Pit Bulls & Popularity: Not a breed for the masses!

11:25 AM - 17 Comments - 20 Kudos - Add Comment

ATTN BREEDERS

Unless you are one of those rare, ethical breeders who health test their dogs and have dogs that adhere to the ADBA/UKC/AKC standard (i.e. you can actually tell they are Pit Bulls), PLEASE DELETE ME.

I am sick to death of seeing these bulletins pimping puppies, 2-for-1 deals, fat monstrosities that barely resemble dogs let alone Pit Bulls, and breeding ads when side by side there are bulletins about dogs dying every day for lack of homes.

Pay you $800, $1000, $2000 for one of your no-name pedigree, unhealth-tested, could never win an ADBA/UKC/AKC show dogs? I can go to the shelter and adopt the same dog for $100.

If you aren't part of the solution, YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM.

It's obvious you JUST DON'T CARE.

Keep on working to destroy the breed. I'll just keep working harder to save it.

Totally disguted,
~Mary
realpitbull.com

8:29 AM - 6 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

"For Sale" puppy/dog bulletins...

...make me sad.

Especially when I see them alongside all these urgent rescue bulletins.

I'm not ANTI breeding, but right now, really, rescue  & education/activism should be the MAIN focus of EVERY Pit Bull person.  Not breeding more Mega Ultra Super-size Blue-rific Protecto-Pit Bulls.

Unless you are super-duper educated, breeding for family/friends/hand-picked buyers ONLY & to preserve the breed, breeding dogs that are titled/health tested and actually ADHERE TO THE STANDARD.....don't breed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In case anyone hasn't noticed, the Pit Bull is in a state of CRISIS!  Peddling pups over Myspace to anyone with the cash is an abhorrent  practice at ANY time, but ESPECIALLY now because of the dire straights the breed is in - in fact, I'll make myself a target for breeder rage and state that the breed is in this current crisis BECAUSE OF UNSCRUPULOUS BREEDING, breeders like those who post bulletins that pop up on my homepage every day.

Ya know, I've never heard a breeder admit to being unethical and unscrupulous.  I'm sure if I asked any breeder on Myspace if they were educated and ethical they'd say, "Absolutely"!  But thinking you are one thing and believing you are doing no damage doesn't make it SO.

I encourage every breeder to look into the eyes of their dogs, then walk down the aisles of a high kill shelter and look into the eyes of those Pit Bulls with days to live, and truly ask themselves, what is the real, essential difference between the two.  The answer is there is NOTHING INTRINSICALLY DIFFERENT. In fact, many of these shelter dogs started out the same way your pups did - produced by a breeder, sold to anyone with money, and those buyers in turn breeding and selling more puppies - dogs getting abused, neglected and dumped along the way, and finally ending up in the shelter where in many cases death by lethal injection is the kindest thing they've ever experienced.

All these Pit Bulls had to come from some where - they weren't created out of thin air. All of these abused, abondoned, tortured, tormented, sad and lonely Pit Bulls came from breeders, or dogs bred by breeders. Look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, "Are any of those dogs MY dogs, any of those dogs the product of MY dogs? Do I know where every single pup I've ever sold is, and every single pup any of my pups produced is?"  Can you answer these questions without lying to yourself? 

So yes, these For Sale bulletins make me sad. Sadder still is the fact that many  breeders refuse to be educated. No one's born an expert. But those with open, true hearts and a willingness to do good, learn, and grow, will educate themselves, learn from their mistakes, and continually strive to do right by those beings they come in contact with throughout their lives.

Are you doing right by your dogs? Are you doing right by the Pit Bull breed as a whole? 

7:55 AM - 6 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

The Sad Case of Lucy (or, Double Standards Stink)

Today I learned that a little red nose Pit Bull named Lucy is dead. 

Lucy wasn't sick and she wasn't old. She wasn't killed by accident, and she didn't deserve to die. But yet, today the world is missing Lucy. Why is this so?

Lucy who lived in California, acting like dogs tend to do, chased down and killed a Chihuahua (a breed as prey-like as any can get) when she escaped from her yard. The courts decided Lucy wasn't fit to live, despite professionals vouching for her stability and the fact that she has lived for years with her loving owners without incident.

Lucy did not have to die. Neither did the Chihuahua.  I grieve for both dogs' families.

Earlier this year, not far from the Jersey suburb in which I live, a police dog named Rommel - a German Shepherd - attacked and killed a dog while with his partner. The dog that Rommel killed was also a Chihuahua.  Today, nearly 6 months later, Rommel still lives.  The Chihuahua that Rommel killed is still dead.

