Tired of people ragging on pit bulls...

[BlissStreet]

Originally Posted by SScattergunSS

Ouch, that is liable to be an expensive move!

As far as which link....I looked through both of them. I'm sorry if I entered an area I wasn't supposed to. I mean, there isn't anything inappropriate or that, but if it was meant to be private, I do apologize...please forgive me. Having said that, I love photography! You've photographed so much from so many unique locations, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent in there!

Not at all! Both are very public. I was just explaining the difference. The flickr account is mainly for my Sister and Mom to see what I'm up to, it helps them visualize things since I see them so rarely. But you, or anyone here, are more then welcome to browse both and I'm more then willing to answer any questions.

[SScattergunSS]

Originally Posted by BlissStreet

Not at all! Both are very public. I was just explaining the difference. The flickr account is mainly for my Sister and Mom to see what I'm up to, it helps them visualize things since I see them so rarely. But you, or anyone here, are more then welcome to browse both and I'm more then willing to answer any questions.

If I may, you've eluded to working for GM. Would that be strictly as a photographer?

[BlissStreet]

Originally Posted by SScattergunSS

If I may, you've eluded to working for GM. Would that be strictly as a photographer?

LOL, sorry I keep saying "we". It's a habit I should break since I don't work for GM, my wife does. She is the General Manager of Marketing for Chevrolet, Opel and Isuzu in Southern Africa. Before that she was the brand manager for Saab and Cadillac in Middle East office.

I'm strictly a freelance Photographer specializing in corporate portraiture and communications. Well "strictly" isn't quite right, since I also strip part time....

[SScattergunSS]

Originally Posted by BlissStreet

LOL, sorry I keep saying "we". It's a habit I should break since I don't work for GM, my wife does. She is the General Manager of Marketing for Chevrolet, Opel and Isuzu in Southern Africa. Before that she was the brand manager for Saab and Cadillac in Middle East office.

I'm strictly a freelance Photographer specializing in corporate portraiture and communications. Well "strictly" isn't quite right, since I also strip part time....

I think this is fantastic for both of you...uh, except for the stripping part. But seriously, doing the freelance photography must really be exciting!

I do actually have a dog question for you though. (This way we won't get in trouble for jacking this thread! ) Up above, you spoke about the Rhodesian Ridgebacks. I've always been drawn to these dogs, but have only interacted with a dog which was a 50% mix. Is there anything in particular about them that those of us who have only read about them but never been around them should know?

[BlissStreet]

Originally Posted by SScattergunSS

I've always been drawn to these dogs, but have only interacted with a dog which was a 50% mix. Is there anything in particular about them that those of us who have only read about them but never been around them should know?

There are a lot of them here, as well as a mixed breed known as a Boerbull. All of them I have met are family or farm dogs and very friendly after introduction.

But from talking to people that have them it seems they are one person dogs and very loyal. So, nothing like a terrier where the loyalty is a family/pack thing. They are very one person dogs. And require very positive feedback training only. A heavy hand will ruin the dog in terms of trust and behavior. They seem to test the owner a lot it. Which requires a disciplined approach to dog handling. I have heard a lot about them being destructive and aggressive because of rough handling. But my experience is that they are very good hunting/farm dogs with the need for stimulation and ongoing structured training with tons of positive feedback. In that sense they are a lot like Border Collies. Smart enough to be great dogs so long as they don't get bored or are kept pent up.

To be honest, I wanted 2. But our philosophy of giving SPCA dogs a home and the fact that I'm not a dog handler made me change my mind. I'm a guy that loves lazy, smart dogs that fit into our house hold. If we had the self discipline, we could have made it work. Unfortunately, we don't. We are pound dog people, who have a very flexible approach to dogs and their training. We also have been incredibly lucky to have gotten 2 such well behaved, relaxed, and genuinely loving dogs. Ridgebacks wouldn't have fared well in the sort of house we have. In my opinion, even if I had the need for a farm dog, a Jack Russel would be a better choice. Actually, the 2 I have now would love living on a farm.

Hoped that helped a little, I know it's sort rambling.

[SScattergunSS]

Originally Posted by BlissStreet

There are a lot of them here, as well as a mixed breed known as a Boerbull. All of them I have met are family or farm dogs and very friendly after introduction.

But from talking to people that have them it seems they are one person dogs and very loyal. So, nothing like a terrier where the loyalty is a family/pack thing. They are very one person dogs. And require very positive feedback training only. A heavy hand will ruin the dog in terms of trust and behavior. They seem to test the owner a lot it. Which requires a disciplined approach to dog handling. I have heard a lot about them being destructive and aggressive because of rough handling. But my experience is that they are very good hunting/farm dogs with the need for stimulation and ongoing structured training with tons of positive feedback. In that sense they are a lot like Border Collies. Smart enough to be great dogs so long as they don't get bored or are kept pent up.

