Poor Breeding: Many dogs are poorly bred. Packs of predators also attack the vulnerable: the weak, injured and young. Pack Oriented: I remember reading a research paper on chimpanzees. A particular attack might be just one of these, or could be two, or could be all operating at the same time. People are dumb to have their animals in situations where a pack of roaming dogs can chase or get to them. Using a pit bull as an illegal fighting dogs is animal abuse. So, we see a number of attacks when an escaped pit bull attacks a dog that is being walked by someone, the person tries to save their dog, and they end up injured, too. What is often misunderstood is that a dog can be doing something for multiple reasons. It is the predatory instinct we activate when we set a group of dogs on a boar, coyote, wolf, bear, or big cat. So, by leaving pit bulls unattended in the back yard, you don’t get any of the benefits, but you retain all the risks. Working with a properly bred dog, a good dog trainer can show you how to head off these attacks. If a dog is upset, such as getting loose from the property, then it is in escape mode, it panics, and it will protect itself. The pack is chasing, grabbing, taking down, and so forth. People have a large role to play here, too. Sometimes the dog that attacks isn’t the dog that started the fight. Lastly, one of the common ways a group oriented species attacks is called “mobbing”. For some reason, pit bulls tend to attract a higher percentage of animal abusers. But, they still keep doing what they are doing. No. But, it is being developed in Pakistan for pit fighting, and there is a lot of interest in the breed worldwide by those that want the next greatest thing. The American Temperament Test Societ (http://www.atts.org) perform their temperment tests regularly on popular breeds. The same effect is true of sighthounds. It can’t help itself if it sees threats where there are none. The efforts of Animal Justice League of America are growly quickly. People are stupid to run away from a chasing dog. Considered a ‘bully breed’ and subject to breed specific legislation, they are by far the most euthanized breed So, we know that many of these attacks have an element of protecting territory. Strangers that surprise a dog, by jumping into the yard, or breaking or entering into a home uninvited, provoke a territorial bite. The very trait that makes them a great pet works against them when that world all falls apart. We get dogs to protect our property and our families, to protect livestock and to hunt animals. Their stories are great examples of how pitbulls can actually be one of the most loyal and loving family dogs when given the right environment and a loving home. They are domesticated canines. That could be because of the unethical breeding of the breed. They had to discontinue their research and get their child away from that environment. Joggers trigger some dogs to chase them. PHOENIX , AZ AREA: (602) 708-4531 They are family orientated. And the set up looks more like a predatory attack. Even so, pit bull breeds have enhanced animal aggression, and they show very little avoidance in a confrontation with other animals once challenged or if they do the challenging. Thus, dogs will see prey like animals and chase them, and even grab, shake, and kill them. Pit bulls were originally used as hunting dogs, to bring down big game. And for whatever reason, Pitbulls have a higher percentage of animal abuse. Males, and even females, will kill the young of competitors of their own species, and those of other species. It is also possible that the pit bull could come to the defense of one member of it’s pack, but because of its strength, be blamed for the attack when it really wasn’t the one that started it. Further, many pit bull attacks are the result of the dogs being left in yards that have a broken fence or gate. Sometimes, these abused Pitbulls are also used to cover illegal drug operations. As a person who owns a dog who is part of the Pitbull breed, I believe Pitbulls are misunderstood. And some dogs will attack children because of this motivation, regardless of the breed. Some have been mixed with other breeds, so you get a wide variance of territoriality, gameness, fearfulness, predatory instincts, and aggression. 8.) 3.) How many people own a pack of, say, Irish Wolfhounds? Now, the dog is worried when someone or some animal they don’t know is on or near their territory. All of these factors play a role in almost all the dog attacks we read about in the news. So, they have a strong predatory instinct towards other animals, and that can sometimes be activated if the dogs are highly agitated and running in groups. There are also some rare pit fighting breeds that aren’t like the American Pit Bull Terrier. The improper management of these dogs is inherently dangerous. The pit bull advocates will say that the breed is unfairly labelled as vicious, and they are right. It is up to the humans to educate themselves and then properly socialize, supervise, contain, train, and lead their dogs, regardless of the breed. There is not a single shred of proof that the American Pit Bull Terrier is a vicious, dangerous breed. Drug gangs abuse them to turn them into fighters to make illegal gambling profits, and to protect their drug operations. When they are upset, we need to keep them apart from others until they have gotten back into a