As they teach in every service academy and military war college, never focus on the intent. Focus on the CAPABILITIES.
Intents can change overnight, but capabilities are innate characteristics that are not subsequent to sudden or extreme changes.
“Focus on the CAPABILITIES.”
You said it well. In my own way, I came to the same conclusion. One of the good things about domestic cats is that they are small. They are not always the nicest critters, but they are small and can only do so much damage.
I read an article about a guy who studied lions and joined a pride. Well, it’s kind of cool that he could play with lions and sleep alongside them. You have to wonder if anyone would sell him life insurance if they knew his hobby.
As for these pits, they are dangerous due to their size and massive jaws. From what I read on this thread they are even more dangerous because they have been bred to fight to the death.
We have an 8YO Rotten Shepherd (more Rott than Shep), a 95 pound bundle of love. She's very gentle around the grandkids, though they've been taught how to treat her (i.e. no shots to the nose, or grabbing her ears).
My grandson's now 11, and when they're playing with a rope, she'll drag him all around the house. He knows her capabilities.
When I rough house with her, she'll growl and bare her teeth, over the years she's nicked me more than a few times. However, she seems to know when she's gone too far, and backs off.
Having said that, there is NO WAY I'd leave her alone with a child. I know her capabilities...all it takes is one innocent smack to her nose, or any other trigger.
You are a resource for sure!