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At the outset, let me say that I actually very much believe pitbulls have been maligned by bad press after high profile bad owners and training have turned out some very dangerous animals that have made very sad headlines. But every pitbull I've ever known has been a very sweet (if slightly dopey) dog. I am generally not afraid of pitbulls.
Also, I love dogs, although since I don't want to own one I'm often cast as someone who doesn't like dogs. I love dog faces and dog personalities and dog stories and loving on other people's dogs. I just don't want the work of having one of my own.
My kids used to be unilaterally afraid of dogs, but have gotten over a blanket fear. But now my neighbor has a rescue pit that is causing me (and them) some concern. The dog's name is Sirra and he's beautiful, but one of the of the more intimidating-looking type - little eyes, big head, serious demeanor. And he doesn't listen at all.
We live on the edge of a small horse farm and my twelve year old takes riding lessons there and we all share a common private road, which is great for strolling. I met Sirra once while walking with my friend and her dog, Buddy, who is an American Dingo. Buddy was leashed and Sirra was not and it was a very alert and tense meeting, but not obviously aggressive. Neither dog growled or even showed teeth, but every muscle on them was strung tight and the curiosity was intense. Sirra's owner called to him over and over, but to no avail. She had to come get him and I have to admit that walking away with him still off leash was a little unnerving.
A few weeks ago, Sirra bounded at my oldest daughter (15) and blocked her path. She's my most flinchy kid. Sirra was again not obviously aggressive, but he stood lock-legged and insistent in her path and she was afraid to go past him. Sirra's owner came and got him out of the way. My littlest has had the most interaction with him and was at first very afraid of him, but has learned to be firm with him during her time in the barn. The pit and the horses apparently get along great, but the dog is aggressive with cats and smaller animals.
So I got to meet him today, on leash, with his owner, my neighbor. He has to be be physically ground into a sitting position that he will not hold. He seemed to like to be pet, but there was no tail-wagging or any of the regular cues that seem friendly. I think I read somewhere that pits have different or muted cues, but I could be misremembering.
ANyway, I don't want to be afraid of this dog. Especially when he hasn't done anything. There is almost no chance that his owners will keep him on a leash and I'm reluctant to get on grumpy terms with them. Any thoughts? Any advice?
Also, I love dogs, although since I don't want to own one I'm often cast as someone who doesn't like dogs. I love dog faces and dog personalities and dog stories and loving on other people's dogs. I just don't want the work of having one of my own.
My kids used to be unilaterally afraid of dogs, but have gotten over a blanket fear. But now my neighbor has a rescue pit that is causing me (and them) some concern. The dog's name is Sirra and he's beautiful, but one of the of the more intimidating-looking type - little eyes, big head, serious demeanor. And he doesn't listen at all.
We live on the edge of a small horse farm and my twelve year old takes riding lessons there and we all share a common private road, which is great for strolling. I met Sirra once while walking with my friend and her dog, Buddy, who is an American Dingo. Buddy was leashed and Sirra was not and it was a very alert and tense meeting, but not obviously aggressive. Neither dog growled or even showed teeth, but every muscle on them was strung tight and the curiosity was intense. Sirra's owner called to him over and over, but to no avail. She had to come get him and I have to admit that walking away with him still off leash was a little unnerving.
A few weeks ago, Sirra bounded at my oldest daughter (15) and blocked her path. She's my most flinchy kid. Sirra was again not obviously aggressive, but he stood lock-legged and insistent in her path and she was afraid to go past him. Sirra's owner came and got him out of the way. My littlest has had the most interaction with him and was at first very afraid of him, but has learned to be firm with him during her time in the barn. The pit and the horses apparently get along great, but the dog is aggressive with cats and smaller animals.
So I got to meet him today, on leash, with his owner, my neighbor. He has to be be physically ground into a sitting position that he will not hold. He seemed to like to be pet, but there was no tail-wagging or any of the regular cues that seem friendly. I think I read somewhere that pits have different or muted cues, but I could be misremembering.
ANyway, I don't want to be afraid of this dog. Especially when he hasn't done anything. There is almost no chance that his owners will keep him on a leash and I'm reluctant to get on grumpy terms with them. Any thoughts? Any advice?