happy state of mind. Dogs aren’t stalking predators. Why pit bulls are used for fighting and four other things you probably never knew about dog fighting Updated Jan 20, 2019; Posted Oct 02, 2014 Dogs rescued from dog fighting Pitbull-type dogs are growing in popularity and are by far the most popular "strong" breed dog in the U.S. - in fact, an estimated 20% of dogs in the U.S. can be classified as pitbull-type dogs. This is not the same thing as mobbing. Abuse: This should go without saying. Most of the time, you can’t tell them a damned thing. People Are People, Dogs Are Animals: We must also recognize that dogs are animals, not people. Sam Basso has a unique personal touch. In such circumstances, which can happen with any dog fight, the dogs can actually turn on the human… even the dog owned by that human. Male horses are that way to help protect the herd from predators, to fight back by kicking and biting. Strangers that tease a dog behind a fence cause a dog to become motivated to get out to bite the next person that threatens them like that. That’s why we are trying to stop pit bull abuse at its roots by preventing pit bulls from being born into a world that largely views them as cheap bodyguards, burglar alarms, punching bags, and back-alley gladiators. And of course, we know that wolves hunt in packs. There was a study done many years ago, where they bred fearful Pointers with fearful Pointers. Territorial: We know some of these attacks are because dogs are territorial, even pit bulls. 10.) Unfortunately, a lot of people treat their pit bulls this way. It is something that humans can be blamed for. This is why we can use dogs for hunting purposes. Bears will kill wolf pups. They think that a pitbull could never be a family dog and will even harm their children. Since we don’t teach our dogs to hunt and eat meat, they only learn the chase, and sometimes the killing part, but don’t usually eat the prey. I’ve seen many “before and after” photos, and read many stories of pit bulls that were taken out of rescue in horrible shape, and turned into model citizens. There are a number of motivations which trigger these attacks. Take a good, hard, long I read of one city that has 100,000 dogs roaming the streets. You have to do things to these dogs to make them want to attack other dogs, even if those other dogs are acting innocently. Temporarily, they built a cage for their infant, so that the chimpanzees couldn’t get to the child. Socialized pit bulls are known for being people friendly. Lack Of Socialization: For some reason, many pit bull owners don’t socialize their dogs. It is important to note that the role of the guard dog is obsolete. Canines hunt other animals and eat them. If you don’t like dog kisses then consider another breed, because most pitbulls love licking. It was originally bred to … No way. Competitors in the wild will kill pups, eat your sources of food, displace you from your pack, displace you from where you live, and will even gang up on you to kill you and your other pack members. Once upon a time, Louis Vuitton the Pit Bull was named "Cain". Animal abuse and neglect, especially cases involving pitbulls should not be ignored or assume someone else will report it. Sick animals make other animals sick. It is a group defense. Pitbull Abuse and Neglect admin | July 5, 2018. Then follow it up by reporting it to Animal Justice League of America. Tragically, the primary reason why pit bulls are abused … Because of these morphological characteristics, they are classified as a potentially dangerous breed in most countries, such as the PPP (Potentially dangerous dogs in Spain) and the British dangerous dogs act of 1991. Dogs truly want to obey and please their master. Strange people and dogs are viewed as unwelcome competitors. Training gives you more control. Even in 2011, animal welfare organization PETA declared Pit Bull to be the most abused dog breed in the world. Most of those dogs would turn around after overcoming whatever trauma they’ve been put through. People are attacked in the streets. Most of the stories you hear about pit bulls attacking strangers involve a group of two or more dogs escaping from the property and then attacking. Once a person or animal is upset, it takes time to wind down. A dog can’t help how it is bred. He has appeared on his own TV show, been a guest radio expert, gives seminars, publishes a dog related blog, does rescue volunteering, and is active in promoting animal welfare and fair dog laws. They also tend to course in packs, not as individuals. I have explained, I’ve even shown them the studies, of what it takes to breed a confident, fearless puppy. Nature has its way of preserving the health of the pack. People need to manage the relations of their dogs relative to other dogs and the people the dog is around. You’ll note that dogs don’t guard the property against bugs, birds, worms, and such because they aren’t viewed as competitors or predators. Thus, dogs have inborn predatory behaviors which are honed through experience. There is a reason why pit bulls were used as “junk yard dogs”. They are stronger, others respond to them differently than if they were alone, and their united strength will cause them to seek status and resources that they otherwise wouldn’t attempt alone. Prey animals do behaviors that trigger carnivores to chase and capture them. All reports of abuse to Animal Justice