Do Not Blame the Dog Breed -Use Common Sense!

You know, for most people it's very frustrating to see when someone does not use common sense.

It is common sense that an unsocialized dog -who spends his life pent-up and in a very small bubble around maybe two people at the most - is eventually going to turn one of them or something else into a "target."

A couple of years ago, I heard a news story about a man who had a Pit Bull. He kept it in a very small cage, with plenty of food and water. And he kept the cage clean by rinsing it out with a hose. But he did not play with, interact with, or exercise the dog.

Well, not surprisingly, the day came when the man walked in to feed him, and the Pit Bull killed him. Of course, the dog was euthanised.

Once an animal has killed someone, yes, I agree - It needs to be put down. Unless, of course, it was saving someone's life.

However, you do have to recognize that you can't blame the dog breed for the stupid actions of one person. Especially powerful dog breeds - Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, or any working dog for that matter - HAVE to be exercised, socialized, and disciplined.

When are people going to learn to do research on a dog breed before they get a dog, and to get help when things are getting out of hand?

Please, everyone, use common sense!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Pit Bull - What Makes So Many of Them Mean?

No, it's not because they have bad owners.

And it is certainly not because they are "killer dogs."

My parents had a Pit Bull before I was born, and until I was age nine. My twin and I crawled over her and played with her as any toddler would. Sometimes, she would snuggle with us. Other times, she would stare at me with a "Oh, have mercy!" expression, and go and hide for a while.

There are two reasons that contribute more than anything else to the bad rap given the Pit Bull:

1. Many people get these dogs and confine them to a small yard, expecting them to entertain themselves. It doesn't work that way.

Pit Bulls are dogs that have great energy and stamina (just as most of the other dogs who have a bad rep).

They were bred for one purpose... and, NO again, it wasn't fighting!

The breeding purpose of Pit Bulls was simply because of their massive jaws. They locked and held onto determined bulls that needed to be brought in, specifically ones that had injured cowboys or other valuable cattle dogs.

They saved the lives of many people.

If someone decides to adopt a Pit Bull, they are going to have to commit to a rigorous exercise routine.

This keeps away boredom. Boredom unattended to leads to frustration, and frustration leads to aggression.

2. The other common reason is that what we call the "American Pit Bull Terrier" is no longer a true Pit Bull. It has been crossed with another breed specifically for the look. This mixed breeding creates insanity over time.

First generation mixed breeds are one thing. You get some pretty cool dogs out of that. Second generation and on, you've got problems ....

And of course, there are the ever popular myths that people believe about Pit Bulls - but why go into those, when that's what everyone argues about?

Click here to find out more about the true character and origin of the Pit Bull.

Let's Debunk Dog Breed Stereotypes

Well, I didn't expect to be saying this this morning. But I experienced an example to drive my point home of yesterday.

Any dog of any size can be dangerous. It has nothing to do with a stereotype of a dog breed.

I experienced the "pack attack" (one in front, one behind) and stopped it due to my experience - but otherwise, it would not have been pleasant. Shortly after that, the dogs saw that I was not intimidated by the approach and they were fine with me.

Again, guys, this was not a Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Pit Bull, or Doberman Pinscher. These were Dachshunds.

Once more, let's stop the stereotypes.

Thank you.

P.S. Not many Dachshunds are like this.