[gaspump86]

Originally Posted by JTJ

Everyone is concentrating on Pits but there are other breeds out there that can be just as dangerous if not more dangerous. I worked with one guy whose wife was killed by their pet Doberman. They had raised the dog from a pup but one day she was hanging clothes on the line and the dog attacked her. I know another Doberman that is so gentle it is unreal and it was supposed to be a guard dog. This one would probably follow you around and show you where all the good stuff is. I know of a German Shepherd that would let anyone in but dont try to get out. They had to post the meter readings in the window because it would not let the meter readers out.
I like dogs but I dislike uncaring and inconsiderate dog owners. Train it and control it or dont have one.

I had a friend growing up with a yellow lab that had to be CAGED when friends were over.
Wow.... very unpredictable

[winds-of-change]

Originally Posted by JonM

i dont agree with the only bad owners thing when it comes to dogs bred for war. being vicious is genetically programed into them. they typically arent vicious to their owners only to outsiders and thats where the trouble stems. pitbulls have been known to leap from second story balconies to attack people walking down the street. http://www.nbc15.com/news/state/headlines/Pit_Bull_Leaps_Off_Balcony_Attacks_Dog_Walker_1593 77215.html

whatever is in their genes that make them territorial is hardwired and no amount of training and being a good owner can over ride that.

I agree here. Collies are bred to herd, daschunds are bred to hunt ground animals, huskies are bred to pull, pits are bred to be fighters. Even though not all are aggressive, I believe it is bred into their breed.

[gaspump86]

Stray vicious dogs are a great reason to CC

[Gonzilla]

My bud had a pit who was raised w litter of Chesapeake Bay retrievers and he behaved just like one. Absolute sweetheart but kinda hard on cats...

[HOSSFLY]

Originally Posted by Gonzilla

My bud had a pit who was raised w litter of Chesapeake Bay retrievers and he behaved just like one. Absolute sweetheart but kinda hard on cats...

I have two pit bulls next place to me- Sweetest dogs you ever saw---

[hiwall]

In this day and age, I would never shoot a dog unless it drew blood first.

[manta]

Any dog can attack a person. The problem with pit bulls is if they attack there is no stopping them they will not stop until dead or fatally injured. If a jack Russell attacks you a good kick will stop it. Pit bull dogs are baned in the UK under the dangerous dogs act.

[fupuk]

Originally Posted by gaspump86

Right. So if your dog could get loose would you be concerned for others safety?

I would be concerned because he got loose, but I really wouldnt be worried about him bitting anyone. Like everyone else stated dogs are unpredictable, and will react different in situations when your not there. If he did get out and tried to attack someone I would expect them to protect themselves. As I would do the same with my life.

[partdeux]

Originally Posted by gaspump86

Stray vicious dogs are a great reason to CC

Believe it or not, it was a pit that attacked my wife and our dogs that led me into finally owning a firearm.

[Gonzilla]

Nag. Geo Special - I think it was Dobermans who got a bad rep back in the 80s. Problem was the breeders were irresponsible - similar problems today w Mexico & puppy mills.

The AKA got together w registered breeders and they all agreed to selectively breed the aggression out of them. It took about 7-10 dog generations but now we have a super intelligent animal that must be trained to be aggressive.

Are there still irresponsible breeders out there ? Yes, but the nature vs nurture debate begins w the breeders.

There is YouTube video on German Shepards where they demonstrate a young family member in distress but the dogs won't attack w/o training. Let's face it, little children can be very annoying and dogs often take the brunt of their attention.