Pit Bull Prejudice

Lizzie,
 We deal with it almost every day. Responsible dog ownership has helped in many issues of our every day life but the irresponsible owners do tend to make it an issue of bad publicity instead of good which is what mainly spurs the hysteria.
 
I have been very fortunate personally to have open minded neighbors where I haev lived and because we are very diligent in keeping our dogs and socializing them we have not had any issues. I do work with several organizations to help owners maintain their rights to own our breed, do public education booths and rescue fairs.
 
 It won't change every mind but each one it does is a victory

I believe most dogs are friendly and nice.  Though in some neightborhoods, I see quite alot of pit bulls.  I don't have anything againt them but I'm not happy about the part that the only reason why these people get them is for fighting, to look tough and stuff.  You won't see them getting anything else but a pit bull.  The dogs these people have are very aggressive.  I was walking pass by some guys, didn't know they got a pit bull sitting there, the guy was blocking.  Then he curse at me for walking my dog on the same street.  The only thing I am not happy about is how these people taught their dogs to be aggressive instead of being friendly.   [>:]

ORIGINAL: Jaungue

I believe most dogs are friendly and nice.  Though in some neightborhoods, I see quite alot of pit bulls.  I don't have anything againt them but I'm not happy about the part that the only reason why these people get them is for fighting, to look tough and stuff.  You won't see them getting anything else but a pit bull.  The dogs these people have are very aggressive.  I was walking pass by some guys, didn't know they got a pit bull sitting there, the guy was blocking.  Then he curse at me for walking my dog on the same street.  The only thing I am not happy about is how these people taught their dogs to be aggressive instead of being friendly.   [>:]

Well I can tell you that my pit bull would just lick you to death! Thank you for not hating all pit bulls because you have had a few bad encounters. I am SO CLOSE to signing off of this board because I can take the day to day ******* from people I see but I can't argue with every idiot who has a computer and a lack of knowledge. Thanks hun!

ORIGINAL: sheprano
I am SO CLOSE to signing off of this board because I can take the day to day bullshit from people I see but I can't argue with every idiot who has a computer and a lack of knowledge.

What do u mean by that? I dont think i have said anything wrong but your msg makes it sound like you mean me?
 

Oh gosh hun, I'm so sorry...that was defintly not intended towards you at ALL I swear. I love reading your posts!
It takes a toll day in and day out of my girl being discriminated against and I was venting in the wrong place! Great topic, I'm always up for healthy debates. You are a wonderful caring dog owner from what I can tell and I'll refrain from my pms comments in the future!

Sheprano,
 Get over it..it comes with the territory. If you are going to own the breed YOU must be ready to defend it year;y, monthly, weekly and yes sometimes even hourly.
 ick your battles and know the enemy, it isn't Jaungue...she is talking about what happens where she lives, experiences with irresponsible owners, she doesn't hate the breed, read her post again. She speaks the truth as to why many people do own this breed and THAT is the reason the breed is in so much trouble. Pull in your allies, let them know that YOU are a responsible owner and what you do to continue to own your dog and THANK them for NOT blaming the breed but the owners...because that my friend is the problem as we know

Definately words of wisdom Jamie.  I think any one who own one of the so call "power breeds" face the predujuce every day.  I know at time I have with Hugo (rottie x) I've had people pick up their small dogs as we pass on the street. Here is the "feel good" story. Thankfully not all people are like that.  We have a dog walking group "off leash" We have in the group and American Bulldog. A Amstaff, a rottie, a GSD, a cocker spaniel, a Cavileir KC Spaniel, a BC, a poodle x at 12 lb and a small black something x, and a Kelpie cross.  They all get along so well and have a blast hiking on the beach. we do get looks and comment from some, but not all as to how this mixture all get along so well. Oh and two Irish Wolfhound will be join us next week.

Just in case you are wondering> we are not irresponsile this area is an off leash beach.  

Thanks!!
 I work very hard with many organizations to be able to own this breed freely. I donate items to raise money to support the Chako rescue in CA for the support to defeat the legislation out there. Work each year at public education booths interacting with people and dogs to show this breed for what it really acn be when owned by a responsible, knowlegable owner.
 It isn't easy and yes, we do get the stigma connected to us in many ways. Last night I was at our Township meeting as there are neighbors who fight like the Hatfields and McCoys and the one is trying to impliment a barking ordinance in an Ag area. Mr Phila makes a comment to me that I just moved out here top raise "Pit Bulls", keep in mind, this was NOT a breed ordinance, I was there as a member of the community and an ADOA member to fight a 10 minute barking ordinance that they want to impose. So yeah, every day, every week, every month and every year...same sad song.....But my back is strong and I am dedicated
 
Sounds like you have a great bunch of people and dogs who are also doing all the right things and showing people that in the real world these "aggressive dogs" can and do get along well

Thanks Jamie, I know in my heart what you say is true, its just that some days it hits me harder and I take it more personally. Its hard not to, especially when i look at my dog all I see is a loving loyal companion that I have invested so much of my heart into and have one person's opinion be so negative. I'm sorry everyone I was having a really bad day!

It is the cross we bare owning this breed. We're all in it together and each day we must put on our armor to defend our dogs..every minute of every day.
 
We can change minds, somedays it isn't easy and our passion gets in the way of expressing ourselves but the best way is to recognize those who will stand with us in other breeds and help us fight our fight.
 
Bad days, been there done that..give your dog a hug and it will be a better day []
 

I don't have a pit bull but I have seen the prejudice. I recently started volunteering for the SPCA in my city, and the last couple weekends I helped out at off-site events. Basically my job was to take a dog, walk around with him/ her, talk to people, see who's interested in adopting, etc. (by the way they were places where lots of people were, like a festival was the last one.)

The first time I had a pit bill, possibly a mix, and people ignored him and looked at the other dogs, even though he was very friendly. He didn't get adopted that day. Then last weekend the first dog I took was a pit bull/ Dalmatian mix, but it looked much more like a pit bull than a Dalmatian. She had on a vest that said "Adopt Me." Some people stopped to pet her but that was it. Later I switched dogs, to a mixed breed with no pit bull, and lots of people came up to us and asked to pet, asked how old, what's his name, etc.

The ironic thing? The pit mix was much more social and friendly than the second dog.

Pitt bulls are so absolutely beautifully STUNNING.  Jamies avatar is a great picture, and I love to see it whenever she posts. 
 
Some of you may know I started working at the shelter.  The dogs take turns getting out into the big yard area, but they also each get a turn to run free outside of the small yard by their kennels... this one beautiful red boy "Moose" gets out more than anyone else, hes a purebred pitt.  I am working on DH. 
 
Ill have to get a picture of him soon.  He is BY FAR the sweetest dog in that place, and its a shame people shun him.... I have heard from the people who work there that many people came in to adopt him when he was a baby, and they didnt let anyone have him for fear of WHY they wanted him.  Now hes about 1 year old, and older dogs are harder to find homes for.  I have to admit though, he is everyones favorite, he gets a TON of attention and a kiddie pool in the outside part of his kennel.  He lives as good a life as possible in a shelter - but he needs a home. I will keep working on DH. 
 
 

The only "bad" thing about Moose is that he gets under your feet too much and trips you and shoves his head under your hand too much..... what a scary scary dog he is.[]