HUG A PIT BULL TODAY!
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September 2010 Article
Pit Bulls: The Matter of Genetic Causation
The following article was prompted by this one, written by behavior analyst Kellie Snider: Pit Bulls. This article is published with permission of www.realpitbull.com Link to article: http://realpitbull.com/aggression.html
RPB response, here:
An entry in the Bravo! Animal Behavior blog talks about Pit Bulls'tendency to fight, and suggests that the behavior is operant instead of genetically influenced. You can read that blog, here: Pit Bulls: theMatter of Genetic Causation
Kellie is a behavior analyst and animal trainer who has done some new and interesting research on aggression treatment (her newDVD, Constructional Aggression Treatment, is available throughTawzer and Dogwise.com). I've been a fan of Kellie's for a few yearsnow, and I think she is bright, optimistic, and realistic about animal behavior and modification, and talking about things that aren't common knowledge (yet) in the dog world. I am happy she isspending some time focusing on Pit Bulls, as we need qualified professionals such as Kellie to speak and shed light on a subjectthat is plagued by mythology: and you don't get more mythological than common assumptions about Pit Bulls and aggression.
It can be very difficult to get to the meat of the matter when itcomes to Pit Bulls and aggression; many people speak without knowning, and the world is filled with self-proclaimed experts -either for or against Pit Bulls - that are coming from a place devoid ofreal knowledge or education. We all would do well to listen to andat the very least consider when those with true credentials - likeKellie Snider - have something to say.
We've all heard the ol' battle cry from the Old School: Pit Bulls fight and it's genetic! This line of thinking leads one down a path paved with withered and fading stones that read, "It's in their blood, and it's something they instrinsically enjoy", and "It's not about environment, it's about genetics!" But Snider, coming from a behavioral school of thought that teaches all behavior is learned and the product of consequence, challenges this notion of aggression as the product of genes. Instead, she believes certain behaviors often seen as instinctual are actually learned behaviors,conditioned into the animal by its environment and the animal'sability to physically perform those behaviors in the first place. So, a Pit Bull fights because it's physically capable of doing so and receives some benefit from fighting. Hence it continues to fight. If aPit Bull was built with a body less capable of successfully completing dog-aggressive behavior, that behavior would be less likely to occur or be non-existent.
It's an interesting concept: birds only fly because they have wings,not because it's "genetic".
Aggression is just a behavior, and all behavior is modifiable. If aggression only occurs because of enviromental influences, that means it is not genetic. If it is not genetic, it is unfair and unethicalto single out or ban breeds simply because they happen to be a member of a certain breed. If Pit Bulls are more prone to dog-aggression than other breeds, it is because they are physically more capable of receiving environmental rewards from aggressive behavior than other breeds.
If a breed is more likely to show aggressive behavior not because ofan Aggression Gene, but because their phsyical genetic design makes them more likely to be able to obtain reinforcement for aggressive behavior, isn't the resulting conclusion the same? A PitBull, designed to be a combat animal, is likely to be better at and therefore able to receive more reinforcement for and therefore more likely to practice, combat behavior. Conclusion: Pit Bull = more likely to be dog aggeressive than Golden Retriever.
I don't think anyone who has spent considerable time with lots of Pit Bulls and has studied the breed extensively is likely to give up the idea that there is a tendency in the breed to be dog-aggressive,short of Goddess herself flying down from heaven and telling themso (and even that's iffy). Call it genetics or whatehaveyou, it's there,and I seen it wit me own two eyes! (Actually, if you ask me - and I largely buy into behavioral science and its teachings - I think there isa compulsive aspect to dog-aggression in some members of the breed, that goes beyond mere learning, and touches down into the realm of obsessive compulsive disorders; think the genetically-influenced tail-chasing in Bull Terriers). But the oldreasons given for dog-aggressive behavior in Pit Bulls need to be challenged and fanciers need to reach beyond the material and evidences normally cited for reasons why Pit Bulls do what dey do,and is what dey is.
At the end of the day, I don't know that owners of Pit Bulls need to know anything other than that their breed is likely to showdog-aggressive tendencies, and they should take recommended precautions. But one thing is certain....we have so much to learn about behavior, aggression, and the impact of environment as wellas genes, on us all.
The following article was prompted by this one, written by behavior analyst Kellie Snider: Pit Bulls. This article is published with permission of www.realpitbull.com Link to article: http://realpitbull.com/aggression.html
RPB response, here:
An entry in the Bravo! Animal Behavior blog talks about Pit Bulls'tendency to fight, and suggests that the behavior is operant instead of genetically influenced. You can read that blog, here: Pit Bulls: theMatter of Genetic Causation
Kellie is a behavior analyst and animal trainer who has done some new and interesting research on aggression treatment (her newDVD, Constructional Aggression Treatment, is available throughTawzer and Dogwise.com). I've been a fan of Kellie's for a few yearsnow, and I think she is bright, optimistic, and realistic about animal behavior and modification, and talking about things that aren't common knowledge (yet) in the dog world. I am happy she isspending some time focusing on Pit Bulls, as we need qualified professionals such as Kellie to speak and shed light on a subjectthat is plagued by mythology: and you don't get more mythological than common assumptions about Pit Bulls and aggression.