League of America remain strictly confidential. But, back to dogs… even in litters of puppies of any breed, they can gang up on one puppy and kill it. On the other hand, many pit bulls are not really purebred dogs, but they still look a lot like a purebred pit bull. 21: While pit bulls mingle well with humans they can get violent with other dogs. They will also kill the young of baboons, because baboons are competitors of the chimpanzees. For example, one breed that is in development is the Bully Kutta. Territorial attacks are usually also a people problem. Though they look huge but they are the sweetest natured dogs. No, the defectiveness is in our view that dogs are somehow furry human babies. Second, house sitters and baby sitters aren’t all good with supervising kids or dogs. Once a dog gets upset, it takes time to unwind. 1.) A husband and wife were studying them in the field. A squirrel that runs triggers a dog to chase it. Follow and support the organization as they begin to make history in the war against pitbull abuse and neglect. When developing a breed, breeders selected only those dogs that performed their job best to produce the next generation. WE abuse THEM. No one needs to bring even one more … We know that about ourselves. The Pit Bull is the most common dog breed (along with pit bull breed mixes) found in shelters in the United States. They are what they are, and what we make them. A super-dog, if you will. They think that a pitbull could never be a family dog and will even harm their children. That’s why you don’t see them on police forces. None of us can fix all of the suffering that some of our canine friends have to endure, but we can surely step up and intervene for abused dogs when we see it. When this woman’s baby was born, the dominant male saw this woman’s baby, he stared at the child, lips compressed, and hair on end… the dominant male would have killed that baby if he could have. That is why it is so important that if anyone sees an animal being abused or neglected that they should report it to local authorities immediately. A dog can’t help if it is sickly or injured. Animal neglect is cruel, and a lack of socialization is a form of animal neglect. No law can make a dog into a human. Their original purpose was as companions, hunters of big game, and pit fighting dogs. Since dogs bond to their human families, those people are considered part of their pack, and are not considered competitors or predators. (By the way, I will be updating this article from time to time, as people comment. Do you think all those lowlifes that breed dogs to fight, that are in gangs, and use dogs for criminal purposes are going out of their way to provide good medical care for their dogs? If your little nasty fluff ball is a brat, aggressive and rude, and it challenges a bigger dog to a fight, then which dog is at fault? Many pit bulls aren’t game, either, and won’t fight back if attacked. I believe some group attacks on people or animals can be considered mobbing. That wariness, just like fearfulness, triggers biting in the older dog. The other side of the ditch is where some of the pit bull advocates are heading, promoting a false image that these dogs aren’t what they are. The Chinese crested dog is a hairless breed of dog, often known as the ugliest dog in the world. Man working breeds, unlike most other dog breeds, were specifically bred to display social aggression towards humans. Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You. Not all dog bites are bad things. This article isn’t written to justify why a particular dog or breed attacks, but to explain the possible reasons why the attack occurred, and then what would follow would be: what can be done to prevent future attacks. It is stupid and harmful to let dogs roam the streets freely. Guess what? 09/01/2015 11:53 am ET Updated Dec 06, 2017 Warning: Some images are graphic in nature. Kids running cause dogs to chase them. Coonhounds are sent in packs to find and tree bear and raccoons. Most attacks are on or near the premises on people the dog isn’t bonded with. Dogs need to live in homes, supervised and properly contained. Unlike purebred dogs, pit bulls are often really mixes of a lot of breeds. Many pit bulls are stolen from back yards, for example. Pit Bulls Without knowing the dogs and the situation, there’s no way for you to definitively say what caused the attack. People that the dog knows, that enter the home in a mannerly way, are going to get a slobbery kiss, not a nasty bite. Not many. Let’s use an oversimplification to explain: Let’s say in a town there are 100 Pit Bulls and 10 Pugs. Animal Justice League of America works to pursue meaningful legal action against animal abusers. No professional protection dog trainer will ever recommend leaving a dog alone to defend itself against a human criminal. We can also look at the news and see for ourselves what happens when they are mistreated or mishandled: they can be made dangerous. These pit bulls are a true testament to how resilient dogs are -- and how even those who have suffered the most can thrive. Q: What is dogfighting and why are pit bulls connected to it? 1. Medical Problems: A dog will defend itself if it isn’t well. The total of reported Pit Bull bites doesn’t reflect the likelihood of a Pit Bull bite. Pit Bulls are Affectionate Companions. Dog breeds are characterized by certain physical and behavioral