweet pit bulls who “out of nowhere” injured or killed a human or someone’s pet , I would have the same feelings. I cannot fathom any parent taking a pit bull into their home and then allowing their children to climb all over the dog, even into their bed (as described in an earlier post). Why would anyone take a chance of potentially putting their child in harm’s way? Is it me, or are they being totally irresponsible?

Very well said and well thought. I love both cats and dogs but I realize that some things are more concerning with different breeds. I think that thought is very frightening but very realistic. I don't know who you are, but I so like how you think.

[Lea N]

Originally Posted by Rocksnap

Nothing personal, but you don’t know what you are talking about. Raised properly, pit bulls can be one of the sweetest dogs around. Many breeds can be trained to be aggressive. And it’s the small toy breeds that are usually overly aggressive. Chihuahua‘s come to mind. Never let one of those around small kids.

I agree. I love these dogs. Unfortunately some owners of these dogs (and other large breed dogs) seem to enjoy the "status" of having a dog that can be intimidating to others. If you haven't already read "The Lost Dogs Michael Vick's Dogs and their Tale of Redemption" it is worth the read.