Pitbulls and Dobermans

[graciegirl]

Do you own a dog that requires extra insurance?

I enjoy watching Judge Judy and she is a dog lover but is very skeptical about owning a Pitbull especially around children.

I admit to being a little afraid of the breed.

Do you think there are many Pitbulls and Dobermans in the Villages?

I don't plan on getting one, just needed to change the subject.

[Goldwingnut]

Both breeds are great dogs, very loyal and loving. The problem isn’t the dogs, it’s the animals they breed them, treat them, and raise them to be mean. They are not problem dogs, the problem is the humans (they don’t deserve to be called human). Do you remember the dog in the Little Rascals named Pete, he was a pit bull terrier.

[Chi-Town]

I remember watching the Training Dogs television show with Barbara Woodhouse and her mantra that there were no bad dogs, just ignorant people. Casual observation can show how true that is.

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[Nucky]

We have very close friends who moved to Chicago with their Pit Bull's, Crockett & Tubbs. I would trust them as much as any other dog near our grandchildren. We were told by several Insurance agents that our Pal Barney a 95 Lb Boxer was uninsurable in our Villages home. Well what do you know, a Boxer classified as aggressive? I offered to pay up but was flatly denied. It was a no go. Fortunately, no incident occurred. Doberman's are big babies if raised properly.

I miss not having a dog, a big one!

[Two Bills]

We have very close friends who moved to Chicago with their Pit Bull's, Crockett & Tubbs. I would trust them as much as any other dog near our grandchildren. We were told by several Insurance agents that our Pal Barney a 95 Lb Boxer was uninsurable in our Villages home. Well what do you know, a Boxer classified as aggressive? I offered to pay up but was flatly denied. It was a no go. Fortunately, no incident occurred. Doberman's are big babies if raised properly.

I miss not having a dog, a big one!

There are not many problem dogs, but a lot of problem owners.
Pitbulls are amongst the easiest to train. Either way!!
Regarding Boxers.
My cousin only ever had boxers, and they were as good as gold.
Daft as a brush? Yes.
Not the sharpest knife in the drawer? Yes.
Unruly if not kept on top of? Without a doubt.
Vicious? Def. No.
Not for the sort of owner who likes to laze around!

[Cisco Kid]

If you see a problem dog, look at the owner, you have now found the problem.

[Velvet]

While owners make a large difference, the dogs have their individual temperaments. Just like among people you can get a “bad” kid even in the most loving family. Some breeds are bred for their specific temperaments. My Welshie was bred to hunt moles on farmers fields. He showed his terrier temperament from day 1. He had a jaw that could bite through a log, I had to use a metal chain to walk him initially, but in 18 years that he was with me he never even so much as try to nip a person.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

I have owned four of the breeds mentioned above thus far in my life. Most of the problems with these breeds stem from back yard breeders who are doing it just for the money, owners who treat their dogs poorly and possibly beat them or simply tie them up to live alone outside, and in some cases genetics can play a part in a dog who could be classified as dangerous, however, that is usually not the main cause. My boxers were spirited and strong and could knock down a child, but was all in play, not aggressive behavior.

[jane032657]

Our son was attacked by a sweet hound dog on Sunday that belongs to his friend's parents. He was just patting the dog for a while and visiting and the dog was staring lovingly at him. It is a rescue hound gotten in December. Suddenly. the dog lunged at him and attacked him and ripped into his jaw. No warning, no anything, everyone was just sitting and visiting. Fortunately they were able to get the dog off him before it ripped his face apart. He will need plastic surgery when he heals. The trauma cannot be overstated. And this is a young man who is sweet and kind and absolutely is a great lover of dogs. Hound dogs are usually very kind dogs. One does not know the background of the dog from before it entered this new home where the people love him. We have really big dogs, Setters. Now I am sad that our son may be afraid of our dogs. Sometimes bad things happen, really bad. There were many people there who witnessed it and all our son was doing was patting the dog who had been enjoying it. Everyone is in shock and disbelief and feeling just sick about the whole life changing experience.

[justjim]

My wife always watches Judge Judy and so I also see some episodes when home. Judge Judy has pointed out several times how Pit Bulls are not to be trusted. In addition, I have read of several maulings and killings by Pit Bulls. Bottom line, I like dogs but pass on a Pit Bull.

