Pitbulls and Dobermans
 

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.

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.

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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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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I am so sorry Jane.

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

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.

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.

Well, there's your answer, IMO. You brought the dog up right.