Are there still people like this?

Troll
Troll Posts: 922 Member
edited October 2024 in Chit-Chat
okay, with shows like pit boss and pitbulls and parolees, not to mention the canine bite stats, are there really still people that are afraid of any bully type dog? (including but not limited to cane corsos, presa canarios, bull terriors, bull mastiffs, staffordshire terriers, black mouth currs, american bulldogs, and american pitbull terriers) i have been nervous around certain dogs, but not whole breeds. Seems kind of silly, especially with all the breed education resources out there. Just wondering :)
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Replies

  • maddymama
    maddymama Posts: 1,183 Member
    Me! As someone who was attacked by a pittbull a few years ago (without provocation)....I'm terrified.
  • foremant86
    foremant86 Posts: 1,115 Member
    Yes, still plenty of ignorant people in the world unfortunately :\
  • jakejacobsen
    jakejacobsen Posts: 584 Member
    Me! As someone who was attacked by a pittbull a few years ago (without provocation)....I'm terrified.

    just pit bulls or all dogs?
  • foremant86
    foremant86 Posts: 1,115 Member
    Me! As someone who was attacked by a pittbull a few years ago (without provocation)....I'm terrified.

    you don't think it's absurd to judge a whole breed by the actions of one dog?
  • Laurelje
    Laurelje Posts: 167 Member
    It's not the dog, or the breed...it's the owner.
  • Qarol
    Qarol Posts: 6,171 Member
    Me! As someone who was attacked by a pittbull a few years ago (without provocation)....I'm terrified.
    you don't think it's absurd to judge a whole breed by the actions of one dog?
    There's a word for this...just can't quite think of it...
  • Moonblood
    Moonblood Posts: 199 Member
    I was attacked my a "friendly" golden lab when I was child... not going to hate the whole breed because I was attacked by 1 out of millions... Not afraid of bully type breeds, it's the owner all the way when it comes to those breeds... I know so many kind, loving and gentle bully type dogs.
  • shovav91
    shovav91 Posts: 2,335 Member
    Pit's are my favorite. It breaks my heart that people are still so judgmental.
    It is absolutely the owner rather than the dogs that are to blame.

    http://www.dontbullymybreed.org/
  • JBennis1013
    JBennis1013 Posts: 377 Member
    Unfortunately, there are people like this. Some people are too ignorant to realize that it is the owner that makes the dogs this way. It's not the breed. There are some pretty nasty small dogs, but no one ever thinks of them as being "attack" dogs. I have been bitten by a dalmation and a German Shepherd, but would never hold it against the breed, but I also can't blame someone that has been attacked by a specific breed for fearing that breed.
  • ritajean3
    ritajean3 Posts: 306 Member
    There was a recent pit bull attack in Aus where the dog ran into a home and killed a child while they clung to their mother. So pit bull fear is probably high here.


    I think the issue is the owners the breed attracts. Like those that go pig hunting and treat their dogs like little weapons and not a pet.


    I have a bull mastiff cross (are we including those?) we think he is part rotti or something and rotti were used as war dogs and to herd cattle. But he is the cutest lil doggy around and a complete coward, the kids ride him like a horse.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    i don't discriminate. i'm scared of all dogs
  • mommared53
    mommared53 Posts: 9,543 Member
    Yeah, I guess I'm one of those ignorant people. But then again, I pretty much don't trust any animal unless I know what the individual animal is like. I have a cat who seems all sweet and friendly to strangers and then will lash out at them without warning. And he's just a domestic long haired cat. So you just never know how an animal might react to someone.
  • brk_1982
    brk_1982 Posts: 125 Member
    I know it's not necessarily rational, but I am MORE nervous of breeds that could do serious damage than those that are less physically able to. I'm a dog owner, and completely agree that it's the owner, not the dog. But an abused pit bull can do a lot more damage to me than an abused chihuahua!
  • ansonrinesmith
    ansonrinesmith Posts: 741 Member
    I think any dog can be dangerous with the wrong owner.
    I had 3 Shar-Pei, who have a pretty bad rap as mean/vicious/attacking dogs.
    They were 3 of the most loving and friendly dogs. Even my vet was so surprised at how well they behaved.

    I think it's a shame to have that feeling against a breed, but it does happen, and I think it is on the owners of such breeds to be responsible and be champions for them!
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    Yes... me. My small dog (who was on a leash) and I were attacked by a pit bull while walking in our neighborhood. The pit bull hurdled the railing on a second floor deck and came charging. It was the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me. I ended up with lots of bruises and bites on my hands, thighs and the back of my neck - mostly defensive wounds. And I believe that my pug only survived because I covered him with my body and assumed the same posture one would when attacked by a grizzly bear.

    I am a true dog lover and I know in my mind that there are many sweet, nice-mannered dogs in that class of breeds, but I am always initially uneasy and nervous when I see a dog like this. I would never personally own one, either.

