Pit Bulls: Misunderstood, Not Aggressive

Pit bulls often have a bad reputation for being aggressive, but this isn’t true. A dog’s behavior all depends on how it’s raised, trained, and treated, not just the breed. When these pit bulls are well cared for they can become loving and friendly pets. Although pit bulls are seen as an aggressive breed, it’s important to know that Individuals can’t judge this breed just because of their behavior.

If a pit bull is abused or is shown aggression by their owner it may act out like any other dog, And I completely agree with this statement. In one of the articles I read “Pit bull bans and the Human factors affecting Canine behavior” it summarized how abusive behavior towards pit bulls may affect how they behave. They also mentioned how a child was mauled to death by his family dog, after this event they banned all pit bulls in their city. Before this family had this pit bull the previous owner was a teenage boy, he would often train the dog to become a street dog fighter and also abuse it as well.

These canines are known to be violent, this idea frequently overlooks the important factors that can contribute to any dog’s aggression. It’s more reasonable to think about how human behaviors have a greater influence on a dog’s behavior no matter the breed of the dog. Pit bulls’ hostility tends to be a trained habit rather than a natural one. However, If a pit bull is raised in a positive environment these canines will be taught to be more pleasant and well-behaved just like any other breed. A dog is more vulnerable to experience behavioral issues if it is mistreated, abused, or trained to be aggressive. Pit bulls are unfortunately regularly victims of careless owners who promote them in dangerous conditions, which adds to their problematic reputation.

Because of these dogs’ history, misunderstandings and fear, people often treat pit bulls harshly. As Lifestyle mentioned in an article referring to this topic:

 “Responsible ownership, proper training, and a loving environment can make a huge difference in a dog’s behavior, regardless of its breed.” 

These breeds of dogs were popular in illegal dogfights, they were bred to be tough and strong. Pit bulls needed to be aggressive to survive in these hostile environments. However this made many people start believing that all pit bulls are naturally vicious because of news reports about dogfights and attacks involving these animals.

The way people think of pit bulls are strongly influenced by the media. Attacks by other dogs tend to receive less attention than those with pit bulls. Just by hearing or seeing these allegations in the media, people start  to treat pit bulls strangely or even cruelly as a result of this growing anxiety. This anxiety that is created by the media has serious consequences. The public’s fear is influenced by dramatic stories and often overlooked by reality. The media has a major effect on how people think about dog attacks, They only talk about specific events instead of blaming the breed as a whole. This he 

If pit bulls are shown the proper attention, kindness, and affection, they can recover from being mistreated and neglected. As Butzke stated in an article: 

Positive training methods are especially important when trying to build trust with a dog that has experienced abuse. The last thing a traumatized dog needs is any form of punishment, which may cause them to shut down or become aggressive. When dealing with challenging behavior, remember that your dog does not “know better.” They need your guidance and lots of encouragement when they get something right!

 However, Creating an enjoyable, peaceful and safe environment for children is the first step. Since abused dogs often suffer from fear and dread, having a calm environment where they feel safe helps their process of healing. Helping a pit bull recover requires patience as well. Having a regular feeding, walking, and training schedule might help the dog regain the trust of people, however it might take some time. To show to the dog that they are no longer in danger, the owner or keeper must handle them kindly and react composedly. Another way that may help abused pit bulls would be reward training. This includes giving the dog goodies, compliments, or affection when they behave well. This kind of teaching allows the dog to learn freely, which is important for abused dogs in particular.

Based on their history, the ability to fight and the way they often appear in the media results in pit bulls being more aggressive than average dogs. Pit bulls have a reputation for being violent dogs since they were originally made for power and fighting. Pit bulls are considered to be more dangerous than other breeds because of their strong jaws and muscular appearance, which can result in more serious injuries when they attack. Attacks by pit bulls are often reported in the media and it starts giving the idea that they are more likely than other dogs to be involved in violent situations. 

The negative opinion of pit bulls has been encouraged by these limited reporting and breed-specific laws. However, it’s very important to realize that pit bulls and other dogs’ aggression is influenced by a majority of factors, this includes safe surroundings, training, and proper care. The same factors that have an impact within all dogs also impact pit bulls’ behavior even though they might be more capable of doing more harm during an attack. Pit bulls are not always aggressive than other dogs, however with the appropriate training, and careful management they can make kind and caring pets.

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 this breed behaves.

Abuse, neglect, and poor instruction can have a stronger influence on how a dog reacts to certain situation. Many pit bulls had been bred to fight other dogs because of their strength and commitment, however breeders also like dogs to be more trustworthy around other people. This 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.

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. These animals are friendly and loving when they are brought up in a structured and caring environment. Many owners’ experiences with pit bulls are not often aware 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 Rain mentioned in an 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

How a dog is raised makes a big impact on how they behave. 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 dog, 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 Rain 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.

Pit bulls that are raised in safe and caring environments tend to be properly trained and well behaved. They also become very passionate, entertaining and great family pets as well. Even when it comes to kids many pit bull owners will tell you that their dog is very affectionate and kind. Pit bulls are just like other dogs that live in a clean and well-trained socialized home. Socialization is also 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, 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 Alex states in this text:

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.