It can be very difficult to get to the meat of the matter when itcomes to Pit Bulls and aggression; many people speak without knowning, and the world is filled with self-proclaimed experts -either for or against Pit Bulls - that are coming from a place devoid ofreal knowledge or education. We all would do well to listen to andat the very least consider when those with true credentials - likeKellie Snider - have something to say.
We've all heard the ol' battle cry from the Old School: Pit Bulls fight and it's genetic! This line of thinking leads one down a path paved with withered and fading stones that read, "It's in their blood, and it's something they instrinsically enjoy", and "It's not about environment, it's about genetics!" But Snider, coming from a behavioral school of thought that teaches all behavior is learned and the product of consequence, challenges this notion of aggression as the product of genes. Instead, she believes certain behaviors often seen as instinctual are actually learned behaviors,conditioned into the animal by its environment and the animal'sability to physically perform those behaviors in the first place. So, a Pit Bull fights because it's physically capable of doing so and receives some benefit from fighting. Hence it continues to fight. If aPit Bull was built with a body less capable of successfully completing dog-aggressive behavior, that behavior would be less likely to occur or be non-existent.
It's an interesting concept: birds only fly because they have wings,not because it's "genetic".
Aggression is just a behavior, and all behavior is modifiable. If aggression only occurs because of enviromental influences, that means it is not genetic. If it is not genetic, it is unfair and unethicalto single out or ban breeds simply because they happen to be a member of a certain breed. If Pit Bulls are more prone to dog-aggression than other breeds, it is because they are physically more capable of receiving environmental rewards from aggressive behavior than other breeds.
If a breed is more likely to show aggressive behavior not because ofan Aggression Gene, but because their phsyical genetic design makes them more likely to be able to obtain reinforcement for aggressive behavior, isn't the resulting conclusion the same? A PitBull, designed to be a combat animal, is likely to be better at and therefore able to receive more reinforcement for and therefore more likely to practice, combat behavior. Conclusion: Pit Bull = more likely to be dog aggeressive than Golden Retriever.
I don't think anyone who has spent considerable time with lots of Pit Bulls and has studied the breed extensively is likely to give up the idea that there is a tendency in the breed to be dog-aggressive,short of Goddess herself flying down from heaven and telling themso (and even that's iffy). Call it genetics or whatehaveyou, it's there,and I seen it wit me own two eyes! (Actually, if you ask me - and I largely buy into behavioral science and its teachings - I think there isa compulsive aspect to dog-aggression in some members of the breed, that goes beyond mere learning, and touches down into the realm of obsessive compulsive disorders; think the genetically-influenced tail-chasing in Bull Terriers). But the oldreasons given for dog-aggressive behavior in Pit Bulls need to be challenged and fanciers need to reach beyond the material and evidences normally cited for reasons why Pit Bulls do what dey do,and is what dey is.
At the end of the day, I don't know that owners of Pit Bulls need to know anything other than that their breed is likely to showdog-aggressive tendencies, and they should take recommended precautions. But one thing is certain....we have so much to learn about behavior, aggression, and the impact of environment as wellas genes, on us all.
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August 2010 Article
HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR DOG'S SEPARATION ANXIETY
It is undeniable that your dog loves as you have shown enough care for him to know you love him, too. Bu then does your dog begin to act differently when you leave? Does it constantly pace, whine a lot, bark continuously, fall into a depression, scratch up your walls or even damage your belongings?
When he does, he is displaying symptoms of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety could be difficult to handle for you will start feeling guilty whenever you leave.
The dogs that suffer from separation anxiety act differently from other dogs. It is just showing you that they don't want you to leave them. They would even be aggressive in trying to leave with you. You will still hear your dog cry and whine the instant you leave the room and this makes you feel really bad and you worry about what your dog is capable of doing when you are not around.
You can't solve this problem by giving into the desire of your dogs. It is important that you have this behavior treated. You need to help your dog get to a place where he can get treated and allow them to deal with the fact of you leaving. There are certain things you have to keep in mind to accomplish this.
1.Never give into what your dog wants. Keep in mind that you are the dog's pack leader and not his follower so you have to show some authority on him. Do not give the dog the attention it wants from you. Let the dog be able to settle down and be calm before you pay him attention. Your dog will later on realize and be trained that you leaving is not something he has to worry about.
