Posted on 05/02/2007 11:23:42 AM PDT by Chgogal
Look, I'm not going to try to tell you that there are not "red zone" dogs in the so-called "pitbull" breed. As with humans, the canine species can have a few Cho Sieug Huis among its kind. These must be euthanized.
But so-called pitbulls have gotten a bad rap because of the type of breeders you describe...mainly, these backyard (gang members, doper and dogfighting) POS's have looked for dogs who have been successful in the pit and have inbred them back to their mothers, sisters and daughters. The result is a nasty animal that is extremely violent and dangerous.
My argument is simply that ALL pitbulls are not red zone dogs. As I have said, I have had four in my lifetime. My current dogs are a Labrador Retriever, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and a Chow mix. They are all neutered and spayed--which my so-called pitbulls were--because they are not show or field trial quality. They are simply pets. I do not own pitbulls today because basically I don't have the time that it takes to train one as it should be trained (a pitbull needs an e-collar, a training collar, constant supervision and a lot of patience). but, if I did have the time, I would own one again.
Before buy one, though, I would research its pedigree to ensure there were no ring fighters and neuter or spay it if it wasn't show quality.
I suppose we'll have to agree to disagree on this...but I'll give you this much. Many of the so-called pitbull owners I have met in my lifetime shouldn't own one. I had a friend who had an Amstaff that I begged him to let me train or have put down as he was neglecting a proper regimen. He wouldn't listen to me. The result was 176 stitches in his next-door neighbor.
I specified its territory, not your yard so here I would agree with you...I would try to warn my neighbor first...but I will certainly kill any dog who shows aggression to me or my family if its on my property or out of its own territory (i.e. attacking someone on a neighborhood walk).
A word of advice -- Stake out the high ground if at all possible. If you have to fire, aim downward. Make sure that a miss won't go into another home or into a bystander, but into soft earth.
I've had rabies reports near my neighborhood in recent years. I haven't seen a rabid animal. But if I had to, I know where I'd stand -- on the bench on the front porch. On the back porch. Hood of my car. Draw a bead and hold it, and wait for the cavalry to arrive. If the animal makes a run at a child or pet, end it. But it is not worth the risk of a miss or a ricochet to open up in a residential neighborhood.
A friend of mine in Las Cruces has a Jack Russell. They live by the Air Rescue heliport. The dog LOVES to chase the helicopters on their way in and out. The first time the dog got out of the yard, he jumped into the helicopter after it landed. The dog currently knows all of the air crew members. The helicopter crews fly by the house on their way in and out looking for the dog!
At that range I never miss!
Good advice, though.
we have both a rotty terrier mix and a JRT. Our JRT is a cuddler, thinks hes a lap dog, and unlike what we have come to expect is quite laid back because we exercise him daily . He does like to play but after a time will sit up on his hind legs next to you with those sweet eyes pleading to be held. He lets the older rotty take the lead most times but when they play he stays right in there.
they both are great dogs ..great with kids...and adults..i would get both breeds again in an instant.
What a BS analogy...dogs have been around humans, helping them, hunting for them, protecting them, since man discovered fire. Lions and tigers in circuses and shows only go back to the 19th Century.
Pit bulls, Rottweilers and some other breeds have the physical capacity to crush a child's skull in their jaws. Regardless of how kind, and well-tempered, and well-trained they are, they could have dire consequences if they go nuts.
However, Einstein, the qualifier is "IF" and they don't if well-trained and well-socialized. I would trust my dogs around my grandson before I would trust my grandson around my locked-up firearms.
Keeping one is like having a sweet, well-tempered, well-controlled and carefully monitored bomb that couldn't possibly go off in the trunk of your car.
Keeping one is gaining the best friend you'll ever have!
Well, George had something that most of our politicians don’t have, especially the Democrats. That is a ‘pair’.
What a good dog...
A tox screen would answer that question, and if it comes up positive, the owners of those dogs need to be arrested, or at least fined HEAVILY for allowing them to run free, because they were a danger to society.
LOL! Your understanding is right on! I thought that I may higher a jogger to run a few miles with him each day. I walk him about 2 hrs a day....and he loves chasing bunnies, birds, plastic bags and anything else that catches his fancy. He’ll rise up on his hind legs pulling me along chasing that darn bunny here and yonder. Could be fun in winter. ;) HOW can you say no to him, when he is so enthusiastic?
I have found the Smooth Rat Terrier a similar, but lacking the aggression, pet. Total people dog.
He keeps every squirrel and bird up in the trees.
A family Jack Russell just never became a loving pet.
Mine looks much like the RCA Victor dog with a little more color to the face. It is also small 10-11 pounds. Some are much larger.
Nah, it’s a coward. My beagle thinks she can take down things 10 times her size, lol. :p
Unbelievably cute...Hero could be in movies if the typecast is scruffy with the sweetest face and most soulful eyes. For real!
So very true!
So have cats.
Lions and tigers in circuses and shows only go back to the 19th Century.
I have to call BS on that. Wild cats were captive in gladiatorial games and "tamed" in circuses around zero AD/CE.Unless you're claiming that the tales of early Christian martyrs being thrown to the Lions are pure fiction. But hey, what's a couple of millennia between friends?
However, Einstein, the qualifier is "IF" and they don't if well-trained and well-socialized.
You're simply wrong there. Animals, including humans, sometimes wig out. No matter how well-trained and -socialized.
I have a friend who was nearly killed by a German Shepherd. From a good bloodline, a reputable breeder. It was a trusted family pet until it flipped one day and almost ripped her throat out. It came out of nowhere. I never knew that dog, but I met his brother -- and he was loving and loyal as a dog could be.
Unpredictable. That's all I'm saying. Best to make sure we can ensure that we can control them if that happens. And that a human will be held responsible in that exigency.
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