M. REDA..You have your statistics all wrong! I love ALL dogs but the truth is Pitbulls ARE NOT the dogs highest in dog bites. In my experience with walking my own Pitbull (which is very sweet and harmless) I have passed other dogs, small dogs that have been absolutely vicious towards her! AND! She never responded! You are ignorant of the facts.
It is NOT the breed of the dog, no dog is born aggressive by nature. It is a learned behavior, by it's owner. Whether it be by abuse, neglect or teaching. Pitbulls have been war heroes saving many lives, they are service dogs today. They are famous for being 'Nany dogs', babysitters of children. They were once America's favorite dog until dog-fighting and the Media fed fear into people! Pitbulls are loyal, loving, gentle dogs and there are many responsible owners. Many people have bought in to the Media's hype, they only headline the bad stories, never the good, so, it's no wonder people are ignorant and full of fear.
When I say ignorant, I am meaning 'not knowing the facts.' Punish the irresponsible owners, not the breeds!!!
M. Reda - 11 years ago
One review of the American medical literature found that pit bulls and pit bull cross-breeds were involved in between 42 and 45% of dog attacks.[ Journal of Forensic Sciences (American Academy of Forensic Sciences) 57 (2): 370–374,2011] Fatalities were most often reported in children, with 70% of victims being under the age of 10. Some studies that have been performed on the number of human deaths caused by dog bite trauma have surveyed news media stories for reports of dog bite-related fatalities. This methodology is subject to several potential sources of error: some fatal attacks may not have been reported; a study might not find all of the relevant news reports; and the potential for misidentification of dog breeds, although courts in the United States and Canada have ruled that expert identification, when using published breed standards, is sufficient for the enforcement of breed-specific legislation. A 9-year (1979–88) review of fatal dog attacks in the United States determined that, of the 101 attacks in which breed was recorded, pit bulls were implicated in 42 of those attacks (41.6%). A 1991 study found that 94% of attacks on children by pit bulls were unprovoked, compared to 43% for other breeds. A 5-year (1989–94) review of fatal dog attacks in the United States determined that pit bulls and pit bull mixed breeds were implicated in 24 (28.6%) of the 84 deaths in which breed was recorded.
A 15-year (1991–2005) review of dog attack fatalities investigated by the Kentucky Medical Examiner determined that pit bulls were implicated in 5 of the 11 fatal attacks (45.4%). Another 15-year (1994–2009) review of patients admitted to a Level I Trauma Center with dog bites determined that pit bulls were most often involved in these attacks: of the 228 patients treated, the breed of dog was recorded in 82 attacks, and of these, 29 (35%) attacks were attributed to pit bulls. All other dogs combined accounted for the remaining 65% of attacks. In 44.8% of the attacks, the dog belonged to the victim's family
brenda price - 11 years ago
Our huskey was attacked by a pitbull cross on December 29/12. The dog was off leash and no license while the owner was out with him/her. It is not the dogs fault it is the owners who show no resposiblity for there pets. This owner couldnt control his dog until my husband had punched this dog 4-5 times in the head and finally released our dog. The owner left without giving us any info. So clearly dog not licensed or anything. I dont blame the dog it is the owner!!!!!!!
Ed - 11 years ago
Pascal - yesterday
More dangerous breed needs to pay a much higher, mandatory insurance premium. If the dog is proven to be more dangerous (more biting incident), why not increase their premium? Why re-invent the wheel? We do not ban a reckless male teenager driving a red ferrari on the street, we just make sure they pay for it if anything happens.
yes your part right , go look at stats can. and you will see that( labs) bite more then pit/rottie/dobermans put together here in canada , and now the little terrors like min-pins are making the list for more bites then pitbulls , so yes i believe if a dog(not breed) has been deemed vicious yes rates should be higher
darla - 11 years ago
I agree with Colin. , 60% of people want to ban the breed but all the comments say it's NOT the breed?? seems odd. Where are their comments? What nonsense do they have to say??
People who own these dogs (ANY DOG) that is prone to violence need to have stiff penalties.
