Poor dog mauls boy, please don't kill it :(

[Kozmos]

I have read that the pitbull is not really such a dangerous breed to own and that the problem lies more with the owners than with the dogs.

I thought they were bred for aggression and thus more predisposed to it?

 

[Agent327]

Which is why breeding has been forbidden in my country.

Any dog can be taught to properly behave. Conversely, the larger ones can also be taught to be vicious killers.

Pitbulls are rather small (like bulldogs).

 

[Formaldehyde]

How do you breed for aggression?

And I am well aware of the size of pit bulls. They are large enough to kill a man, much less a 4-year-old.

A chihuahua? Not so much.

 

[Agent327]

You obviously know little about pitbulls. Think of a bulldog biting, but then not letting go. Now picture that on that sweet little girls face.

 

[Formaldehyde]

I "obviously know" far more about pit bulls than you do.

Again, any dog can be properly trained to be a loving pet. Or they can be taught to be just the opposite.

 

[Kozmos]

Like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetics_of_aggression#Selective_breeding

 

[Formaldehyde]

And now for some facts instead of speculation:

The Pit Bull Today

Most experts agree that today’s pit bull is a short-coated dog characterized by a wide skull, powerful jaws and a muscular, stocky body. But there is great variation in the pit bull’s appearance. Typically 35 to 65 pounds, some weigh as little as 25 pounds, while others tip the scales at 80 pounds or more. Some have bulkier frames and colossal skulls; others have leaner, more muscular bodies. All are strong and athletic. With their impressive stamina and staunch work ethic, pit bulls enjoy a variety of activities, including agility, disc dog competitions, flyball, freestyle and competition obedience. They often excel in weight-pulling contests and schutzhund. Some pit bulls work cattle in herding trials, and some still function as hunting dogs.

The Pit Bull Temperament

Dog breeds are characterized by certain behavioral traits. Each breed was developed to perform a specific job, whether it be hunting rabbits, retrieving downed birds, herding livestock or sitting on people’s laps. When developing a breed, breeders select only those dogs who perform their job best to produce the next generation.

Physical abilities and behavior are both important facets of any breed. A well-bred dog should have both the physical attributes necessary to perform his job and the behavioral tendencies needed to learn it. It’s not surprising that individuals of a specific breed tend to look and behave somewhat similarly. However, it’s important to realize that even though a breed may be characterized by certain behaviors, individuals of the same breed can vary tremendously. Some dogs are courageous, while others are timid. Some dogs are tenacious, while others are easygoing. Some dogs are sociable, while others are aloof. Like people, all dogs have unique personalities.

The Influence of a Fighting History

When two dogs fight, the conflict is usually ritualized. The objective is for one dog to win the disagreement with little or no bloodshed. The participants try to intimidate each other by engaging in plenty of dramatic-looking behavior, which may include posturing, circling, growling, showing teeth and snarling. Bites delivered during a fight are typically inhibited because the point is to cause pain but not necessarily to inflict serious injuries. Pit bulls have been bred to behave differently during a fight. They may not give warning before becoming aggressive, and they’re less likely to back down when clashing with an opponent. When provoked, they may become aggressive more readily than another breed might. Sometimes they don’t inhibit their bites, so they may cause injury more often than other dogs.

Should You Keep a Pit Bull Away from Other Dogs?

Pit bulls were genetically selected for their fighting ability. What does this mean? It doesn’t mean that they can’t be around other dogs, that they’re unpredictably aggressive or that they will always fight to the death. These are all common myths about pit bulls. It does mean that they may be easily encouraged to fight with other dogs.

The best way to prevent the development of aggressive behavior toward other dogs is to focus on early socialization. To learn how to interact, play and communicate with members of their own species, dogs of all breeds need to be well socialized during puppyhood. If a puppy has many good experiences with other dogs, any future unpleasant experiences will have less of an impact on him. Suppose a puppy is playing with another dog and the play escalates into a fight. This is relatively normal, and most well-socialized puppies will still want to play with other dogs afterward. If, on the other hand, the puppy has had very few experiences with other dogs, a spat may make a bigger impression on him. He may decide that he doesn’t like other dogs, and that feeling may contribute to fearful or aggressive responses to them when he matures.

Pit bull puppies may need even more socialization than other breeds. Numerous positive social experiences can teach a pit bull puppy to enjoy the company of other dogs. Frequent social interaction may also help pit bull puppies modify their natural play style, which is often more rough-and-tumble than that of other breeds. However, because of pit bulls’ natural tendencies, a little squabble between friends can turn into a serious fight, even if a pit bull has been very well socialized. And, after experiencing a fight or two, a pit bull may become testy with unfamiliar dogs in general. Some pit bulls, like individuals of many breeds, only remain friendly with dogs they meet during puppyhood—which is another great reason to make sure your pit bull puppy makes plenty of friends.

Are Pit Bulls Dangerous to People?

