How is a pitbull trained to fight?

Training Dogs to Fight

PLEASE NOTE: Dog fighting and training any breed to fight in any professional or "street"dog fight is illegal in all 50 US states, and in many other developed countries around the world.

MYTH:

Dogs that have been bred for hundreds of years for a one of two purposes: hunting or fighting. Some people say certain breed of dogs are born to fight, like they are pre-programmed, and they know what they are about to do when they enter a dog fight ring and no one can change that. The dog owner can 'condition' a dog for a fight, but that's about it. Just like any other agility-type sports and dog-showcasing, some dogs can make it, some dogs can't, right?

Answer:

Dogs that are being prepared to be fought are segregated in kennels and even, at times, give them drugs (such as anabolic steroids, etc;) to increase their muscle mass. The dogs are never socialized with other dogs. The owners give them very limited veterinarian care and the only exercise the dogs give is on a treadmill or "jenny." They are taught to fight for their food and water at very early ages and that is how the cycle begins. Strays are brought in and sometimes smaller dogs are stolen to use as "bait dogs" to further instruct the dogs once they hit puberty. In professional rings, they are given drugs that will not allow them to feel pain while they are in the ring so they will fight longer. Dogs that are used in street fighting usually are cared for as well. They are usually starved to get them more aggressive and the food and water is given before a fight. Street fighter dogs are also given drugs to dull their pain.

Several breeds are used to fight in the ring, although the American Pit Bull Terrier is the most common. All other breeds are being used as "bait" dogs even the Pit Bull Terrier itself. If the owner fails at training the dog to be aggressive enough, he/she will allow the more aggressive dogs to practice fight with it.

Dog Fighting is against the law. It is inhumane and dangerous. The dogs that are being fought are also sent back into SPCA's around the country and the public is being forced to rehabilitate these dogs. The dogs are normally not aggressive with people but they are highly-aggressive with other animals due to their training.

In agility sports and dog-showcasing, all breeds compete. Although some are more prevalent than others, all are welcome and all have placed at one time or another. Trainers spents months and sometimes years with these dogs preparing them. The dogs are not born with the skill.

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

During the nineteenth century, dog owners/breeders in England, Ireland, and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog.

The result was a dog that embodied all of the virtues of a great warrior: strength, indomitable courage, and gentleness with loved ones. Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses to the United States, particularly to the Boston and New York area.

The American Pit Bull Terrier's many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers who used their pits for protection, as catch dogs for wild cattle and hogs, hunting, to drive livestock, and as family companions. These were also the days that dog fighting began. Gambling was big in the big cities and so this became another game for gangsters and gamblers alike. The dogs that came from farms were muscular because of the hard work they did on the farm. They were naturally agressive to small game and predators because of the hunting they were trained to do with the ranchers and farmers. So, fighting this breed wasn't difficult and became an easy way to gamble and make money for gangsters in the inner city. The good name these dogs had slowly started to turn bad.

Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing successfully in Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Protection, and Weight Pulls, as well as Conformation.

The United Kennel Club was the first registry to recognize the American Pit Bull.

**The American Pit Bull has appeared in movies such as 'Pete the Pup' from 'Our Gang.' The Pit Bull is the only dog to have appeared on the cover of Life Magazine three times in a row.**

Dog Bites by Pit Bulls vs Humans:

A study was compiled by the Journal of American Veterinary Medicine in September 2000 (20 year study .. 1979 - 1998.) Pit Bull 'type' dogs and Rottweilers were involved in one half of approximately 300 dog bites in the U.S. Yet another study of American and Canadian dog bit fatalities from 1982 - 2006 revealed the same results and that Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios and their mixes were responsible for 65% of fatal attacks. It was highly noted that Pit Bulls were high on the list for attacking adults as frequently as they attacked children.

The brunt of the responsibility of the Pit Bull breeds should go towards the breeder (who should know better) and, also the owner should know their history of the Pit Bull. In the U.S. and Canada dog shelters are over run with Pit Bulls and some have to be put to death due to the stigma associated with the breed or overcrowding.

Are Pit Bulls Suitable For Family Pets?

Pit Bulls that are well bred and the owners are trained along with their their family pet find that these breeds make wonderful pets. The American Temperament Testing Society gives the American Pit Bull 84.1% (the average of all breeds being 81.5%.) However 100% of the responsibility of this breed is up to the owner by having the dog well trained, socialized with humans and other dogs and to bring the dog up with love and attention and not used as guard dogs, dog fighting and these breeds do not do well when neglected. It is the owner who is responsible for the attacks by this breed. You just 'don't buy' a cute Pit Bull and think all the love you give them is enough. It is imperative these dogs are well-trained along with the owner and a professional trainer. If this is not done then these dogs can become extremely dangerous and will attack humans, children or other dogs. No owner of any breed can vouch for their dogs behavior 100% and the owner should be on the alert for the signs of aggression in their dog (even small dogs.)

Many countries have banned Pit Bulls all together. In some Provinces of Canada there are banned, while other Provinces in Canada will allow Pit Bulls only if they are spayed or neutered and are leashed as well as muzzled.

Not all States in America have banned Pit Bulls and there is 'the great debate' as to what to do about banning laws. However, many towns in the U.S. have banned Pit Bulls. If you ban Pit Bulls then you are also banning other breeds of Terriers as well as Dobermans, etc. The Veterinary Assoc., feels that the responsibility should fall on the owner of their Pit Bull or an owner of any breed who has a pet that has aggressive tendencies.

