Why Pit Bulls Are Not Dangerous

We admit the heading of this article is loaded with controversy. To most Americans, Pit bulls are dogs to be feared and revered as viscous, blood-thirsty fighting dogs.

And there’s a good reason for this. 

The Pit bull is a type of dog that originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. They were originally bred for the sport of bull-baiting, which involved dogs attacking and gripping bulls for entertainment. 

When this sport was outlawed in 1835, people began to breed Pit bulls for use in dog fighting instead. This illegal activity involved pitting two dogs against each other in a fight to the death, and it quickly became popular in many parts of the world, including the United States. 

As a result, Pit bulls were no longer used for their original purpose of farming and herding animals and instead were subjected to a life of violence and aggression in the fighting ring. 

While dog fighting is now illegal in many countries, the negative reputation of Pit bulls as aggressive and dangerous dogs have persisted. 

Despite common misconceptions, Pit bulls are not inherently dangerous dogs. 

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Pit bulls are more aggressive than other dog breeds. In fact, a study conducted by the American Temperament Test Society found that Pit bulls had a passing rate of 86.8%, which is higher than the average passing rate for all breeds combined. (1)

Furthermore, the American Veterinary Medical Association has stated that breed-specific legislation, which targets Pit bulls and other "dangerous breeds," is not an effective way to reduce dog bites and does not take into account the individual dog's behavior and temperament. (2)

Many Pit bulls make loving and loyal family pets when they are raised in a loving and responsible environment, and it is unfair to judge them based on negative stereotypes and misconceptions.

What is a Pit bull?

A pit bull is a type of dog that is descended from bulldogs and terriers. 

The term "pit bull" is often used to refer to several breeds of dogs, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 

Although these dog breeds are often grouped under the umbrella term "pit bull," each breed has its own distinct characteristics. Here’s a quick look at how they differ from one another:

The American Pit Bull Terrier 

A medium-sized, muscular dog with a short, smooth coat. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism. 

Pit Bulls are often used as working dogs but can also make excellent family pets when properly socialized and trained. They are generally friendly and affectionate towards humans but can sometimes show aggression towards other dogs.

The American Staffordshire Terrier

Also, a medium-sized, muscular dog with a short, smooth coat. They are known for their loyalty, courage, and protective nature. They were bred as fighting dogs, but today are often used as therapy dogs or family pets. 

American Staffordshire Terriers tend to be more reserved and cautious around strangers than Pit Bulls but are still generally friendly and affectionate towards their owners.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

It is a smaller dog breed but still has a muscular build and a short, smooth coat. They are known for their courage, loyalty, and affectionate nature towards their owners. 

Staffordshire Bull Terriers were also bred for bull-baiting, but today are popular family pets. They tend to be more energetic and playful than Pit Bulls or American Staffordshire Terriers and are generally friendly toward humans and other dogs.

Overall, each of these breeds has its own unique characteristics and personalities. While they are often grouped together as "pit bulls," you must remember that individual dogs may vary in their behavior and temperament.

Pit Bulls and Aggression

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Pit bulls have been unfairly stigmatized as dangerous dog breeds. 

One of the most persistent myths about pit bulls is their supposed "locking jaw," which suggests that they are uniquely capable of holding onto their victims with an unbreakable grip. 

However, this is untrue, as pit bulls have the same anatomical structure as other dog breeds. This myth has contributed to the demonization of pit bulls, leading to discrimination against them.

Aggression in dogs can be attributed to various factors, including lack of socialization, mistreatment, and genetics. Dogs not socialized with other animals or humans may become fearful or defensive, which can lead to aggressiveness.

Similarly, dogs that have experienced abuse or neglect may be more likely to display aggressive tendencies. Genetics also plays a role in a dog's behavior. Still, it is important to note that breed does not determine behavior, and any dog can become aggressive if mistreated or improperly trained.

When it comes to statistics on dog bites, it is essential to note that breed-specific legislation (BSL) does not effectively address the issue of dog bites. Studies have shown that BSL has not reduced the number of dog bites and can even increase the likelihood of dog attacks by creating a false sense of security. 

Instead, effective policies should focus on responsible pet ownership, including proper training and socialization of dogs, as well as education on how to prevent dog bites. 

Overall, keep in mind that aggression in dogs is a complex issue that cannot be attributed to a single breed or factor.

Training Pit Bull Type Dogs

Training and socializing pit bull-type dogs are important for several reasons. 

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First and foremost, it helps ensure that these dogs are safe around people and other pets. Without proper training and socialization, pit bulls may be more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, which can put others at risk. 

