Pitbull poll

 LEASE, [sm=feedtroll.gif]

Glenda, I don't think this is a troll issue. I think it is a youth and ignorance issue.

Chester, check out some of the links that were posted for you. You might find out some interesting things.

I agree Glenda, I've seen several posts on different threads from this individual-mostly inflammatory...

.[sm=feedtroll.gif] ....I love this thing!

I agree with Alieliza.  So many dogs get mixed up with pits.  It's not fair at all.  If people want to jump to conclusions about pit bulls, they need to know which dog is a TRUE pit.

I have voted a definite NO!  But I fear that in the future the problem will continue to escalate due to irresponsible ownership of this breed of dog because, to its own detriment, it tends to attrack an unsavoury crowd and it's that very crowd that have brought on the downfall of this otherwise great breed.  It only takes a handful or two to totally wreck a breed's reputation even though the majority of pitbull owners are fantastic in every way. 
 
I do feel that too many owners of pitbulls try to conceal the fact that this breed is genetically predisposed to dislike other dogs and hence can be dog-aggressive; they may make the best family pet but with strange dogs especially other dominant dogs they are likely to start a fight and innevitably finish it with their incredible strength and high pain threshold.  The sooner that people accept that this is part of the pitbull character the sooner that such problems like the maulings of other dogs can be stopped. 
 
Okay okay....I know that there is the odd pitbull out there that wouldn't even hurt a prey animal but these individuals are few and far between so if you are really concerned about bettering the reputation of this breed then just make darn sure that certain incidents remain a thing of the past....if the need be make sure that your pitty is ALWAYS on a leash and a short one at that and if possible made to wear a muzzle....okay, I can hear you...you're saying that if you resort to muzzling your pitbull that is an admittance that the pitbull is a threat....well, imo, the fewer dogs that get mauled by pitbulls the less risk you are putting this breed under.

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[Deleted by Admins]

Thank you for reminding me of my responsibilities as a moderator.
 
In answer to your question, I am not mad at you.  I don't like the manner in which you are posting which is meant to stir the pot and elicit angry responses.  I am reminding the other forum members that it is not ok to come back with pithy and scathing responses that will turn the pot into a boiling caldrum.
 
Your opinion of pitties has been duley noted.  Thanks for sharing.  But understand that MOST of us do not share your beliefs and you can spout them 'til the cows come home without changing a single mind.

" How do you explain the fact that pitbulls have been banned in some states ? i meen those are not foolish people that made the decision maybe the nature of the pitbulls arent what i think but these accidents ive talked about did happen and maybe its just their owners fault , just maybe .... ORIGINAL: L.F.chester"
 
These laws have been passed due to lobbying of groups who have an agenda that has to do with the removal of pet ownership period.  Mandatory spay neuter legislation is of the same ilk.  The banning of a specific breed would be similar to banning specific motor vehicles, such as motorcycles.  To be safe on a motorcycle you have to be more aware and conscious of your environment, not less.  It is similiar with some breeds of dogs.  It is the end of the lead or the hands on the controls that matter, not what is being walked or ridden.
 
Most breed bans have been the result of reaction to maulings that should not have occurred, that is a fact as well.  However, all of those places who passed  breed bans had dangerous dog laws that were not enforced.  Had those laws and licensing laws been enforced, then the maulings may not have occurred.  Most breed bans are knee jerk reactions with long term unintended consequenses that will impact dog ownership.

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Thank you Glenda.

FWIW, I will always oppose breed bans.  ANY dog can act like a dog but one or even a handful of dogs "loosing it" is not representative of the breed.
 
In my opinion, when one breed is banned it cracks the door open wider to ban even more breeds.  I was attacked by a german shepherd many years ago.  Admittedly it took me a long time (and a loving gsd mix) to get over my fear of gsds.  Now I share my home with six of them.  A LOT of people are afraid of shepherds.  Yet I take one of my boys to play with and interact with what is likely one of the most vulnerable segments of the population....old folks in assisted living.
 
MOST of these folks were thrilled to have Tyler visit the very first time.  Two of the ladies expressed fear of big dogs and I offered to introduce him....one declined and the other met him in a quick little meet and greet and NOW can't keep her hands off him!  And the one who declined?  She has slowly moved from the back of the room for bingo to the FRONT of the room, near where he lays beside DH while he calls the numbers.  During the game, Tyler does go to visit some of the folks, but he doesn't go to THIS lady yet.....in fact, he knows that she is nervous still about him and he carefully walks a wider swath around her so as not to increase that fear.  One of the men who rarely leaves his apartment is now a frequent visitor and often seen on Sundays wheeling around the place looking for Tyler.  No amount of cajoling can get this man out of his apartment, often even for meals, BUT, Tylers presence brings him "running".
 
But this is a breed that is often feared.  This is a breed that COULD be the next target of BSL.  But, this is also a breed that is loving and loyal and just flat wonderful.  And I'm betting that 95% of pittie owners (excluding those that want dogs to be a status symbol or who fight their dogs) feel the same way about THEIR breed as I do about mine.

ORIGINAL: glenmar

FWIW, I will always oppose breed bans.  ANY dog can act like a dog but one or even a handful of dogs "loosing it" is not representative of the breed.

In my opinion, when one breed is banned it cracks the door open wider to ban even more breeds.  I was attacked by a german shepherd many years ago.  Admittedly it took me a long time (and a loving gsd mix) to get over my fear of gsds.  Now I share my home with six of them.  A LOT of people are afraid of shepherds.  Yet I take one of my boys to play with and interact with what is likely one of the most vulnerable segments of the population....old folks in assisted living.

MOST of these folks were thrilled to have Tyler visit the very first time.  Two of the ladies expressed fear of big dogs and I offered to introduce him....one declined and the other met him in a quick little meet and greet and NOW can't keep her hands off him!  And the one who declined?  She has slowly moved from the back of the room for bingo to the FRONT of the room, near where he lays beside DH while he calls the numbers.  During the game, Tyler does go to visit some of the folks, but he doesn't go to THIS lady yet.....in fact, he knows that she is nervous still about him and he carefully walks a wider swath around her so as not to increase that fear.  One of the men who rarely leaves his apartment is now a frequent visitor and often seen on Sundays wheeling around the place looking for Tyler.  No amount of cajoling can get this man out of his apartment, often even for meals, BUT, Tylers presence brings him "running".

But this is a breed that is often feared.  This is a breed that COULD be the next target of BSL.  But, this is also a breed that is loving and loyal and just flat wonderful.  And I'm betting that 95% of pittie owners (excluding those that want dogs to be a status symbol or who fight their dogs) feel the same way about THEIR breed as I do about mine.

 
Excellent post Glenda! [sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif]
 
I just want to add that at the boarding facility where I work the most loving and sweet dogs who come in are pitties.  I have always admired the breed, but being able to work with them on a daily basis brings me joy.  Their smiles and their personalities are just wonderful.  I get this feeling with many of the dogs and since I started working here I have learned so much about different breeds and how much they differ from dog to dog, mostly depending on how much training they have received and how they are treated by their owners.  We can tell an abused dog or a dog whoreceives less attention from ones who seem to be loved unconditionally and whose owners took the time and effort to train their dogs properly to help them fit nicely into society.

Well, Glenda, I stand corrected! [:@] Thanks for the great post, too. []