They should be made to go through mandatory obedience and socialization classes with their dogs. Just like the spca does when you take a dog from there. I'll bet 95% of the cases where the dogs attacks, the owner is some kind of low life crook or scum bag who is a detriment to society anyway and shouldn't even own a dog.. Just look at Rita Phillip. I haven't seen one case where the owner was a "respectable, law abiding " member of society.. Because people who care, actually treat their dogs properly and love them and train them and they dont end up like this..
Like some said earlier, you cant put them all in the same bucket. Not all men rape, not all black people steal and not all horses buck.. Its all in the upbringing!!!!!!
and Sherry, you belong in an urban setting..
Charles - 11 years ago
This research paper strongly suggests that behavior, not bite force, is the key to an aggressive dog. Among the most aggressive are Chihuahuas, Jack Russel Terriers, Daschunds, Poodles, and more. It is a long read of several minutes, but the UNBAISED information is an eye opener.
Eight breeds common to both datasets (Dachshund, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Rottweiler, Shetland Sheepdog and Siberian Husky) ranked similarly, […] for aggression directed toward strangers, dogs and owners, respectively. Some breeds scored higher than average for aggression directed toward both humans and dogs (e.g., Chihuahuas and Dachshunds) while other breeds scored high only for specific targets (e.g., dog-directed aggression among Akitas and Pit Bull Terriers). In general, aggression was most severe when directed toward other dogs followed by unfamiliar people and household members. Breeds with the greatest percentage of dogs exhibiting serious aggression (bites or bite attempts) toward humans included Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers (toward strangers and owners); Australian Cattle Dogs (toward strangers); and American Cocker Spaniels and Beagles (toward owners).
Trina - 11 years ago
Ignorance is what we should be afraid of and Sherry you are the epitome of what we should all fear. As the article say's Educate don't legislate !!!!!!!
brent - 11 years ago
Why not just ban them to the edge of the village? Then ban them to the edge of the territory. Then ban them to the edge of existence. Banning to extinction, what an interesting thought. I think the Nazis tried that, didn't they?
matt - 11 years ago
Ok.... sherry I agree you are very ignorant. I work with several animal rescues and one being a pit bull rescue another being a great Dane rescue and a golden retriever rescue. Of all the rescues the pits get along the best and the great danes the worst. I own two dogs a pit bull and a golden retriever. My golden is very dog aggressive and my pit loves everyone and other dogs. A few weeks ago I was attacked by a yellow lab and jack Russell running around together loose. Another incident my pit was attacked by small yappy dog... he in no way fought back.. he actually backed away... it's how dogs are raised and how an owner teaches their dog and corrects them. If you never punish a child, the child will grow up thinking it can get away with anything it wants.... same with dogs....CORRECT THEM WHEN THEY DO WRONG.
chelse - 11 years ago
Absolute garbage. If any town is actually considering this, they should stop being so damn lazy and do some current credible research. If they did, they would know how stupid and ineffective pitbull bands are. Just pure lazy, pointless governing. I have done tons of research on this topic. It just blows my mind how ignorant some people responsible for these decisions are. With the access we have today by experts on every subject out there, I can't believe this is still an issue. Research will tell you NO YOU SHOULD NOT BAN PITBULLS. try to put an effective vicious dog law in place instead.
Tamara - 11 years ago
A dog is only as good as it's handler, if it lacks the proper training and structure it may be capable of reacting in an innapropriate way. Most attacks by dogs are due to human neglegance in one way, shape or form.
I must say, I have seen more small breed dogs snap at children and other dogs than large breeds, my daughter was raised with rottweilers and mastiffs. If she can pull their ears, hair and feet and grab food out of their food bowl without consequence then maybe in fact you should hold the handlers of these animals responsible as I have never had any issues with our dogs nor has any of the many children that have crawled all over them.
On another note, in regards to the three pitbulls that killed the pom (i believe it was). These dogs should not be condemmed. Quite honestly, your going to tell me that if someone takes a swing at you, your child or your close friend that you would simply turn the other cheek? I highly doubt this and it is the exact same situation. They are pack animals, that is a family unit so as a rule even if they were not directly bitten they will defend their pack if they see mistreatment.