To be honest, I wanted 2. But our philosophy of giving SPCA dogs a home and the fact that I'm not a dog handler made me change my mind. I'm a guy that loves lazy, smart dogs that fit into our house hold. If we had the self discipline, we could have made it work. Unfortunately, we don't. We are pound dog people, who have a very flexible approach to dogs and their training. We also have been incredibly lucky to have gotten 2 such well behaved, relaxed, and genuinely loving dogs. Ridgebacks wouldn't have fared well in the sort of house we have. In my opinion, even if I had the need for a farm dog, a Jack Russel would be a better choice. Actually, the 2 I have now would love living on a farm.

Hoped that helped a little, I know it's sort rambling.

Oh no sir, I don't consider it rambling at all. The information you provided is very much appreciated. In fact, thank you for taking the time to pass on your knowledge. I believe in the proper application they would be a wonderful dog to have!

I'll tell you, sometimes I sit back in awe when I think of all the different breeds there are, and what all each brings to the table. Dogs do make life ALOT more fun! What a wonderful gift they are to those of us fortunate enough to be able to share our lives with them.

[PQ]

Maybe it's bad press. Maybe happenstance for the reputation, but 2 of my close freinds both bought put bull puppies in the passed 5 years, both are dog lovers, both had to get rid of them. BOTH cases the pit bull, for whatever reason, attacked their other dogs.

The pits were AWESOME with the kids, and even invited strangers, but other animals just weren't a possibility. And when one of them was attacking another dog and my buddy went to seperate them, he was injured by the dog.

It's the breed if you ask me. But I am NOT any kind of expert. I just know what I've seen. Over my lifetime, I've known 5 or 6 people with pit bulls, and the only one I remember that never had a problem is the one who stayed in his own fenced area.

If there is a special way of training then so be it. My freinds were very loving to the dogs. In both recent cases, they HATED to get rid of them. HATED it. My Trooper buddies wife told him either the Buddy (the pt bull) goes, or her and Jake (Labrador) go.

I love Jake. He was gonna be mine until Steve fixed his fence when he was a puppy years ago. :(

side note: I didn't read the thread, so if this was covered, sorry. lol

[cplhester]

I've had my pit for 5 yes now. In August I rescued a stray Jack Russel and let me tell you the Russel doesn't give an inch lol. He bites the pit jumps on his head and they are best buddies. However my pit has been around other dogs since birth.

[RAWarrior]

Actually, if you go back and read the history of the PB, the dog we have now is not the dog with the name originally. People here have bred them down size wise and in temperament. Also, you need to take statistics of who bites more with a huge grain of salt. Small dogs are known for higher instances of biting but they just arent reported as often because they have smaller mouths, so damage is not as severe but still can require the same repairs as bigger mouths. They are bred for sport use just like the bigger dogs. They are much more territorial, I.e. Napoleon-complex so to speak. People need to do their research. If you are going to get an alpha temperament dog, you best know how to be a pack leader so the dog doesn't take you over and make you it's territory. I love my Pitt baby, all 100lbs, and wouldn't give her up for anything. She also knows I'm the boss.

[cplhester]

Warrior you are exactly right on being the boss. They need a firm but loving owner. I've introduced many pit haters to Quake my pit and they all leave with a new respect for the breeds smartness and gentleness.

[Ivas]

Dogs, of whatever breed, are as cool as their masters/mistresses. Raise 'em nicely, and they'll behave properly.

About this "ragging" business, most dogs do not like to have bandanas or other rags tied about their throats. Just kiddin'; I know whatcha' mean...

[RAWarrior]

lol Ivas!! but you are right, no rags here, only sparkly diamondy collars for my girl! Except for football season when she sports her Colts collar lol!!!

[PQ]

Originally Posted by cplhester

I've had my pit for 5 yes now. In August I rescued a stray Jack Russel and let me tell you the Russel doesn't give an inch lol. He bites the pit jumps on his head and they are best buddies. However my pit has been around other dogs since birth.

Originally Posted by RAWarrior

Actually, if you go back and read the history of the PB, the dog we have now is not the dog with the name originally. People here have bred them down size wise and in temperament. Also, you need to take statistics of who bites more with a huge grain of salt. Small dogs are known for higher instances of biting but they just arent reported as often because they have smaller mouths, so damage is not as severe but still can require the same repairs as bigger mouths. They are bred for sport use just like the bigger dogs. They are much more territorial, I.e. Napoleon-complex so to speak. People need to do their research. If you are going to get an alpha temperament dog, you best know how to be a pack leader so the dog doesn't take you over and make you it's territory. I love my Pitt baby, all 100lbs, and wouldn't give her up for anything. She also knows I'm the boss.

I won't diasagree at ALL with the Jack Russell argument. BUT, the fact is, that when a JR bites, it doesn't change your life, so to speak. I agree 100% that a JR is MUCH worse.

Bonnie will tell you, that I did everything I could to kill that MFing JR we had the last time when it went after Bonnies mother because she wa holding a mini Dauchsun. Thatnk GOD it wasn't a Pit Bull or Bonnies Mother would have been in SERIOUS trouble.

A Jack Russel is MUCH worse than a Pit but bottom line is a Pits bite is MUCH worse than a JR.

I'd be in favor of the extinction of either one.

[csjcsj]

Like it was said, it's the owners, I have a rottweiller and she is a big baby, 3 years old weighs around 130 lbs. And she would lick you to death before she would bite or attack you!