How to Train Bully Dogs: Inappropriate Behavior

Training dogs certainly involves teaching what dogs should do. However, training isn't all about teaching commands. Dogs, especially bully dogs, also need to know what they should not do.


Bully breeds, like every other type of dog, can develop compulsive habits that demonstrate inappropriate behavior. However, certain bully breeds seem to have a tendency to develop certain behaviors that stem from worry or compulsion, and allowing the behavior makes it worse. This is similar to giving a cigarette or bottle of vodka to a person with addictive tendencies.

There are five behaviors that are inappropriate and should be discouraged from an early age:

1. Chasing laser pointers or flashlights
2. Chasing the tail
3. Constant licking
4. Tugging 
5. Excessive barking

Chasing Laser Pointers or Flashlights

Bully breeds, such as this pit bull and Bull Terrier, love
chasing, but chasing behaviors can become compulsive.

Some people love using laser pointers or flashlights to burn a dog's energy as he or she chases the light across walls and floors. 

This habit, however, is dangerously compulsive, and many dogs will continue to look for the light long after it has disappeared. Although not every dog will become obsessed, some will spend every waking moment chasing flickers of light.

For this reason, never allow a dog to chase laser pointers and flashlights. Save that for the cats!

Chasing the Tail

Tail-chasing is especially popular among the bully breeds, and the Bull Terrier is the worst offender out of the lot. 

As an owner, always intervene when your dog begins spinning around and chasing their tail. Toys or treats can be used to reward and distract a dog when he or she stops.

Constant Licking

Licking is an extremely compulsive, inappropriate behavior that can become severely self-destructive if not stopped. 

Never allow your bully to constantly lick.

Licking usually results from frustration or "conflict behavior," which is when the animal wants to do something, but can't. If you don't understand what this means, watch people while stopped at red lights. Many of them will engage in grooming behaviors such as mirror-checking and hair-smoothing.

However, keep in mind that licking can also be caused by allergies. Some dogs have allergies to grass, road salt, or other objects, and will lick the pads of their feet or lower legs when itchy. Compulsive licking is typically marked by licking in certain spots.

Tugging

Bully breeds should only be permitted to tug on certain toys, but some trainers will argue that tugging should not be taught at all. 

Tugging, if allowed at all, should only be permitted with
certain toys.

If you do choose to play tugging games with your bully, set certain rules for the game. These include tugging on certain items only, learning the "leave-it" cue, and never tugging on clothing or skin. This last tip is crucial because a bully that is allowed to tug on skin and clothing with family will probably do so to guests.

Bully breeds, although loyal and loving, need to understand that the human owner is the leader. Therefore, when enjoying a tugging game with your bully, never allow the dog to play too roughly or allow the dog to win. Always ensure that the game is halted on your own terms.

Bullies who are taught to be calm will not really
bark unless they feel threatened.

Excessive Barking

Most people cannot distinguish between friendly barks and aggressive barks, and with the stigmas attached to bully breeds, it is best to not allow unnecessary barking at all.

Dogs can be taught a "be quiet" cue for unnecessary barking and never reward the animal when he or she barks. However, owners may also wish to reinforce barking in certain situations, such as when a person knocks on the door, or a stranger enters the property. As mentioned in the previous post, clickers can aid handlers in this endeavor. 

DreamEyce. "RescueMeTugz Toy and Kiwi." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2008. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Feeferlump. "And the winner is..." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2009. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Gladhnes. "Staffordshire Terrier." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Hawn, Roxanne. "Five Things You Shouldn't Teach Your Dog...and five things you should." Training Secrets for Bully Breeds 2014: 54-61. Print.

RoyalRuse. "American Bulldog." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Zheltkevich Photography. "puuuuuull....." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2013. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <link>.

How to Train Bully Dogs: Basic Commands

After a bully dog has been taught socialization, the next step in ensuring a well-mannered advocate of

A well-mannered bully can change
negative perceptions.

the breeds is teaching basic commands.