So, if all the single minded, lets ban "aggressive" dog types people out there would kindly take a hike would be greatly appreciated and I do hope that you never aquire a dog, you have no clue what you are talking about however are entitled to your opinion.
Karen - 11 years ago
I could write an essay about this subject, but I won't. I have a pitbull, and like everyone has said, they are amazing animals!! I totally agree with all the comments regarding that the owner is the issue in all cases. Dog's, whether they are Pitt's or whatever, don't go on their walk or to the park thinking that "today I am going to cause some serious trouble". Dogs react, that's what they do. It is all about the energy of the owner. Who ever is at the end of the leash is responsible. Maybe watch some episodes of THE DOG WHISPERER, Cesar Milan.
To Sherry, you really need to do some research before you spout off our mouth!
As for Pascal, saying that dangerous breeds need to pay much higher premiums.. get in touch with reality!
Chihuahua's can be dangerous too. I have been at dog parks where some of the dogs that are physco, are the labs, retrievers, and the border collies. People think that their dog will stay busy catching balls or frizbies. That is a recipe for disaster. Two labs have attacked my Pitbull because he came running and playing near them. I have also seen two Great Danes have a serious fight at a park. I could see right away why this happened. The owners were insecure because previously these same dogs had a run in. They said that the dogs didn't like each other. I couldn't go into it at the time, but the energy at the end of those leashes was already saying that the owner was insecure and so the dogs went into protection mode cause the owners were weak.
Anyhoo, I could go on.
Thank you to all who read this long message.
Just one more thing. To all you nay-sayers of Pitties and other "dangerous" breeds, look at the owner very close before you blame the dog.
Thank you.
Michelle M - 11 years ago
I 100% agree it is the owner's responsibility to properly train and socialize their dogs. It is also their responsibility to do their research on the breeds they have. When I adopted our Pitbull terrier, Zakk, I did extensive research on the breed and how to properly care for him. This included not going to off leash dog parks after the age of 1. With all of the stimulus and different types of dogs running around in those parks, it is difficult to control certain situations. Though you trust your own dog is trained, you cannot trust the other dogs are.
Perhaps if the media quits creating terror and fear for these beloved creatures based off a few bad eggs, then we can create logical discussions for a sustainable solution. I applaud the city for refusing to consider the Breed-Ban nonsense in Calgary. Lets let logic prevail!
Angelica - 11 years ago
Wow, some people are just plain narrow minded, which is sad! I have a pit but, and have no problems what so ever. My mother has a shih tzu that i now take care of that bit me twice! Shall we band shih tzus now?? Stupid people, all dogs bite!
danielle - 11 years ago
lets ban all men because they are capable of rape!! sounds pretty ridiculous right ? seriously people all dogs are capable of harm, stop blaming the breed and start implementing responsible ownership WITH EVERY TYPE OF PET.
Dan - 11 years ago
The pitbull always gets the bad rap. It is 100% the owners responsibility to have control of the dog and if they don't they should not have one. I am an extremely proud Pitbull owner. He is my baby boy. He is the best around infants and other people. Sure he is protective of me but he will never hurt anyone intentionally uunless provoked by hurtting me or anyone that is near. But any breed will do that. My Pitbull Lenny shares my bed with me and goes everywhere with me. He is one of the best companions anyone could ask for.
A dogs behaviour is 100% based on the training and socialization that he or she receives when young.
Sherry, you should not comment unless you know what you are talking about.
I've said my peace and if anyone has an issue you can find d me on the internet and I would be happy to set you straight.
Pascal - 11 years ago
More dangerous breed needs to pay a much higher, mandatory insurance premium. If the dog is proven to be more dangerous (more biting incident), why not increase their premium? Why re-invent the wheel? We do not ban a reckless male teenager driving a red ferrari on the street, we just make sure they pay for it if anything happens.
Jen End BSL Marie - 11 years ago
Sherry, you are IGNORANT. That is all.
Jen End BSL Marie - 11 years ago
You are looking at the wrong END OF THE LEASH!!! It is the owners of the dogs, not the dogs!!!
