"Dangerous" Dog Breeds

bonitacash08

I have an 18 month old pit bull puppy. Well, technically she's my boyfriend's puppy but I rescued her from being an outside dog when we moved in together 6 months ago. He had no idea how to train or raise her and I've just stepped into that role.

A little background. We live in Nevada. The desert. The weather is acceptable to be outside oh maybe 3 days out of the year. Other than that it's either too damn hot or too damn cold.

My bf got her when she was 8 weeks old and from the beginning didn't really take the necessary steps to take care of her. He didn't realize the responsibility of having her and all the work it would take to keep her. I TRIED to tell him..

Anyways, he grew up in a house that kept their dogs outside. His dad would get a couple of dogs and keep them in the backyard for a few years and then get rid of them. I grew up in a family that treated our dog like family. Tyson was/is my dad's first son and second born child. He's always inside with them. He has traveled from Okinawa, Japan to California to Nevada to Virginia to Arizona with my parents. As you can probably imagine, my bf and I have different ideas on what's acceptable for household pets.

For about a year of her life, our/my puppy spent all of her time outside. My bf put her dog kennel flush with the entrance of the doggy door, so she could come inside away from the elements but could go no further than her kennel. She never got human interaction, never got walked, never got played with. During the winter before I moved in, I put a space heater by her kennel because it was literally freezing outside and she's obviously a short hair.

Fast forward to now, I've officially made her a house dog She literally knew zero commands, and now she knows sit and lay and we're working on stay. She used to be completely hyper and anxious around people, nervous-peeing on the floor every time someone pet her. She couldn't lay down and be calm. She had to be as close as possible to you, on your lap if you let her. She's almost 60lbs lol so it wasn't comfortable for anyone. Now my girl is calm, sweet, and she tries so hard to be good and do what she thinks I want. We go to the dog parks, on walks, and I make time for her every day.

Her interaction with my kitten is HILARIOUS. My kitten is a few months younger than her but is definitely the alpha animal of the house (besides me). They play together. My bf also has a 2 year old daughter that my puppy absolutely adores.

I write this epic novella to say this: I don't think there are "vicious" or "dangerous" breeds. Any dog can be aggressive or mean. It depends on the time the owners put in. My pit was easily on the path to being "dangerous" but I turned it around.

Anyone else have stories about their dogs? Rescues? Shelter dogs?

_noob_

in

PlayerHatinDogooder

You should leave your boyfriend outside.

iLoveMyPitbull1225

I agree with you, I have one too and hes sweeter than pie. Bad people do bad things to animals and it creates negative behavior..

HealthyBodySickMind

Good for you! That is, on the proper training of your boyfriend. Dogs should not live chained to things.

mrs_mab

We've raised and bred APBT for many years, they are some of the sweetest, most loyal family dogs you will ever own! That being said, they are NOT for everybody, nor are many other breeds of protection type such as rottiess, dobbies, shepherds, mastiffs, ambulls, etc.... with breeds such as these comes great responsibility, well with any breed really, but protection breeds even more. Yes, any dog can be vicious, my grandma had a Chihuahua under 8 pounds that would eat *kitten*, however the difference is 50-100+ pounds! Rarely do you hear of Chihuahua attacks, though I am sure it happens quite often, but the amount of damage they are able to do compared to a large, powerful protection breed is insurmountable....

We have since stopped breeding after losing our beloved male APBT Brutus at age 14 several years ago, and currently do not own any APBT, but we still love the breed! We do have an 90 pound AMBULL who we rescued at the age of 8 months. When we got him, he was schizophrenic, hated men, and was afraid of his own tail and shadow. Now he is 5 and an awesome member of our family, though he still gets the crazy eyes and weirded out at least once a day, as AMBULLS are known for their aloofness. He is the best protection dog we've ever owned, but you have to be careful with him, as he is a great judge of character. If you're calm & chill, he will eventually warm up to you on his own time. If you're sketchy & shady, chances are you won't be at our house for very long. It the words of dog whisperer, Caesar Millan - "No touch, No talk, No eye contact."

hbrittingham

I am so glad you were able to step in and move the pup indoors. Dogs who are undersocialized can become dangerous, mainly out of fear.

I personally think pit bulls are fabulous dogs. I also recently trained a doberman (we do boarding training), the first one I have every really had any contact with. He was the biggest mush in the world! He looked intimidating, but he didn't have a mean bone in his body.

mrdk92

When I was born, we had three dobermans in the house and they were never ever dangerous. I've owned many different dog breeds, generally all medium-extra large and none of them were born "dangerous".