The five main commands every bully dog should know include:

1. Sit
2. Greet politely
3. Walk on a loose leash
4. Wait
5. Come

The Best Method

Despite the bully breeds' muscular build, their personalities actually do not do well with harsh or heavy-handed training. In fact, these breeds typically love being trained and often show extreme willingness or joy at being taught new things.

With this in mind, the best way to teach these commands is through operant conditioning. With operant conditioning, dogs associate certain behaviors with a reward, and will try to choose behaviors that give them that reward. Clickers are one way to assist with operant conditioning, but treats are always used in this type of training.

The following video teaches the basics of clicker training:

The Basic Commands

Sit

"Gracie loves to practice her 'Sit-stay'
command!" - Owner Sarallyn

Teaching a dog to sit is useful in many ways, but it can provide a great response when a dog is unsure of what to do. For example, if a group of motorcycles is quickly approaching on a nearby road, and the dog seems nervous, owners can have him or her sit in order to regain control and give the dog something to focus on.

Of course, a pit bull or bull terrier who calmly sits by its owner's side makes a good impression, particularly for those who fear the breed.

To begin training, owners can hold a treat over the dog's nose, then pull it back over his or her head to encourage sitting. Right before the dog sits, you, as the owner, should say "sit," then give the dog the treat.

Clicker users should, at first, click during most sits. As training progresses, you can begin skipping clicks, but always provide a treat when a click is used.

Eventually, the dog will associate a verbal cue with the action, and clicks and treats will no longer be necessary.

Greet Politely

This command is extremely important for bully breed owners because most people get nervous when being approached by a pit bull or other bully. Owning a dog that calmly approaches people without barking or jumping may help change perceptions.

The first step to teaching polite greetings is teaching the sit behavior. Once the dog has learned to sit, you should have the dog sit every time he or she wishes to greet the owner or another person. Treats, attention, or toys can be used to reinforce this, and soon enough, you will not have to make the dog sit in order to get a calm greeting.

Most bully breeds will automatically sit when he or she wants attention.

Walking on a Loose Leash

Leash manners also demonstrate how well-behaved a dog is. 

In order to teach this behavior, you should hold the leash in your hand, keep your wrist stuck to your hip, and maintain slack in the leash. Treats, toys, and a happy voice should be used to encourage the dog to stay close. 

If the dog lunges or pulls while taking a step, the handler should stop and keep gentle pressure on the leash. When the dog stops yanking and looks back, click and offer a treat as he or she walks closer. Handlers should do this for every step. 

This reinforces the idea that staying close by leads to many treats. 

Harnesses are the best way to give handlers control without choking or hurting the animal.

Two pit bulls waiting patiently for their owner's
next command.

Wait

This behavior is particularly useful when owners are heading out the door.

As the bully breed is sitting, owners should hold the dog's dinner bowl at human chest height. After saying "wait," the bowl should be lowered a bit. If the dog rises, you should respond with "oops," and take the bowl back to human chest height.

If the dog stays, handlers should either click or reply "yes," and allow the dog to eat a little bit of food.

With practice, this command can be applied to walks as well.

Come

The "come" command should be taught so well, the bully breed stops whatever he or she is doing and immediately turns around and races to an owner when called. 

First, owners should simply say the word "come" and feed the dog treats every time. This step teaches the dog to associate the word with food.

While the dog is leashed, you should run several steps ahead, then say "come." When the dog races after you, click and offer food. 

After the dog has a good idea of what is expected, you can get a group of people together and have everyone take turns running away and yelling the cue. Each person should click and feed a treat as the dog gets up close.

The distance should be increased as training progresses.

With these helpful hints, a bully breed can be just as well-mannered as any other dog. It is recommended that other commands be taught, and that training never stop. 

CRYROLFE. "BRICKS." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2009. Web. 14 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Deliquesce-Flux Photography. "Annie and Maili." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2011. Web. 14 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Feeferlump. "Olive Happy Face." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2008. Web. 14 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Hobgoblin666. "Zada In Black and White." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2011. Web. 14 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Libby, Tracy. "So Many Ways to Train." Training Secrets for Bully Breeds 2014: 66-73. Print.