Mel - 11 years ago
I find it appalling that there are actually still people around who don't get one simple fact: dogs are not aggressive creatures by nature! Human beings who are thoughtless, self-absorbed, too lazy to exercise their dogs and violent themselves (and then think they deserve to have dogs in their lives) are the problem. When you bring a dog into your life you have a responsibility to care for it properly. Dogs want to please us, they want to learn, they like to have a "job". When they are not given enough exercise and socialization they are simply unable to develop the skills they need. Banning a breed of dog from being part of society is like banning an entire race of people. It is totally backward, uninformed and lazy. The solution is to find a way to stop the wrong people from having a dog in the first place. Pit bulls are extremely strong dogs - and they're also one of the most loyal, affectionate and intelligent breeds. That's why so many horrible people have them - not because they love dogs but because they want people to fear them. This is the problem, and we all need to say enough is enough.
why is it that, when I filled out this poll, 60% of people want to ban the breed but all the comments say it's NOT the breed (with the exception of "Sherry", who doesn't sound like much of a dog lover at all to me, but I could be wrong)... Education is the only way to approach this, both as a spectator and as a dog owner. If you're not going to care for your dog, don't have one... If you're not going to care for your child, don't have one... If you're not going to care for your car (so it isn't losing parts driving down deerfoot), don't have one... notice a trend?
Teresa - 11 years ago
As a owner of two dogs, I say charge the people whose dogs started the fight as their dogs were running free and out of control. This man does not deserve to be charged nor the dogs put down. I do feel that no one should be walking more than two dogs at a time regardless of whether or not they are on a leash. Provocation is very serious in this incident - they are not children who we can teach to "use their words", or course they bit back! For the by-law officer to indicate that it doesn't matter is unjust.
Gayle - 11 years ago
The breed of a dog has nothing to do with it being aggressive. It is the owner's responsibility to train and discipline their dog. Frankly, people have dogs more as objects than actual living beings and instead of exercising them properly they use them like ornaments. Blaming the dog is bullshit.
darlene dunn - 11 years ago
Banning pit bull dogs would not alleviate the problem of violence. Any tendencies for a dog to become violent , 95% of the time are inherently traits directly from the human responsible for the animals. And in these circumstances which I might add are rare but do exist when a dog is too aggressive the human responsible has been successful 98% of the time when enrolling their pet in a training regime and class.
Bonnie - 11 years ago
Really Calgary...??? You want to ban pitbulls?? Give me a break... Let's ban stupid owners instead.... Breed Specific Legislation does not work... it only gives cops with big gun issues the right to seize and murder ...people's pets...family members... What breed is next?? Labs...Retrievers...Poodles? Every decade it's a different breed.... Before people vote on such a ridiculous idea... they need to do some research...
Sherry are u on crack?? It is NEVER the breed... but the humans they trust to care for them, that makes them aggressive...
Ed Fisher - 11 years ago
im tired of hearing about banning pitbulls , and people saying the dogs are the problem , they are not , it's the owners and they need to be held accountable , if we gunna ban because a few have had bad up-bringing , lets ban everything that has had bad....like lets say the americans who inslaved blacks or even better the mexicans the had more slave then anyone else,how about germans hell they kill millions of people , so when a few bad apples act up you all want to ban ban ban so ok , no want to use accountability , so ban em all HOW RIDICULOUS.
Sherry - 11 years ago
The breed AND the owners are both the problem. Large, aggressive dogs do not belong in an urban setting. And there is NO controlling WHO owns them.
Kate - 11 years ago
Breed bans are ridiculous and accomplish nothing. In the past people have vilified Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, etc as being "dangerous breeds" not fit to live. Now it's the American Pitbull. It's not the fault of the dog, it's the owner. Some people should not be allowed to own dogs, or any pets. A well-trained and cared-for dog is never going to be a problem, no matter which breed it belongs to. Also there are many mixed-breed dogs that look like pitbulls, or are part pitbull. All the pitbull-type dogs I've known have been very affectionate, good dogs.
Ryan - 11 years ago
Breed specific legislation is not effective...research.
Sandra - 11 years ago
This is not about the breed. It is about dog owners. Any breed of dog can bite and cause serious damage. It is human's who put animals in difficult situations by not providing proper socialization, training and supervision. I have worked in the animal industry many years and the most bites I have avoided have been from small dogs. We need to educate dog owners and stop blaming the dogs.
