What you need to know about Pitbulls And Kids? Pitbulls are a contentious breed. Some communities outright prohibit the possession of Pitbulls because they are too violent and dangerous, while others argue that terrible dogs are the result of poor owners.
Which is it, then? Are Pitbulls the result of irresponsible owners and a bad rep?
Is their violent breed history embedded in their genetics, making even the best obedience instruction ineffective?
Is it true that Pitbull get along well with children?
Pitbulls are the topic of numerous debates, yet the majority of their bad press is undeserved.
Pitbulls that have been properly bred and socialized can make wonderful companions for children of all ages.
Pit Bull Breed
When it comes to canines, the name “pitbull” might be misleading.
Pitbull refers to the American Pit Bull Terrier in technical terms.
Other “bully breed” include the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, both of which are sometimes referred to as Pitbulls.
Pitbull can also refer to any mixed-breed dog that has the same appearance as a Pitbull.
History
It’s critical to understand the Pitbull dog breed’s prior history in order to comprehend Pitbulls now.
Pitbulls got their name because they were bred to fight bulls and bears in pit battles or so called bull baiting in early nineteenth-century England.
Around 1835, these sports were declared illegal, and dogfighting became popular in their place.
Pitbulls were set to fight each other instead of battling bears and bulls.
Pit bull type dog were chosen and bred for their hostility toward other dogs in this new sport.
While this desire to attack other dogs is still present in today’s Pitbulls, it’s crucial to remember that the earliest fighting dogs were never raised to attack humans.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, were developed for their aversion to bite humans.
Handlers frequently had to reach into dog-fighting rings to separate dogs, and they wanted to be able to do it safely.
Recent Events in History
Pitbulls eventually left England’s dogfighting rings to become farm dogs in the United States.
They hunted, accompanied one another, and kept an eye on their dwellings.
Pitbulls became the “all-American family dog” thanks to movie stars like Petey from “The Little Rascals.”
Dogs like Doberma have evolved over the years.
The “bad dogs” to avoid were ns and Rottweilers.
That is, until the 1990s, when Pitbulls became popular among those who did not value the breed’s positive qualities.
Instead, unscrupulous dog fighting groups repopularized the breed, resulting in the current, undeserved reputation of Pitbulls.
While some say that Pitbulls are more likely than other dog breeds to attack humans, this is just not true.
Pitbulls are not more aggressive towards people than the ordinary purebred dog, according to research and evidence.
Pitbulls: Are They Aggressive?
When we look back at the history of Pitbulls in order to better understand them now, we see a robust, athletic dog that was bred for dogfighting or bull baiting.
Dogs who were aggressive against other dogs were bred for centuries to produce the greatest combat rivals.
While good socialization during puppyhood can help to overcome a Pitbull dog aggression against other dogs, it is genetically encoded in their genome.
We must understand that Pitbulls were never bred for human aggressiveness in the same breath that we accept their genetic inclination toward dog hostility.
As a result, they have no hereditary predisposition to attack people, young or elderly.
Pitbulls: Can They Show Human Aggression?
In a nutshell, they can. Aggressive behavior on individual dogs do exist.
They are the result of both their DNA and their environment. Pitbulls who have been abused and neglected by their owners are more likely to become aggressive toward humans.
As Pitbull owners, it is our job to properly socialize our puppies so that they do not acquire fear-based responses toward specific people, such as children.
Is it true that Pit Bulls get along well with children?
They certainly are. You will have a terrific companion for your children if you have a well-trained and socialized Pit Bull from an early age, just like any other breed.
The Pit Bull, unlike any other breed, is particularly loving of youngsters.
Since the early 1900s, the dog has been known as a particularly loyal, loving, and gentle friend, earning the moniker “Nanny Dog.”
It was not uncommon to see Pit Bulls and youngsters in vintage television shows and advertising.
For example, consider Buster Brown and his Pit Bull Tige, as well as Pete the Pup from the “Our Gang” Little Rascals.
Nothing makes a Pit Bull happier than spending time with his human companions.
When it comes to youngsters, the Pit Bull is a dependable and trustworthy companion animal.
When they can snuggle, play, and be among youngsters, they flourish.
However, children must learn how to engage correctly with any animal.
It’s critical to teach your children what is and isn’t acceptable dog behavior.
Though the Pit Bull gets along well with children, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on playtime with any dog.
You must guarantee that everyone is having a good time and is not overly thrilled.
Is it Safe for Children to Be Around Pitbulls?
Pitbulls should be absolutely safe around young child if they have been properly socialized with them from an early age.
However, you should never leave children, especially tiny children, unattended in the presence of a huge dog.
Pitbulls are a large, powerful dog that isn’t normally violent toward adults or children.
Precautions should be taken, as with any large dog, to keep dogs and children safe.
Here are some more safety tips for youngsters around your Pitbull:
All Interactions Must Be Monitored
This is so crucial that we’re repeating it.
Play sessions between a youngster and a Pitbull should not be supervised in order to prevent your dog from suddenly snapping and attacking a child with whom they have played for years.
It’s for the sake of avoiding mishaps.
Never leave a youngster alone with a dog, especially if it is a puppy.
Even if a Pitbull is well-behaved, it is possible for a child to be harmed as a result of their interactions.