Miller, Pat. "Pit Bull Boot Camp." American Pit Bull Terriers 2013: 44-49. Print.

petrichore. "Staffordshire Bull Terrier." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2013. Web. 14 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Sarallyn. "Happy Pit Bull." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2008. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
<link>.

How to Train Bully Dogs: Socialization

Pit bulls, like every other dog breed, require socialization
to be well-mannered and obedient.

With the fearful and often violent mindsets attributed to bully breeds, some owners may wonder about the best way to train their dog.

After all, a well-behaved bully dog is the best advocate for the breed. Seeing a pit bull or American Bulldog sitting obediently may help the fearful or hateful change their mind.

The three major areas of training for bully breeds include:

1. Socialization
2. Basic Commands
3. Inappropriate Behavior

I will describe socialization in this post, and following posts will look at the other main areas of training.

Socialization

Socialization with other dogs is extremely important.

Socialization is the most important aspect of training a bully breed because most dog bites result from animals who are not accustomed to being around people, uncomfortable situations,  and other animals. Obviously, pit bulls and other bully breeds are associated with more frequent cases of biting, so it is critical that owners nip (pun intended) one of the main causes of biting right

away.

The task of socialization, which should actually be introduced in all breeds of dog, includes many situations. However, the most important situations that dogs should be exposed to include other dogs, children, strangers, weird surfaces, equipment and vehicles, and loud noises. 

An American Bulldog that is well-socialized with all dogs,
such as the French Bulldog

• Children: Children may be invited to the home and given treats. As they sit on the floor with a bully in an open area, they should give the dog treats as he or she interacts with each child. Be sure to start slowly; do not allow all of the children to rush a dog or give the dog attention all at one time.

• Other dogs: The best place to introduce a dog to other members of its kind are at training classes. Also, allowing a dog to meet those of friends is another way to safely introduce a bully to other canines. Dogs should always be introduced in controlled environments, which is why taking a bully out to parks right away is not a good idea.

• Strangers: Training classes are a great way to introduce a bully breed to strangers, as well. Visitors can also come to the home and offer treats when the dog interacts with them. 

• Weird surfaces: Dogs should also be taught how to walk calmly over all kinds of surfaces, including grass, concrete, asphalt, gravel, sidewalk grates, shiny wood floors, and more. Dogs can be fed treats as rewards for walking over these surfaces, and should walk over them repeatedly until they are comfortable.

• Equipment and noises: In order to get a bully dog accustomed to devices that make loud noises, walk the dog up and down busy streets that may have many cars going by, many tractors cutting grass, and other opportunities for loud sounds. If the bully is a puppy, DO NOT pick him or her up when he or she cowers because this will be interpreted as a reward for that reaction.

When introducing a dog to these situations, ensure that a ton of treats are present. Always use a happy, soothing voice while socializing each of these situations, and remember that more socialization is better.

Gladhnes. "Familiarity." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2012. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Maria Zheltkevich. "Oh, great lady!" Photograph. deviantart.com, 2012. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Maria Zheltkevich. "water dragon." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2013. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Filarska Photography. "bulldog buddies1." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2009. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. <link>.

Pavia, Audrey. "Focus on Puppies." Training Secrets for Bully Breeds 2014: 25-27. Print.

"Pit Bulls and Parolees"

Tia Torres, founder of pit bull rescue Villalobos Rescue Center.

Since October 2009, the popular Animal Planet show Pit Bulls and Parolees has aired on Saturdays at 10 p.m. Although the show may seem like just another reality TV show, it offers great insight into what the pit bull breed is all about.

The show details the lives of Tia Torres and her children as they operate the largest pit bull rescue organization in the country: Villalobos Rescue Center. Although the New Orleans center often aids other dog breeds, it specializes in pit bull rescue and rehabilitation.

Cheech and Chong, two American Bulldog brothers who were
rescued by Villalobos Rescue Center.

