As a puppy, Ransom was outrageously social, leaping and “smiling” with a big toothy grin at new people and dogs alike, coming into class. Happily, Ransom learned some impulse control, and to greet humans more appropriately. Ransom is a Pit bull. People are wary of large leaping dogs, and often more so, hold preconceived notions of the bully breeds: notions that these social creatures are dangerous fighting dogs. My heart ached reading an account from my client, of puppy Ransom, denied petting from a child. Why did Dad take the child’s hand and walk away? My client, upon inquiry, stated that Ransom was a pit bull. Clearly, Dad possessed preconceived pet prejudices. Clearly, there is a little boy growing up with the same learned opinions.
One of my greatest joys is that of return clients from years gone by. Recently I heard from the Mom of Ransom, now fostering a dog and looking for another class. I was delighted to hear of Handsom Ransom doing well and probably had a big goofy grin on my face as I read. To know Ransom is to love him! I decided to interview my client for Be The Change For Animals. Bloggers unite on given days to educate on matters “near and dear to their heart” as stated by cause champion KIM CLUNE. Am I saddened that folks do not understand the lovely and highly social bully breeds? Very much so: having had the pleasure of many and various passing through my classroom. I find it outrageous and chilling that legislation passes, targeting specific dog breeds as dangerous. Personally, with my pack of labs, there is no danger here. Writing about real experiences with Handsom Ransom will, I hope, galvanize folks to action.
My client has experienced real life events, as typical of that experienced by many bully and other “dangerous” dog breed owners. We live in a region where Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has not yet affected sweeping changes. Here is what we have close by.
Wilmington DE: Pit bulls restricted as dangerous. Restricted, both purebred and mixed. Section 3-16.
Prince George County MD: banned. Section 3-185-01
Further a field, Supreme Courts in 11 U.S. States upholds breed-specific pit bull laws.
To find current laws (and dismaying reading for bully and other “dangerous” dog lovers) go to DOG BANS
Here is what my client has to say, about some of her life experiences with Ransom, sharing also her thoughts and beliefs.
1. Have you met people who assumed Ransom was not friendly? CLIENT: “Ransom gets looks all the time…..When we told the father he was a Pit, he took the kid and walked away, never letting the child pet a little puppy.”
2. Are you familiar with BSL? CLIENT: “I am familiar with BSL and I don’t agree with it at all. Every dog is different, just like people, and it is very unfair that they treat all bully breed as bad. I would definitely petition if it was ever proposed in the DE/MD area.
3. Have you had difficulty finding a place to live? CLIENT: “I have experienced this first hand. We had a hard time not only finding a place that would allow two large dogs but also allowed pits. It is like they are judging before they have even met the dog. “
4. How have you responded to public encounters of prejudice? CLIENT: “If we are at a dog park, and someone seems afraid, we usually just take our dogs and walk away. I have tried talking to people about it before and it is an argument I am not going to win. People are sometimes so set in their ways that you can’t talk to them in a reasonable manner” (can you even imagine having to live like this, with worry nagging at you?)
5. Do you think there is a real prejudice about Pit bulls as fighting dogs? CLIENT: “There definitely is a prejudice and that is why people are so scared of them. They are they only type of dogs ever shown fighting. The dog attacks you hear about are always Pits. I know a Chihuahua that has bitten many times but your never hear about it.
6. How can we best educate people? CLIENT: “I think the best way to educate people is to stop letting the media exploit the Pit bull. People are so quick to believe what they hear on T.V. So I think they need to show more of the good things that the Pit bull does.
7. Would you describe Ransom as friendly? CLIENT: “Ransom loves every person and dog! We have had many foster puppies and adult dogs through our home, and he has never had a problem with anyone of them. He loves to lick people, and we joke that if someone broke in, he would lick them to death.
What compelling, heart tugging and eye opening responses articulated by my client; she deserves a medal for giving a glimpse into her life with the loving happy go lucky Ransom, one of the much maligned bully breeds. Who would want to live wondering where BSL would next rear its` ugly head, wondering how to respond to the next cold accusing stare, wondering how to keep your precious pet safe? Many do live like this. Do avail yourself of these resources. Together, we can make a difference. BE THE CHANGE.
STOP BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION
Read. Educate yourselves. Be aware. Petition to end BSL. Do not be one of those parents who walks your kid away from the happy social puppy, wanting to be greeted.
Until next time, Leslie and the labbies.
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Thanks for this, Leslie. I
Thanks for this, Leslie. I would like to say that I'm amazed by the persistence of that prejudice but, sadly, I'm not because the media feeds it constantly. One nice antidote to the prevailing so-called common wisdom is The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant -- "a tale of rescue and redemption" as the subtitle puts it -- about the Michael Vick dogs. By coincidence I reviewed it for Be the Change, and also posted a terrific video debunking irrational pit bull prejudice by Ken Bell: http://willmydoghateme.com/animal-welfare/blog-the-change-debunking-pit-...