Christine - 11 years ago
Pitbulls are amazing dogs it is the people that destroy the breads reputation. I think that harsher penalties and fines should be given out to pet owners regardless of the bread. Having a dog is a privilege and should be taken very seriously especially when you have a large bread. If anything I think that if an individual that has been charged with a serious offense should not be able to go and purchase or register another dog.
M. REDA..You have your statistics all wrong! I love ALL dogs but the truth is Pitbulls ARE NOT the dogs highest in dog bites. In my experience with walking my own Pitbull (which is very sweet and harmless) I have passed other dogs, small dogs that have been absolutely vicious towards her! AND! She never responded! You are ignorant of the facts.
It is NOT the breed of the dog, no dog is born aggressive by nature. It is a learned behavior, by it's owner. Whether it be by abuse, neglect or teaching. Pitbulls have been war heroes saving many lives, they are service dogs today. They are famous for being 'Nany dogs', babysitters of children. They were once America's favorite dog until dog-fighting and the Media fed fear into people! Pitbulls are loyal, loving, gentle dogs and there are many responsible owners. Many people have bought in to the Media's hype, they only headline the bad stories, never the good, so, it's no wonder people are ignorant and full of fear.
When I say ignorant, I am meaning 'not knowing the facts.' Punish the irresponsible owners, not the breeds!!!
One review of the American medical literature found that pit bulls and pit bull cross-breeds were involved in between 42 and 45% of dog attacks.[ Journal of Forensic Sciences (American Academy of Forensic Sciences) 57 (2): 370–374,2011] Fatalities were most often reported in children, with 70% of victims being under the age of 10. Some studies that have been performed on the number of human deaths caused by dog bite trauma have surveyed news media stories for reports of dog bite-related fatalities. This methodology is subject to several potential sources of error: some fatal attacks may not have been reported; a study might not find all of the relevant news reports; and the potential for misidentification of dog breeds, although courts in the United States and Canada have ruled that expert identification, when using published breed standards, is sufficient for the enforcement of breed-specific legislation. A 9-year (1979–88) review of fatal dog attacks in the United States determined that, of the 101 attacks in which breed was recorded, pit bulls were implicated in 42 of those attacks (41.6%). A 1991 study found that 94% of attacks on children by pit bulls were unprovoked, compared to 43% for other breeds. A 5-year (1989–94) review of fatal dog attacks in the United States determined that pit bulls and pit bull mixed breeds were implicated in 24 (28.6%) of the 84 deaths in which breed was recorded.
A 15-year (1991–2005) review of dog attack fatalities investigated by the Kentucky Medical Examiner determined that pit bulls were implicated in 5 of the 11 fatal attacks (45.4%). Another 15-year (1994–2009) review of patients admitted to a Level I Trauma Center with dog bites determined that pit bulls were most often involved in these attacks: of the 228 patients treated, the breed of dog was recorded in 82 attacks, and of these, 29 (35%) attacks were attributed to pit bulls. All other dogs combined accounted for the remaining 65% of attacks. In 44.8% of the attacks, the dog belonged to the victim's family
Our huskey was attacked by a pitbull cross on December 29/12. The dog was off leash and no license while the owner was out with him/her. It is not the dogs fault it is the owners who show no resposiblity for there pets. This owner couldnt control his dog until my husband had punched this dog 4-5 times in the head and finally released our dog. The owner left without giving us any info. So clearly dog not licensed or anything. I dont blame the dog it is the owner!!!!!!!
Pascal - yesterday
More dangerous breed needs to pay a much higher, mandatory insurance premium. If the dog is proven to be more dangerous (more biting incident), why not increase their premium? Why re-invent the wheel? We do not ban a reckless male teenager driving a red ferrari on the street, we just make sure they pay for it if anything happens.
yes your part right , go look at stats can. and you will see that( labs) bite more then pit/rottie/dobermans put together here in canada , and now the little terrors like min-pins are making the list for more bites then pitbulls , so yes i believe if a dog(not breed) has been deemed vicious yes rates should be higher
I agree with Colin. , 60% of people want to ban the breed but all the comments say it's NOT the breed?? seems odd. Where are their comments? What nonsense do they have to say??