Throughout the five seasons it has aired, the rescue center has saved the lives of dogs who came from horrible pasts. These include:

• abandoned dogs
• abused dogs
• dogs in the fighting business

However, Tia and her family don't just save canine lives. They also give parolees a second chance by offering them jobs at the rescue center. The parolees take care of the animals, which includes bathing and cleaning up after them, and often find a reason to turn their lives around simply by working with such a loyal and loving animal.

Here is an introduction to Villalobos Rescue Center and

the fifth season of Pit Bulls and Parolees:

Although I am a new viewer of the show, I think the show does a great job of portraying the breed as it truly is: loving, loyal, and vastly misunderstood. It is touching to see starving fighting dogs who were tied up using giant ship chains joyously lick the face of a parolee rescuer as he or she cuts them free. 

The passion that Tia and her family and staff show while rescuing these animals, even if it means crawling under a chain link fence or navigating a trash-filled, abandoned house to get to a dog, is incredible. Their enthusiasm and efforts really pay off and show that pit bulls are not aggressive killers, even when a human taught them to be.

Eyelashes, a rescued pit bull puppy currently adoptable
at Villalobos Rescue Center.

"Cheech and Chong." Photograph. vrcpitbull.net, 2014. Web. 25 Oct. 2014.

"Eyelashes." Photograph. vrcpitbull.net, 2014. Web. 25 Oct. 2014.

"Pit Bulls and Parolees." IMDb, 2014. Web. 25 Oct. 2014.

"Pit Bulls and Parolees Tia Torres." Animal Planet, 2014. Web. 25 Oct. 2014.

Pit Bull Negativity in the News

Pit bulls like Jack, who saved a cat from coyotes,
usually appear in negative news stories   

Across news stations and newspapers nationwide, pit bull stories are actually quite common.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of these stories are incredibly negative and cast the American Pit Bull Terrier breed under an umbrella of viciousness and aggression.

In fact, on USAToday's website, 12 of the first 15 pit bull-related articles have negative headlines such as "Elderly man attacked by pitbull in Royal" and "Victim in deadly pitbull attack seeks tougher punishment for owners." The content of each article presses an agenda of breed condemnation in its language depicting each and every pit bull as a killer. Furthermore, all 15 articles have been published since Sept. 2 of this year.

Why do pit bulls have such a bad rep?

According to the website of Cesar Millan, famed host of Animal Planet's TV show Dog Whisperer, Americans actually loved and cherished the pit bull in the time period prior to the 1980s. In fact,Our Gang comedies and Buster Brown. In World War I, the breed was often featured on American military posters and was even utilized during the war.

Cesar Millan, host of Dog Whisperer, is a huge advocate for the breed.

because of the breed's fascination with and devout loyalty toward children in particular, it became known as "The Nanny Dog," and was featured in many shows starring children, such as in the

What is incredibly shocking is that, from the beginning of the century until the 1980s, only one negative pit bull news story made national news. The only reason it did so was because someone intentionally set 26 dogs on a young woman.

However, in the 1980s, dog fighting made a serious comeback, even with the existence of federal laws. The pit bull became the poster dog for dog fighting and was the choice guard dog for drug dealers and gangs. In 1987, a hugely-publicized attack occurred when a pit bull killed a two-and-a-half-year-old boy while guarding a marijuana crop.

Togo, a pit bull who served America in World War II.

Shortly thereafter, attempts to ban the breed popped up throughout the country. A New Mexico town named Tijeras, which is outside of Albuquerque, quickly passed one of the toughest breed specific legislation laws in history. Officers were authorized to capture and kill any dog resembling on pit bull on sight without having to compensate owners.

Although the tide seems to be turning, progress seems to take a step back every time a pit bull attack story surfaces in major news.

"Every time something bad is reported in the news, it ruins it for the rest of us who are responsible owners." -Tia Torres, Pitbulls and Parolees

Examples of Pit Bull Articles in the News

Although there are many articles to choose from, here are some recent articles that foster a bad reputation for pit bulls:

1. Pit bull stabbed in store - A pit bull is stereotyped in Petsmart and stabbed in front of children.

   

   Clara was stereotyped in a Petsmart store and stabbed to death.