    And sorry... but I don't think the way I feel is 'silly'.
  • Lyadeia
    Lyadeia Posts: 4,603 Member
    My mom has a pit bull mix that's been in the family for over a decade, and he's the sweetest dog ever...of course, we love him and care for him and therefore he didn't grow up and become a mean "bully dog."

    I was shot at by a human once before. But I am not terrified of all humans because one @$$ hole attacked me. That would be ignorant of me.
  • Amo_Angelus
    Amo_Angelus Posts: 604 Member
    Yes there are. I meet a lot of them while out walking my dog, and a lot of the "bully" breed owners whose dogs bear the brunt of that hatred. It' stupid and cruel, the ammount of dogs I meet and we play with who aren't permitted around other dogs, not because of their own owners but because of the racist and elitist attitude of other dog owners, it's really shocking! We now make a point of going over and greeting these bully breeds because we may be the only ocial contact that dog gets outside of it's own family, despite the owners being friendly, nice, going out in public place, taking their dogs to dog walking parks...it' just people don't want to know. It's small minded rascism, and Ye I stand by that. Racism i defined as "hatred or intolerance of another race or other races." If you love some dog breeds and hate others then you are rscist to those breeds!

    I understand being wary of dogs, I am too, but not all of a specific breed, there are some labs I'll be on edge around and they're one of the most laid back dog breeds you'll ever meet. But it's not the dog, it's the owner.
  • ASPhantom
    ASPhantom Posts: 637 Member
    Judge the Deed NOT the Breed.
  • NinjaMonkey201
    NinjaMonkey201 Posts: 123
    Many many moons ago, we had a 165 lb rottweiler. She was a big, tough looking dog and she HATED little dogs. We were camping once, and she went under our camper to attack a little dog. The little dogs owner took us to court and wanted our dog put down because she "viscously attacked him", (him as in the owner, not the dog) and he wanted her put down.
    The judge actually met our dog and said there was no way in hell she attacked the owner (she would literally roll over to a stranger so they could pet her belly). And she continued to live a long and happy life (and still hated little dogs).
    I fully believe it's not the dogs that are bad, it's the owners. And because of those bad owners, people get scared of the dogs.
  • patilee
    patilee Posts: 125
    Just like there are "crazy" people in this world, there ARE "crazy" dogs. In fact temperament in dogs is genetic. That's not to say that environment doesn't have an equal (ish) influence, but genetics also plays a major role in how a dog behaves.
    Some breeds ARE more prone to biting , or hunting, or even obedience. Some breeds naturally herd animals, dig, etc.
    So it's not completely narrow minded to appreciate the negative characteristics of a particular breed and be wary.
    That being said, I love dogs and am not afraid of any particular breed, but I understand why some people are.
  • ritajean3
    ritajean3 Posts: 306 Member
    I know it's not necessarily rational, but I am MORE nervous of breeds that could do serious damage than those that are less physically able to. I'm a dog owner, and completely agree that it's the owner, not the dog. But an abused pit bull can do a lot more damage to me than an abused chihuahua!

    I HATE chihuahuas! I honestly know more people attacked by them as a child then bigger dogs. Although to be fair I do know one that is fine with kids squishing it and pulling it's fur

    I think there is also a level of breading some dogs are just nuts! I think pit bull attacks are over published where as other breads don't make the news OR will be called a pit bull when its not
  • McKayMachina
    McKayMachina Posts: 2,670 Member
    It's ridiculous to me that I have to carry documentation that my dog is a Black & Tan Coonhound because people are scared of rottweilers and if they think he's one they freak out.

    People have an archaic understanding of dogs. They even post on this site about wanting a specific breed when getting a new puppy. Makes me sad.
  • livnlite
    livnlite Posts: 520
    okay, with shows like pit boss and pitbulls and parolees, not to mention the canine bite stats, are there really still people that are afraid of any bully type dog? (including but not limited to cane corsos, presa canarios, bull terriors, bull mastiffs, staffordshire terriers, black mouth currs, american bulldogs, and american pitbull terriers) i have been nervous around certain dogs, but not whole breeds. Seems kind of silly, especially with all the breed education resources out there. Just wondering :)

    Yes of course there is. Some people who have been attacked by a dog (even as a child) live their whole lives being afraid of dogs .. ANY type of dog. It can be traumatizing to the point of being phobic.

    Then there are people who just simply don't like dogs .. period, for what ever reason. We have friends who are 'farmers' .. born and raised .. and claim that they don't care for dogs (or cats) like we do, because animals (of any size or shape) were raised like stock. Dogs and even cats had a purpose on the farm .. and were never 'pets'. These animals were kept outside winter and summer. During the winter, the only warmth they got is if they found it on their own, in the barn .. if they could get in. Were never let in the house...Heaven Forbid! If they died due to the cold .. no big deal, they could be replaced.