I hate inconsistency. It bothers me, and makes me squirm in discomfort. The cases of Lucy & Rommel aren't making it easy for me to sit still in my chair right now.

Is Lucy's breed the only reason she is now dead? Would Rommel sill be alive had he been a member of a less esteemed breed, and perhaps not a police officer?

Strip away breed, state, and status, and these are identical cases. Two dogs with no prior aggressive history acting like dogs - God forbid - for a spilt second in time, with the end result being that two smaller, defenseless dogs died.

Human error is the ultimate evil in both these cases. Humans should pay the price, not innocent dogs. Not dogs like Lucy.

If ever there were a story to illustrate how important it is for Pit Bull owners to go above and beyond the call of Responsible Ownership duty, the story of Lucy is it. We cannot afford to make mistakes when the price we pay is the lives of our dogs.

Until we live in a world where breed doesn't matter.....

5:27 AM - 7 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Dog-Aggression: Genetic or Learned?

The newest entry in the Bravo! Animal Behavior blog talks about Pit Bulls'  tendency to fight, and suggests that the behavior is operant instead of genetically influenced. You can read that blog, here: 

http://animalbehavior.wordpress.com/2007/09/20/pit-bulls-the-matter-of-genetic-causation-2/

     Kellie is a behavior analyst and animal trainer who has done some new and interesting research on aggression treatment (her new DVD, Constructional Aggression Treatment, is available through Tawzer and Dogwise.com). I've been a fan of Kellie's for a few years now, and I think she is bright, optimistic, and realistic about animal behavior and modification, and talking about things that aren't common knowledge (yet) in the dog world. I am happy she is spending some time focusing on Pit Bulls, as we need qualified professionals such as Kellie to speak and shed light on a subject that is plagued by mythology: and you don't get more mythological than common assumptions about Pit Bulls and aggression.

     It can be very difficult to get to the meat of the matter when it comes to Pit Bulls and aggression;  many people speak without knowning, and the world is filled with self-proclaimed experts - either for or against Pit Bulls - that are coming from a place devoid of real knowledge or education.  We all would do well to listen to and at the very least consider when those with true credentials - like Kellie Snider - have something to say.

     We've all heard the ol' battle cry from the Old School: Pit Bulls fight and it's genetic! This line of thinking leads one down a path paved with withered and fading stones that read, "It's in their blood, and it's something they instrinsically  enjoy", and "It's not about environment, it's about genetics!" But Snider, coming from a behavioral school of thought that teaches all behavior is learned and the product of consequence, challenges this notion of aggression as the product of genes. Instead, she believes certain behaviors often seen as instinctual are actually learned behaviors, conditioned into the animal by its environment and the animal's ability to physically perform those behaviors in the first place.   So, a Pit Bull fights because it's physically capable of doing so and receives some benefit from fighting. Hence it continues to fight.  If a Pit Bull was built with a body less capable of successfully completing dog-aggressive behavior, that behavior would be less likely to occur or be non-existent.

     It's an interesting concept: birds only fly because they have wings, not because it's "genetic". 

     Aggression is just a behavior, and all behavior is modifiable. If aggression only occurs because of enviromental influences, that means it is not genetic. If it is not genetic, it is unfair and unethical to single out or ban breeds simply because they happen to be a member of a certain breed.  If Pit Bulls are more prone to dog-aggression than other breeds, it is because they are physically more capable of receiving environmental rewards from aggressive behavior than other breeds.

     If a breed is more likely to show aggressive behavior not because of an Aggression Gene, but because their phsyical genetic design makes them more likely to be able to obtain reinforcement for aggressive behavior, isn't the resulting conclusion the same? A Pit Bull, designed to be a combat animal, is likely to be better at and therefore able to receive more reinforcement for and therefore more likely to practice, combat behavior. Conclusion:  Pit Bull = more likely to be dog aggeressive than Golden Retriever.

     I don't think anyone who has spent considerable time with lots of Pit Bulls and has studied the breed extensively is likely to give up the idea that there is a tendency in the breed to be dog-aggressive, short of Goddess herself flying down from heaven and telling them so (and even that's iffy). Call it genetics or whatehaveyou, it's there, and I seen it wit me own two eyes! (Actually, if you ask me - and I largely buy into behavioral science and its teachings - I think there is a compulsive aspect to dog-aggression in some members of the breed, that goes beyond mere learning, and touches down into the realm of obsessive compulsive disorders; think the genetically-influenced tail-chasing in Bull Terriers). But the old reasons given for dog-aggressive behavior in Pit Bulls need to be challenged and fanciers need to reach beyond the material and evidences normally cited for reasons why Pit Bulls do what dey do, and is what dey is.