Despite the fact that pit bulls were bred to fight with each other, early breeders took pride in producing dogs that were trustworthy and friendly to people. Handlers bathed their opponent’s dog before a match, stood in the pits with the battling dogs and often pulled them apart to end a fight. Any dog who behaved aggressively toward a person was culled, or killed, to avoid passing on such an undesirable trait. Pit bulls typically lived in their owner’s homes, where they earned the nickname “nursemaid’s dog” because they were so reliable with young children. In fact, “Pete the Pup,” the children’s friend from the old TV series “Our Gang,” was a pit bull.

Why the Bad Rap?

Sadly, the pit bull has acquired a reputation as an unpredictable and dangerous menace. His intimidating appearance has made him attractive to people looking for a macho status symbol, and this popularity has encouraged unscrupulous breeders to produce puppies without maintaining the pit bull’s typical good nature with people. To make matters worse, irresponsible owners interested in presenting a tough image often encourage their pit bulls to behave aggressively. If a pit bull does bite, he’s far more likely to inflict serious injuries than most other breeds, simply because of his size and strength. A pit bull bite is also far more likely to draw media attention. Many dogs of other breeds bite people, but these incidents almost always go unreported. They’re just not exciting enough fodder for television and print.

Despite this bad rap, a well-bred, well-socialized and well-trained pit bull is one of the most delightful, intelligent and gentle dogs imaginable. It is truly a shame that the media continues to portray such a warped image of this beautiful, loyal and affectionate breed. Pit bulls once enjoyed a wonderful reputation. Some of the most famous dogs in American history were pit bulls. A pit bull named Stubby, a decorated hero during World War One, earned several medals and was even honored at the White House. During duty, he warned soldiers of gas attacks, found wounded men in need of help and listened for oncoming artillery rounds. Pit bulls have been featured in well-known advertising campaigns for companies such as Levis, Buster Brown Shoes and Wells Fargo. The image of a pit bull, which was considered a symbol of unflagging bravery and reliability, represented the United States on recruiting and propaganda posters during World War One. Many famous figures, including Helen Keller, President Theodore Roosevelt, General George Patton, President Woodrow Wilson, Fred Astaire and Humphrey Bogart, shared their lives and homes with pit bulls.

Modern pit bulls can still be ambassadors for their breed. Some are registered therapy dogs and spend time visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Some work in search-and-rescue. Tahoe, Cheyenne and Dakota, three search-and-rescue pit bulls from Sacramento, California, worked tirelessly at the World Trade Center during the aftermath of 9/11. Others, like Popsicle, an accomplished U.S. customs dog, work in narcotics and explosives detection. Still others serve as protection or sentry dogs for the police. The majority are cherished family members. Pit bulls become very attached to their people, and most love nothing better than cuddling on the couch or sleeping in bed with their pet parents (preferably under the covers)!

 

[Kyriakos]

No one is really asking that all pittbulls are put to death, though. This particular one should, for many reasons. In my view even the feelings of the 4-year old are more than enough to warrant this. I would not want to be in his position. Such a small child does not just move on from this level of violence and harm.

 

[peter grimes]

I need to know more background, children are stupid and if the child went and deliberately agitated a normally peaceful sweet dog I would support the dog not being killed over it. Im not saying that's what happened here, but as a general rule when a dog attacks a child I kind of want to know what set off the attack before i think the dog should go down.

Exactly.

I had always been afraid of dogs growing up, a neighbor's dog had a habit of biting my ankles a ND chasing us on our bikes. Yikes!

But I've learned immensely since we got Clover.

The only thing we did right with her was condition her to be good with kids. It was work, but totally worth it. She's tolerates a lot.

But she has her limits, and a lot of kids (age 2 to 6 it seems) genuinely don't understand that what they think is funny can be very distressing to the dog.

If I heard that clover bit a kid the very first thing I'd want to know is what the kid was doing. Because that's the trigger.

Not excusing bad behavior, just explaining it.

One thing clover doesn't handle well: kids near her food. She's fine with adults or other dogs near her food, but not kids.

 

[warpus]

@Kyriakos So you want this dog put down for "justice"? Or some other reason? Just curious, because it's sounding like you're saying "we need to punish somebody", but I could be mistaken.

 

[Formaldehyde]

Well, the Netherlands did ban them for 15 years after 3 incidents which killed children. But they eventually came to their senses:

Netherlands Will Lift Ban on Pit Bulls, Saying No Decrease in Bites

I used to be a proponent of banning put bulls. Now I am just in favor of banning some dog owners by holding them criminally responsible for the acts of their supposed pets.

 

[Kyriakos]

@Kyriakos So you want this dog put down for "justice"? Or some other reason? Just curious, because it's sounding like you're saying "we need to punish somebody", but I could be mistaken.

Justice has no part here cause obviously the dog is not aware of how his mauling action is seen by humans.
I spoke of granting the child/victim some very much needed peace of mind now. I mean if i was related to that child i would be thinking of killing that dog myself, not out of rage for the dog itself (cause it is just a dog), but out of the sense that the kid might in the long run be helped by knowing others see him as a victim and not as a 4-year old who messed with the wrong dog/etc.