And I'm glad you've brought your puppy inside! Give clicker training a try, worked wonders with our dogs.

schaapj2

APBTs used to be called Nanny dogs for a reason....protective and loyal....great family dogs. There are no inherently bad dogs-animal behavior is both instinctual and learned. When a dog is reinforced negatively, it reacts negatively.

Love pits and staffies....:) And like all dogs, they benefit form training, routine, and consistency.

bonitacash08

When I was born, we had three dobermans in the house and they were never ever dangerous. I've owned many different dog breeds, generally all medium-extra large and none of them were born "dangerous".

And I'm glad you've brought your puppy inside! Give clicker training a try, worked wonders with our dogs.

You know what? I will.. I've heard so many positive reviews about it..

simplyciera

I had a chow chow/akita mix growing up. Categorized as an aggressive guard dog. We got him from the SPCA as a puppy. He was a darling. He loved children. never bit. wasn't territorial, but he DID guard. Like when he was older, he'd sleep in front of the front door. When my mom was sitting down, he'd sit at her side like a guide dog. He'd bark when someone came to our porch, but every dog does that. He was just excited. Since he was typically an excited dog that liked to jump and lick, we sent him to obedience classes & he did well.

It's all about the owners and how the dog is treated. We treated our dog like a person. He had his own couch, heater and space in the house. He stayed in my bed until I fell asleep and then went to guard the house. He loved kids...and kids are rough. They'd pull his tail and smush his face. Never even a yelp. He was amazing. I could never replace such a good dog.

Chaosrose8

I have a bullmastiff and an American bulldog. My husband and I have worked hard to train them well. They are both sweet, loving dogs and are a part of our family.
They are large dogs (about 130 lbs and 100 lbs) so we wanted to make sure they would be well behaved.

juliemouse83

I remember reading about your baby several months ago. I'm glad she's an indoor doggie now.

I am a firm believer that there are no bad dogs - just bad owners.

kingtermite

I write this epic novella to say this: I don't think there are "vicious" or "dangerous" breeds. Any dog can be aggressive or mean. It depends on the time the owners put in. My pit was easily on the path to being "dangerous" but I turned it around.

Anyone else have stories about their dogs? Rescues? Shelter dogs?

Great story! I agree 150% that no breeds are "vicious" or "dangerous" by nature. Dogs are like people....raise them right and they'll be great; raise them wrong and they'll be nothing but trouble.

My wife and I volunteer at a local shelter and hear stories like this all the time. I see those "vicious" pit bulls that want nothing but love and hugs and wouldn't hurt a flea.

I'd say you did a great job training the dog....now you need to train the bf much better, it sounds like he needs a wake up call.

k8blujay2

I'm glad you stepped in... Why have a pet if you aren't going to take care of it in every aspect?

We have a dog, but not a shelter dog... ours isn't an "agressive" breed (Sheltie)... but I have been around "agressive breed" dogs most of my life... and I hope one day I will be able to get one because I have always gravitated towards those breeds because of the ones I have grown up around.

Megs081211

Please Please Please, remember pitbulls don't generally hit full maturity till 2 or 3 years of age and can develop problems after that point. I say that having worked with various animals and myself owned a pitbull. I loved that dog, she was the best dog we owned, and the the most gentle. Many people don't realize when they hit full maturity but it's something you have to constantly watch for.

And for the no dangerous dogs I have to disagree. I would say a chihuahua lol. I've worked in a shelter for 8 years (yes we've had animal aggressive pits in) but the only dogs I'd ever been bit by there were chihuahua's. lol

Ashley_Panda

Our super vicious/dangerous bully baby. Her name is Poena and was a rescue. She had a litter of puppies and just like always everyone wants the pups and not the mama. I wanted the mama. She's the biggest sweetie on the planet, awesome with our two babies, and loves to play with our cats and other dog.

amandapye78

I believe it was the owners do BUT I think breeding plays a huge part it in. If you breed dogs that have a tendency towards aggression the puppies are more likely to have aggression issues too,.. BTW this was a comment against irresponsible breeding not individual breeds. I had a shih tzu we had to put down. I put everything into that dog and even paid a behaviorist to help us but the dog was so aggressive we could do nothing with him ( I got him as a 2 month old puppy), he had circuits that were misfiring somewhere and he came from a puppy mill before I knew any better. It was the worst thing ever.

