My first step was going to CNN, rather than google, and simply typing in the word pit bull. There was hundreds of articles with different and varying titles. I have to say I was impressed because I often doubted the quantity and quality CNN would provide me on my research question. On the first page there was an article titled "A pit bull perception problem: What's a dog owner to do?" This caught my eye and once I clicked on it I was welcomed by a picture of an adorable pit bull with a ball hanging out of it's mouth and in the "story highlights" column all reputable and positive comments. Johnson uses court cases, quotes, statistics, history and facts to back up each of her strong yet valid points. One being a police officer with a pit bull service dog has made headlines and created controversy by challenging a breed ban. Another being an interview with a landlord who allows pit bulls in her apartment complexes along with owning three pit bulls herself. This is rare and quite remarkable for someone to not only allow pit bulls for renting families, but defend it (trust me I know). The article turned out to be exactly something I was looking for and exactly what I am trying to defend.
Johnson, Morieka. "A Pit Bull Perception Problem: What's an Owner to Do?" CNN(2012): n. pag. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.
Next step I took is to go to an online animal encyclopedia. I, again, typed in the key word pit bull. The result was a short response and some information was not useful for my particular topic. Yet there was a few pieces of valuable information that can really play a key part in my essay. For example, a study done by The America Temperament Testing Society tested the natural attitude of a pit bull than compared it to the results of a family dog, like the golden retriever, supported my beliefs. More valuable information I discovered was how studies show how loving and loyal pit bulls can be if lead in the right direction by their owner. In addition, if not handled correctly, pit bull do have potencial to be stubborn and aggressive. I really trusted a cite like this because it seemed credible and professional, not driven on emotions which is common with pit bull information cites. Also, I discovered statistics I didn't know existed therefore the audience probably would not know as well.
"American Pit Bull Terrier." A-Z Animal Encyclopedia. N.p., 2008. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.
Great topic! It is sad that "we" humans have done this to dogs or animals in general. It is because of us that has caused pit bulls to be labeled. My brother and his girlfriend, my niece and her children have pit bulls and they are the most friendliest dogs I have ever met. I know of more schnauzer and toy poodle dogs biting people and they still don't get labeled as being an aggressive and dangerous dog. Those little dogs will just tear you up just for walking by them.
ReplyDeleteAs a dog lover, I wish I had come across this blog sooner. I also have a friend that owns a pitbull. I am a believer that their behavior has a lot to do with the type of owner the dog has. I feel that often the dog is neglected, or has an owner that should own any type of animal and thus the dog becomes hostile towards others. I am curious to see what type of information you find on both sides of this argument!
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the two above, I also have dogs. Personally I do have one pit mix. I know most Pit Pulls are perceived wrong as in your research, but I've definitely had some issues with her, but even this proves your side. She is aggressive at times and has certainly bitten me a few times, but she was found in the street. Found dog posters were put up for months with no owner looking for her. So its possible she was neglected, and that's why she acts this way. Cant wait to see the rest!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your second source's conclusion about how they are great dogs but can become more aggressive. I feel this is true for most dog types, that under certain circumstances any dog can become aggressive. To me that seems like the biggest myth to dispel is that a dog by nature is a result of it's ownership and any dog can be a great companion or an out of control beast. You have chosen some great sources and I look forward to reading your final result!
ReplyDeleteAlexis I really enjoyed reading the research that you have gathered so far! I think these first two sources will provide you with some great information and statistics. I like how you found some material of somebody who actually tested the temperament of pit bulls. That will be some valuable data when it comes to your final paper! Also, it is great to see that you have something with an actual business owner and renter who isn't afraid to stand up to the pit bull critics and allow them in her apartment complexes. It will really help to have that first source with court cases, history and statistics. I feel like you have a great idea of how to write this paper to really show people the point you are trying to get across.
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