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Originally Posted by Critter  I don't know much about huskys but i hate it when people stereotype dogs in general. We have two small yorkies, a 4lb and 8lb one (both we got from a breeder). A year and a half ago we decided to rescue a pitbull that we knew very little about. We did a lot of research on the breed, looked at a lot of pits before we got her to make sure the temperament would match the boys we had. We also invested a ton of money in a trainer to transition her into our home. She came to our home once a week to help us watch for any concerning behavior we needed to be aware of. After all they are powerful breeds. We learned a ton of things in general I would not have thought of in transitioning her into our home. She is a gentle dog, my smallest yorkie is terrible in comparison! Is always growling at her, sometimes snaps at her face and the pitbull does nothing. She has never even done anything that would worry me. That doesn't mean I let my guard down, something the trainer taught me, we watch all play, never leave them alone, crate her when we are gone. But honestly I can't imagine her not in our lives. She is the most well behaved dog I have ever had! It saddens me when people say things about pits (or other dogs who typically get a bad rap) because it is usually the owner who doesn't put in the time to train their dog or actually teaches their dog to attack! |
I hope you didn't think I was stereotyping. Definitely wasn't what I was trying to do.
I've become fairly knowledgeable of dogs through the years and I was always one of those 'it's how they're raised' people in the past, but I honestly think that sets up a lot of people for failure. You guys sound totally responsible though and good owners!
I just think there's a lot of people out there who probably shouldn't own these beautiful powerful dogs.
I know of Pits who are fantastic with all dogs, big and small, but if you ever go read a Pit bull forum, or speak to someone involved in Pit rescue or a Pit breeder, they will always remind you of their potential for dog aggression. It's a breed "trait" and something that often doesn't show up until maturity. They always have that potential. Most reputable breeders and rescues will strictly tell you never to bring your pit to a dog park either.
An online friend of mine had a Maliniois and a Pit... I believe they had lived together for at least 3 years? The Pit was maybe 7yrs old. They were very responsible owners. Whenever they left, they had a system, so they were always separated. Well she came home to them both dead in a VERY brutal way, it was so so horrible. Doors were broken, windows, bath tub was messed up, blood everywhere, etc. But these were dogs that had gotten along together, were loose in the house when owners were home, etc. This could happen with any breeds, of course, but Pits will fight to the death with other dogs if they want to. It's just always something to be aware of, is all I am saying. And it's not saying certain breeds are BAD by any means. It's just important to be aware of what you're getting yourself into.