[graciegirl]

Our son was attacked by a sweet hound dog on Sunday that belongs to his friend's parents. He was just patting the dog for a while and visiting and the dog was staring lovingly at him. It is a rescue hound gotten in December. Suddenly. the dog lunged at him and attacked him and ripped into his jaw. No warning, no anything, everyone was just sitting and visiting. Fortunately they were able to get the dog off him before it ripped his face apart. He will need plastic surgery when he heals. The trauma cannot be overstated. And this is a young man who is sweet and kind and absolutely is a great lover of dogs. Hound dogs are usually very kind dogs. One does not know the background of the dog from before it entered this new home where the people love him. We have really big dogs, Setters. Now I am sad that our son may be afraid of our dogs. Sometimes bad things happen, really bad. There were many people there who witnessed it and all our son was doing was patting the dog who had been enjoying it. Everyone is in shock and disbelief and feeling just sick about the whole life changing experience.

I am so sorry Jane.

[New Englander]

Our son was attacked by a sweet hound dog on Sunday that belongs to his friend's parents. He was just patting the dog for a while and visiting and the dog was staring lovingly at him. It is a rescue hound gotten in December. Suddenly. the dog lunged at him and attacked him and ripped into his jaw. No warning, no anything, everyone was just sitting and visiting. Fortunately they were able to get the dog off him before it ripped his face apart. He will need plastic surgery when he heals. The trauma cannot be overstated. And this is a young man who is sweet and kind and absolutely is a great lover of dogs. Hound dogs are usually very kind dogs. One does not know the background of the dog from before it entered this new home where the people love him. We have really big dogs, Setters. Now I am sad that our son may be afraid of our dogs. Sometimes bad things happen, really bad. There were many people there who witnessed it and all our son was doing was patting the dog who had been enjoying it. Everyone is in shock and disbelief and feeling just sick about the whole life changing experience.

If that was my dog it would be put to sleep ASAP.

[jane032657]

I do not know if it was even reported. The hospital may have reported it, but our son is traumatized and is just dealing with his experience. I do not know the parents, do not know what they are doing, but our son is 25 and so in conflict because it is one of his best friend's parents. Our son and his friends were visiting and not even staying there, they were on a weekend getaway. I hope those parents are responsible and do the right thing. G-d forbid it had been worse or happens to another person. I absolutely know that our son is so sensitive and sweet and loves dogs, but he also loves his friends and I am sure experiencing great conflict and inner turmoil around many issues associated with this, including his deep jaw wounds, trauma, loyalty to friends, and now concern about his potential fear of large dogs which he has always loved. How life changes in a second. I say that all the time.

[CFrance]

If you see a problem dog, look at the owner, you have now found the problem.
Yes! And look at yourself before you adopt/buy a dog of certain breed. Or any breed, for that matter.

Are you good at training (i.e., are you energetic enough to be consistent and repetitive)? Are you willing to take the time to exercise a high-energy dog? Are you willing to socialize a puppy from the earliest age possible? Are you willing to acclimate the puppy to your being away for short periods during the day so it doesn't develop separation anxiety? (This takes thoughtful repetition.) Will you pick up after it, keep it off of other people's property? Will you spend a gazillion dollars keeping it healthy?

There are a lot of things to consider. I LOVE cats. LOVE them. We've had seven in 50 years. We've had three dogs. The dogs aren't nearly as independent as the cats were. One of these days, when I'm decrepit, I will have another cat. Maybe six. I will have litter boxes galore and plenty of food. And as long as I can walk, I will always have a dog. But not if I can't put out the effort.

As we speak, my dog has just snatched/ate the kleenex off of my end table. He is the consummate kleenex thief. I'll be picking it up... well, never mind. Sorry.

Pets make me so happy.

[CFrance]

While owners make a large difference, the dogs have their individual temperaments. Just like among people you can get a “bad” kid even in the most loving family. Some breeds are bred for their specific temperaments. My Welshie was bred to hunt moles on farmers fields. He showed his terrier temperament from day 1. He had a jaw that could bite through a log, I had to use a metal chain to walk him initially, but in 18 years that he was with me he never even so much as try to nip a person.
Well, there's your answer, IMO. You brought the dog up right.

