KarenCurtis
Forums Sage
Thankyou for this,
Karen
One of my biggest fears ocurred today on our walk
- Thread starter KarenCurtis
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Karen
I admit that I am very afraid of pit bulls. When I see one at the dog park I get tense. That's why I won't go to a dog park that doesn't have the big and small dogs separate. One day at the dog park, a pit bull owner let their un-neutered male BIG BIG puppy in the small dog area and it trapped Ellie is about two seconds and was humpig her. Ellie was snarling and growling (first time I have ever seen her be aggressive with any dog off leash) and was trying to get behind my husband for protection. My husband grabbed the PB by the collar and dragged it off and snapped at the owner, "Get your dog!" The owner, who was watching the whole encounter and did NOTHING, said, "He doesn't even know what he's doing," to which by husband replied, "Maybe not, but YOU do!" GRRRRRRRR! It's irresonsible owners like that that give PB a bad rap. I admit that I have never met a nice one. I am afraid of them and will probably always be.
KarenCurtis
Forums Sage
It may seem unfair, it is unfair- but justified, unfortunately. They are tough dogs to handle, so they end up in shelters. Many owners of Pitbulls aren't dedicated enough to the breed and don't mange them properly, as we see all over the news these days. As far as pepper spray is concerned, Canada itself is different in its thinking about "weapons" (I was born there and relatives are all there). I don't mean to generalize, neither a good or bad judgement.Off leash or not I think Pepper Spray is a bit over board...? Sounded to me, (unless I misunderstood the original post) that this dog just didn't listen, that's all, no harm done...? No need to defend yourself, just scary and uncomfortable to a human. IF that dog had been mean and attacking anybody I would understand the need to wanting to defend your own dog like Mama Bear, I sure as hell would as well!
However, I hope to goodness I would never feel the need to consider Pepper Spray... Of course Ann has a good case, because it is against criminals and whatever it takes to make her feel more safe... but is Pepper Spray usage even remotely justified because we are worried about random pit bull attacks?
Maybe I live in a different environment because I am a little shocked at some of the willingness to arm yourselves with Pepper Spray?
I am also no fan of the breed, by the way but it seems unfair to judge all Pitbulls because we are scared of them?
Karen
It really makes me sad to see so many people afraid of them. I promise, if any of you spent time with some of the pit bull foundations and properly trained dogs, you'd see there's really not much difference between them and other mid-size "acceptable" dogs. I think it would be good for anyone that has anxieties about the breed because you're actually making it safer for you by not havign such a bad reaction when you DO see one. Dogs read your body language. You tense up, you get nervous - they know.
I've worked with abused ones before (which you would think would automatically be aggressive) that were ridiculously docile. They're one of the few breeds that doesn't have the luxury of being judged on a dog by dog basis and, imo, that's a terrible shame.
I've worked with abused ones before (which you would think would automatically be aggressive) that were ridiculously docile. They're one of the few breeds that doesn't have the luxury of being judged on a dog by dog basis and, imo, that's a terrible shame.
KarenCurtis
Forums Sage
I think I always will be afraid of them too, although we rescued one (puppy) who was darting traffic where our son lives. I called him over and he jumped right in the car, terrified. He did have a tag also. It is really the owners I don't trust who have Pitbulls- except for maybe one owner - who will remain nameless, but he has a T.V. show, um, which I may watch tonight. Okay that's enough of that,
Karen
danisgoat
Moderator
I carry pepper spray as well. Just a month ago I encountered a raccoon that had distemper (assuming) in the middle of the trail. I felt secure having the pepper spray out (did not have to use it) since I had two kids and two dogs.
danisgoat
Moderator
I used to have this opinion too. Then my neighbor adopted one. Six months later the dog ripped her 6 year old sons face off....unprovoked. The kid loved the dog. He is permantely scarred as well as does not have nerve or muscle movement on that side of his face. The now have a cockapoo....that couldn't hurt a fly. Now I am extremely cautious around them.
Justicemom
Forums Celebrity
Phobias are hard to deal with. We know they maybe unfounded in the situation and that our fear might be unreasonable to some yet we can't help it. Due to trauma, training or experience. We can not help it. It is involutary.