People who own these dogs (ANY DOG) that is prone to violence need to have stiff penalties.
They should be made to go through mandatory obedience and socialization classes with their dogs. Just like the spca does when you take a dog from there. I'll bet 95% of the cases where the dogs attacks, the owner is some kind of low life crook or scum bag who is a detriment to society anyway and shouldn't even own a dog.. Just look at Rita Phillip. I haven't seen one case where the owner was a "respectable, law abiding " member of society.. Because people who care, actually treat their dogs properly and love them and train them and they dont end up like this..
Like some said earlier, you cant put them all in the same bucket. Not all men rape, not all black people steal and not all horses buck.. Its all in the upbringing!!!!!!
and Sherry, you belong in an urban setting..
This research paper strongly suggests that behavior, not bite force, is the key to an aggressive dog. Among the most aggressive are Chihuahuas, Jack Russel Terriers, Daschunds, Poodles, and more. It is a long read of several minutes, but the UNBAISED information is an eye opener.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/no2mibsl/doc/198196453580378/
Eight breeds common to both datasets (Dachshund, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Rottweiler, Shetland Sheepdog and Siberian Husky) ranked similarly, […] for aggression directed toward strangers, dogs and owners, respectively. Some breeds scored higher than average for aggression directed toward both humans and dogs (e.g., Chihuahuas and Dachshunds) while other breeds scored high only for specific targets (e.g., dog-directed aggression among Akitas and Pit Bull Terriers). In general, aggression was most severe when directed toward other dogs followed by unfamiliar people and household members. Breeds with the greatest percentage of dogs exhibiting serious aggression (bites or bite attempts) toward humans included Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers (toward strangers and owners); Australian Cattle Dogs (toward strangers); and American Cocker Spaniels and Beagles (toward owners).
Ignorance is what we should be afraid of and Sherry you are the epitome of what we should all fear. As the article say's Educate don't legislate !!!!!!!
Why not just ban them to the edge of the village? Then ban them to the edge of the territory. Then ban them to the edge of existence. Banning to extinction, what an interesting thought. I think the Nazis tried that, didn't they?
Ok.... sherry I agree you are very ignorant. I work with several animal rescues and one being a pit bull rescue another being a great Dane rescue and a golden retriever rescue. Of all the rescues the pits get along the best and the great danes the worst. I own two dogs a pit bull and a golden retriever. My golden is very dog aggressive and my pit loves everyone and other dogs. A few weeks ago I was attacked by a yellow lab and jack Russell running around together loose. Another incident my pit was attacked by small yappy dog... he in no way fought back.. he actually backed away... it's how dogs are raised and how an owner teaches their dog and corrects them. If you never punish a child, the child will grow up thinking it can get away with anything it wants.... same with dogs....CORRECT THEM WHEN THEY DO WRONG.
Absolute garbage. If any town is actually considering this, they should stop being so damn lazy and do some current credible research. If they did, they would know how stupid and ineffective pitbull bands are. Just pure lazy, pointless governing. I have done tons of research on this topic. It just blows my mind how ignorant some people responsible for these decisions are. With the access we have today by experts on every subject out there, I can't believe this is still an issue. Research will tell you NO YOU SHOULD NOT BAN PITBULLS. try to put an effective vicious dog law in place instead.
A dog is only as good as it's handler, if it lacks the proper training and structure it may be capable of reacting in an innapropriate way. Most attacks by dogs are due to human neglegance in one way, shape or form.
I must say, I have seen more small breed dogs snap at children and other dogs than large breeds, my daughter was raised with rottweilers and mastiffs. If she can pull their ears, hair and feet and grab food out of their food bowl without consequence then maybe in fact you should hold the handlers of these animals responsible as I have never had any issues with our dogs nor has any of the many children that have crawled all over them.
On another note, in regards to the three pitbulls that killed the pom (i believe it was). These dogs should not be condemmed. Quite honestly, your going to tell me that if someone takes a swing at you, your child or your close friend that you would simply turn the other cheek? I highly doubt this and it is the exact same situation. They are pack animals, that is a family unit so as a rule even if they were not directly bitten they will defend their pack if they see mistreatment.
