The Truth Behind The Angry Dog!

I was just reading an article written by a fellow Triond writer regarding a change in the law when it comes to Pit-bulls.  This article discussed making a change from assuming all Pit-bulls were vicious to just those that were proven so.  The problem with this however is that these dogs (along with a few others) are unfortunately stereo-typed as vicious regardless of what their law says.

Pit-bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans, what do they have in common? Other than the fact that they are all dogs, they are all classified as being vicious dogs.  Many people are afraid to go near dogs of these breeds.  However, they simply do not understand that this is just a stereo-type.  I was a vet tech for a few years and never did I come across a mean Pit-bull, Rottie or Dobie! In fact, they were often sweeter than the smaller breeds. 

What is it about these dogs that make people believe they are vicious?  Is it because there was a story about one that attacked a person?  Does that mean that all dogs of that breed are the same?  It certainly does not!  Nine times out of ten a dog is vicious because it was raised that way!  If a dog is raised to fight, fight it will, and if it was raised to attack, well what do you think? 

There are only two times a dog will attack a person.  One is if it is protecting his family and the other is if you are hurting him.  As a vet tech we were taught to be careful around any animal not just the pit-bulls or dobie’s.  I could not see myself opting not to work on a specific animal because of it’s breed. 

Personally, I think more people need to do some research and maybe then they will realize that just because he is a pit-bull doesn’t make him vicious.  Of course you should always approach any animal with caution but never just assume he’s mean or dangerous.  As the owner before attempting to pet him.  And remember, pets feed off your energy so if you are calm they will be too!