[redwitch]

Pit bulls, Dobies, Rotties can be very aggressive if bred that way. If bred for fighting or guarding, you start with the most aggressive pups in the kennel and go from there. The problem isn’t always the owner — sometimes it’s the breeder who was breeding fighting dogs or guard dogs and then allows one of their dogs to be mated with a show dog. The aggressive traits are then brought into that line of show dogs and, thus, into the pet line.

That being said, I’d trust any of those breeds over a Cocker, a Saluki or a Chihuahua. These are all dogs known to turn on their families. Most of the Pit bull, etc. incidents stem from someone having taught the dogs to be aggressive, getting loose and attacking someone on the sidewalk or street. Tragic and preventable.

[dewilson58]

Our son was attacked by a sweet hound dog on Sunday that belongs to his friend's parents. He was just patting the dog for a while and visiting and the dog was staring lovingly at him. It is a rescue hound gotten in December. Suddenly. the dog lunged at him and attacked him and ripped into his jaw. No warning, no anything, everyone was just sitting and visiting. Fortunately they were able to get the dog off him before it ripped his face apart. He will need plastic surgery when he heals. The trauma cannot be overstated. And this is a young man who is sweet and kind and absolutely is a great lover of dogs. Hound dogs are usually very kind dogs. One does not know the background of the dog from before it entered this new home where the people love him. We have really big dogs, Setters. Now I am sad that our son may be afraid of our dogs. Sometimes bad things happen, really bad. There were many people there who witnessed it and all our son was doing was patting the dog who had been enjoying it. Everyone is in shock and disbelief and feeling just sick about the whole life changing experience.


Sorry.

[Fredman]

I recently read of an incident where a pit bull was a family pet and without warning attacked and killed a small child. It should be illegal to breed these dogs. Not to be trusted. They have killed 284 people in the last 13 years

[CFrance]

Pit bulls, Dobies, Rotties can be very aggressive if bred that way. If bred for fighting or guarding, you start with the most aggressive pups in the kennel and go from there. The problem isn’t always the owner — sometimes it’s the breeder who was breeding fighting dogs or guard dogs and then allows one of their dogs to be mated with a show dog. The aggressive traits are then brought into that line of show dogs and, thus, into the pet line.

That being said, I’d trust any of those breeds over a Cocker, a Saluki or a Chihuahua. These are all dogs known to turn on their families. Most of the Pit bull, etc. incidents stem from someone having taught the dogs to be aggressive, getting loose and attacking someone on the sidewalk or street. Tragic and preventable.
I'd be interested to know how many breeders out there are breeding for fight dogs. My guess is that they are under the wire. If you go to a breeder looking for a certain breed as a pet, I wonder if you would run across a breeder breeding for fight.
The problem would be, possibly, taking one of these breeds from a rescue.


I hope to adopt not shop next time. I hope to be able to discern when looking at rescues. But I do believe in supporting responsible breeders in order to keep the different breed lines going. I've done that twice and adopted twice. I've had better luck with the specifically bred dogs, whose breeders I've vetted, but I hope to do better next time with a rescue.

[mills3186]

I initially had the same reservations most people have about pit bulls, then I met met a wonderful, sweet mama pit who was able to change my mind. A few years later, while working as a Physician Assistant, I had to see a woman whose 16 month old nephew was mauled and killed by a pair of pit bulls. Understandably, she was a basket case. Unfortunately, the pendulum swung back the other way for me. These were previously known to be well behaved dogs, the owner did not latch their kennel gate tightly and something in the movements of the toddler incited these dogs to attack. She did not have enough control/authority over the dogs once the prey process started. One must always remember that a dog is just that-a dog. Their behavior can be unpredictable, especially if startled or injured. Many dogs may bite in these instances, but certain breeds have much more powerful jaws and the bite instinct doesn't seem to shut off until the prey is dead. This behavior is demonstrated in only a handful of breeds. So if there is a dog around my grandchildren, I understand there is always a chance of a bite. But with certain dogs, when a primitive instinct is ignited, if they have the ability to maim or kill, I can't condone having one.

[BobnBev]

I recently read of an incident where a pit bull was a family pet and without warning attacked and killed a small child. It should be illegal to breed these dogs. Not to be trusted. They have killed 284 people in the last 13 years

That we know about.:pray:

[Velvet]

Very sorry to hear about the bitten little boy. I hope he will heal well physically and psychologically.