1shauna1

I never really understand people who have dogs and keep them outside all the time like that. My two dogs are my family! I just adopted my second from a rescue group and he does have some issues (mainly barking and some aggression with other dogs). I don't know his background, but we're in dog training class and he's very smart! I totally think that there isn't a "dangerous" dog breed; frankly it's the owners who are more dangerous due to lack of training or bad training. Any dog can be a vicious dog, even a toy breed.

bonitacash08

My bf isn't a bad guy. Some people just don't see animals as family. He's definitely come a long way since he first got her. He plays with her now and hangs out with her now that she's better behaved. He just got overwhelmed with training her and decided to resort to how his dad treated animals because it was easier.

rem10210

You should leave your boyfriend outside.

THIS!

Thank you for rescuing this little one from a life of misery and probably becoming mean.

I have 3 big dogs (all 100% inside), volunteer with a local rescue group, and am an advocate for humane treatment of animals. There is a ton of research out there on why it is safer and healthier for dogs not to be inside.
I think the "dangerous" breed deal is a load of bull! Dogs learn dangerous behaviors from their owners. Any dog can attack it isn't treated properly. Sure individual dogs can end up with more aggressive personalities without any mistreatment, but that isn't breed specific.
I highly recommend crate training and look into the "Nothing In Life is Free" method of training.

StarChanger

I have a Boxer, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever (2nd one of this breed), and a Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff aka "Hooch").

Boxer - bred to be guard dogs / police dogs. Mine - sweet snuggle bunny, wiggle butt, great with kids even though she was never raised around or with any. Is a "mediator" at the dog park (breaks up fights between other dogs by chest-butting the aggressors and growling at them...really hilarious since she's on the small side (~60lbs), OLD (12yrs and completely grey in the face/ears).

French Mastiff - "War dog"...bred to be nothing but aggressive beasts to take down man and horse. Mine - 9 months old, 100lbs of lazy, goofy, shy, sweetness. She loves man and dog. I'm sure she'd run from a horse.....rofl.

Chessie - bred for COLD water duck / fowl hunting on the Chesapeake bay. Also the only retriever breed intentionally bred with guarding instincts (that I know of) THIS is the aggressive dog of the group. As was our last one. Whodda thunk?? I don't trust her, unsupervised, around kids. She's pretty good with other dogs, but would certainly NEVER back down from a fight if someone started one (neither would the last). Likes people, after we acknowledge that they are friends, but aggressively (teeth everywhere...so the neighbors say.) defends the door if someone knocks when we're not home.

Yes, it's certainly all about the upbringing, but instincts do go a long way, depending on the breeding. Our Chessie came from "champion" field dog stock (we bought her as a companion dog) and clearly she hails from a lineage that took the guarding part to heart. In most people's minds, they would fear the Mastiff the most....and she is by FAR the least aggressive of the group. Now, that being said, if you did somehow piss her off.......

And that's where the problems with "certain breeds" come in. Pitty's, in my experience, have all been the super sweet lovers described on this page. But all it takes is one or two media-sensationalized story, and they all become evil man/dog killers. German Shepards, Chows, Boxer, Dobbies, Sharpei's, Akita's, etc have all had their time in the lime light.

The problem is exactly what you described. Unknowing, or uncaring, owners who get a dog because it's "cute" or they want protection, but don't know what they're doing (or don't care). Or the one's who get a breed as a penis-extention....

ALL dogs have the potential to cause harm....just like humans.

Also....all 3 of my dogs have been dog-park & doggie daycare dogs since early puppyhood. Breeding DOES matter.

*edited for unintentional excessive bolding!

ldrosophila

No a properly trained dog is not dangerous, but they are still an animal without reason and some people that own these large herding and hunting breeds use it more for a status symbol and either dont train the animal or train it to be more aggressive. Pit Bulls are a very strong breed, and without a good strong leader they can kill. Actually any dog can kill, but these powerful dogs get the bad rap because of their strength and the fact when they go into attack mode it is very vicious and to the death.

AmyP619

When I was born, we had three dobermans in the house and they were never ever dangerous. I've owned many different dog breeds, generally all medium-extra large and none of them were born "dangerous".

And I'm glad you've brought your puppy inside! Give clicker training a try, worked wonders with our dogs.

We also used clicker training with our Boston Terrier. We put him through 2 puppy classes when we first got him, and they use clicker training in those classes. Very effective!

