Quote: valerie tietz-kelly

if this dog is truely bred from fighting dogs it is bred to fight. It will fight because that is what it is bred to do, just like a retreiver will retreive. It does not need to be trained to fight, a dog fighter would condition the dogs body.

I agree that it takes a strong leader, but so does a hard headed mal or shepherd.
Just because they were trained to fight and bred to fight does not mean that they cannot move on. For more than 10 years I have worked with ex-fighters, and so have a few other groups. There is a HUGE success rate, and almost all the fighters I have had in the past were very good at what they did before I got them. That being said, many were more than happy to leave that life behind and had no further issues at all. I have one right now that fits that bill. His former "owner" was furious to lose the dog as it was apparently very valuable to him. The reason that many are so good at fighting is because that was what the owners wanted, and this breed seeks to please, no matter what. Once they understand that their new owner doesn't want that, many of them are able to move past and not have relapses.
I understand that fighting is in their breeding. But very few dogs today actually do what they were bred for, and with proper training many do just fine. Not only that, but there are more breeds than just pit bulls have fighting in their breeding. A blanket statement about how they will fight if it's in their blood is just not fair - not to the dogs who have overcome it or the people who work very hard to change that line of thinking.

 Quote: cameron feathers

 Quote: valerie tietz-kelly

if this dog is truely bred from fighting dogs it is bred to fight. It will fight because that is what it is bred to do, just like a retreiver will retreive. It does not need to be trained to fight, a dog fighter would condition the dogs body.

I agree that it takes a strong leader, but so does a hard headed mal or shepherd.
Just because they were trained to fight and bred to fight does not mean that they cannot move on. For more than 10 years I have worked with ex-fighters, and so have a few other groups. There is a HUGE success rate, and almost all the fighters I have had in the past were very good at what they did before I got them. That being said, many were more than happy to leave that life behind and had no further issues at all. I have one right now that fits that bill. His former "owner" was furious to lose the dog as it was apparently very valuable to him. The reason that many are so good at fighting is because that was what the owners wanted, and this breed seeks to please, no matter what. Once they understand that their new owner doesn't want that, many of them are able to move past and not have relapses.
I understand that fighting is in their breeding. But very few dogs today actually do what they were bred for, and with proper training many do just fine. Not only that, but there are more breeds than just pit bulls have fighting in their breeding. A blanket statement about how they will fight if it's in their blood is just not fair - not to the dogs who have overcome it or the people who work very hard to change that line of thinking.

We certainly agree a PB from certain lines can overcome their breeding with hard work and dedication. I have two myself. My only point was a dog from such lines as my male will have those tendencies, it is important to recoginize this and incorporate the measure of such drive in their training. I happen to believe never forgetting where the dog comes from is a responsibility of owning such a dog. True many are from breeding that have "watered" down such tendencies, but it would be great to know that. When the breeding is a question, then I say be conservative and assume the extreme as you can never be too safe.

It is always hard for me to make statements such as -- many are "happy" to leave this life behind -- as I believe this is a human way to express the concept. I believe dogs are pack animals and a PB just as any other dog with strong drive will submit to it's leader. So be a good and strong leader and always be aware of the dog you own, especially when you have limited or no information as to how it was bred.

Just my 2 cents, with the upmost respect!

Any update on this APBT?
By the way, even CH and GR Ch/Register of Merit gamedogs (fighting dogs) have been known to run loose around other dogs without issue, presumably because they were the yard favorites or the housedog and had more of a relationship with the "dogman". The backgrounds of the APBTs that I work with are unknown but *all* of them, being adults and strays/shelter dogs, have shown interest in a spar... some just have more interest than others. If the dog is going to fight, you will know it, there will be behavioral cues but of course these might present themselves under certain stressors, like being leashed or confined or over food or even with one particular type/breed/color of dog and not another. There's still a terrier under the bull & terrier frame, after all.

Question in this same line: I have taken in a Pit (possibly mixed but that is doubtful) stray, straight off the street (literally found under my rural mailbox on June 8th - more than likely dumped here) who is approximately now 10 to 12 months old. He was immediately neutered and placed in the best dog obedience school around here. I've had him a little over 3 months. He's done exceptionally well in Basic Obedience because I believe him to be an exceptional dog. I plan to do Pet Therapy with him as I did with my Rottweiler 16 years ago. However, everything I read says he may one day turn dog aggressive. It's terribly hard to believe since I've never seen him even so much as growl at another animal, and certainly not a human. I would hate to put so much time, effort, love and training into a dog who is inevitably bound to get aggressive with other animals. Before answering, if you would like more information on the dog, he has a website http://www.breauxtales.weebly.com, which chronicles in depth the time he's been with me. I am committed to and responsible for the dog regardless of his growing into aggression issues, but would like to know if this is an absolute I'm facing with this breed or breed mix.

Glenda, you need to start your own thread.


Go here http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/postlist/Board/93 and click "new topic" (blue, upper left).

Thanks!

Welcome to the board.

God Bless all who have rescued pittys! It brings a tear to my eye to read this entire thread and hear about such dedication to these dogs who would otherwise be euthanized. I have great respect for you as well as all fosterers! Sorry a bit off topic.

Thanks, Connie. Sorry. I didn't understand how this works at first. You were very helpful.

Thankyou so much for giving this dog a chance and not straight to a shelter, hope all's going well they really are a special breed!

I think it is commendable that you are giving the dog a chance. I am not a trained of pit bulls, but I do have some crazy terriers! My only thought as I read all the posts is yes , research, research, research. Read Ed's post on pits, just so you know -if you don't already- the damage they can do. I am kinda leery of the one week till the puppies come. I would avoid quick fixes and make sure you work from the inside out on this dog. A mistake could cost another animal, and I think you shared the dog is child aggressive too, a horrible tragedy. You want the new way of life ingrained in the pups heart, mind and life. One week 8 hours a day is a start, but I would caution you again, no quick fixes.
sharon