     At the end of the day, I don't know that owners of Pit Bulls need to know anything other than that their breed is likely to show dog-aggressive tendencies, and they should take recommended precautions. But one thing is certain....we have so much to learn about behavior, aggression, and the impact of environment as well as genes, on us all.

~MaryH

10:19 AM - 4 Comments - 1 Kudos - Add Comment

Hey-hey, Breeders: Ten Questions for Ya!

Because I'm soooo curious (answers will be posted in comments):

1) Why are you breeding APBTs considering there are SO many dying regularly in shelters and wanting for homes?

2) You DO know about all the APBTs in shelters, right?

3) When is the last time you visited those shelters, and spent some volunteer time with those APBTs?

4) If you're breeding, are you breeding more than one litter a year, and if so, why?

5) Do you health test - OFA, cardiac, vWD, BAER (especially for those of you catering to the "I want a white Pit Bull" crowd), etc. etc. (and "a health cert. from a veterinarian" doesn't count!)?

6) If you don't health test, why?

7) Are you dogs conforming to the UKC, ADBA or AKC standard, and if not, why do you feel the need to cater to the fad-lovin, neophyte crowd?

8) What's so special about your dogs (in other words, what proof do you have that they should be passing on their genes to future APBTs)?

9) How do you contribute to anti-BSL and rescue efforts and make sure ALL dogs are you producing aren't contributing to the problems activists are currently facing?

 10) Provide your most well-thought-out answer to justify your breeding program!

12:17 PM - 11 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

A piece of paper worth 10G’s.

That's right. The notes scribbled on a piece of hotel paper presumably by Michael Vick for his apology speech are selling on eBay and the current highest bid is over $10,000 (who is this person?).  Yes, I thought this was a joke at first, too, but it's for real:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200149223837

     The Humane Society of the United States - the people who routinely support euthanasia for "rescued" fighting dogs - is auctioning off this piece of animal abuse memorabilia with the proceeds going to their anti-animal fighting campaign.

     I know a few rescues who actually harbor real, live rescued, abused and neglected Pit Bulls that would swoon over a $10,000 check but I'll advise them not to hold their breath.

8:01 AM - 5 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

The quest for bully-proof gear.

I am a leash and collar snob. No doubt about it. I turn my nose up at the pathetic excuses for dog gear at the local pet supermarkets. Plastic snaps, cheap feels-like-plastic leather, hardwear that doesn't even deserve to be called such. Every so often I feel compelled to pick up one of these almost-comical contraptions and scoff in an indignant way, "Put this on my dog? For serious? Bah!"

     In all fairness, I don't have your average dog, so your average collar just won't cut it. Pit Bulldogs require a little something "more". They need bigger, thicker, stronger, better collar and leash fare. This isn't just about snootiness and needing "special" gear, this is a utilitarian issue (ok, there might be a tad bit of bully-owner snootiness there). But finding bulldog-tough gear isn't always easy. Through the years I've often double-collared and -leashed (ugh, an-NOY-ing!), and although I've never actually had one of the sub-par items I've been forced to resort to now and again break on me (:knock on wood:), the threat is always looming overhead as imminent.

     I've been driven to search far and low for items I feel comfortable using and recommending as bully-proof, and I've experimented with many styles and brands. I've spent more money on collars and leads than I will ever admit to, and sadly even some of the stuff labelled as heavy duty doesn't feel quite good enough. I felt fairly certain that an agitation leash - you know, an attack dog leash - would surely do the job. But when the leash actually arrived, the hardware frankly scared me. After only a couple months of use, the leather around the snap of the lead was starting to wear, as was my patience.

     Once I purchased items labelled bulldog-proof. When I got the items, they were certainly bulldog-tough, but so tough in fact that comfort flew right out the window. I'm not a sissy, but I AM a girl and I don't want to have to wear gloves when I walk my dog to protect myself from 3rd degree leather burns and blisters.  Ok, so these leashes were bulldog-proof, but only suitable for construction worker owners with sufficiently tough hands. Plus I thought my dog looked uncomfortable in a two-inch wide stiff leather collar.

     But seek and ye shall find. It's not all bad, and as time goes on, I discover true gems amidst the maga-tons of coal.  Like, my recent discovery of Raw Dog Leather: www.rawdogleather.com .  Coolest leather leashes I've come by, totally custom and offered with a lifetime warranty. I just got my first one yesterday and boy do I love it!  This is the first truly comfortable, heavy-duty leash I've found. (They make collars, too! Oh boy!)

