Are Not Naturally Aggressive
Pitbulls are often misunderstood due to their reputation and how they’ve been portrayed. This view usually overlooks important elements that may lead to any dog’s aggression, even if pit bulls are well known for being violent dogs. Instead of blaming them as a breed, we should consider that human behaviors have an impact on their actions.
Abuse, neglect, and poor instruction can have a stronger influence on how a dog reacts to certain situation than their breed. Pitbulls were initially bred for protection and fighting duties; however, this was never their main goal. Many of these pit bulls had been bred to fight other dogs because of their strength and commitment, but breeders also like dogs to be more trustworthy around other people, which requires choosing a dog that is pleasant and faithful. All these traits were bred into dogs to make them responsive to people. Pit bulls have a reputation for getting along with people, and, as a result of that, they weren’t bred to be aggressive. People just have that idea about these dogs because of what they hear and see. As Enos stated in an article related to this topic:
They were bred as working dogs and family companions prior to being bred to bull bait and then dog fight. Animal aggression and human aggression are not synonymous in the canine world, as they are in the human world, and it is often difficult for people that are unfamiliar with the breed/s to understand that dog-aggressive does not mean human aggressive.
Dogs like pit bulls are naturally friendly and sociable due to their breeding ability to work with people. Pit bulls are well known for their loyalty and have an urge to develop close relationship with their owners. Pit bulls are friendly and loving when they are brought up in a structured and caring environment. Many owners experience with pit bulls are not often in line with the fact that they are inherently dangerous, in reality pit bulls are no different from any breed of dog, with the proper care and training these dogs can develop to be decent dogs. As stated in this article, “There hasn’t been any evidence to show that Pit Bull breeds are more aggressive than other dogs, and in fact, studies actually show the opposite. Temperament tests by the American Temperament Test Society measure each breeds ability to positively interact with humans in different situations, and Pit Bull breeds each scored at 85% or higher, which is better than the general dog population” (Rain 2021).
How a dog is raised makes a big impact on how they behave, and also pit bulls are no different from other breeds in regard to this. A dog’s behavior is greatly influenced by how it is handled, trained, and cared for, however if a dog is abused, ignored, and taught to be harsh, it may become hostile. Many people tend to point the finger at the dogs, and in reality, it’s not the dog’s fault that he behaves this way, it’s how the dogs owners treat their pets. As explained in this reading “another study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior compared canine aggression in Golden Retrievers, known for being sweet, docile and loving, with Pit Bull breeds and found no differences whatsoever.”(Rain 2021).
Pit bulls that are raised in safe and caring environments tend to be properly trained and well behaved, they have also become very passionate, entertaining and great Family pets. Even when it comes to kids many pit bull owners will tell you that their dog is very affectionate and kind, this is because pit bulls are just like other dogs that live in a clean and well-trained socialized home. Socialization is a very important factor for dogs so that they can interact safely with both animals and humans. Pit bulls usually show hostility as an outcome of how their being treated, and not just because they are innately violent. It’s important to not pay attention to these stereotypes and realize that pits bull require proper training, socialization, and a loving home just like any other dog. As mentioned, “Due to their history and use in dogfighting, Pitbulls have gained a negative reputation in some circles. This can lead to prejudice and discrimination against the breed, making it challenging for owners to find proper training resources and support. Overcoming these stigmas and providing a positive training environment for Pitbulls is essential in their overall success.” (Alex 2024)
These dogs are not natural aggressive by choice, so maybe people can consider to be less cruel and aggrieves towards them. “Animal aggression and human aggression are not synonymous in the canine world, as they are in the human world, and it is often difficult for people that are unfamiliar with the breed/s to understand that dog-aggressive does not mean human aggressive. Even breeders who selected dogs for reproduction specifically for dog fighting would not tolerate dogs that showed any signs of aggression; they had to be able to pull their dog out of a fight without getting bitten, and to trust the dog with the family at the end of the day.” (Enos 2014). Pit bulls or any dog in pictural, cannot control how they react to certain situation. Pit bulls usually show a pleasant and polite attitude when they receive proper care and are raised in a welcoming household. If they are not given proper care, any dog might turn hostile. A dog may become aggressive as a form of defense or a response to fear if it has been neglected, mistreated, or trained to be mean. This does not mean that the dog is inherently hostile, it indicates that negative events have influenced its behavior. Not just pit bulls, but all dogs share this trait. Because pit bulls were used to guard dogs and street fighting dogs, many people believe that these dogs are the most various dogs ever, although it may seem like it, but it isn’t their fault, blaming the breed for human behavior is just unfair. The key takes away from this all dogs including pit bulls require training and care in order for them to show that they are genuine and kind pets. They are as lively and friendly animal, as any other breed if they are raised properly. The way how their treated by their owners has a greater impact on their behavior than their breed.
References
Sara K. Enos (2014). The Problem With People, Not Pit bull. TIME
https://time.com/2927759/the-problem-with-people-not-pit-bulls/
Oil Alex (2024). The Truth About Training Pitbulls: Tips and Challenges.
https://www.oliandalex.com/the-truth-about-training-pitbulls-tips-and-challenges/
Kim Rain (2021). The Truth About Pit Bulls: Dispelling Myths About This Misunderstood Breed. The Daily Wag
Counterintuitive Fall 2024 