MYTHS REGARDING PIT BULL

• Locking jaw.' Dr. I. Brisbin has studied the skull, most specifically the jaw area and of course the teeth and came to the conclusion that Pit Bulls were no different than many other larger breeds. He said the Pit Bull was doing what it was trained to do (remember herding of bulls.) However, police officers disagree and have had many encounters with Pit Bulls 'gone wild' and say that once the dog has a grip on something even after it has been 'darted to sedate' or shot it refuses to let go.
• Pit Bulls DO feel pain and have the same nervous system as any other breed, but, the Pit Bull has the tolerance to ignore the pain to continue on with the task at hand. The ignoring of pain can also be proven regarding many herding dogs and it's been seen where herding dogs that have broken a leg will continue to herd.
• Pit Bulls are not affected by pepper spray. This is true, but also Bull Mastiffs, Rottweilers, German Shepherds (also including Police K-9s.)
• It's a myth that a Pit Bull is the only dog that will continue to attack after a fatal gunshot wound, but Rottweilers, Mastiffs and German Shepherds have the same capacity.

INSURANCE PROBLEMS IF YOU OWN CERTAIN AGGRESSIVE BREEDS:

Many Insurance Companies are reluctant in the U.S., to give owners of dogs that considered a dangerous breed any insurance. Allstate (depending on the State) may not insure homes with Pit Bulls, Boxers, Akita's, Chow Chows, Dobermans, Rottweilers or Wolfe hybrids. The Automobile Club of Southern California refuse to insure the homeowner if the dog even resembles a Pit Bull. If a Pit Bull or other large aggressive dogs have received the 'Canine Good Citizen award some insurance companies will waiver 'no insurance laws' and not see the breed as a risk. The CDC estimates 368,245 person were treated in U.S. hospitals for nonfatal dog bites in 2001 and 2% of the U.S. population is attacked by dogs per year. Most attacks occur on the owner's property. If one has an aggressive dog then they should be kept indoors. There is the mailman, or possibly guests coming that may provoke an aggressive dog. Also, it is to be noted that owners should watch out for children poking sticks through the fence to provoke the dog, or, some children love dogs and will 'walk in' to your yard to 'pet the puppy' even if it is an adult dog. Most breeds of dogs are very protective of their owners and any property such as land, vehicles, etc. Some breeds just give warnings, while a great many larger dogs will attack and the outcome can sometimes be fatal or the homeowner is faced with a large law suit not to mention hospital bills for the injured party or, having to put their beloved pet down through court order.

Constitutional challenges re Pit Bull legislation in the U.S.

In 1991 Colorado Supreme Court case outlines the basic arguments against Pit Bull specific legislation. It incorporated cases from Arkansas, Ohio, New Mexico, Florida, etc., and several federal district courts, which upheld similar statutes. Basically they are asking the United Kennel Club to define the characteristics of the breed.

NOTE: A fine point to make in regards to banning a particular breed of dog is the fact the owner is irresponsible and the Pit Bull although not inherently dangerous, the owner definitely needs knowledge and a committed handler to work along with them, as well as other breeds that have a tendency to attack or even bite. Muzzle laws should be put into effect even if 'our cute Daisy would never bite.' Never say never! No owner knows their dog 100%. This also includes smaller breeds. I own a Cockapoo (part Cocker Spaniel) who is neutered, but true to his Spaniel nature he can be aggressive towards dogs of any size. I see this an one dangerous sign and so my husband and I are cooperating with a professional trainer to break our pet of this. It is OUR duty to control this behavior in our pet (and we treat our pets like children!)

PIT BULL DOG FIGHTS

Unfortunately, the most popular breed for dog fighting is the Pit Bull due to their strength, toleration of pain and courage. Dog fighting is illegal in the U.S., but still practiced and almost always includes gambling. The laws against this if caught vary from State to State.

PROS FOR OWNING A PIT BULL

• Pit Bulls have an abundance of energy and nonviolent athletics such as weight pulling competitions or obedience competitions held this bred to excel in a more positive way.
• Some Pit Bulls work in hospital and care facilities as certified therapy dogs.
• They are often well loved family pets.
• They have been noted for saving people's lives (not taking lives.) In Feb. 2007 a Pit Bull named 'Chief' rescued it's owners from a spitting cobra by taking the deadly bite itself and unfortunately died from the venom 30 minutes later.
• Pit Bulls are used as rescue animals. 'Dakota' was one of the most active search and rescue dogs in the country as was on the search for the missing Laci Peterson and also was involved in the search for the remains of the astronauts who lost their lives in the explosion of the Space Shuttle Columbia. 'Nevil' is a Pit Bull and trained as a police dog.
• They are trained and employed by U.S. Customs as police k9s. Example: A rescued Pit Bull called 'Popsicle' in the U.S. is a Customs dog and famous for sniffing out one of the biggest cocaine busts in history.
• Some reports have shown that Pit Bulls will often adopt another specie of animals such as a squirrel, kitten and the Pit Bull has been given the nickname of 'nanny dog.'
• If well trained the Pit Bull has a great love for children.

First answer by Marcy. Last edit by Rockangel31. Contributor trust: 1 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 64 [recommend question]