cushner@ttidcb.UUCP (Jeffrey Cushner) (06/20/85)
OK Folks, Here's my side of the Pit Bull question:
Pit Bulls WERE originally bred for fighting as was told before. Also
true is the fact that the genetic instinct for fighting is STILL there.
If a Pit Bull is trained early enough, but MORE important, given the
proper social training (with both humans and dogs) before 12 weeks and
after that, fighting and aggression has less of a chance of developing.
Let's talk about humans and Pit Bulls. No Problem if trained normally.
No special training is required. Pit Bulls make good pets, are good
with children, good watchdogs etc.
The problem occurs with other dogs. Pit Bulls still keep the instinct
that says that other dogs are prime targets. For this reason I'd advise
Pit Bull owners to keep their dogs leashed at all times outside.
I've trained my share of Pit Bulls and found them to be good learners
once I've gotten the better of some initial stubberness.
I've read some books on Pit Bulls and they seem to talk not of proper
training but of how good they were in combat and how proud they made
their owners. I cannot condone a book like this at all but most
Pit Bull owners eat it up.
Personnally, I believe if you have to watch the actions of your dog
every second to make sure he doesn't get his jollies out on another
defenseless dog isn't worth the time and trouble to get one in the
first place. If you're into looks and impressing the neighborhood
into thinking you're more macho because you own a combat dog
think about getting a Staffordshire instead. Better that than possible
lawsuits and probable quarantine or euthanasia.
A dogowner is responsible for that dog's actions within our society.
Now IF you are a responsible Pit Bull owner (I know a few) and love your
pet and would want some more, then more power to you. Get one with my
blessing. If, on the other hand, you want to get a Pit Bull to:
1) Kill burglers.
2) Be the toughest dog in the neighborhood.
3) Enter him in illegal dog fights.
I don't want to know you.
Also remember, if you want to get a dog to train to be an attack dog,
be sure you:
1) Be with him 24hrs a day.
2) Keep up his training EVERY day.
3) Have a GOOD reason for doing this.(protecting your house isn't one)
Law Enforcement (professionally) is.
If you can't do all three above, DON'T DO IT!! You're asking for more
trouble than you can handle! You have a time bomb ready to explode!
Regards,
--
==============================================================================
Jeff Cushner @
Citicorp-TTI
Santa Monica CA 90405
(213) 450-9111 x2273
{randvax,trwrb,vortex,philabs}!ttidca!ttidcb!cushner
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