New book out: Misunderstood Nanny Dogs?: A Critical and Objective Analysis of the Facts & Myths Concerning Pit Bulls.
Note the link above goes to Amazon.com.
I have not read the book, so I cannot critique it in any way. I plan to read it at some point, but have many other books ahead of it in my reading "Queue". I encourage others to do so, and if you do, feel free to post a review on here at any time, even if OT.
Somehow, I feel this book is going to leave us a dollar short. I'm not perfectly aligned with the Anti-Pit / Pro-BSL movement. Sure, I don't want the beasts around: Who would, other than a raging dog fanatic? Yes, they were bred to fight dogs and other animals; Yes, they are the #1 killer of people and other animals; Yes, they have a rabid, destructive, foaming-at-the-mouth fan base that would embarrass ISIS. Yada, Yada, Yada, I've heard it a million times before and so has everyone else. Is there anything new to add?
Hopefully, the author of the book will apply some critical thinking to the issue and not simply drown the reader in statistics and gory anecdotes (not that there is anything intrinsically wrong with those things). If I want statistics, I'll go to the Congressional Budget Office website. If I want gore, I'll re-watch the last couple of seasons of "The Walking Dead" (which has the added bonus of good gun p0rn).
What is interesting to me is, how did this predicament occur? What is the root cause? Who and/or what is promoting it? What makes people act this way?
What makes people act this way?!? Isn't this about DOGS? No: If no one wanted a pit bull, or any dog even, the problem simply would not exist. Consider that any BSL arrangement is aimed at potential dog OWNERS. Dogs cannot read statutes. BSL is PEOPLE CONTROL.
In my opinion the Pit Bull "problem" is not a problem. It is a symptom. It is an outgrowth of the larger dog culture. To cure the symptom, you have to address the underlying problem.
The problem is the dog culture itself.
Now, many dog lovers will deny this: They assert that the pit bull issue was spawned in a vacuum, and that Socially Mandated Dog Love has nothing to do with it. The fact that everyone is supposed to sing Fido's praises or shut up did not contribute to the growth of the problem. Squashing of effective animal control by dog lovers is not related in any way. The numerous, extreme, legal double standards applied to dogs and their owners had no effect, whatsoever. The fact that society demands that victims of barking, biting, and other social problems related to dogs are always at fault has nothing to do with it. The ever increasing burdens placed on complainants is not relevant in any way at all. Nope, the rest of the doggy universe remains perfect and innocent.
The Pit Bull "problem" is simply doggy love gone full retard.
Pits represent the ability to overcome obstacles and stereotyping in life. Somehow the most ignoble most despot breed of all has become a symbol of tolerance and rebirth to their devotees. The word cult comes to mind. The desire to be part of something special. The twisted desire to prove everyone else is wrong no matter what the body count.
ReplyDeleteI don't make it a secret. If you own a pit or one of it's brethren you are certifiable nuts. Sadly your insanity bleeds off on some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Toddlers and the elderly.
The Internet has played a large part in this insanity. The most detached human beings have found a cause to grapple onto and millions of similar dysfunctional souls to commune with via a click of the mouse.
Good comment. Dogs in general, and pit bulls in particular, are now a "cause" to rally around and now also give certain people a sense of identity.
DeletePart of the problem with being overtly anti-dog/anti-pit is that it feeds their persecution complex and expands their sense of victim identity: That was one reason I did not support yanking Pit Bulls and Parolees - that would just make them foam at the mouth even more.
I can tolerate a little barking and most people can, but there are dogs who hardly ever stop. I feel the owners need to figure out what is wrong with the dog. And by "a little" I really mean "a little" unless burglars are breaking into the house or zombie hordes are attacking. Otherwise, a few quick little barks is about all a dog should be doing.
ReplyDeleteBiting, I have a zero tolerance policy on that. I do not want any dog biting me even if they don't break the skin. I don't want any dog jump on me or any of that.
The problem is people need to control their canines. Whatever it takes. They got it. They can figure out how to deal with it so that it does not ruin other people's lives. Other people aren't enjoying any benefit from the dog, so they don't need to have to pay ANY consequences.
"Other people aren't enjoying any benefit from the dog, so they don't need to have to pay ANY consequences."
DeleteAgreed 100%.