    Makes me sad and even angry to just think about it. People with that attitude just don't get it...and certainly don't have a clue as to what they missed.

    That just seems so heartless .. even for farmers.
  • bethdris
    bethdris Posts: 1,090 Member
    We are bully breed lovers.....we have an American Bulldog, Boxer, and our newest addition....a pit bull puppy..(whom is in the process of getting his Canine Good Citizenship) and will have it after his first birthday (they can't take the test before then).

    Any dog of any breed can be vicious, its the owners responsibility to raise a well socialized and behaved dog. Sadly, not everyone does that.

    We are raising our 3 sons (ages 4 and under) with these big dogs, and teaching both dog and child to respect each other and their own space.
  • OdinsHarryMom
    OdinsHarryMom Posts: 4
    No doubt that it is the owners who make the dog what it is. Whether they mistreat the dog or allow someone else to do the dirty deeds. I own a dog of the miniature, flighty, quick to nip variety. Have owned this type of dog all my adult life. I pleases me when folks say they have never seen this breed so laid back & friendly. No one is allowed to mistreat my pet, not even my young grandchildren, intentionally or not. Pets should be considered an extension of our best self: caring & loving.
    However, it is the wise person who hangs back when introduced to a new animal. Be aware anything (even you and me) will attack if provoked long enough. Self preservation is an inborn quality.
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    I am one of those people sho WAS phobic about dogs most of my life. I had to get over it to a degree. I am not comfortable, really comfortable around any dog. I truly fear little dogs as I have only come across little dog owners who say things like "even if fifi bit you she is so tiny it wouldn't "hurt" you....also the little dog owners I know think they are entitled to bring their little dogs places that a big dog would never be allowed. I am uncomfortable around big dogs because all I see is their giant heads....and think this animal could eat me...I am however much more comfortable around big dogs as the big dogs I have to be around are very well trained and loved...but I won't be in the room with the dog without the owners....now pits...well they have a look in their eyes that gives me chills and have an energy level (mind you the ones I have had the displeasure of being around) that made me anxious. It is also quite easy to find statistics that show that pits are indeed more prone to attack unprovoked. It only took a moment of googling to find such statistics. People aren't silly for being aware of stats and being afraid of any dog.
  • Scott613
    Scott613 Posts: 2,317 Member
    A dog learns from it's owner!

    They can be trained to sit, lay, shake or any other worthless trick you want to show it emoticon-animal-020.gif[/url]

    You can let it just run around with no guidance or training( These dogs are usually called dumb when they're really not) emoticon-animal-028.gif[/url]

    You can also train them to be guard dogs emoticon-animal-064.gif[/url]

    Then there are those scum that train them to fight and it makes sheeple believe all dogs of a certain breed are like the one being taught to fight.
  • maddymama
    maddymama Posts: 1,183 Member
    I was shot at by a human once before. But I am not terrified of all humans because one @$$ hole attacked me. That would be ignorant of me.

    Yes, but if you were in a similar situation, and a similar looking person assumed a similar stance as your attacker prior to being shot at, then I'm sure your gut level reaction of fear would kick in. That's called being human, not being silly.

    On a conceptual level I understand that not all dogs are evil, adn that not all pitts are evil, BUT that doesn't change my gut reaction to seeing one on the loose charging down the street.

    I trust my gut, it's saved my bacon more than once.
  • maddymama
    maddymama Posts: 1,183 Member
    Me! As someone who was attacked by a pittbull a few years ago (without provocation)....I'm terrified.

    just pit bulls or all dogs?

    Mainly pitt bulls... but when I see a dog off it's leash running around and I don't know it, I get scared. I think it's a normal reaction.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I'm cautious of all loose dogs, but unafraid unless I see aggressive body language. The other day while out running, a overly joyous red nose pit jumped his 4' fence to say hello to me. So I stopped, said hello, told him he was a good doggie, and he jumped back in his yard. Told him to stay, walked until I was a decent distance away and he was no longer interested in me, and started jogging again. Someone afraid of dogs might have ran and been chased, because that's what dogs do. Good dogs, bad dogs. They like to herd, play and/or hunt.

    Similarly, there was a day when an easily 150 lb. Rottie was loose in front of his house while running. Same scenario. Slowed to a walk, said a few words, kept moving and only started running when I knew I wasn't going to be followed. No problems. He just wagged his stump at me, gave me a sniff and stayed put.

    On the way back from that run, I saw an apricot Toy Poodle someone was walking on a retractable leash and the owner was obviously not in control of the dog. Couldn't have been more than 12 pounds, maybe less... about the size of a cat.

    I crossed the street to avoid them. :laugh:
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