Some subjects inevitably arouse strong and passionate feelings whenever they are brought up. Besides politics and religion, another subject that polarizes people is pitbulls. Considering that you are on a pitbull website right now, you likely love the breed and find them to be loyal, wonderful members of the family. However, you have, no doubt, been a party to some discussions - maybe even heated ones- with people who feel quite the opposite, people who may even believe that these so-called 'menaces' should be banned from the community. I couldn't hide my bias on the subject even if I wanted to. But I do feel that there is a need for balance. Now, please note that when I refer to a pitbull, I mean a true well-bred American Pitbull Terrier, not just some mixed breed dog that someone along the line has labeled as a pitbull because it sort of looks like one. That's actually part of the problem. People who oppose this breed will quickly cite media reports of 'pitbull' attacks. But before we can quickly jump to such a conclusion as to say that we should annihilate a whole breed of dogs from our midst, let's reason on that idea. We are discussing, not firsthand experiences but media reports. Does every journalist really take the time to accurately verify that it was a true American Pitbull Terrier that was involved in that sad case or could they just be taking someone's word for it? Are they probably even that worried about the accuracy of the breed? Not likely, and therefore we can't actually be sure that a pitbull was involved or if it was just some mixed breed that got loose.
Now, I can agree, and so would anyone who has any experience with these dogs, that pitbulls are definitely powerful - which is part of the appeal for some owners. Nevertheless, that power means that if anything, yes anything, goes wrong the impact will be much more noteworthy than when, for example, a Yorkshire Terrier attacks. No matter what breed of dog you're discussing, the responsibility for most bites lies with the owner. And, since the owner is so involved, most bites can be prevented. First, all members of the family and anyone allowed to interact with the dog should show him or her respect. From there, the basic instinctual aspects of all dogs come into play and how you manipulate those instincts. Dogs are pack animals. Every pack has a leader. The same is true of people as well. And just because someone thinks they're the leader or says they're the leader, that doesn't make it true. So, what does it take to truly be the leader?
The leader is not defined by words but by actions - whoever is in control, whoever decides what is acceptable for the pack at all times. So, are most owners actually the leader in the relationship? Not from the dog's perception. How can you tell if you are a leader to your pitbull? Analyze, realistically, your interaction with him. Does he lead you or even drag you down the street when you try to walk him? Do you stop and go when he wants? Does he precede you in and out of doorways and up and down stairs? If he has a toy, does that mean you won't be touching it until he gets bored with it? If you answered 'yes' to any of those questions, then that pitbull is the true leader in your relationship. Most dogs are not cut out to be leaders, so then you see weird and, sometimes, dangerous side effects like spinning in uncontrollable circles and possibly even aggression.
So, how are all dog bites preventable? By owners stepping up in action to be the leader in their relationship with their dog. This is a full-time job. But it is vital for dogs like pitbulls. By becoming the leader in your dog's eyes, you will eliminate symptoms like protectiveness and aggression. Your pitbull won't feel like she has to keep everyone, including children, in line which means she won't correct them with a bite. Train your pitbull the way it had you trained - walking behind, waiting to go down steps and through doors, ready to drop a toy whenever requested. There are two other important factors in keeping a well-behaved, friendly pitbull: exercise and socialization. These are energetic dogs so they need DAILY exercise to burn that excitement or it will become frustration. Strong + frustrated = TROUBLE - Not a good equation. Fear can lead to aggression as well, so socialize your dog to new experiences, sounds, and people in a positive way as often as possible.
~ November 18, 2009
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