I myself have a fear of GSD not just any GSD but really light tan ones with a black saddle. I was bitten unprovoked in the face by one, the dog latched on to the left side of my face and I had to peel him off with my hands. As I dropped him he bit me in the hands. It was presidents day 1999. I still hear the growl in my ear, the pressure(not pain on my face) on my jaw. My vision is black ,my hearts races and I break out in sweat at the sight of the above described GSD. For 3 yrs I could not work with such a dog because of my nervousness. I caused them to distrust me. I have gotten to the point that I can calm myself and deal with my fear. I had to or I never would have done it. But it always starts before I can control it. If I was surprised by a light tan GSD with a black saddle charging at me I can tell you that I would be very scared and react even if others saw no threat
. I really do like GSD, rotts ,pitts and dobermans. All the dogs with the bad media rap. I am the vet that all the other vets get to handle the scary dogs. I try to go on indivdual dog rather then breed. Because I can tell you Pits are not even in my top 10. 
That being said I have zero tolerance for unrude out of control dogs and their owners, regardless of breed. The dog needs to be under voice control 100% or on leash. Charging strange dogs and people is just plain rude and if the other dog is reactive there is going to be big trouble. I had an reactive dog who was very civilized unless a dog got into her face(a 2 -3 ft circle). At that point your dog might not have a face anymore if I didn't stop her. Then whose fault would it be.
I never let her off leash and she had a great recall. I carry direct stop(like pepper spray) and would not hestitate to use it if I felt it was needed. I have never used it but came close once. I think reading this article says it better then me way it is not good to let strange dogs run up into your dogs face or for you to let your dog run up in the face of a strange dog.
http://flyingdogpress.com/content/view/42/70/
I have put back togther too many dogs(on both sides of the issue) who's owner said I thought he was friendly.
Off leash areas like a dog park it is an assumed risk and another story.
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Caro
Moderator
Yes I have a problem with Pitt Bulls here too. A great many of them are owned by irresponsible people who are just interested in a status dog. So I find its better to play it safe if I see any around. We have had several dog deaths in the last few years from pitt bull attacks. I am also wary of Staffys, Cattle Dogs and Huskys that come running toward us. I've had too many run ins with these types of dogs and have already been through 3 dog attacks with Tully and I dont think either of us could handle it again (can't afford the vet and behaviourist costs again anyway)
I carry a chuck-it stick most of the time when I walk the dogs. I have on many occassion smacked a dog with it, or held it out to keep them from getting too close or jumping on the dogs or me (I have vertigo). When I dont carry a chuckit (usually because I'm not expectng other dogs around) I have a lawyers bodkin (aka a pig stabber) - "no officer its not a concealed weapon its a letter opening". I do this as much for my own safety.
I carry a chuck-it stick most of the time when I walk the dogs. I have on many occassion smacked a dog with it, or held it out to keep them from getting too close or jumping on the dogs or me (I have vertigo). When I dont carry a chuckit (usually because I'm not expectng other dogs around) I have a lawyers bodkin (aka a pig stabber) - "no officer its not a concealed weapon its a letter opening". I do this as much for my own safety.
KarenCurtis
Forums Sage
No need to apologize. When the owner told the dog to "take it easy" when the dog was coming toward us, I got really nervous. But there was no evidence of an impending attack, I am just afraid of Pitbulls.Sorry to hear you had a scary experience, but like Toffee's mom, I was unclear from your first post whether the dog actually appeared aggressive or whether it was just running up to play?
Owning a big dog I know they can seem scary if they run up, but on the whole they are not attacking just playing.
I've known some very very nice bull terriers, very friendly and sociable. In fact I am more comfortable with them than BCs or JRTs as Cadbury has been attacked by them for no reason.
Personally, if someone pepper sprayed Cadbury for running up to their dog, especially if he had already nicely greeted the dog and both had been ok, I would be upset.
If he HAD attacked, then by all means defend your dog, but it does sound like he was just being playful - unless I have missed something from your first post, in which case I apologise.
Karen