2. Attacking pit bull is credited with a biting history - In the article, another attacking dog is killed after being described as a pit bull. Most people cannot properly identify a pit bull, which garners more fear and hate towards the breed as news articles publish false identification.
3. Pit bulls are shot and killed by officers - Pit bulls are frequently shot by police officers because of the stigma attached to them.
4. Pit bull attacks its owner - This article is full of anti-pit bull statements and demonstrates a clear bias.
5. Pit bull gets 1,000 stitches after being attacked - A pit bull was randomly stabbed by a stranger. He didn't even fight back.

Pit bull Lefty took a bullet for her owner, resulting in an amputated leg.

Here are some examples of positive pit bull stories, which are less popular than the negative ones:

1. Elderly victim blames owners, not breed, for attack - I consider this a positive story because the news article ends with a quote from the victim stating that he blames the owners for the issues. Bad owners make bad dogs.
2. Pit bull saves boy with bee allergies - The female dog dragged the 8-year-old by his trouser leg, then let him crawl on her back before carrying him to his mom. The boy is allergic to bees, and was stung 24 times. The dog was also stung.
3. 16 hero pit bulls - A wonderfully written article that rejects pit bull stereotypes and mentions 16 pit bulls who committed heroic acts.

Need more convincing that the pit bull is stereotyped?

Tatertot, who saved a 4-year-old-boy, actually has a
better breed temperament statistic than a Chihuahua.

The American Temperament Test Society recently conducted tests demonstrating dog breeds' temperament behavior. They simulate a walk through the park and expose dogs to situations that test aspects of temperament, such as stability, aggressiveness, owner protectiveness and friendliness as well as the dog's ability to discern between a threatening and stable situation.

In these tests, the American Pit Bull Terrier passed at a rate of 86.8%. 

• The Chihuahua only received a 69.8%
• The German Shepherd received an 84.8%
• The Golden Retriever received an 85.2%
• The Border Collie received an 81.5%
• The Toy Poodle received an 80%

Please go to the ATTS breed statistics page to see how the pit bull compares to other breeds of dog.

With these results, why isn't the media pushing a negative representation of Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles and Golden Retrievers?

Angela Boone Photography. "Tatertot saved a 4-year-old boy from a blood sugar crash." Photograph. huffingtonpost.com, 29 July 2014. Web. 17 Oct. 2014. <photo>.

"ATTS Breed Statistics." American Temperament Test Society, Inc., 14 Feb. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2014.

Bastian, Joe. "How Did Pit Bulls Get Such a Bad Rap?" Cesar's Way, 2014. Web. 17 Oct. 2014.

"Cesar's Special Makes the Case for Pit Bulls." Photograph. millanfoundation.org, 2014. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. <photo>.

"Jack risked his life for a cat being attacked by coyotes." Photograph. huffingtonpost.com, 29 July 2014. Web. 17 Oct. 2014. <photo>.

"Lefty took a bullet for her owner." Photograph. huffingtonpost.com, 29 July 2014. Web. 17 Oct. 2014. <photo>.

Newnan-Coweta Humane Society. "Police: Man Stabbed Pit Bull In Front of Kids In Petsmart Store." Photograph. wfmynews2.com, 2 Sept. 2014. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. <photo>.

"Togo 6th Regimen Nebraska." Photograph. fight4them.org, 24 May 2012. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. <photo>.

The Reality of Dog Fighting

The Origin of Dog Fighting

The history of the American Pit Bull Terrier (and similar breeds) is tainted by dog fighting, which

Pit bulls should not be defined solely by their breed's history.

still continues to mar the perception of the breed today.

In the 19th century in the United Kingdom, the pit bull was bred and designed for one purpose: fighting. Although the breed was originally devised for the sport of bull baiting, bull baiting was eventually banned, and owners began using pit bulls to fight each other.