So, if all the single minded, lets ban "aggressive" dog types people out there would kindly take a hike would be greatly appreciated and I do hope that you never aquire a dog, you have no clue what you are talking about however are entitled to your opinion.
I could write an essay about this subject, but I won't. I have a pitbull, and like everyone has said, they are amazing animals!! I totally agree with all the comments regarding that the owner is the issue in all cases. Dog's, whether they are Pitt's or whatever, don't go on their walk or to the park thinking that "today I am going to cause some serious trouble". Dogs react, that's what they do. It is all about the energy of the owner. Who ever is at the end of the leash is responsible. Maybe watch some episodes of THE DOG WHISPERER, Cesar Milan.
To Sherry, you really need to do some research before you spout off our mouth!
As for Pascal, saying that dangerous breeds need to pay much higher premiums.. get in touch with reality!
Chihuahua's can be dangerous too. I have been at dog parks where some of the dogs that are physco, are the labs, retrievers, and the border collies. People think that their dog will stay busy catching balls or frizbies. That is a recipe for disaster. Two labs have attacked my Pitbull because he came running and playing near them. I have also seen two Great Danes have a serious fight at a park. I could see right away why this happened. The owners were insecure because previously these same dogs had a run in. They said that the dogs didn't like each other. I couldn't go into it at the time, but the energy at the end of those leashes was already saying that the owner was insecure and so the dogs went into protection mode cause the owners were weak.
Anyhoo, I could go on.
Thank you to all who read this long message.
Just one more thing. To all you nay-sayers of Pitties and other "dangerous" breeds, look at the owner very close before you blame the dog.
Thank you.
I 100% agree it is the owner's responsibility to properly train and socialize their dogs. It is also their responsibility to do their research on the breeds they have. When I adopted our Pitbull terrier, Zakk, I did extensive research on the breed and how to properly care for him. This included not going to off leash dog parks after the age of 1. With all of the stimulus and different types of dogs running around in those parks, it is difficult to control certain situations. Though you trust your own dog is trained, you cannot trust the other dogs are.
Perhaps if the media quits creating terror and fear for these beloved creatures based off a few bad eggs, then we can create logical discussions for a sustainable solution. I applaud the city for refusing to consider the Breed-Ban nonsense in Calgary. Lets let logic prevail!
Wow, some people are just plain narrow minded, which is sad! I have a pit but, and have no problems what so ever. My mother has a shih tzu that i now take care of that bit me twice! Shall we band shih tzus now?? Stupid people, all dogs bite!
lets ban all men because they are capable of rape!! sounds pretty ridiculous right ? seriously people all dogs are capable of harm, stop blaming the breed and start implementing responsible ownership WITH EVERY TYPE OF PET.
The pitbull always gets the bad rap. It is 100% the owners responsibility to have control of the dog and if they don't they should not have one. I am an extremely proud Pitbull owner. He is my baby boy. He is the best around infants and other people. Sure he is protective of me but he will never hurt anyone intentionally uunless provoked by hurtting me or anyone that is near. But any breed will do that. My Pitbull Lenny shares my bed with me and goes everywhere with me. He is one of the best companions anyone could ask for.
A dogs behaviour is 100% based on the training and socialization that he or she receives when young.
Sherry, you should not comment unless you know what you are talking about.
I've said my peace and if anyone has an issue you can find d me on the internet and I would be happy to set you straight.
More dangerous breed needs to pay a much higher, mandatory insurance premium. If the dog is proven to be more dangerous (more biting incident), why not increase their premium? Why re-invent the wheel? We do not ban a reckless male teenager driving a red ferrari on the street, we just make sure they pay for it if anything happens.
Sherry, you are IGNORANT. That is all.
You are looking at the wrong END OF THE LEASH!!! It is the owners of the dogs, not the dogs!!!