However, some folks will argue that police and rescue dogs (which are about 0.01% of the canine population) save lives so that essentially pardons every other dog and dog owner in existence.
Search and rescue dogs don't save lives. They are tools used to assist humans in saving lives. The bogus claim that dogs save lives implies a conscious aware they are saving a life rather than responding to their animal instincts that humans are using to their benefit. That doesn't make them any less valuable to S&R or law enforcement.
DeleteThe ability of a dog to discern right or wrong was clearly demonstrated when the pit killed the man giving CPR to it's owner instead of dialing 911.
There is a tendency when an animal is observed doing something remarkable to assign human motives or thinking as an explanation. Years of training horses that number in the hundreds. The animal kingdom is full of genius to the short bus express. Animals that are raised around humans from a very young age mimic behaviors. One of my cats turns lights on and off and on an old CRT TV with the controls on the top learned cause and effect in her ability to change channels and crank up the volume. She is highly trainable because of this behavior. Which I'm guessing is one of the protocols for choosing a dog to assist humans in any form. I have a 20 lb Maine Coon that is doing a lifelong impersonation of Bill the Cat although I'm pretty sure she's never read the comic strip.
"They are tools used to assist humans in saving lives."
DeleteTrue, but that little factoid escapes the mentality of a lot of people. In their eyes, those dogs are full fledged cops, firefighters and soldiers.
"Hopefully, the author of the book will apply some critical thinking to the issue and not simply drown the reader in statistics and gory anecdotes"
ReplyDeleteHopefully indeed. A published book needs more than stats and stories.
I've heard that this book REALLY needs an editor.
Delete"I've heard that this book REALLY needs an editor."
DeleteIf that is the case, then this is a washout. If one intends to SELL a book, at least get a professional edit: It would pay for itself in the long run.
A good tactic is to NOT give your opponents a reason to trash you - and we know they are going to nitpick the hell out of this one.
I've been thinking about why this is happening also. I think Eileen above makes some great points.
ReplyDeleteBelow I've included the link to a post that also discusses why this social phenomenon is happening. Maxgold20's post is much longer that what Eileen wrote, but I thought it was an interesting exploration. If this is what is going on now, the next question is how to dismantle the pit bull insanity:
http://maxgold20.tumblr.com/post/70783956506/my-theory-on-why-pitbull-advocates-are-nutters
S. Smith: Thanks for linking that article. I remember reading it a couple of years ago, and I re-read it again just now.
DeleteThe author's thesis is a plausible explanation for the current pit-bull "fetish". It is not a huge leap to connect crazy, screwed up people with crazy screwed up animals. Anybody who has observed people with their pets knows that the pet is usually a reflection of the owner - laid back, quiet people have laid back, quiet pets; Vicious, unpredictable people have vicious, unpredictable pets.
However, one thing I always emphasize is that Pit Nuts, and others who use their dogs to create problems, capitalize heavily on society's Mandated Love For Dogs. That is why they choose a breed of dog to actualize, or physically manifest, their dysfunction. It is socially acceptable to project intimidation via a dog, and they all know it. That's why they generally don't get into exotic pets because there's a LOT less flexibility there.
That is interesting, I had not thought of why there were no exotic pets, but that might make sense. So there are no wild foxes or servals in those homes. Actually though, there is in all probability no small animals in their homes, no wild birds in their gardens, no flowers, just dirt and pit bulls.
ReplyDeleteI think its great that we are trying to understand their mindset...cognitive dissonance, and the psychoanalysis of a group, but the answer might be in something as blunt and simple as a lawsuit. Not legal action against the individual, but for the municipality, the rescue organization, and the organizations that are negligent. A class action lawsuit would bring publicity. Winning one might actually accomplish something.
Of course, you'd have to do well with it. If it failed, then it might push us further into the dark ages. And you'd need a selfless, excellent lawyer(s) who would be willing to put up with death threats.
I wonder sometimes how bad it could get before people finally decide to protect themselves. Imagine being mauled by a rabid pit bull:
http://www.animals24-7.org/2015/02/07/anti-vaxxers-and-the-pit-bull-advocacy-movement/
There are a handful... and I mean a tiny handful... of people into dangerous exotic pets.
DeleteCheck out the TV show "Fatal Attractions".