Edie Jarolim, http://willmydoghateme.com
Thanks Edie!
Hey Edie, thanks so much for your comments, and for letting readers know about The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant, a must for my own reading list. I hope many bloggers keep writing and debunking on the pit (and other "dangerous" breeds) myth. Will post a link to your blog on my FB page, would love for more people to see that. See you on twitter!!
Leslie
Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA Look What I Can Do! Dog Training Where There Are No BAD Dogs, Just Dogs That Don`t Know WHAT To Do.
Breed prejudice
Lovely Leslie. I too suffer daily with breed prejudice (I have two Rottweilers) people not only judge your dog but they judge the type of person you are for having that type of dog too.
Fortunatly Rotty people I think do have it a little easier than the Bully breeds because I do find on walks people either hate them and are afraid (glare at you for even having them in the general area and out in public) or actively and with purpose come up to you to talk about your beautiful dog giving you support and encouragement.
Gillian: Love Rotties
Can`t even imagine what it must feel like to be glared at for having a dog out in public. Just not right. You are probably correct in regards to Rotty folks vs bully folks. Have worked with both breeds multiple times, love them both. Keep proving foks wrong with your dogs as public ambassadors for the breed. : )
Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA Look What I Can Do! Dog Training Where There Are No BAD Dogs, Just Dogs That Don`t Know WHAT To Do.
Bumble Bee
After just reading Edie's blog on dressing up dogs - maybe I should try dressing my the boys up, the youngest would be really cute as a Bumble Bee and it would go a long way towards stopping people demonising him.
Most people love my older rotty because he has a open face, but they are terrified of my younger goofball - he has a squashy face and hooded eyes, so everyone takes an instant dislike to him and all he wants to do is make you laugh and have you love him.
Nice Blog Post!
Thank you SO much for a wonderful post! As the owner of a APBT mix, the prejudice is out there in full force, mostly thanks to the media.
@Gillians: yes, dressing up your dog DOES seem to make a world of difference. When people see a dog with something fun on, even if it is a funky bandana, it makes the dog appear to be "softer" to them. When we take Kayla out in public, the most minimal thing she has on is a brightly colored bandana. We have collars in all different styles, textures, and colors also. In the cooler months, she has cute little sweaters and coats, and not to mention a pink and white stripped fluffy scarf. People tend to comment on Kayla's dress BEFORE they realize that they are fawning over a "pit bull". With her butt in full wiggle and her cute outfits, it makes it hard for people to shy away from her.
I also have been judged for owning an APBT mix. The most common comment I have had spoken to me is, "She is a pit? You don't look like a pit bull owner." My reply is usually, "Gee, thanks. I am not sure what pit owners look like, but I guess I am glad that I don't look like one." Of course, I follow it up with a giggle. It is sad how we are judged and how are dogs are judged based upon appearance. I dress nice on a regular basis, and it is part of my job (insurance agent). My husband usually wears polo and button down shirts, and always looks nice. It is funny how people will come up and talk to us over other people who aren't dressed as nice that also have APBTs. We learned this first hand at a dog event last weekend.
Humans are such fickle creatures. Sometimes it makes me just love my dog even more. :)
If the statistics are true, then what?
http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html
Sadly, the breeds that were bred to fight and protect are the ones that have been subject to the most media, perhaps because of breeding, and bad training. I don't think the statistics on this site are lies, so if they are true, then what can be done besides BSLs that prevent the average person from owning a dog without proper training? I am not in favor of BSLs, but can't help but wonder how else we can do? I wish someone had a better answer.
respond:gillian/kaylasmom/tbottoni(Hey Can I Pet Your Puppy?)
Thanks as always for taking the time to read and make comments,much appreciated. : ) Firstly, Michael Drayton wrote an excellent post on BSL, with links directly addressing studies on dog bites with skewed data. (tbottoni) Data can always be made to look very impressive. Michael takes a look at getting to the real facts at hand.
Yes (gillian) Edie makes some excellent points. People are indeed disarmed by cute scarves etc. I say whatever helps. People such as yourself with dogs in public as excellent ambassadors for the breed are so important.
A smile, laugh and friendly comment rather than becoming angry/defensive yes, so effective (kaylasmom) CLICK to all of you for being effective at dispelling breed myths with your own wonder attitudes.
Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA Look What I Can Do! Dog Training Where There Are No BAD Dogs, Just Dogs That Don`t Know WHAT To Do.