StarChanger

And for the no dangerous dogs I have to disagree. I would say a chihuahua lol. I've worked in a shelter for 8 years (yes we've had animal aggressive pits in) but the only dogs I'd ever been bit by there were chihuahua's. lol

I was a vet tech for several years....for me, Chihuahuas and Cocker Spaniels. I know people love them and I am a TOTAL dog lover, but I don't trust either of these breeds. This is also why I prefer big dogs. Big dogs absolutely warn you if you are invading their space....little dogs will just bite you first and ask questions later. That being said, when I get old and can't handle big dogs any more, I think I want a Pug...or maybe a Boston Terrier. Their are some really cool small breeds out there...I need to do more research before I get old.

simplyciera

And for the no dangerous dogs I have to disagree. I would say a chihuahua lol. I've worked in a shelter for 8 years (yes we've had animal aggressive pits in) but the only dogs I'd ever been bit by there were chihuahua's. lol

I was a vet tech for several years....for me, Chihuahuas and Cocker Spaniels. I know people love them and I am a TOTAL dog lover, but I don't trust either of these breeds. This is also why I prefer big dogs. Big dogs absolutely warn you if you are invading their space....little dogs will just bite you first and ask questions later. That being said, when I get old and can't handle big dogs any more, I think I want a Pug...or maybe a Boston Terrier. Their are some really cool small breeds out there...I need to do more research before I get old.

I agree with Chihuahuas and add Min Pins. Omg those things are soooo mean. Would never adopt into my family.
My aunt had a cocker spaniel. He was hyper, but loved him. great dog!

jenilla1

Unfortunately, there are too many idiot OWNERS out there. I live in a middle/working class area where pits have become a popular breed in the past several years - I think due to TV shows and everybody wanting to rescue them. I have pits living on all sides of me. When I go for walks, every other house seems to have pits or pit mixes, which would be fine, if people were taking proper care of them.

My neighbor dogs were ALL really cute, sweet little puppies who used to come up to the fence for scratches and loving. But as they grew into adults (a total of 5 pits from 3 different owners) they ALL started barking, growling, snapping and charging the fences when I go into my back yard. It's like they stopped recognizing me after puppy stage. Sometimes they get so worked up they start attacking each other. I know one of the dogs to my right needed stiches after one of these frenzies.

On one side, the fence has needed to be shored up a couple of times because they're breaking it. This bothers me because I was here before these dogs, and my yard belongs to me, but they act like it's theirs. I have a garden and these dogs make it un-fun to be outside. One of these days that fence is gonna break and I hope I'm not outside when it does!

These are ALL outdoor dogs. The people got them when they were puppies, blathering on about how sweet and adorable pits are, and when they got bigger and started to be a pain, they were sent outside to bark incessantly day and night and charge the fences and menace the neighbors. And if you even hint that their dogs are a problem, all hell breaks loose and the owners freak out on you.

I'm not looking to start a feud with the neighborhood, so I'm forced to live with it. My problem is not with pits. It's with the average pit owner. They take in pits and them abandon them in the yard, where they become a nuisance and a hazard.

mrs_mab

That being said, when I get old and can't handle big dogs any more, I think I want a Pug...or maybe a Boston Terrier. Their are some really cool small breeds out there...I need to do more research before I get old.

Boston Terriers are awesome, they are a cousin of the bully breeds, and were bred down from the larger Boston Bull many years ago. They are a lot like their larger counterpart in they're loyal, tenaious, high-spirited and good guards for smaller breeds, and can also be quite stubborn like the bully! We've had 2 and love them, we'll never live without one!

amandapye78

Unfortunately, there are too many idiot OWNERS out there. I live in a middle/working class area where pits have become a popular breed in the past several years - I think due to TV shows and everybody wanting to rescue them. I have pits living on all sides of me. When I go for walks, every other house seems to have pits or pit mixes, which would be fine, if people were taking proper care of them.

My neighbor dogs were ALL really cute, sweet little puppies who used to come up to the fence for scratches and loving. But as they grew into adults (a total of 5 pits from 3 different owners) they ALL started barking, growling, snapping and charging the fences when I go into my back yard. It's like they stopped recognizing me after puppy stage. Sometimes they get so worked up they start attacking each other. I know one of the dogs to my right needed stiches after one of these frenzies.

