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'via Blog If there was a manual describing ideal Pit Bull temperament, it would
probably read something like this: "The Pit Bull is goofily friendly towards
people - family, friends, and strangers alike. Known for its sound
character, strong nerve, and great intelligence, the breed makes an ideal
companion for households with children, while remaining strong and
vigilant enough to protect its loved ones if need be. It is never necessary
to embark on guard or attack training with this breed, as they are
naturally attuned to their environment and intuitive about real threats.
Although never aggression towards people without real need, the Pit Bull
may show dog-directed aggression, but sensitivity to other dogs will vary
from dog to dog. The properly socialized and trained Pit Bull should not be
an instigator, yet it is unlikely for the breed to shy away from a challenge.
The breed is known for its high prey drive, and so due caution should be
exercised when cats, rabbits, domestic fowl, and other such animals are
present. Dog-sensitivity and high prey drive should not be viewed as a
fault, although excessive, uncontrollable aggression is neither desired nor
correct. Aggression towards humans should be viewed as a serious fault."
The best destroyers of media myths are the Pit Bulls themselves. This is Buddie (pic care
of Donna Dailey of Faith's Pit Bull Rescue), with a more accurate portrayal of Pit Bull
temperament.
As our "ideal temperament manual" states above, the Pit Bull is a
very friendly, stable breed. Although in recent years some individuals
have misused the breed and the media have misrepresented it, aggression
towards humans never was and still isn't what the Pit Bull is about.
Aggression directed at humans is a serious matter, and not something
that should be taken lightly.
****Human aggression (i.e. biting/attempt to bite) in this breed
is *not* the norm. Growling (i.e. over toys, food, when moved off the sofa,
bed, etc.) should be considered a warning, and possibly a precursor to human-
aggressive behavior. It is imperative that guardians seek professional help if
their dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors.****
Because the Pit Bull is such a people-friendly breed, they
make poor guards of property. Many members of the breed will allow
strangers to enter the home or yard without a fuss, whether the guardian
is present or not. When it comes to physical harm to his person, the breed
is credited with having exceptional judgment and will react only to real
threats. Because the Pit Bull is not a guard or ‘attack breed’, it is best to
stay away from any sort of guard or protection dog training. A good dog
can be ruined quite easily when this sort of training is undertaken
improperly, making for a wary, untrusting dog that may become a danger
to humans. Do not try to make the Pit Bull into something he is not. If a
serious guard or attack dog is what you desire, it is best to look to one of
the breeds that have been specifically created for that type of work.
This breed is known to keep its guardians laughing. They are silly, almost
to the point of being ridiculous. Flailing around upside down on their backs,
laying with their heads draped off the side of the couch, engaging in
rambunctious sprints around the living room (we call ‘em "pit
fits"), these dogs are always clowning around. They are active and
energetic; too much dog for some to handle, just the right amount for
others.
Pit Bulls are known to have a tendency towards showing dog-directed
aggression, although this will vary from dog to dog. It is therefore
necessary for the Pit Bull guardian to take certain precautions in the
housing, training, and socialization of the breed. Pit Bulls also tend to
have a very strong prey drive. Small animals such as birds, squirrels and
cats are often viewed as "hunting targets” (this is the terrier blood in
them). And let’s not forget that Pit Bulls are bred down from dogs that
were used to bait large animals such as bulls and bears – Pit Bulls can
therefore show a strong desire to chase/hold down horses and other
farmyard animals. This is a tendency of which guardians MUST be aware.
The Pit Bull should be socialized from early on in a structured, controlled
way with other dogs. Basic early manners training is a must. However,
you cannot socialize or train away temperament traits. Since most Pit Bulls
have a tendency to be what we call ‘dog-sensitive’, socialization
and training combined with management are musts. These things won’t
eliminate the tendency but will help you control or circumvent any
problems.
What are some specifics you need to know about Pit Bulls and other dogs?
Pit Bulls are not necessarily looking to show
dominance or obtain rank when they aggress. In fact, most aggression
has to do with defense (this is true of all dogs). Even dogs labeled
‘submissive’ cannot be trusted to “never fight”. Allowing a Pit Bull to
"work out rank" with other dogs is dangerous and may very well result in
injuries. Although neutering can definitely help in some cases (particularly
with young males), do not count on the operation eliminating aggression
completely. Same-sex aggression is a problem, with two bitches
sometimes being more problematic than two males. Regardless
of the sexes involved, in general same-sex households are not a
good idea, particularly for the novice guardian.
Pit Bulls are slow to mature. A dog may not show his true temperament
until he is 2 or 3 or even 4 years old. Dog-sensitivity levels tend to rise as
a Pit Bull matures.
Just because your puppy has reached a year of age without having shown
dog-directed aggression does not mean he will never trigger.
Pit Bulls can and do interact peacefully with other dogs and animals.
Individual dog temperament, early training and socializing, and good
management skills on the part of the guardian all play an important role in
whether or not a Pit Bull is capable of getting along with other dogs. Many
people successfully keep multiple Pit Bulls and other dogs in the same
household. Success is based on careful supervision, proper management
and training, and the individual dogs involved.
