A member of the Friends of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter recently asked me if I would devote my column this week to the highly controversial category of dogs commonly called "Pits" or "Pit Bulls." Since a fair number of dogs labeled "pit bull terrier mixes" come through the shelter, it seems appropriate for me to discuss the myths and the realities surrounding these dogs.
Pit Bull is a catchall term for short haired, muscular, and powerful
mixed breed dogs that may resemble recognized breeds such as the Bull
Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and/or the American
Staffordshire Terrier. Pit bulls are not a breed of dog, but rather are
a category of dogs that were historically, and unfortunately in some
regions, still made to fight in pits as "entertainment." Dog-fighting
rings are illegal today, but tragically they still occur behind closed
doors.
People who have an opinion about pit bulls either adore them or they abhor them and want them banned. Those who are fans of pit bulls describe them as sweet, loyal, smart, intuitive and great with kids. On the other hand, those who want them banned see them as unpredictable, dangerous, untrustworthy, vicious and frightening. How can there be such a marked difference of opinion? Part of the answer can be found by looking at their reputation over time.
American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT) were once symbols of dignity, strength and loyalty. Their image appeared on patriotic posters in WWI and on three different covers of Life Magazine. They also stood for trustworthiness and were called "nanny dogs." Think back to Petey, the dog in Little Rascals, or Tige the dog on Buster Brown shoes. I am dating myself, but I clearly remember these dogs as American Pit Bull Terriers. They contributed to a positive image of the pit bull.
There also were many important people that owned American Pit Bull Terriers. Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, John Steinbeck, Humphrey Bogart, Helen Keller, and Fred Astaire were just a few who wanted to own this category of dog. So what happened to make the American Pit Bull Terrier fall from grace? What are the associations with these dogs in recent times?
Sadly pit bulls have become symbols of gangs, thugs, and criminals who use them to bolster their image as tough guys. They parade their pit bulls almost as if they were loaded guns. If the dogs are walked, it is to make the owner look formidable and when they are chained up for long hours alone, it is to make people stay away from the owner's property. The dogs are encouraged to be aggressive. Pit bulls may even be beaten regularly to toughen them up and they are rewarded for combative behavior.
How much of the pit bull's current reputation for aggression is in the biology of the dog and how much is due to the handler? Biologically speaking, pit bulls have been bred for muscular bodies including tremendously powerful jaws that can clamp down on prey and hold tight. This is a reflection of their being selected for success in the fighting pit. In other words, the potential is there for great harm if the animal is encouraged to fulfill that biological potential. And that is where the human comes into the picture. It is a bit like the old nature vs. nurture debate.
Owners of pit bulls need to be vigilant about being the pack leader. They need to train the dog, exercise her regularly, and pay attention to, and correct any signs of dominance over other dogs, children, or adults. The dog must know that their owner is the one in charge. For some, this will come naturally and for others, they will have to work at being the leader. These warnings can apply to handling any dog, but it is even more critical when it comes to powerful groups like Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds or Doberman Pinschers.
One of the best ways to socialize pit bulls can be seen on the National Geographic Channel every Friday evening. On the television series, "The Dog Whisperer," Caesar Milan helps owners to be calm and assertive with their pit bulls and other "Gladiator" dogs. In fact, if you want to see a couple of wonderfully calm and submissive pit bulls, check out his dogs, Daddy and Junior. Caesar Milan has also written several informative books on the topic.
I have no doubt that pit bulls can make wonderful pets. The potential owner, however, must be willing to work with the dog so that it will be socialized, not for fighting other dogs in a pit, but for a happy life as a member of a loving family.
"Out of the Pits" is an animal rescue organization specifically for pit bulls. The organization is dedicated to educating the public about the pit bull and finding homes for many displaced pit bulls. For more information about this organization, visit www.outofthepits.org.
For further information on the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov or call (518) 885-4113. Also, if you have questions about your pets, pet adoption or other related topics send them to jsweet@skidmore.edu. If we do not have the answers, we will contact people who do!
People who have an opinion about pit bulls either adore them or they abhor them and want them banned. Those who are fans of pit bulls describe them as sweet, loyal, smart, intuitive and great with kids. On the other hand, those who want them banned see them as unpredictable, dangerous, untrustworthy, vicious and frightening. How can there be such a marked difference of opinion? Part of the answer can be found by looking at their reputation over time.
American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT) were once symbols of dignity, strength and loyalty. Their image appeared on patriotic posters in WWI and on three different covers of Life Magazine. They also stood for trustworthiness and were called "nanny dogs." Think back to Petey, the dog in Little Rascals, or Tige the dog on Buster Brown shoes. I am dating myself, but I clearly remember these dogs as American Pit Bull Terriers. They contributed to a positive image of the pit bull.
There also were many important people that owned American Pit Bull Terriers. Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, John Steinbeck, Humphrey Bogart, Helen Keller, and Fred Astaire were just a few who wanted to own this category of dog. So what happened to make the American Pit Bull Terrier fall from grace? What are the associations with these dogs in recent times?
Sadly pit bulls have become symbols of gangs, thugs, and criminals who use them to bolster their image as tough guys. They parade their pit bulls almost as if they were loaded guns. If the dogs are walked, it is to make the owner look formidable and when they are chained up for long hours alone, it is to make people stay away from the owner's property. The dogs are encouraged to be aggressive. Pit bulls may even be beaten regularly to toughen them up and they are rewarded for combative behavior.
How much of the pit bull's current reputation for aggression is in the biology of the dog and how much is due to the handler? Biologically speaking, pit bulls have been bred for muscular bodies including tremendously powerful jaws that can clamp down on prey and hold tight. This is a reflection of their being selected for success in the fighting pit. In other words, the potential is there for great harm if the animal is encouraged to fulfill that biological potential. And that is where the human comes into the picture. It is a bit like the old nature vs. nurture debate.
Owners of pit bulls need to be vigilant about being the pack leader. They need to train the dog, exercise her regularly, and pay attention to, and correct any signs of dominance over other dogs, children, or adults. The dog must know that their owner is the one in charge. For some, this will come naturally and for others, they will have to work at being the leader. These warnings can apply to handling any dog, but it is even more critical when it comes to powerful groups like Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds or Doberman Pinschers.
One of the best ways to socialize pit bulls can be seen on the National Geographic Channel every Friday evening. On the television series, "The Dog Whisperer," Caesar Milan helps owners to be calm and assertive with their pit bulls and other "Gladiator" dogs. In fact, if you want to see a couple of wonderfully calm and submissive pit bulls, check out his dogs, Daddy and Junior. Caesar Milan has also written several informative books on the topic.
I have no doubt that pit bulls can make wonderful pets. The potential owner, however, must be willing to work with the dog so that it will be socialized, not for fighting other dogs in a pit, but for a happy life as a member of a loving family.
"Out of the Pits" is an animal rescue organization specifically for pit bulls. The organization is dedicated to educating the public about the pit bull and finding homes for many displaced pit bulls. For more information about this organization, visit www.outofthepits.org.
For further information on the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov or call (518) 885-4113. Also, if you have questions about your pets, pet adoption or other related topics send them to jsweet@skidmore.edu. If we do not have the answers, we will contact people who do!
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