 

[Bulldog Bats]

If the court rules that that specific dog is a danger to people, it should be put down. It sounds to me like the dog was not well trained, and there is no way the people should have let the boy unattended near him. No different that letting the kid play with a box of knives.

However, pit bulls have a bad rap. There are more pit bull attacks than many other breeds, but that is only because some have been trained (usually poorly) to be attack dogs, not because they are more prone to be violent.

I've always owned bulldogs. About 7 years ago, a client told me he had a bulldog that needed a home, and did I want it - of course. But when I showed up (with my young son), I saw the breed. My son instantly fell in love, so I took the dog and held my breath (and watched close every second). The dog has never shown aggression, and my son sleeps with him every night.

Early in the 20th century, pit bulls were one of the most common and loved breeds in the US.
In the 80s, they started being used by drug dealers as attack/guard/fighting dogs, because they are strong, and obedient. In fact, one of the reason they were chosen is that they were so easily trainable. If the dog is trained to be violent, it can be very dangerous. But otherwise, they are a VERY loving breed. My only danger is being licked to death while it sits next to me on the couch.

Even with the Michael Vick dogs, almost all of them were later adopted out to families. Two were kept in in a kennel because a judge ruled it could never go to a home. From everything I read, the people at the kennel love them, and wish they could be taken.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...mile-euthanized-kept-sanctuary-2007-bust.html

Blame the owner, not the dog.

 

[Formaldehyde]

The Michael Vick case and what happened with the mistreated dogs is a large part of why I changed my own opinion about them.

 

[Bulldog Bats]

Unfortunately, it takes time, space, and money to rehab the dogs that were trained to be violent, and people willing and able to stand up to the negative PR.

And Formalehyde and I agree on something - I'm going to look for a star in the east ...

 

[Agent327]

I "obviously know" far more about pit bulls than you do.

Prove it.

I find your 'Aww look at the sweet puppy dogs!' pics in very bad taste seeing as we are discussing a boy viciously attacked.

(I know a very sweet pushover of a pitbull personally. That, however, is neither here nor there.)

I used to be a proponent of banning put bulls. Now I am just in favor of banning some dog owners by holding them criminally responsible for the acts of their supposed pets.

Indeed. The dog bites, the dog dies. (Since you can't kill the owner.)

 

[H4run]

I disagree. It is the responsibility of the owner to properly train his/her dog, so that it does not randomly attack other dogs or people. It is also the responsibility of the owner to keep the dog properly muzzled.
Regardless of whether there is a legal requirement or not.

I can be agree with you if we are talking about who possibly wrong in this, however if we talking "who should be punish regarding this" there must be law as a reference whether this or that person guilty or not (regarding which law) and in reference to the law that was mention what the suppose punishment that the man get.

If not how the judge should decide? if we talking on behalf of morality and ethics, we may argue, but in order for government apparatus to work and execute isn't it need a legal reference? That mean, government must form a law regarding animal ownership, there are too many news regarding this, from west to the east, it really concern me so much.

 

[Bulldog Bats]

Now THAT sounds like vengeance.

1. I've seen cases where the dogs were baited by the humans.
2. As the Vick case shows, the dogs often can be rehabilitated.

I agree that if the dog is a danger, it might have to be put down (and I would err on the side a caution, and when in doubt, it has to be done).

But I believe the pics here were to show that pit bulls have a bad rap, not to belittle the situation. If I had a photo of my son's dog on this computer, I would have done the same.

 

[H4run]

Why?

Maybe there should be a regulation on what sort of person is able to own a dog instead.

Maybe that is also need for example to anticipate animal abuse there should be some sort of regulation on what is the responsible of the pet owner to the pet that he own, or lets said, there should be a law that regulated animal cruelty.

I really not an expert in dogs and I will not pretend to be one, I leave these things to other who know more, maybe you or Form, or Jelen, but one things that I notice Pitbull attacked case becoming so repetitive. That not to say that Pitbull is an evil animal, and I don't believe such things like that, but that mean Pitbull can be quite aggressive animal, think about bob cat, snake, doberman and all sort of pet that can possibly harm or kill peoples and should not be release in public by random youth just for show.

And a dog I think pretty much like a wolf, you need to control them, and they are by nature always be in a pact and lead by the Alphamale, think about the owner must have a strong enough personality and experience to become an alphamale that able to control the dog, and have enough knowledge to what the dog can or cannot do, so for example knowing that fact the owner will not release them in a park without supervising them. And shouldn't by all of the past case we should separate Pitbull with other domestic dogs? isn't it enough already to consider that Pitbull is not a regular pet?

About the cute photo that form post, also there are many tame wild animal like Lion or Tiger able post with the equal cuteness, but that doesn't mean their wild impulse already fully secured, and not all peoples can have them as a pet.

 

[Kyriakos]

At any rate don't feed this after midnight


Link to video.