I am fortunate to have six wonderful children in my life. We adopted a blue nose pit-bull puppy a year ago and we named her Clementine. She has grown to be a beautiful, strong, protective girl with a big bark and a brilliant personality. Everyone loved on her and adored her around the neighborhood when she was young. She has gone to work with me and has socialized with several of my co-workers and their dogs. Her behavior has never changed from the sweet, loving puppy that we adopted. Yet, some people now treat her as a threat. I guess her big girl bark scares those that have not taken the time to get to know her. My plan is to share my experiences with Clementine and the people around he. Then, we are going to get into the truth about pit bulls.
Incident One
My kids grandma on their dad’s side refuses to come to my house and be around Clementine at all because of the type of dog she is. It is funny because her son has a Pitbull named Bear and she loves on him every day. Bear identifies as a Cane Corso and doesn’t have the stigma Clementine does. This may be the reason she is rejected in this situation and he is not.
Situation Two
A few months back, I was taking my oldest two kids on an errand and in the commotion, Clementine got outside our front door without a leash on. She proceeded to bark at the mailman as he approached our house. I stepped in front of her, told the mailman that she would only bark, and asked him to give me a minute to get her back inside before he came up to the house. He refused to listen and started walking towards us. Clementine turned around to go in the house and he proceeded to take out a can of mace and spray it in her direction. My daughter, myself and the backside of Clementine were sprayed with the chemicals.
I received a letter in the mail a few days later that stated my dog needed to be inside at all times when the mailperson was present. For the coming week, I received no mail.
That Friday a letter was on my mailbox stating that the mailman would no longer be delivering my mail because I have a viscous dog that attacked him. I was livid. I called the post office and spoke with one of the managers. She was the one that had sent the letter to my house and; since, she believed the issue to be resolved. I told her what actually happened, including the mace, and that this was the only incident that has ever occurred with Clementine. She stated that they have had several issues with this man not delivering mail because of a dog and that she would resolve it, and my mail would be delivered.
At any rate, I now have a post office box because this man refused to deliver my mail.
Conclusion from the two experiences
In the past year, it has become apparent to me that there are some really hateful people in this world. Uneducated about some animals, people often fear what they do not know. So, let me shed some light on the subject and divulge the truth about pit bulls.
What is a Pittie?
According to “Friends of the Forlorn,” Pitbull is not a breed. A common name for a type of dog descended from a mix of breeds. It is a term used to describe dogs with similar characteristics; and those belonging to the “bully breed” families of dogs. Breeds like the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog.
Some Pit Characteristics
These dogs are docile, agile, independent and strong-minded. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Most commonly, Pitbull-type-dogs are lean and weigh in at about forty to sixty pounds.
History
The Pitbull was bred for a brutal lifestyle in great Brittan. Blood sports such as bull and bear baiting were popular. Dogs would enter pits and fight the giant animals for entertainment (hence the name). The sport was eliminated in 1835, as Britain began to introduce animal welfare laws. Since dogfights were cheaper to organize and far easier to conceal from the law than bull or bear baits, blood sport proponents turned to pitting their dogs against one another instead. Dog fighting has since been made illegal. But, the damage it did to the reputation of the pitbull family has been deep and long-lasting.
No More stigma
This amazing group of animals have not always had the stigma they do today. You will see many PitBulls as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, as soldiers, as actors and actresses, as seeing eye dogs, and as celebrity pets.
Examples
Pete the pup was an American Staffordshire Terrier that was well know on the movie series “The Little Rascals.” Billie Holiday had an amazing pitbull companion named “Mister.” “Jack Brutus,” “Sergeant Stubby,” and “Wasp” were all pitbulls that were soldiers. Let’s talk about “Popsicle,” a drug detecting canine that made the biggest cocaine drug find in Texas in 1998 when he worked for US Customs. Or “D-Boy” who took three bullets to save his family from a gun toting intruder. “Lily” lost her leg after being struck by a freight train while pulling her unconscious owner from the train tracks. In the 1950’s, PitBulls were known to be “nanny dogs” because they were so good with children. WWI propaganda posters would adopt images of dogs to symbolize different countries. The United States was the pitbull. Respected for their loyalty, determination, and bravery. They were considered ideal.
The Truth about pit bulls
Even though the pit-bull was originally bred for aggressive behavioral traits; Genetics do not exist in a vacuum. Behavior develops through a complex interaction between environment and genes. “Early positive experiences, most notably socialization, are considered key in preventing aggressive tendencies in dogs.” (ASPCA). Puppies that learn how to interact, play, and communicate with both people and members of their own and other species are less likely to show aggressive behaviors as adults.
A 2008 study by the University of Pennsylvania looked at aggression in thirty dog breeds. It found that Chihuahuas and dachshunds were the most aggressive toward other dogs. PitBulls were not more aggressive than other breeds toward strangers and their owners. The reality is, all animals reflect the training and treatment received from their owners.
Additionally, the myth that a Pitbull’s jaw locks when they bite is not only untrue, but absurd. A pittie has a powerful bite because they were bred to be pitted against bears and other large animals. However, their jaw, in no way, locks.
Some Reasons why Pitbull’s rule
1. Pitties are very athletic.
2. They are super loyal
3. Pit bulls are great with children
4. Cuddling is their favorite pastime
5. Extensive grooming is not needed. Pit bulls require a good brushing and a bath here and there.
6. They are eager to please people. A pittie will do almost anything his favorite people ask of him, just to hear their praise. These dogs crave our attention and approval and are very social with humans. This devotion to people has contributed heavily to the bad reputation of pitbulls. A bad person can use a pit bulls eagerness to please to train the dog in illegal activity – like dog fighting.
Conclusion
Despite their history and what they have been defined as being, Pit bulls are seriously amazing creatures. Not everyone can have one because they take a lot of care, training, and understanding. Those of us that have been blessed with their intense love and cuddles can only say, “eat your heart out.”
Help stop the uneducated hatred of these beautiful animals… Purchase a t-shirt today and…
DON’T BE A PIT BULLY! – shirts to be posted soon…
further reading
Vetstreet.com/dogs/amercan-pit-bull-terrier