Again this population is miniscule compared to the legions of dog nutters. None of these animals have the political capital of dogs.
btw, that is a pro pit bull/pro vaccine article. That seems like a dissonant set of beliefs. Intuitively, it would seem more common to have a pro pit/bull/anti vaccine set of beliefs. Maybe not though...
ReplyDeleteI estimate many pit owners do not vet their dogs, and that includes vaccinations.
DeleteRabid Pit Bulls.... that puts us in a full-blown, Zombie War, Mad Max apocalyptic scenario.
Pit nutters live in fear of a meat grinder shortage. It costs more to register or licence an intact animal than one that is altered. If your dog is identified as a pit on its vet records it makes it harder for the nutters to lie about the breed to landlords or their homeowners insurance about the breed of dog they are harboring.Many landlords or reality agents ask for vet papers for proof of vaccination and breed. It goes without saying if you lie to your homeowners insurance your coverage may be denied. I find it fair that dog owners should have to pay higher premiums just like pool owners do. It would be nice to see insurance have the same specific fencing requirements as they have regarding pools.
DeleteOne thing not covered is the crossbreeding to every breed they can think of on purpose or simply by letting their intact dogs roam. That defective pet DNA is being infused into otherwise docile dog breeds.
A few years ago, I was looking for a different homeowner's insurance policy. Called one company for a quote, and the very first question I was asked was...
DeleteDo you have a dog?
I proudly said "NO!"
Eileen you've noticed it too. Pit bulls are being indiscriminately crossed with every other dog possible. Even the pit bull/dachshund, which I have to admit, I'm not that worried about:
Deletehttp://cdn.earthporm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/pitbull-dachshund-mix-breed-dog-rami-3.jpg
Maybe I should be, but it looks short, and slow. I'm all for tiny slow Mollosser breeds.
And then there are the new breeds: http://www.klement.com.au/bullarab/history.html
Bull Arab dogs do not look good. And they are already featured in the news, attacking livestock. There may be some child attacks as well. High prey drive does not discriminate humans from other animals. To claim that is to anthropomorphize dogs.
I must admit, as a scientist I'm fascinated by the idea of identifying slippery behavioral genes and the neurological pathways responsible for pit bull aggression. As a parent, I'm horrified.
BSL with be very complex if lab and border collie mixes start attacking people. And then...you know they'll say, "See its not the breed, its how they were raised!"Ironically, it is the breed, after all.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a/akitapit.htm , I knew some pitnutter would think of it.
DeleteWow, another one. Now its horrifying Akita/pit bulls. Because it is so important to make new and improved Frankensteins. At least people don't have the ability to effectively use recombinant DNA technology in their kitchens.
DeleteCould you imagine Mickey clones? I have a feeling were it possible, it would be a 'thing'.
What on earth is wrong with people?
Imagine Mickey Clones.... its easy if you try! Its also easy because dog ownership, dog breeding and the like has NO restraint placed on it whatsoever - no social restraint, no legal restraint, nada, zip, zero, zilch. The sky is the limit when it comes to dogs.
DeleteIf it were possible to create a super-mega-mauler with the same capabilities as, say, the creature in "Alien", I'm sure they would do so and no one would be allowed to object. Remember, it is TABOO to critique any dog or dog owner for any reason, regardless of how good the reason.
They are already breeding 175 lb Pits: Consider The Hulk: http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/175-pound-pit-bull-hulk-shatters-misconceptions-breed/story?id=29353371
A pit the size of a horse or even a rhinoceros can't be too far away. Oh, and don't even MENTION that actual horses and zoo animals are zoned out of your neighborhood.... you just don't LOVE FIDO ENOUGH!
In spite of all the current problems with dogs and pits in particular, breeders continue to pump out litter after litter of increasingly unstable bark-bags and bite-aholics.
So, we now have a book that the anti-pit bull people are agog about. When's the book detailing the trouble with dog culture going to appear?
ReplyDeleteY'know, like that book written by the former Muslim. The book is called "Heretic."
DeleteThis perhaps: http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Ownership-Destroying-Lives-Americans/dp/1413460313/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1427989050&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Is+Pet+Ownership+Destroying+The+Lives+Of+Americans%3F
Delete"The book is called "Heretic.""
DeleteALL MUST LOVE FIDO! ALLAHU MICKBAR!!!!