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. As Enos states in an article relate to this topic:

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.

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 this isn’t their fault, blaming the breed for human behavior is just unfair. The main point of this is that 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.

Many Individuals believe that pit bulls are naturally aggressive, however this isn’t the case. This thought comes from thinks like myths, fear and lack of acknowledgement from these breeds. It’s often sad to see what these breeds have to go through all because of what people think about them. If individuals did more research and look at the important factors about this breed, it’s very clear that pit bulls are not born aggressive. It all depends on how they are trained, raised, and treated. Indvidual’s often forget that they’re the main cause of their dog’s aggression, however just by taking your time to truly understand what these pit bulls have to go through, will give you a better understanding that this breed is not the main issue in this case.

People often say that pit bulls are dangerous because of their breed, however, there has been no proof found that pit bulls are aggressive because of this. If the dog is being abused and neglect at home by their owners, it’s pretty obvious that they’re going to have a sense of reaction to it. The way they reaction to these types of situations may be attacking other dogs and human being. As Rain mentioned in an 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

Dogs acts the way they were raised, If the owner isn’t training their dog well enough it may become aggressive no matter what breed the dog is. Some people raise their pit bulls to become street fighting dogs or to scare other people and dogs away, which tends to make it seem like pit bulls are the real problem. The real problem in this situation is the owners of these poor dogs. However, if pit bulls are raised in a caring and loving home none of these allegations would be put on them because they wouldn’t be seen as aggressive dogs, they would be seen as loving and playful dogs instead. Many pit bulls are sweet, calm and good with children as well. Most people probably didn’t know this, but pit bulls also work as therapy dogs, service dogs and even recuse dogs. How a dog of any bred is treated has an impact on how they behave. As Rain explained this factor in an article:

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.

Being strong and looking muscular has nothing to do with dogs being dangerous and harmful. Studies show that smaller dogs are actually more likely to bite others than pit bulls. The media also plays apart on how we see these dogs as a bred, if a dog attack happens the media is so quick to make it big news. However, if it were another bred that took part in a dog attack the media wouldn’t give it as much attention as they would with pit bulls. It’s really sad that this bred has to go through this, this tends to create fear, and it starts to spread the idea that pit bulls are dangerous dogs and worse than others. As Eastman stated in an article:

 One common misconception is that all pit bulls are aggressive or dangerous; however, this could not be further from the truth. In reality, most pit bulls are gentle companions who can make wonderful additions to any family if given proper training and socialization.

Many cities and town like to ban pit bulls so that they can decrease dog attacks. However, research shows that banning pit bulls doesn’t help make communities a safer environment. Instead of banning these breeds for a safer environment Individuals should focus on how to care for their dogs. If anything, the law should hold careless owners accountable for their dogs’ actions. As Kennedy mentioned in an article related to this topic:

critics argue that BSL is ineffective and unfairly targets specific breeds rather than addressing the root causes of aggressive behavior, which often stem from factors such as poor training, neglect, or abuse by irresponsible owners. This is why pit bulls should not be banned, instead, efforts should focus on promoting responsible pet ownership and proper training.

There are many events where pit bulls were seen as great dogs. For example, A pit bull name Sergeant Stubby helped soldiers in the battle and also saved some of their lives. And now pits bulls work as service dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support animals, and in search and rescue teams. Pit bulls also save lives in their homes as well, there has been several cases on the media on how pit bulls would protect children, warn their owners about any fires or danger that take place in the home. Majority of these stories prove that Pitbull’s are loving and caring animals.

In conclusion, Pit bulls are not intentionally aggressive by nature. How they act all depends on how they’re treated, just like any other dog. If they’re raised in a caring and loving environment, they can be sweet, loyal, and friendly animals who form strong bonds with their families. Instead of blaming pit bulls as a breed, individuals should start focusing on how to take care of their dogs and understand their specific needs. Proper training, socialization, and partaking in positive activities plays a big role in shaping their behavior. Every dog has its own personality and deserves an opportunity to improve. Pit bulls like all breeds, can be gentle companions if given the right upbringing and care. They have so much love to give and they often seek to please their owners. It’s time to stop judging them unfairly based on stereotypes and instead, recognize them for the loving pets they can be. Each pit bull has the potential to be a wonderful part of a family.

References

The Woof (2024) 7 Reasons Pit Bulls Aren’t as Scary as Everyone Thinks. Lifestyle https://thewoof.org/animal-welfare/7-reasons-pit-bulls-arent-as-scary-as-everyone-thinks

Dr. Sharon Butzke (2024) How to help an Abused Dog Recover: 8 Tips and Tricks. Hepper Blog https://www.hepper.com/how-to-help-an-abused-dog-recover-vet-answer/

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 https://wagwalking.com/daily/the-truth-about-pit-bulls-dispelling-myths-about-this-misunderstood-breed

Alexis Kennedy (2024) Why Pit Bulls Should Not Be Banned. https://woundedpawproject.org/bsl/pit-bulls-should-not-be-banned/

Amanda Eastman (2023) Should Pit Bulls Be Banned? Examining the Pros and Cons.