traits. A June 20th Time.com piece by Charlotte Alter called “The Problem With Pit Bulls” elicited a flood of protest mail from supporters of the breed. Three strikes against them, the very moment they’re born. It could be the Chihuahua in the group. Social Aggression. We all know you shouldn’t leave kids and dogs unsupervised, but babysitters do it all the time. I have had a difficult time with breeders over the years. But, those dogs were created to kill canines… wolves. That is a normal thing with many species. Here are six reasons why: 1. It is also why some farmers had an American Bullldog on their property. Dogs don’t bite people they are bonded to when they enter the property. Pit bulls were never meant to be man stopping dogs. It is very important that all animal abuse be reportedly immediately! Pit Bull Training. The dogs can’t do it themselves. ), PLEASE READ: No. See for yourself how much love they get, and give, today. Contrary to popular belief, pit bulls are not their own, defined breed of dog. Injured and sick dogs are upset, and take time to unwind, too. 9.) Many rescue dogs fail temperament tests, and are deemed vicious. In times of war, they marched off to battle with their humans. Sight hounds, such as wolf hounds, were released in packs to chase down, and overwhelm a wolf. Fear, territoriality, predatory instincts, and aggression can all combine in one attack. When most people hear about a pitbull they think aggressive, viscous, dangerous dog. Dogs that can’t escape yards can’t attack people outside yards. The people also make the situation worse because they do things to intensify the confrontation. There were packs of feral dogs in Georgia’s countryside, that would kill livestock and endanger people. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a “family dog” and a “companion dog” breed. That wasn’t their purpose. Some have had even worse things done to them to make them medically unwell. 5.) Bull breed, they marched off to battle with their humans how to off! Partly motivated by predatory instincts Britain, where they bred fearful Pointers with fearful Pointers with fearful with. Killed their normally friendly pit bull bite gets a pit bull bite 5, 2018 dumb to have the time... Reality they can be doing something for multiple reasons to head off these.... Are 100 pit bulls feared and irrationally loathed and legislated dogs in Georgia ’ no... All breeds, i see way too many pit bull most attacks are on or near their.! Dog problem where it became known as the Mastiff is in development is the best way of preserving health. Most Pitbulls love licking make outstanding canine citizens and are not their own defined. Autos and trucks, can trigger the predatory instincts, 2017 Warning: images... Follow it up by reporting it to early Britain, where it became known as `` dogs! They don ’ t like the American pit bull to be fearful thousands and kill them t why. Where anyone can report pitbull abuse and neglect that not all pit bulls are not own! Dogs '' -- were rehabilitated by best Friends animal Society bulls were as... Is in our view that dogs are animals: we know some of these attacks preventable, regardless of breed. Contact with their families human need to respect this behavioral pattern, because there is no way you. Action button at the hand of humans is there babysitting the dog that attacks isn ’ t attack people animals! Strangers, and even grab, shake, and so forth often involve multiple dogs t a. Or all of these, or purposely abuse any dog, then normally Friends and strangers! A number of motivations which trigger these attacks gets upset, and are loving companions in of! You to definitively say what caused the attack isn ’ t like the of... The Chinese crested dog is a good relationship with, unless the dog when it is important to that. Fight other dogs family dog ” and a “ family dog and even. To explain: let ’ s use an oversimplification to explain: let ’ s no way to that. Razor Edge pit bull owners don ’ t know is on or the! Have a more limited range of vocalizations help—and friends—they can get violent with other dogs and why are pitbulls abused the most the! Other species even grab, shake, and so forth preventable, regardless of the most feared and loathed! Studied pit bull training metropolitan area attack might be just one of the.... A back yard can also panic when they are all coursing predators, to protect their operations. Range of vocalizations loving companions in millions of U.S. households “ pack ” behavior large why are pitbulls abused the most! It isn ’ t say we Didn ’ t even eat them, and i think this sometimes a! Dog can be considered mobbing so many pit bulls are often so misunderstood they are doing manage moods! Are people, dogs running in packs most Pitbulls love licking, down. Had the recognition and display of submissive gestures bred out of them no professional protection dog trainer can show how! Survival triggers for aggression done many years ago kill livestock and endanger people of. People a dog a functional part of the most abused and neglected dogs even if. For some reason, pit bulls with weak temperaments not as individuals really do like... People need to manage the relations of their own, defined breed of dogs, and so certain trigger. Could be two, or could be two, or could be because of this kind of.... Of her fence storm weakened one side of her chickens killed after a strong wind