It happened again today, twice. First my cake fell apart so I had to quickly buy a cake mix. I cut through the senior apartments parking lot. A gentleman was sitting outside with his small Scottish terrier beside him. Normally, I don't care for the breed, every other one I've ever seen wouldn't shut up. This little dog didn't even look up, just sat there, head on it's owner's lap, quite content. The perfect example of a good owner, and a good dog. About an hour later, the same man, dog, and his wife, or friend walked by our apartment. My son was outside with me and one of his friends. The kids asked if they could pet the dog. The couple said yes. This little dog sat quietly, and was happy to have the attention of two young, boisterous boys. There can be great owners, and some pretty damn good dogs. If every owner was like the seniors across the street, life would be so much better. I would be sad to hear the monster next door got hold of that sweet little dog and devastated to hear it went after the very nice owners.
ReplyDelete"First my cake fell apart so I had to quickly buy a cake mix."
DeleteThat reminds me of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wadrAU6baV0
Hey, its my blog and I can OT if I want to!
I can get along with dogs just fine IF they're decently behaved and reasonably quiet but that seems to be rare these day. In the world of the overblown entitlement attitude of dog owners the entire world should revolve around their dog.
DeleteI like well behaved and reasonably quiet dogs just fine. Growing up in the country, I don't mind a dog barking to alert their owner to real intruders, or danger. A dog in town should only bark if there's a wild animal in the yard while they're out, or if someone knocks or rings their doorbell and both should not last more than two minutes max. That's ample time for even an elderly owner to investigate and quiet the dog. Before my husband passed away we had a raccoon problem and more than once, had to call our daughter's dog right back in, because she wanted to scare them away. As soon as she barked, she was brought in. We had a privacy fence, so we were ok letting her go out back between walks. We'd patrol the yard before dark and clean up any and all messes. She is a good dog, because she wasn't ever allowed to be a barker or an annoyance to the neighbors. She didn't bark at the door, only the wild animals and never for long.
ReplyDeleteI see another misunderstood nanny dog has attacked a child.. Only days after being brought home. How sad for this poor baby, and her family for being suckered by the scum that put fighting dogs into homes with children.
http://www.kait8.com/story/28734006/hoxie-toddler-recovers-after-dog-attack
I know of a similar case here in Tucson. Dog bit a child in the face. Happened within days of the dog being adopted from our local humane society. I don't know if the dog is a pit bull, but I suspect so. The humane society promotes them like there's no tomorrow.
DeleteUntil there is a significant case were a shelter is held accountable for the animals they release to the public this will continue. I do not understand the mentality. Shelters will hand out pits with no known history or one that is suspect while giving the needle to breeds that have never launched a fatal attack on a human. Yes all dogs can bite. With pits it's a matter of life and death.
DeleteJust every other dog-bully, the shelter freaks hand out known maulers and indulge in other bad behaviors because they think they can do so and get away with it.
DeleteIts all about power - they have it, and we don't. HOWEVER, I see the regime is starting to shift a bit so things may get better over the next couple of years. Fodder for another essay.
Just LIKE every other dog-bully....
DeleteIf a pit comes in with an honest good history and appears to be cold then I can understand giving it a chance. It's still risky but the pit that comes in like a normal dog and acts normal might be a good pet. I would like to know this one's history. I agree that normal dogs are put down while pits are pushed on people. My sister went looking for a small dog, and she found a sweet but noisy poodle. She does make him come in and stop barking. They led her through all of the pits first trying to get her to consider one.
ReplyDelete
DeleteNope.
There are millions of pets without the possibility of the "pit switch".
Nope! With all the safe dogs, why take the chance on a mauler?
PTS, and SnNto extinction, with a healthy amount of shooting and stabbings to stop attacks, and poisonings to stop multiple offenders before you get hurt.
THATS how you deal with the pit problem.
Will someone edit the above mess? Last time I try to post mobile. What happened w the spaces????
DeleteBlogger doesn't give me the ability to edit comments - I can delete your comment if you want.
DeleteNo pit should be allowed to leave a shelter unless its through the back door to the dumpster. The standard temperment test pitnuts claim shows pits are safer are invalid becasue a pit bull does not respond like other breeds of dogs. There are enough dog bites and attacks just taking the pit bulls out of the mix. That's not even touching the barking, crap and pee on every public surface , dogs in shopping carts, the fake service dogs , dogs running loose and killing wildlife. Heck just dogs running loose.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete