"Is it justifiable to restrict, stereotype, and ban pit bulls as a whole?"
This will focus on the breed restrictions that take place in many towns including almost all of Colorado and the stereotype that most individuals subconsciously have that pit bulls are all aggressive and mean.
How would you currently respond to this question based on your guts and emotions?
Considering I am very passionate about this topic, my first instinct is very defensive and emotional. I work with dogs on a daily basis and I see sweet and loving pit bulls regularly. But most of the population picture an aggressive and horrible dog when they hear the word pit bull. Because of that, pit bulls are not allowed in certain cities and towns. This is causing unnecessary stereotype against pitbulls, shelters filled with a certain breed, and euthanasia. Because of my work experience and knowledge, the answer to my research question is no. It is not fair to punish a whole breed because of a few bad ones. Not to mention, who knows how the "few bad ones" were raised. We need to take into account how the person may have treated the dog. The well behaved pit bulls from my work all come from loving and family oriented homes, I don't think thats a coincidence.
What do you think people with other viewpoints would say about your topic?
I think many people would bring up statistics or stories that were heard on the news or the internet. Also, common misconceptions such as pit bulls have lock jaw and are naturally born aggressive. Another topic or point that may be brought up is dog fighting, pit bulls are the most common breed to be fought.
What else do you want to find out to gain a working knowledge and some credibility on this issue?
I would like to find out proof and statistics on certain issues like what is mentioned above. The lock-jaw myth needs credible evidence in order to convince readers. Also, how a dog's brain works, more specifically a pit bull's brain, when it comes to aggression.
Picture via: www.yourfriendandmine.org. Pit Bulls Are Your Friend and Mine, 2010. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
The topic regarding any kind of stereotyping always seems to get my blood boiling. When we choose to stereotype we limit ourselves to really understanding the topic. Taking your specific topic regarding pit bulls is of course one that has been around for years. I have known several pit bulls some were sweet as can be and other which I feel were raised to be mean scared me so much I am no longer around those individuals. I have two dogs, one is a Jack Russell Terrier, and and other is a Rottweiler. We have raised our dogs to be friendly, we have never wrestled with them and although Eddie - the Jack Russell is aggressive toward other dogs, he is sweet to all people. Bruiser - the Rottie is a big lug, sweet to all animals and people. That said people will approach Eddie without hesitation and they are scared to death of Bruiser. I find it kind of amusing because Eddie would get my money in a bet of who is toughest. I believe any domesticated dog can be trained to be aggressive or sweet and kind. I will be interested in what your research provides as you really begin to look into Pit Bulls and what behavior is inherited and what behavior is considered taught when it comes to their specific aggression and is it really any different than another breed. Maybe comparing to another breed like a lab would be beneficial as everyone thinks labs are so sweet.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!
Shannon Wydra
Hey Alexis!
ReplyDeleteI love that you chose this topic. It is such a great one that I am sure you will be able to find some good material and statistics on! I have always been horrified at the way that certain dog breeds are treated because of "stories people hear or see." It is a sad thing that a couple of dogs that were treated and raised inhumanely can cause a whole breed to be put down.
I had always heard that pit bulls were chosen to be the dog fighters because they were smarter than the average dog and could learn to respond how the owner wanted them too more easily. I do not know if that is true, but it makes sense to me. If somebody is going to pick on a breed and cause them to be violent, then I would think that going for the easiest trainable dogs would be the best option.
I look forward to reading more of you essay and to see what you come up with! Good luck!
I completely agree to the fact Pit Bulls get a really bad name and it wasn't really their fault. They are like a loaded gun in the wrong hands. I am outraged out the bans on pits. To many are so good to call them all bad. I agree 100% that it is all in how they are raised. I have a very well behaved Pit bull and she is with my small children I do however take ever precaution when it comes to my pit and my kids. There are too many ways to learn about the animal you have and to care for as they should be. I think your on a great path with your blog and good luck.
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