On one side, the fence has needed to be shored up a couple of times because they're breaking it. This bothers me because I was here before these dogs, and my yard belongs to me, but they act like it's theirs. I have a garden and these dogs make it un-fun to be outside. One of these days that fence is gonna break and I hope I'm not outside when it does!

These are ALL outdoor dogs. The people got them when they were puppies, blathering on about how sweet and adorable pits are, and when they got bigger and started to be a pain, they were sent outside to bark incessantly day and night and charge the fences and menace the neighbors. And if you even hint that their dogs are a problem, all hell breaks loose and the owners freak out on you.

I'm not looking to start a feud with the neighborhood, so I'm forced to live with it. My problem is not with pits. It's with the average pit owner. They take in pits and them abandon them in the yard, where they become a nuisance and a hazard.

I have this problem too but they aren't pits they are labs and they scare the **** out of me. They are just left outside and ignored. I think any dog can turn aggressive if they are ignored

mrs_mab

Unfortunately, there are too many idiot OWNERS out there. I live in a middle/working class area where pits have become a popular breed in the past several years - I think due to TV shows and everybody wanting to rescue them. I have pits living on all sides of me. When I go for walks, every other house seems to have pits or pit mixes, which would be fine, if people were taking proper care of them.

My neighbor dogs were ALL really cute, sweet little puppies who used to come up to the fence for scratches and loving. But as they grew into adults (a total of 5 pits from 3 different owners) they ALL started barking, growling, snapping and charging the fences when I go into my back yard. It's like they stopped recognizing me after puppy stage. Sometimes they get so worked up they start attacking each other. I know one of the dogs to my right needed stiches after one of these frenzies.

On one side, the fence has needed to be shored up a couple of times because they're breaking it. This bothers me because I was here before these dogs, and my yard belongs to me, but they act like it's theirs. I have a garden and these dogs make it un-fun to be outside. One of these days that fence is gonna break and I hope I'm not outside when it does!

These are ALL outdoor dogs. The people got them when they were puppies, blathering on about how sweet and adorable pits are, and when they got bigger and started to be a pain, they were sent outside to bark incessantly day and night and charge the fences and menace the neighbors. And if you even hint that their dogs are a problem, all hell breaks loose and the owners freak out on you.

I'm not looking to start a feud with the neighborhood, so I'm forced to live with it. My problem is not with pits. It's with the average pit owner. They take in pits and them abandon them in the yard, where they become a nuisance and a hazard.

I have this problem too but they aren't pits they are labs and they scare the **** out of me. They are just left outside and ignored. I think any dog can turn aggressive if they are ignored

People Like this should not own dogs PERIOD! ANY BREED! Sorry ya'll are having to deal with crap like this! :frown:

bonitacash08

Unfortunately, there are too many idiot OWNERS out there. I live in a middle/working class area where pits have become a popular breed in the past several years - I think due to TV shows and everybody wanting to rescue them. I have pits living on all sides of me. When I go for walks, every other house seems to have pits or pit mixes, which would be fine, if people were taking proper care of them.

My neighbor dogs were ALL really cute, sweet little puppies who used to come up to the fence for scratches and loving. But as they grew into adults (a total of 5 pits from 3 different owners) they ALL started barking, growling, snapping and charging the fences when I go into my back yard. It's like they stopped recognizing me after puppy stage. Sometimes they get so worked up they start attacking each other. I know one of the dogs to my right needed stiches after one of these frenzies.

On one side, the fence has needed to be shored up a couple of times because they're breaking it. This bothers me because I was here before these dogs, and my yard belongs to me, but they act like it's theirs. I have a garden and these dogs make it un-fun to be outside. One of these days that fence is gonna break and I hope I'm not outside when it does!

These are ALL outdoor dogs. The people got them when they were puppies, blathering on about how sweet and adorable pits are, and when they got bigger and started to be a pain, they were sent outside to bark incessantly day and night and charge the fences and menace the neighbors. And if you even hint that their dogs are a problem, all hell breaks loose and the owners freak out on you.

I'm not looking to start a feud with the neighborhood, so I'm forced to live with it. My problem is not with pits. It's with the average pit owner. They take in pits and them abandon them in the yard, where they become a nuisance and a hazard.

I'm really sorry you have to go through that. That's exactly where my puppy was headed. She chewed through the AC unit housing outside TWICE.. She dug through rock and dirt against the house. She chewed the neighbor's pipe that was coming out of their house.. Boredom and anxiety at its finest