     Collar-wise, there is the popular Blockydogs.com - and "blocky", they aren't kiddin'. I have a martingale style from this company. The craftmanship is beautiful, although after a month of use, the collar is still pretty stiff. I'd recommend these for only the biggest, gnarliest dogs. But do I feel safe walking my dog in this collar? You bet. Feels good .

     There is a really nice, basic leather leash from Bridgeportequipment.com - this is the simple "obedience leash", and I LOVE mine. Although I don't feel entirely safe using this on a super strong dog, my leash has gotta be 3 or 4 years old by now and it's not a day worse for wear then when I first got it. Soft and comfy leash, too.

     Lastly, there is the martingale collar from Scaferkennel.com (it's hard to find on the site, so here is the direct URL: http://www.schaferkennel.com/D16.html ) . It is a really nice, middle of the road collar for smaller bullies or more laid back dogs. Actually, I've had one of these on my nutcase 70-pounder for several years now and have had zero problems with it. Still, I like something alittle heavier, just because I'm definitely a Murphey's Law kinda gal.

       So right now, my boy is sporting the Blocky Dogs blue martingale with silver stripe, and the 6-ft Raw Dog leather leash with silver bullsnap. Ruff, rugged and ready to go. This might be the first time in my life that I don't feel the need to double collar. Ahhhh, the freedom!

~Mary

6:59 AM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Vick’s sorry? Well, I ain’t buyin’ it.

Here's the text of Michael Vick's apology - in my opinion, these aren't the words of a man who is truly sorry for torturing living beings. This is an embarassed man, worried about his career and sucking up to the public in a feeble attempt to regain credibility. As far as I am concerned, the actions of Vick and his cohorts don't fall into the "immature acts" or "mistakes" category - immature is calling someone names; what Vick did is vile, sadistic, criminal and shows a frightening deficit of  humaneness, of human-ness, that a mere fine or a few months or years in prison will not fix. This is someone that needs psychological help, and to make amends way above and beyond a mere apology that neglects to even mention the victims.

What a disgusting display.

+++++++++

Text of Vick apology: 'I was not honest ... I need to grow up'

Associated Press
Published on: 08/27/07

Text of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick's statement

Michael Vick's statement following his guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Richmond, Va., to a dogfighting conspiracy charge:

--> -->For most of my life,  I've been a football player, not a public speaker, so, you know, I really don't know, you know, how to say what I really want to say.

You know, I understand it's — it's important or not important, you know, as far as what you say but how you say things. So, you know, I take this opportunity just to speak from the heart.

First, I want to apologize, you know, for all the things that — that I've done and that I have allowed to happen. I want to personally apologize to commissioner Goodell, Arthur Blank, coach Bobby Petrino, my Atlanta Falcons teammates, you know, for our — for our previous discussions that we had. And I was not honest and forthright in our discussions, and, you know, I was ashamed and totally disappointed in myself to say the least.

I want to apologize to all the young kids out there for my immature acts and, you know, what I did was, what I did was very immature so that means I need to grow up.

I totally ask for forgiveness and understanding as I move forward to bettering Michael Vick the person, not the football player.

I take full responsibility for my actions. For one second will I sit right here — not for one second will I sit right here and point the finger and try to blame anybody else for my actions or what I've done.

I'm totally responsible, and those things just didn't have to happen. I feel like we all make mistakes. It's just I made a mistake in using bad judgment and making bad decisions. And you know, those things, you know, just can't happen.

Dog fighting is a terrible thing, and I did reject it.

I'm upset with myself, and, you know, through this situation I found Jesus and asked him for forgiveness and turned my life over to God. And I think that's the right thing to do as of right now.

Like I said, for this — for this entire situation I never pointed the finger at anybody else, I accepted responsibility for my actions of what I did and now I have to pay the consequences for it. But in a sense, I think it will help, you know, me as a person. I got a lot to think about in the next year or so.

I offer my deepest apologies to everybody out in there in the world who was affected by this whole situation. And if I'm more disappointed with myself than anything it's because of all the young people, young kids that I've let down, who look at Michael Vick as a role model. And to have to go through this and put myself in this situation, you know, I hope that every young kid out there in the world watching this interview right now who's been following the case will use me as an example to using better judgment and making better decisions.

Once again, I offer my deepest apologies to everyone. And I will redeem myself. I have to.

So I got a lot of down time, a lot of time to think about my actions and what I've done and how to make Michael Vick a better person.

Thank you."

1:19 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Demo Dog Book Now Available

Check out this lovely little childrens book featuring a junkyard Pit Bull:

www.demo-dog.com 

1:46 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment