Hello again, readers! This week I would like to address several misconceptions about the ‘Pit Bull.’ My organization, Canine Companions Boarding and Rehabilitation Services, does quite a bit of Pit Bull advocacy and research, and this article has been requested by many. Prior to directly discussing the Pit Bull, I would to invite you to share your own opinions and/or experiences with this breed. There is a poll open on my website at AmberLDrake.org. If you have had a positive, negative or neutral experience with this breed, my company would love to hear from you.

The Pit Bull has absolutely been the most ‘media-rich’ dog in the past decade. One side of the fence argues the Pit is a naturally aggressive dog whereas the other side argues the Pit’s demeanor is dependent on his environment, like all other dog breeds. Those who are against the Pit breed have suggested banning and euthanizing the breed entirely. What is the ‘Pit Bull’ exactly, though? The Pit Bull may refer to the American Pit Bull Terrier or essentially any dog that shows characteristics of the Pit breed.

Over 937 cities in the United States now enforce breed-specific legislation. What does this mean? This basically means, in these areas, the Pit Bull is banned. The largest U.S. public housing authority in New York City has banned Pit Bulls. Homeowners’ insurance, if you own a home, is also often increased if you have a ‘Pit-bull or Pit-mix’ breed.

Let’s talk about the misconception that all Pit Bulls are bad or all Pit Bulls are good. Based on my experience and research, the Pit Bull, just as any other dog breed is a subject of their environment. Their loyalty is generally what causes the trouble. Pit Bulls have a strong urge to please their owner and if being aggressive and/or protective pleases their owner, they are likely to act this way resulting in biting, growling or lunging at people. Equally, if the owner raises the Pit Bull in a manner which is focused on love, that will shine through in the dog’s personality and overall demeanor.

Pit Bulls also have a high prey drive and a strong, muscular body resulting in a firmer stance which may frighten people. The Pit Bull, although their jaw is strong, also do not have a ‘locking’ jaw which has been a common misconception.

Another common misconception is an aggressive Pit Bull is unable to be rehabilitated. This is not an accurate statement. Any dog can be rehabilitated through love, work and time. This fact was proven with the Michael Vick case as approximately 50 Pit Bull stereotype breeds were rescued from a fighting ring. Out of the 50 rescued, 49 were able to be rehabilitated.

These statements do not mean the Pit Bull should be a dog for just anyone. Pit Bulls do require structure, training, exercise and attention. Given the proper environment though, the Pit Bull can be one of the best family dogs you have ever had. Many people ask if I have ever had a Pit Bull myself as a family dog … and the answer to that question is yes. I had a Pit Bull mix, Shelby, for 10 years who recently passed away. She was loyal, loving and cuddled any time she had the opportunity. She had enough energy to play with my children but was calm enough when necessary to cuddle gently.

Now, I want to tell you another story about a dog named Susie. Have you ever heard of Susie’s Law? If not, Susie’s Law was enacted to increase the severity of punishment to those who abuse animals. Prior to Susie’s Law, abusing a dog was the same as abusing a piece of property.

Donna, Susie’s owner, was extremely fearful of Pit Bulls prior to Susie. Donna’s story began when she began to watch a Pit Bull being abused in her neighborhood. The neighbor’s dog was chained outside, unfed and without water, for a period of five years. Throughout this time, Donna would sneak over to her neighbor’s house and feed the dog to gain back his trust in humans. One of the mornings she went to visit him, he viciously attacked her from behind. She nearly lost her leg and her life was threatened. Her injuries required 45 stitches and continuous medical treatments.

Ten months after this altercation, Donna found Susie in Greenfield Park in Greensboro, N.C. Susie was an eight-week old Pit Bull mix who had been beaten, set on fire and left. Susie had third-degree burns and her ears were nearly gone. Susie was found eating garbage and drinking water from puddles that had gathered in the park. She had wounds covering over sixty-percent of her body. Susie required two months of intensive medical treatments but could then live life as a normal puppy. These medical treatments were not inexpensive and required Donna to complete many fundraising efforts for a breed she had once been fearful of. Susie is now a family member of Donna’s as well as a therapy dog working with burn victims.

Susie’s story is critical to emphasize as this is an example of how Pit Bulls are dependent upon the environment in which they were raised. This is also critical as it shows someone who was once fearful of the breed now advocating for the breed. If you would like to learn more about Susie, her website is www.susieshope.com.

If you are uncomfortable with the Pit Bull breed, ask yourself why they make you uncomfortable. If you simply have questions about the breed, I am happy to answer any question at any time. I am also interested in hearing your stories; whether positive or negative experiences. Throughout my research, discussions and conferences, the main reason people approach me in fear of the Pit Bull is simply due to the negative stories they have heard. Please contact me at ProfAmberDrake@gmail.com or via my website at www.AmberLDrake.org. The poll is also available on my website and will remain open.