There were parents on my street who used to let their sweet but clumsy children try to pet my Welshie. He was already trained to be gentle with my children. So it never became a problem. But... what these people never seemed to do is check WITH THE DOG whether it is ok to pet it or even approach it. It seemed always assumed that of course he would allow it and maybe wag his tail etc. I was very worried that my dogs (I also had a Goldie) would “accidentally” hurt a child so I put them through vigorous training from the day I got them as puppies to prepare them for anything a young child might do. All dogs are animals. It always surprises me when people treat them and expect them to behave as human beings.

[aninjamom]

The only dog that ever attacked me was - a Chihuahua. I held out my fist to let the dog sniff it, and he attacked my knuckle. Not that he did any damage, but it was a surprise!
My last dog was a chow, Australian shepherd, lab mix. Solid black and was the best protector we ever had. The worst she would do is herd you around. We did not mention the chow part, my insurance would not insure a chow. She was a terrific dog. In my opinion, a good mix is healthier, smarter, and better tempered than a pure-bred. Yes, I'm prejudiced. And pit bulls are in the news way too much for me to ever want one, although my niece with three children has one that is a big baby.

[justjim]

Very sorry to hear about the bitten little boy. I hope he will heal well physically and psychologically.

There were parents on my street who used to let their sweet but clumsy children try to pet my Welshie. He was already trained to be gentle with my children. So it never became a problem. But... what these people never seemed to do is check WITH THE DOG whether it is ok to pet it or even approach it. It seemed always assumed that of course he would allow it and maybe wag his tail etc. I was very worried that my dogs (I also had a Goldie) would “accidentally” hurt a child so I put them through vigorous training from the day I got them as puppies to prepare them for anything a young child might do. All dogs are animals. It always surprises me when people treat them and expect them to behave as human beings.

Excellent post. Training your dog is a must. If you can’t do it, there are dog trainers who can help. Given the type of community we live in and the closeness of neighbors it’s realy not an option. :bigbow:

[New Englander]

This is just my personal opinion. Pit bulls can't be trusted no matter how they are bred by the breeder and raised by the owner. They are killing machines. I wish they became extinct.

[Velvet]

“Today's pit bull is a descendant of the original English bull-baiting dog—a dog that was bred to bite and hold bulls, bears and other large animals around the face and head. When baiting large animals was outlawed in the 1800s, people turned instead to fighting their dogs against each other.” Google

[Tom52]

Some years ago I worked with a guy who had a pitbull and two small children. He always laughed when anyone asked why he would have a pitbull around two small children. He always said the dog was very calm around children and I have to admit the few times I was at his house the dog seemed fine. That is till one day he came into work late with the very sad story that the pitbull had viciously attacked one of their friends, who while visiting their home, took a step backwards and accidentally stepped on the dog's foot. They had to actually beat the dog to get him to let go. It took 110 stitches to patch up the damage. Huge lawsuit followed. I can understand any normal dog breed would likely nip or bite under the circumstances, but a pitbull is just too dangerous to have around no matter how safe you think they are.

[Taltarzac725]

The only dog that ever attacked me was - a Chihuahua. I held out my fist to let the dog sniff it, and he attacked my knuckle. Not that he did any damage, but it was a surprise!
My last dog was a chow, Australian shepherd, lab mix. Solid black and was the best protector we ever had. The worst she would do is herd you around. We did not mention the chow part, my insurance would not insure a chow. She was a terrific dog. In my opinion, a good mix is healthier, smarter, and better tempered than a pure-bred. Yes, I'm prejudiced. And pit bulls are in the news way too much for me to ever want one, although my niece with three children has one that is a big baby.

I have met dozens of pit bulls that are big babies. Lots of factors I believe go into how a dog might re-act.

[CFrance]

The most vicious "dog" I ever had was a cat! Queenie Beans. She was a rescue. We loved her anyway but kept her inside and well away from anyone.

[GeoGeo]

I'm in a bunch of Facebook groups and several small dogs minding their own business (some in their own yards) have been attacted by pitbulls. I am a dog lover, but they scare me. You hear of these nice families with a wonderful, loving pitbull who plays with the kids and is a wonderful dog.....then something happens and their child's face is disfigured or worse because the family dog attacked them. I would be afraid to take the chance.