Please see the Aggression, Care & Management, & Training pages for more
info on breed temperament, handling and training.
people - family, friends, and strangers alike. Known for its sound
character, strong nerve, and great intelligence, the breed makes an ideal
companion for households with children, while remaining strong and
vigilant enough to protect its loved ones if need be. It is never necessary
to embark on guard or attack training with this breed, as they are
naturally attuned to their environment and intuitive about real threats.
Although never aggression towards people without real need, the Pit Bull
may show dog-directed aggression, but sensitivity to other dogs will vary
from dog to dog. The properly socialized and trained Pit Bull should not be
an instigator, yet it is unlikely for the breed to shy away from a challenge.
The breed is known for its high prey drive, and so due caution should be
exercised when cats, rabbits, domestic fowl, and other such animals are
present. Dog-sensitivity and high prey drive should not be viewed as a
fault, although excessive, uncontrollable aggression is neither desired nor
correct. Aggression towards humans should be viewed as a serious fault."
The best destroyers of media myths are the Pit Bulls themselves. This is Buddie (pic care
of Donna Dailey of Faith's Pit Bull Rescue), with a more accurate portrayal of Pit Bull
temperament.
As our "ideal temperament manual" states above, the Pit Bull is a
very friendly, stable breed. Although in recent years some individuals
have misused the breed and the media have misrepresented it, aggression
towards humans never was and still isn't what the Pit Bull is about.
Aggression directed at humans is a serious matter, and not something
that should be taken lightly.
****Human aggression (i.e. biting/attempt to bite) in this breed
is *not* the norm. Growling (i.e. over toys, food, when moved off the sofa,
bed, etc.) should be considered a warning, and possibly a precursor to human-
aggressive behavior. It is imperative that guardians seek professional help if
their dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors.****
Because the Pit Bull is such a people-friendly breed, they
make poor guards of property. Many members of the breed will allow
strangers to enter the home or yard without a fuss, whether the guardian
is present or not. When it comes to physical harm to his person, the breed
is credited with having exceptional judgment and will react only to real
threats. Because the Pit Bull is not a guard or ‘attack breed’, it is best to
stay away from any sort of guard or protection dog training. A good dog
can be ruined quite easily when this sort of training is undertaken
improperly, making for a wary, untrusting dog that may become a danger
to humans. Do not try to make the Pit Bull into something he is not. If a
serious guard or attack dog is what you desire, it is best to look to one of
the breeds that have been specifically created for that type of work.
This breed is known to keep its guardians laughing. They are silly, almost
to the point of being ridiculous. Flailing around upside down on their backs,
laying with their heads draped off the side of the couch, engaging in
rambunctious sprints around the living room (we call ‘em "pit
fits"), these dogs are always clowning around. They are active and
energetic; too much dog for some to handle, just the right amount for
others.
Pit Bulls are known to have a tendency towards showing dog-directed
aggression, although this will vary from dog to dog. It is therefore
necessary for the Pit Bull guardian to take certain precautions in the
housing, training, and socialization of the breed. Pit Bulls also tend to
have a very strong prey drive. Small animals such as birds, squirrels and
cats are often viewed as "hunting targets” (this is the terrier blood in
them). And let’s not forget that Pit Bulls are bred down from dogs that
were used to bait large animals such as bulls and bears – Pit Bulls can
therefore show a strong desire to chase/hold down horses and other
farmyard animals. This is a tendency of which guardians MUST be aware.
The Pit Bull should be socialized from early on in a structured, controlled
way with other dogs. Basic early manners training is a must. However,
you cannot socialize or train away temperament traits. Since most Pit Bulls
have a tendency to be what we call ‘dog-sensitive’, socialization
and training combined with management are musts. These things won’t
eliminate the tendency but will help you control or circumvent any
problems.
What are some specifics you need to know about Pit Bulls and other dogs?
Pit Bulls are not necessarily looking to show
dominance or obtain rank when they aggress. In fact, most aggression
has to do with defense (this is true of all dogs). Even dogs labeled
‘submissive’ cannot be trusted to “never fight”. Allowing a Pit Bull to
"work out rank" with other dogs is dangerous and may very well result in
injuries. Although neutering can definitely help in some cases (particularly
with young males), do not count on the operation eliminating aggression
completely. Same-sex aggression is a problem, with two bitches
sometimes being more problematic than two males. Regardless
of the sexes involved, in general same-sex households are not a
good idea, particularly for the novice guardian.
Pit Bulls are slow to mature. A dog may not show his true temperament
until he is 2 or 3 or even 4 years old. Dog-sensitivity levels tend to rise as
a Pit Bull matures.
Just because your puppy has reached a year of age without having shown
dog-directed aggression does not mean he will never trigger.
Pit Bulls can and do interact peacefully with other dogs and animals.
Individual dog temperament, early training and socializing, and good
management skills on the part of the guardian all play an important role in
whether or not a Pit Bull is capable of getting along with other dogs. Many
people successfully keep multiple Pit Bulls and other dogs in the same
household. Success is based on careful supervision, proper management
and training, and the individual dogs involved.
Please see the Aggression, Care & Management, & Training pages for more
info on breed temperament, handling and training.
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