At the time, dog fighting operated and was considered in very different terms than those of present-day. Owners greatly prized their animals and went to great lengths to keep them healthy. The sport, although still cruel, was highly respected across the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries.

How Did Laws Change Dog Fighting Culture?

In the 20th century, the sport of dog fighting became a felony by law. Although these laws were desperately needed, they also greatly changed the dog-fighting culture. Because of the new felony laws, the lawyers, doctors, and well-respected people who orginally fought dogs no longer did so. Instead, people who accepted a felon status, such as drug dealers and murderers, launched into the sport for the sole purpose of gaining money through gambling and garning a reputation.

This changed culture has resulted in the commonplace occurrence of a dog fighter who locks his or her animal in a trunk while driving around a city block at night. When the fighter finds someone else looking for the same sport, the dogs are taken out and fought. Although this "casual" fighters are very common, some dog fighters are considered more "professional" and own a fighting dog business while participating in organized fights with other "professionals."

How are Fighting Dogs Created?

A female that was bred repeatedly for dog fighting.

Fighting dogs are typically bred for stamina, strength, and gameness, which is the determination to keep fighting through pain. These dogs are typically given steroids, starved, and chained up. Owners usually prefer using dogs that show high human aggression, and they often give the the dogs bait animals such as cats, rabbits, and small dogs to incite a taste for blood. It is also not rare for owners to put weights around the animals' necks and force them to use treadmills in order to build muscle.

 

Female dogs are usually reserved for breeding only and are often bred repeatedly through their lifetime. Their movement is restricted by being tied up or attached to a breeding stand that makes breeding them easier. Puppies from notable bloodlines may be worth a few thousand dollars.

 

What Happens in a Dog Fight?

Dog fights usually occur in a pit between 14 and 20 square feet that may be constructed with hay bales, wooden planks, chain fence, or other objects. The floor of the pit may be straw, dirt, carpet, or

Convicted NFL player Michael Vick and some of the dogs he fought.

any other surface. Dogs stand about 12 to 14 feet apart, where they will face off to begin.

 

In more organized or "professional" fights, the dogs are weighed first to ensure animals are fighting in the same weight class. Animals are also examined for toxic substances that may hurt the opposing dog, such as poison coated along the neck fur.

 

Dogs are released from both ends and meet in the middle, where they try to grab a hold of each other and shake or rip to cause damage. Handlers may not touch the dogs during the fight, and a referee is present.

 

After a fight, dogs may be killed or tortured for losing. Many dog fighters involve money during fights, and the loss of money and/or street reputation often makes them take it out on the dog. Some dog fighting busts have revealed money in sums of more than $500,000, so it is easy to see why losses might result in the death or maiming of dogs.

 

The dog fighter's creed is, "Breed the best and bury the rest."

The Impact

Pit bulls are taught to be mean and are not born that way.

Unfortunately, dog fighting has led to a dreadful perception of pit bulls and other breeds as mindless, aggressive killers. Human societies often euthanize rescued fighters because they see them as unchangeable. Oftentimes, people walk to the other side of the road when passing a pit bull, or demand that they be destroyed because they assume the fault lies with the breed. Bad owners create bad dogs.

 

Dog fighting is a horrific, inhumane sport that takes an otherwise loving, loyal animal and turns it into a killer. If you were put in the place of the fighting dog, that is, starved, beaten, and forced to kill, wouldn't you be aggressive, too?

 

 

Anyone interested in more information about the reality of dog fighting might be interested in viewing this documentary.

 



 

 

"Animal Fighting Facts." Animal Legal Defense Fund, Feb. 2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2014.

 

Cloos, Paul. "2 arrests made in Atmore dog fight."Photograph. blog.al.com, 24 June 2008. Web. Sept. 26 2014. <link>.

 

"Dogfighting Fact Sheet." The Humane Society of the United States, 15 Jan. 2014. Web. 25 Sept. 2014.

 

Deliquesce-Flux Photography. "The Big Terrifying Pit Bull." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2011. Web. 26 Sept. 2014. <link>.