[Barefoot]

I have met dozens of pit bulls that are big babies. Lots of factors I believe go into how a dog might react.I agree totally. I have also met lots of pit bulls that are big babies.
Once a dog knows fear, it will react instinctively.
The key is in the upbringing and training. Sadly, some dogs don't have a chance.

[Nucky]

I'm a Doberman Wannabee! Love those Dogs & Boxers To! Better make that all Doggies!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

This is just my personal opinion. Pit bulls can't be trusted no matter how they are bred by the breeder and raised by the owner. They are killing machines. I wish they became extinct.

People are killing machines too but it doesn't keep me from living near them. What's worse, is that at least dogs have two excuses: instinct and poor training by their handlers. People do it with conscious intention, purposefully, no matter how they were trained. I'm very glad people aren't extinct, regardless of the whackos who kill tossed into the mix.

Pit bulls are no more or less inclined to bite someone than any other breed of dog. Their bite is more dangerous than the bite of a less powerful dog, so they're likely to do more damage when they bite, than a less powerful dog.

The pit mix across the street was attacked by the other neighbor's dog a couple of years ago. The other neighbor's dog was some kind of lab mix. It took two of us to get that lab off the pit, and the pit needed stitches in his shoulder.

How did that happen? The lab was badly trained and its handler didn't bother to make sure his screen door was completely closed, when our neighbor was walking his pitt - on a leash - down the sidewalk in front of their house.

Maybe those owners should become extinct. But not the dogs.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Some years ago I worked with a guy who had a pitbull and two small children. He always laughed when anyone asked why he would have a pitbull around two small children. He always said the dog was very calm around children and I have to admit the few times I was at his house the dog seemed fine. That is till one day he came into work late with the very sad story that the pitbull had viciously attacked one of their friends, who while visiting their home, took a step backwards and accidentally stepped on the dog's foot. They had to actually beat the dog to get him to let go. It took 110 stitches to patch up the damage. Huge lawsuit followed. I can understand any normal dog breed would likely nip or bite under the circumstances, but a pitbull is just too dangerous to have around no matter how safe you think they are.

I'd bite you too if you ever stepped on my tail. I'm not seeing the problem here.

[CFrance]

I'd bite you too if you ever stepped on my tail. I'm not seeing the problem here.
When I accidentally step on my Golden's tail or paw or trip over him, he acts like it's his fault. "I'm so sorry I had my paw where your foot wanted to go." That's not training, IMO; that's temperament.


I see a problem with a dog who would attack because you accidentally stepped on his foot.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

When I accidentally step on my Golden's tail or paw or trip over him, he acts like it's his fault. "I'm so sorry I had my paw where your foot wanted to go." That's not training, IMO; that's temperament.

I see a problem with a dog who would attack because you accidentally stepped on his foot.


Then maybe you just have a very special dog! :angel:

[LI SNOWBIRD]

Never own a pet that you can't take in a fight--I'm thinking about adopting a clam

[CFrance]

Never own a pet that you can't take in a fight--I'm thinking about adopting a clam

Watch your fingers!😊

[Taltarzac725]

I do know a guy whose cocker spaniel was badly bitten by two pit bulls. He had gone to their front door to return his neighbor's cell phone which had been left at his house. They opened the front door and the pit bulls attacked to a tune of $1200.00 in damages. And these were supposedly well trained and behaved pit bulls.

My guess is that they had some bad history in their background. They were protecting their house though.

You do have to look at the context and take things on a case-by-case basis. Does need more thought than using stereotypes though. And if I am in a bad situation where I have to make very quick decisions I would go back to using these kind of stereotypes. I do tend to walk across the street when walking my dog around an unfamiliar pit bull or German shepherd, Doberman, Rottweiler, or sometimes even an aggressive Chihuahua.

[Velvet]

The Hungarian puli is a very loyal dog, will let their owner pull their teeth literally and they will give their life for him, but, the puli is loyal to only one person. They are not terribly friendly. They were bred as working dogs in Hungary not as pets usually.

I do believe that temperament makes a huge difference. I knew the parents and even grandparents of my dogs who were selected to be family pets so no puli for us.

A friend shows American Staffordshire Terriers (part pit-bull part terrier) in European and North American dog shows. He has 15 dogs living with him. He offered me 2 beautiful puppies. These dogs are willful and powerful. My friend is a boxer by profession and aggressive himself so he enjoys the daily training required with these dogs. I could not see myself having the physical strength to do it.