Pitbulls are large, powerful dogs who enjoy playing.
If the game becomes too aggressive, they could easily knock a child down, resulting in injury.
Keeping an eye on those encounters ensures the safety of both your dog and your child.
Keep an eye on your child’s actions.
Even if children have the greatest of intentions, they might cause harm without intending to.
Children can inflict unintentional harm to your dog, whether it’s through heavy-handed stroking or pulling at his face.
Nonetheless, a well-bred and well-raised Pitbull should not bite or attack as a defense mechanism, even if subjected to such abuse.
Make sure any child who is playing with your Pitbull understands how to play properly.
Teach children to be respectful of your Pitbull as well as their personal space and possessions.
Place any valuables in a safe place.
Put away objects like their food bowls, cookies, bones, and toys before allowing youngsters to play with your Pitbull.
While a properly raised Pitbull will not fight a child in order to obtain these objects, they may play excessively rough in order to reclaim a toy or bone.
In their rush to get their bone, your Pitbull can nibble a small finger or two.
Accidents like these can be avoided by putting these items away.
Attend Obedience Training Classes
Obedience classes, in addition to socializing your Pitbull as a puppy, are a good option.
They not only allow your dog to socialize with other dogs and humans, but they also provide an opportunity for your dog to turn to you for leadership.
Obedience lessons give your dog a place to learn from you and to look to you in unfamiliar settings.
It builds your bond and offers your Pitbull confidence in your judgments when your Pitbull feels comfortable seeking to you for help when they are unsure.
Because of this relationship, if you are calm when a youngster is rushing around shouting, your Pitbull will be calm as well.
In many situations, a Pitbull who listens to you is essential.
They may need to sit so that a tiny child can pet them, or they may need to lie down if they become too boisterous.
Knowing your Pitbull inside and out gives you even more assurance that you’ll know how they’ll respond in any situation.
You’ll be able to interpret your dog’s moods and actions better the more time you spend with them.
Allow Your Pitbull To Take A Break
Allow your Pitbull to flee whether he is being scared by a child or is simply tired of playing.
If dogs are in an unpleasant position, they would rather go away than aggravate the issue.
This is why it’s critical to provide an escape route or location for your dog.
Teach youngsters that a dog’s box, bed, or other location is off-limits to humans, and that if the dog enters, they must leave them alone.
Some dogs are simply strange around certain individuals, including little children.
Don’t force your dog to interact with people that make him or her feel uneasy.
When meeting new individuals, pay attention to your dog’s behavior and give them the option to exit the environment if they so wish.
Pitbull: A Dog for the Family
Pit bull are known for being extremely people-oriented.
The bulk of them simply want to be in a caring home with their loved ones.
While there are many terrible anecdotes involving children and Pitbulls, these incidents nearly invariably occur when the dog and child are left alone.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, do not attack humans, young or elderly, at a higher rate than many other dog breeds; they are simply more likely to make the news.
Make sure you do your homework.
When you get a Pitbull puppy, try to expose him to as many people, locations, and situations as possible.
If you choose to adopt an older dog, enroll them in obedience training and gradually introduce them to new people and environments.
A well-raised high-energy Pitbull can be an excellent companion for a high-energy child and for a dog lover.
Pit Bulls Devote Their Lives To Their Owners
Is it true that Pit Bulls are devoted to their owners?
Pit bulls are known for their unwavering devotion to their owners.
These dogs are very people-oriented and will go to great lengths to please their owners.
To a loving family or a dog owner, a Pit Bull will exhibit unflinching love and dedication.
They’ve got your back through thick and thin.
Pit Bulls can be good guard dog because of this, but not in the sense of attacking other humans.
They will defend their family members if they believe they are in danger or are being threatened, but they are a better deterrent to would-be criminals in general.
Your Pit Bull is likely to get along with everyone in the neighborhood, as well as any visitors you may have.
The plumber and the mailman are among them.
Pit Bulls, despite how they are sometimes portrayed in the media, score extremely well on temperament tests.
For the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, the percentage ranges from 85.5 to 87.4 percent.
Most herding, toy, and hound dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Bearded Collies, are defeated.
(FAQ) Pitbulls And Kids
Are pitbulls okay around kids?
Pit Bulls are a devoted, people-oriented breed that thrives in a family environment. Both adults and children find them to be affectionate. Note: All youngsters should be taught how to engage with animals and should always be supervised when doing so.
Is a pitbull a good family dog?
Other pit bulls were produced with the intent of providing work and companionship. These dogs have long been popular household pets due to their gentleness, devotion, and loyalty. Even pit bulls that were bred to fight other animals were not hostile toward humans.
Are pitbulls aggressive towards kids?
They are not violent toward children and are as unpredictable as any other breed. Pitbulls are a reflection of their owner’s training methods.
Are pitbulls protective of babies?
Pitbulls And Children? While some warn that Pitbulls are hazardous and can accidently maul or bite your children, others maintain that well-behaved Pitbulls are a wonderful addition to the family since they are loving and protective of their young.
Do pitbulls turn on their owners?
When they are aroused or disturbed, though, they may be less sensitive to pain. They’re unpredictably unpredictable. Pit bulls are thought to be perfectly normal throughout their entire lives before snapping and attacking their owners. According to Reid, pit bulls are no more prone than any other breed to do so.