By teaching them how to behave appropriately around people and other animals, we can help prevent incidents and keep everyone safe.

Pit Bull Socialization

A critical aspect of training pit bulls is teaching them proper socialization skills. 

This involves exposing them to a variety of different people, animals, and environments to help them feel comfortable and confident in any situation. 

For example, taking your pit bull puppy to puppy classes or parks can help them learn how to interact with other dogs and people and build their confidence in new situations.

Obedience Training

Another important aspect of training pit bulls is teaching them basic obedience commands. 

This can help prevent the development of aggressiveness by giving you the tools to control your dog's behavior in a positive and effective way. 

For example, teaching your pit bull puppy to sit and stay can help prevent them from jumping on people or becoming overly excited, which can lead to aggressive behavior.

Puppy Training

Training pit bulls from a young age can also help prevent them from developing bad habits or behaviors. 

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For example, if you teach your pit bull puppy not to chew on furniture or shoes, they are less likely to develop destructive behaviors as they get older. 

Similarly, teaching your pit bull puppy not to bark excessively can help prevent them from developing aggressive behaviors toward other dogs or people.

Overall, training pit bulls from a young age is crucial for their development and behavior. 

By teaching them proper socialization skills and basic obedience commands and preventing the development of bad habits, we can help ensure that our pit bulls grow up to be well-adjusted and happy dogs.

Use The Right Tools For Training Your Pit Bull

Using the proper leash is essential when training a pit bull because it can help keep both the dog and the trainer safe while also providing the necessary control to effectively teach the dog. Pit bulls are strong and powerful dogs, and they require a leash that can withstand their strength and keep them under control during training sessions.

Here’s a look at two products you should consider when training your Pit bull.

Tactical collar

Using a tactical collar when training a pit bull can provide additional control and safety measures for both the dog and the trainer. 

Tactical collars are designed to be sturdy and durable, making them a good choice for training a strong and powerful breed like the pit bull. 

These collars are typically made of heavy-duty materials such as nylon and are designed with features like metal buckles and D-rings to withstand the pulling and tugging that can occur during training sessions.

In addition to their durability, tactical collars often feature additional features such as handles or attachment points for accessories like a muzzle or leash. 

This can give the trainer additional control over the dog during training and help prevent the dog from becoming overly excited or aggressive.

Anti Pulling Harness

Using an anti-pulling harness when training a pit bull is important because it can help prevent the dog from developing bad habits such as pulling on the leash. 

Pit bulls are strong dogs, and if they are not properly trained to walk on a leash, they can become difficult to handle and may even pose a danger to themselves or others.

Anti-pulling harnesses work by providing pressure and gentle feedback when the dog pulls on the leash, discouraging the behavior and encouraging the dog to walk calmly and politely on the leash. 

This can help prevent the development of bad habits and make it easier to train the dog to walk on a leash without pulling or lunging.

What to do if your Pit Bull Bites

If your Pit Bull has bitten someone, it is important to take immediate action to prevent further harm and to ensure that everyone involved receives proper medical attention. Here are some steps to take if your Pit Bull bites:

Remove the dog from the situation 

If the dog is still in the vicinity of the person who was bitten, it is important to remove the dog from the area to prevent further harm.

Check the person who was bitten for injuries

Assess the severity of the bite and determine if medical attention is necessary. Even a small bite can be dangerous and may require medical treatment.

Call for help

Contact emergency services or seek medical attention for the person who was bitten as soon as possible.

Exchange information

If the person who was bitten is a stranger, exchange contact information and provide your dog's vaccination records if possible. This information may be required if legal action is taken or if the person requires medical treatment.

Report the incident

Depending on where you live, you may be required to report the incident to animal control or other authorities. Follow local laws and regulations regarding dog attacks.

Seek professional help

If your Pit Bull has bitten someone, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist to address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the bite. 

Work with a professional to develop a plan to prevent future incidents and ensure that your dog is properly trained and socialized.

Remember, prevention is the best course of action when it comes to dog bites. Proper training, socialization, and supervision can help prevent dog bites and ensure everyone is safe and happy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fear and stigma surrounding pit bulls are largely unfounded and unfair. 

Like any other dog breed, these dogs can be loving, loyal, and well-behaved when raised and trained properly. American Pit Bull Terriers and their puppies are no exception. 

Pit bull owners should be responsible and knowledgeable about their pet's needs and behavior and should always prioritize the safety of their dog and others. It's time to recognize pit bulls for the wonderful companions they can be and to stop demonizing them based on false stereotypes and misinformation. 

By treating them with the same respect and care as any other dog breed, we can help to ensure that pit bulls and their owners are not unfairly targeted or discriminated against.