Yet another pit bull story

Judging by looks is a little off base.

 
Maybe it isn't right to judge by looks in terms of hardware - and I don't do that myself.  Obviously, I would be studying the dog's body language.  But, I'm an experienced trainer - the man who was attacked is an ordinary citizen, and though he owns a dog, it's a Golden Retriever, not a terrier.  We make assumptions based on looks all the time.  If we are polite, we keep them to ourselves.  But, which dog would you run over and pat if you didn't know dogs at all?  Pit bull wearing spikes or Golden with lazy wagging tail?

I believe it all comes down to the way they are raised and trained.

 
Believe what you want, but there are still some Pits who, despite excellent training and socialization, develop dog to dog aggression when they reach maturity.  If you blind yourself to that fact of Pit Bull life, you are asking for trouble.  Pit owners need to be aware of the breed's propensities and act to keep their dogs from becoming statistics. 
BTW, it isn't just Pits that have breed characteristics that need to be managed.  If I assumed that it was "all in how you raise them", I would not worry about my Aussie becoming guardy or herdy.  But, she is a herding dog, and her breed standard calls for a dog with "strong" herding and guarding instinct.  So, as sheprano suggests, my obligation is to train her so that she "overcomes her instinct" and obeys me, but also to keep in the back of my mind that motion sets herding dogs off.  Rather than let my guard down, when kids are running and shrieking, I make sure to keep control over my dog. 

Hi Shep,
I'm sorry if you thought I was putting you down.....I was not.  It's just if you love these dogs and you see how the world is trying to eradicate them it can be hard.
I really meant no disrespect.  It's just that I was one of those people who did no research on the breed and got bit in the ass.  Please do not think I was putting you down.
All I ask is that all pit bull owners who love their dogs become aware of what is going on and be educated.  Sorry if you were offended
 
Karen

Sheprano,
 There seems to be more learning you need to do regarding the breed from what I have read in your postings. It is true fact that you will NOT know what temperament a male will have until after he has turned 18 months. I have personally seen the differences in several males I have owned as well as others owned by friends. Sure it took me some time to really understand it but it is fact and you can take that to the bank. My male specials dog was a fine example of the "switch" he was very mouthy as a young dog. He came to me at 5 months old so I know where his foundation was and I now own his mother who is one of the best dogs I've ever owned, she reminds me of my first APBT. Any who..Mr. Mouthy finished his championship under 9 months of age, he is a show dog to his bones. I will not however put up with a dog who thinks he can put his teeth on me or any other human being for that natter as this breed should NEVER bite unprovoked. This particular boy had until he was 18 months to figure out where he wanted to be in life or he was going to have two choices, go back to his breeder or get a needle..that is what responsible owners and breeders do, there is no reason or excuse for human aggression in this breed and should NEVER be tolerated.
 
Now 4 years old and still with me, a dog who will NOT mouth anyone OR react when bitten by another dog

 
 Dog on dog aggression is a different subject.
 
Responsible dog ownership is pricless when you think of the cost of irresponsibility in this breed...the price? The life of your dog.
 
Stand up beside me and be the positive effect of Pit Bull ownership

I respect all of your opinions through your experiences. I respect and appreciate the way of the beast and feel that Rory and I have a bond through her obediance and I am continously close guarding her behavior and interaction with other dogs, people, and the environment she she is in. Thanks