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Annuta · 01-04-2007, 11:00 AM

I think anyone who plans to get a large dog, especially those who have a reputation for being aggressive, must educate themselves exceptionally well about a number of things: the breed, training and discipline, etc. I would imagine that thoroughly researching the breeder is a must, even more so than with a small breed. We are not just talking about health and breeding to standard here, but temperament and aggression as well. When you buy a dog that size and breed, you are not only responsible for yourself and your immediate family, but for everyone who comes into contact with your dog - intentionally or by accident. It's a huge responsibility.

That being said, I have had two very bad experiences with pit bulls and would never get one myself. Once, my aunt was pet sitting for her friends, who went on vacation for a week. They had a pit bull. I came to visit for a day (I was 15 at the time). I was relaxing on the balcony (15th floor apartment) while my aunt was taking a nap. The dog came on the balcony and cornered me at the railing by putting his front paws on my shoulders, growling and pushing on me with his weight. I was so scared that I couldn't even scream. I don't even want to think of what may have happened if my aunt hadn't woken up in time to take him away. The owners, and they are very responsible people, claimed that their dog would never do that - just goes to show that even with the best-behaved dog, you never know what may provoke them. And, just to point out, I didn't do anything to the dog - I was just sitting there, reading. He never did that to my aunt, however - she was very tough with him. Maybe that's the key? Be assertive and they will respect you?

My other experience wasn't as dramatic, but scary nonetheless. I rented an apartment in a small building while I was in college. The landlord had a pit bull living in the basement, which also housed the laundry machines. The dog would growl and jump at anyone who would come near the basement. Needless to say, I did my laundry elsewhere.

Like any anecdotal evidence, this should be for reference only, and the ultimate decision is up to you and your family. Good luck with whatever you decide.

01-04-2007, 11:00 AM	#110
Annuta Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 57	I think anyone who plans to get a large dog, especially those who have a reputation for being aggressive, must educate themselves exceptionally well about a number of things: the breed, training and discipline, etc. I would imagine that thoroughly researching the breeder is a must, even more so than with a small breed. We are not just talking about health and breeding to standard here, but temperament and aggression as well. When you buy a dog that size and breed, you are not only responsible for yourself and your immediate family, but for everyone who comes into contact with your dog - intentionally or by accident. It's a huge responsibility. That being said, I have had two very bad experiences with pit bulls and would never get one myself. Once, my aunt was pet sitting for her friends, who went on vacation for a week. They had a pit bull. I came to visit for a day (I was 15 at the time). I was relaxing on the balcony (15th floor apartment) while my aunt was taking a nap. The dog came on the balcony and cornered me at the railing by putting his front paws on my shoulders, growling and pushing on me with his weight. I was so scared that I couldn't even scream. I don't even want to think of what may have happened if my aunt hadn't woken up in time to take him away. The owners, and they are very responsible people, claimed that their dog would never do that - just goes to show that even with the best-behaved dog, you never know what may provoke them. And, just to point out, I didn't do anything to the dog - I was just sitting there, reading. He never did that to my aunt, however - she was very tough with him. Maybe that's the key? Be assertive and they will respect you? My other experience wasn't as dramatic, but scary nonetheless. I rented an apartment in a small building while I was in college. The landlord had a pit bull living in the basement, which also housed the laundry machines. The dog would growl and jump at anyone who would come near the basement. Needless to say, I did my laundry elsewhere. Like any anecdotal evidence, this should be for reference only, and the ultimate decision is up to you and your family. Good luck with whatever you decide.