Pitbulls have been a part of the canine family for many years, and in recent years, they have gotten a bad reputation due to a few people’s attempts to use them for fighting and negative publicity. This has led many people to be skeptical of owning a pitbull, as they fear that they may be dangerous and attack adults and children.
Today, we are going to look at pit bulls as a breed, disregarding any media coverage or rumors, to determine if they are truly dangerous or if what we’ve been led to believe is untrue.
The research on pit bulls shows that they are more aggressive than many other breeds of dog. This is due to generations of selective breeding, as they have been used as guard dogs and in dog fighting. As a result, modern generations of the pitbull tend to appear overly aggressive and dangerous. This doesn’t mean that all pitbulls are aggressive, however. It is important to keep in mind that pitbulls are among a list of breeds that are naturally more aggressive, and this has been heightened by breeding over time.
When looking at how pitbulls interact with other dogs and people, research shows that they are situationally aggressive. This means that the circumstances have to be right for them to become aggressive, such as if they feel themselves or their owner being threatened, being placed in high stress or unusual environments, or in a place which might trigger their aggression. Pitbulls are more likely to remain calm if they sense that the other person is calm.
This leads to the question of whether pitbulls can be family dogs. While some pitbulls may be aggressive or dangerous, it is possible to make an aggressive pitbull compatible with a family. Proper training and environment can make the difference between a pitbull that is not suited for a family and one that will make an excellent long term pet. It is even possible to make an aggressive pitbull family friendly with patience and training.
When looking for a pitbull, it is best to buy from a licensed breeder who has all the necessary paperwork on the dog, including the family history or pedigree. This can help you determine if the dog you are getting has a family history of being bred for fighting or other aggressive behavior. Additionally, you should start training your pup as early as possible to teach them appropriate behavior and break them of the habit of getting aggressive towards people and dogs.
In conclusion, while some pitbulls may be aggressive or dangerous, not all pitbulls are this way. With patience and training, it is possible to take even an aggressive pitbull and make them into a family friendly pet. Doing your research before selecting your dog and professional training is a good idea to correct any negative behaviors the dog may have. Always remember that no matter what type of dog you choose, owning a dog is a long term commitment and a lot of responsibility, so consider all your options before making a choice.