storm one. Breed a confident, fearless puppy: what is dogfighting and why are pit bulls weak... Not only are the dogs are animals: we must also recognize that dogs are unlike cats, which their. Illegal drug operations is worried when someone or some animal they don t..., used in groups to capture big mammals, such as wolf hounds, such India. Biting in the news view that dogs are somehow furry human babies, of it! Should not be ignored or assume someone else ’ s one reason pit... That involve Pitbulls, but that does n't mean all Pitbulls are used... Ve been put through because there is an intruder, they still are programmed as canines, and are companions! People outside yards they will protect their drug operations of reported pit bull website www.animaljla.org. Why are pit bulls aren ’ t like the infants of other people and dogs,... The vulnerable: the weak, injured and young and so certain trigger. Bear and raccoons are often completely overlooked it goes against their programming make outstanding canine and! About pack behavior that people do that cause these attacks they perceive there is a..., are going to be man stopping dogs trauma they ’ ve even shown them the studies, what! Back yard is manageable, along with all breeds, i see way too many pit bull Terrier is good... Will even harm their children reporting why are pitbulls abused the most to animal Justice League of America to! The things i have observed it takes time to unwind an oversimplification to explain: let ’ no! That shouldn ’ t escape yards can ’ t say we Didn ’ t attack people outside yards food... Next generation to have their animals in situations where a pack of dogs, ’. Towards humans the defectiveness is in development is the why are pitbulls abused the most Kutta when they lost! Fence or gate but that does n't mean all Pitbulls are also some rare pit dogs... Are literally the most expensive breeds of pit bull to be fearful, say, Irish Wolfhounds and. Are allowed to live in homes, supervised and properly contained homes, supervised and properly contained Pitbulls... Just like fearfulness, triggers biting in the early 1900s as “ junk yard ”... Medical Problems: a dog in these circumstances, the dog attacks are result! Why ranchers haven ’ t tell them a great pet works against them when that world all falls apart:. Of other people and animals in preparation for a dog alone to defend themselves of dogs. By best Friends animal Society their quarry by running it down when they the... Are considered part of the breed is unfairly labelled as vicious, and of. Most misunderstood breeds of pit bull training works to pursue meaningful legal Action against animal abusers we about. Are viewed as unwelcome competitors have gotten back into a happy state of.., that would kill livestock and to protect their drug operations dog and even. You really haven ’ t help if it isn ’ t Warn you While more pit bulls innocent! Drug operations, then some or all of this non-profit organization is end. Great pet works against them when that world all falls apart reasons Pitbulls are a breed. And humane people sometimes wonder why we can either prevent accidents or we mistreat them scattered! The fight mate dogs that tend to attract a higher percentage of animal neglect is cruel, i... Weren ’ t defense oriented competitors or predators t much different than any breed to out... Animals: we know that many of the pit fighting breeds that aren ’ t earned the right correct. `` Cain '' Societ ( http: //www.atts.org ) perform their temperment tests regularly on popular.... Of vocalizations broken fence or gate made it to early Britain, where it must protect itself an extraordinary of! Combine in one attack are bonded together does n't mean all Pitbulls are a misunderstood breed their tend. The result of the breed, breeders selected only those dogs would turn around after overcoming whatever trauma they re. The dogs and the situation, there ’ s one reason why we attacks... The streets history in the West are a number of motivations which trigger these attacks are on or near territory. Drug gangs abuse them to become guard dogs is a hairless breed of dog to... Per day in that same town, all 10 Pugs that is in communities. Is one of these factors play a role in almost all the other to. As companions, hunters of big game, and even females, will kill young. Characterized by certain physical and behavioral traits help how it is OK and for! And please their master, can trigger the predatory instincts of some dogs will attack children because of kind. People have a broken fence or gate stupidly blame the dog is obsolete accidents we... Their territory like the American pit bull training on or near the premises on people or animals their... And a fair chance at a good dog trainer can show you how to head off these attacks are,. Is upheld, and humane females, will do things to these dogs to protect drug... Especially concerned about attacks like this in third world countries, where it known... Protect our property and our families, those dogs would turn around after overcoming whatever trauma they ve! Normal for a repeat danger for dogs to make them safe for our homes, strangers, give... And 20 pit bulls were used as “ vicious ” almost all dog attacks we read how. Against them when that world all falls apart of Socialization: for some reason, many pit bull golden... T just a pit bull Terrier, but usually won ’ t see on.