 

Jaded-Night Photography. "Yummy Disc." Photograph. deviantart.com, 2011. Web. 26 Sept. 2014. <link>.

 

"Michael Vick: No sympathy. No second chance. No NFL." Photograph. examiner.com, 19 May 2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2014.

 

 



The Mythical Pit Bull

When you hear "pit bull," do you think of locking jaws, a swelling brain, extreme aggression and high pain tolerance?

Let me explain some common myths about the American Pit Bull Terrier and why they aren't true.

Myths about pit bulls:

1. Pit bulls have locking jaws.
2. Pit bulls are responsible for most fatal dog attacks.
3. Pit bulls can't feel pain.
4. Pit bulls are aggressive towards people.
5. The brains of pit bulls swell, which makes them randomly go crazy.

Why are the myths false?

Myth #1: A pit bull's jaws function just like any other breed's, which has been tested by experts. Pit bulls do not have a locking mechanism on their teeth, nor can they bite with their front teeth while chewing with their back teeth. Pit bulls do not have exceptional bite strength, either, which is another common belief about pit bulls.

 

Myth #2: Most dog bite statistics fail to consider the total population of a dog breed in comparison to the number of dogs who have attacked or bitten a person. When statistics compare dog bites per breed to the total number of individuals in that breed, pit bulls actually fall at the bottom of the list. In fact, in a 1965-2001 study that examined dog attack statistics by breed, the following information was tallied:

 

Registered Population	# of Reported Attacks	Breed	% vs. Population
Approx.  240,000	12	Chow Chow	.005%
Approx.  800,000	67	German Shepherd	.008375%
Approx.  960,000	70	Rottweiler	.00729%
Approx.  128,000	18	Great Dane	.01416%
Approx.  114,000	14	Doberman	.012288%
Approx.  72,000	10	St. Bernard	.0139%
Approx. 5,000,000	60	Pit Bulls	.0012%

 

 

More recently, in December 2013, The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) published a massive study about dog bite statistics. The study found that family dogs were rarely involved and 76.2% of dog bites actually occurred by animals resident on the property. Dogs that do not get socialization with people on a regular basis are significantly more inclined to bite.

 

Furthermore, the study also found that, in more than 80% of the bite cases, the breed of the biting dog could not be accurately determined. In 18%, or 45, of the cases, the breed was able to be accurately recognized. However, 20 different breeds of dog were included in those 45 incidents. Statistics that claim pit bulls are killers and bite more frequently are false, and most people who claim they were attacked by a pit bull can't identify the breed themselves.

 

Myth #3: Pit bulls have the same nervous system as other breeds, and so feel the same pain. However, the pit bull was bred to continue a task even while feeling pain or discomfort. Pit bulls feel pain like any other dog, they were simply bred to ignore it, and this distinction leads to the third myth.

 

Myth #4: No breed of dog is more vicious than others, which has been proven in studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control. Bad owners create biters and not the breed of dog. A pit bull that is well-trained and given love and understanding will behave just as well as a Beagle that is raised the same way.

 

Myth #5: Just as with the locking jaws and pain tolerance myths, the brains of pit bulls behave no differently than any other dog. At one time, the Doberman Pinscher was believed to go crazy because its skull was too small to hold a swelling brain. Pit bulls, which have now held the media's negative attention, are the current breed to suffer from this false myth.

 

 

 

Beverly & Pack. "Baby puppy pit bull, Bach." Photograph. Flickr Creative Commons, 1 Sept. 2008. Web. 14 Sept. 2014. </link>.

 

"Breed Myths." The Real Pit Bull, 2014. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.

 

"Dog Bite-Related Fatalities." National Canine Research Council, Apr. 2014. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.

 

"SLC Pit Bull Lovers." Photograph. Flickr Creative Commons, 25 Mar. 2010. Web. 14 Sept. 2014. </link>.

 

"The Truth About Pit Bulls." M.A.B.B.R. Incredibulls, 2014. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.