Is the pitbull a faithful friend or a danger to people? (ENG/ESP)
The education and use that has been made of the specimens of this breed could influence the character and behavior of pit bull dogs.
Pit bulls and other breeds with similar characteristics have earned a reputation for being aggressive. For this reason, they have been included in a group called 'potentially dangerous breeds'. What is true in this statement? Are Pit Bull Dogs Really Dangerous? Let's see.
Pit bull dogs, are they dangerous?
There have been, and continue to be, many debates about whether pit bull dogs are dangerous by nature or by breeding. Why then have these dogs earned the reputation of being aggressive?
Well, firstly because when this breed of dog appeared they were used for fighting and betting, which entailed an aggressive education that, as expected, would be reflected in their behavior throughout their lives and, therefore, could be transferred to their descendants genetically.
This does not mean that all pit bull dogs carry aggressive genes in their blood, far from it, but from birth they are already classified as a potentially dangerous breed.
Another factor that has influenced this classification is undoubtedly the fact that this breed is related to aggressiveness and danger. Therefore, a good part of pit bulls are trained to be fighting dogs or to be guard dogs of large estates, in case an intruder enters. And again a vicious circle begins.
Scientific studies have shown that, if there is no aggressive upbringing involved, the natural character of pit bull dogs is very calm and friendly, while there are other dogs such as Chihuahuas that are very wild and neurotic, although it seems that size influences not seeing them as a threat.
According to Everardo Becerra, veterinarian at the UNAM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, the owners of this type of dog form a crucial part in their development and temperament. And although pit bull dogs are temperamental and can react more abruptly to certain situations, this does not mean that they are aggressive dogs.
Can pitbull dogs be prevented from being aggressive?
If possible. Although many claim that part of their aggressiveness is in their genes, there are those who believe that, if this were the case, these genes could be 'modified' by fighting them with kind acts from childhood.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that positive experiences can mean that, if there are actually genes that influence dog aggression, they may never wake up. This is his verbatim comment:
“Positive experiences in the first years of a dog's life, such as socialization, are considered key to preventing aggressive tendencies in dogs. "Puppies tend to play and communicate with other dogs, people and species, something that will remain in their minds throughout their lives."
The comment goes on to say:
“Pitbull dogs are more reactive in terms of the emotions they perceive, but like any dog, if they are guided in the right way, they will be like any other dog. The breed does not determine the aggressiveness of a specimen, but each one can have different temperaments.”
Where is the key then? Well, the key is to educate a submissive dog that knows how to interact with other animals and other people, and that knows what place it should occupy in the home.
It is true that there has been a lot of news about attacks by pit bull dogs, but there are also many others of this breed that live peacefully with their owners, being affectionate and friendly with the family and with others. Therefore, the important thing is to educate them properly: you would even have to go to a professional trainer if necessary.
Do pit bull dogs carry aggression in their genes?
Well, there are those who say yes and those who say no. Be that as it may, these dogs are not that different from others: depending on the specimen you choose, it will have one character or another. In the end it's like a lottery, right?
