Pit bulls are perceived as dangerous due to the numerous stories you no doubt have seen or heard in the media. While it seems they may be dangerous, we need to dive in and ask some questions to find out if this is true.
Top 10 reasons why people say pit bulls are dangerous
- Pit bulls have locking jaws: This is a common myth that has been debunked by experts. Pit bulls do not have any unique physical mechanism or enzyme that allows them to “lock” their jaws 1.
- Pit bulls are unpredictable: While it’s true that any dog can become unpredictable, pit bulls are not inherently more so than other breeds. In fact, pit bulls consistently score well on temperament tests 2.
- Pit bulls are more aggressive than other breeds: There is no evidence to support the claim that pit bulls are more aggressive than other breeds. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association has stated that “controlled studies have not identified this breed group as disproportionately dangerous” 3.
- Pit bulls are responsible for more dog bites than any other breed: While pit bulls are often blamed for dog bites, there is no evidence to suggest that they are responsible for more bites than other breeds. In fact, many studies have shown that breed is not a reliable predictor of dog bites 4.
- Pit bulls are bred for fighting: While pit bulls were historically bred for dogfighting, this does not mean that they are inherently aggressive. In fact, many pit bulls today are bred for companionship and make excellent family pets 3.
- Pit bulls have a high pain tolerance: There is no evidence to suggest that pit bulls have a higher pain tolerance than other breeds. In fact, pit bulls are just as susceptible to pain as any other dog 5.
- Pit bulls are more likely to turn on their owners: There is no evidence to support the claim that pit bulls are more likely to turn on their owners than other breeds. In fact, many pit bulls are fiercely loyal to their owners and will do anything to protect them 3.
- Pit bulls are more likely to attack children: There is no evidence to suggest that pit bulls are more likely to attack children than other breeds. In fact, many pit bulls are excellent with children and make great family pets 3.
- Pit bulls are naturally aggressive towards other dogs: While pit bulls were historically bred for dogfighting, this does not mean that they are naturally aggressive towards other dogs. In fact, many pit bulls get along well with other dogs and can live happily in multi-dog households 3.
- Pit bulls are not suitable for families with children: This is a common misconception. In fact, many pit bulls are excellent with children and make great family pets. However, like any other dog, pit bulls require proper training, socialization, and care to ensure that they are well-behaved and safe around people 3.
How can I make sure my pit bull will never be dangerous?
Training and socialization are key to ensuring that your pit bull is well-behaved and safe around people. Here are some tips to help you train your pit bull:
- Start early: Socialization is crucial for pit bulls, especially when they are young. Expose your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and situations from an early age to help them become comfortable with the world around them 1.
- Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training or reward-based training can be very effective with pit bulls. These methods are gentler than punishment-based training and can help build a strong bond between you and your dog 12.
- Teach basic commands: Teaching your pit bull basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come” can help keep them under control in different situations. It’s important to be consistent with your training and to practice regularly 1.
- Be patient: Training a pit bull takes time and patience. Don’t expect your dog to learn everything overnight. Instead, focus on small steps and celebrate each success along the way 1.
- Get professional help: If you’re having trouble training your pit bull, consider working with a professional dog trainer. They can help you identify problem areas and develop a training plan that works for you and your dog 1.
- Buy this book: Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement
Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. With patience, consistency, and lots of love, you can help your pit bull become a well-behaved and loving companion.