I find it appalling that there are actually still people around who don't get one simple fact: dogs are not aggressive creatures by nature! Human beings who are thoughtless, self-absorbed, too lazy to exercise their dogs and violent themselves (and then think they deserve to have dogs in their lives) are the problem. When you bring a dog into your life you have a responsibility to care for it properly. Dogs want to please us, they want to learn, they like to have a "job". When they are not given enough exercise and socialization they are simply unable to develop the skills they need. Banning a breed of dog from being part of society is like banning an entire race of people. It is totally backward, uninformed and lazy. The solution is to find a way to stop the wrong people from having a dog in the first place. Pit bulls are extremely strong dogs - and they're also one of the most loyal, affectionate and intelligent breeds. That's why so many horrible people have them - not because they love dogs but because they want people to fear them. This is the problem, and we all need to say enough is enough.
why is it that, when I filled out this poll, 60% of people want to ban the breed but all the comments say it's NOT the breed (with the exception of "Sherry", who doesn't sound like much of a dog lover at all to me, but I could be wrong)... Education is the only way to approach this, both as a spectator and as a dog owner. If you're not going to care for your dog, don't have one... If you're not going to care for your child, don't have one... If you're not going to care for your car (so it isn't losing parts driving down deerfoot), don't have one... notice a trend?
As a owner of two dogs, I say charge the people whose dogs started the fight as their dogs were running free and out of control. This man does not deserve to be charged nor the dogs put down. I do feel that no one should be walking more than two dogs at a time regardless of whether or not they are on a leash. Provocation is very serious in this incident - they are not children who we can teach to "use their words", or course they bit back! For the by-law officer to indicate that it doesn't matter is unjust.
The breed of a dog has nothing to do with it being aggressive. It is the owner's responsibility to train and discipline their dog. Frankly, people have dogs more as objects than actual living beings and instead of exercising them properly they use them like ornaments. Blaming the dog is bullshit.
Banning pit bull dogs would not alleviate the problem of violence. Any tendencies for a dog to become violent , 95% of the time are inherently traits directly from the human responsible for the animals. And in these circumstances which I might add are rare but do exist when a dog is too aggressive the human responsible has been successful 98% of the time when enrolling their pet in a training regime and class.
Really Calgary...??? You want to ban pitbulls?? Give me a break... Let's ban stupid owners instead.... Breed Specific Legislation does not work... it only gives cops with big gun issues the right to seize and murder ...people's pets...family members... What breed is next?? Labs...Retrievers...Poodles? Every decade it's a different breed.... Before people vote on such a ridiculous idea... they need to do some research...
Sherry are u on crack?? It is NEVER the breed... but the humans they trust to care for them, that makes them aggressive...
im tired of hearing about banning pitbulls , and people saying the dogs are the problem , they are not , it's the owners and they need to be held accountable , if we gunna ban because a few have had bad up-bringing , lets ban everything that has had bad....like lets say the americans who inslaved blacks or even better the mexicans the had more slave then anyone else,how about germans hell they kill millions of people , so when a few bad apples act up you all want to ban ban ban so ok , no want to use accountability , so ban em all HOW RIDICULOUS.
The breed AND the owners are both the problem. Large, aggressive dogs do not belong in an urban setting. And there is NO controlling WHO owns them.
Breed bans are ridiculous and accomplish nothing. In the past people have vilified Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, etc as being "dangerous breeds" not fit to live. Now it's the American Pitbull. It's not the fault of the dog, it's the owner. Some people should not be allowed to own dogs, or any pets. A well-trained and cared-for dog is never going to be a problem, no matter which breed it belongs to. Also there are many mixed-breed dogs that look like pitbulls, or are part pitbull. All the pitbull-type dogs I've known have been very affectionate, good dogs.
Breed specific legislation is not effective...research.
This is not about the breed. It is about dog owners. Any breed of dog can bite and cause serious damage. It is human's who put animals in difficult situations by not providing proper socialization, training and supervision. I have worked in the animal industry many years and the most bites I have avoided have been from small dogs. We need to educate dog owners and stop blaming the dogs.
Pitbulls are amazing dogs it is the people that destroy the breads reputation. I think that harsher penalties and fines should be given out to pet owners regardless of the bread. Having a dog is a privilege and should be taken very seriously especially when you have a large bread. If anything I think that if an individual that has been charged with a serious offense should not be able to go and purchase or register another dog.