2.Gradually increase the period of time you are not with your dog until such time he is able to stay on his own and handle being alone. You should do this in increments so your dog will finally get accustomed to and behaving properly when being alone and on his own for a long time.
3.You can try to distract your dog when you leave like giving him a toy which will divert his attention from you leaving. When you come back, act as if you did not leave at all.
4.It is important that you determine what triggers a change in your dog's behavior. If you see you dog start to panic every time you bring your suitcase out or if he acts differently when you pick up your keys, it may be time for you to train them about not getting scared with those clues that you are leaving. You can do this by pulling out your suitcase once in a while without you having to go anywhere. Try to pick your keys up and just take a walk around your house. When you are able to do this effectively, your dog will get familiarized with what you are doing and will no longer fear that those are signs of you leaving.
Article written by Sherri Cheney of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-beds/">Oh My Dog Supplies</a>, look for current discounts on <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/food-storage/">dog food canisters</a> online.
www.mydogcontent.com
It is undeniable that your dog loves as you have shown enough care for him to know you love him, too. Bu then does your dog begin to act differently when you leave? Does it constantly pace, whine a lot, bark continuously, fall into a depression, scratch up your walls or even damage your belongings?
When he does, he is displaying symptoms of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety could be difficult to handle for you will start feeling guilty whenever you leave.
The dogs that suffer from separation anxiety act differently from other dogs. It is just showing you that they don't want you to leave them. They would even be aggressive in trying to leave with you. You will still hear your dog cry and whine the instant you leave the room and this makes you feel really bad and you worry about what your dog is capable of doing when you are not around.
You can't solve this problem by giving into the desire of your dogs. It is important that you have this behavior treated. You need to help your dog get to a place where he can get treated and allow them to deal with the fact of you leaving. There are certain things you have to keep in mind to accomplish this.
1.Never give into what your dog wants. Keep in mind that you are the dog's pack leader and not his follower so you have to show some authority on him. Do not give the dog the attention it wants from you. Let the dog be able to settle down and be calm before you pay him attention. Your dog will later on realize and be trained that you leaving is not something he has to worry about.
2.Gradually increase the period of time you are not with your dog until such time he is able to stay on his own and handle being alone. You should do this in increments so your dog will finally get accustomed to and behaving properly when being alone and on his own for a long time.
3.You can try to distract your dog when you leave like giving him a toy which will divert his attention from you leaving. When you come back, act as if you did not leave at all.
4.It is important that you determine what triggers a change in your dog's behavior. If you see you dog start to panic every time you bring your suitcase out or if he acts differently when you pick up your keys, it may be time for you to train them about not getting scared with those clues that you are leaving. You can do this by pulling out your suitcase once in a while without you having to go anywhere. Try to pick your keys up and just take a walk around your house. When you are able to do this effectively, your dog will get familiarized with what you are doing and will no longer fear that those are signs of you leaving.
Article written by Sherri Cheney of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-beds/">Oh My Dog Supplies</a>, look for current discounts on <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/food-storage/">dog food canisters</a> online.
www.mydogcontent.com
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July 2010 Article
Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has Failed C.W. Meisterfeld Ph.D. Gives Reasons Why It Failed. The American Kennel Club(AKC), American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA), and ASPCA have acknowledged that Breed Specific Legislation does not work. Dr. C.W. Meisterfeld, Americas most experienced professional dog trainer(since 1954), an U.S. judicial certified canine behavioral expert witness explains why the BSL has failed and why the dog attacks are increasing on a global level.
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Chelsea, AL (PRWEB) October 1, 2004 -
The American Kennel Club,
American Veterinary Association, and ASPCA have acknowledged that BSL does not work.
They list "the top six reasons why"
However they failed to research as to why Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Newfoundlanders, Dachshunds, Yorkshires Terriers, Pomeranian and 23 other pure breed dogs have caused human fatalities. Mainly young children are the victims. United States Center for Disease Control
C.W. Meisterfeld a professional dog trainer, since 1954, who has been specializing in rehabilitating aggressive dogs wrote a documented book, Jelly Bean versus Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, (published 1989) about why the friendly family puppy suddenly becomes a wild and vicious animal, bites the hand that feeds it and attacks their children.
The Dangerous Dog Act (DDA) breed banning (BSL) was originally drafted in America by the Animal Regulation Chief Robert I Rush of the City of Los Angeles California Department of Animal Regulations on Mar 31, 1990. (Los Angeles Times)
This policy was based on the erroneous misconception that pit-bulls, American staffordshire terriers, bull terriers, Akita's and other fighting breeds are genetically born dangerous and should be exterminated. No one questioned or challenged Mr. Rush ethnic cleansing policy. Not even the American Kennel Club. In defending their AKC registered breeds,
Mr. Rush sent a directive to all of Los Angeles city shelters "Shall not sell any pit-bull type dog to any person, period" and within three weeks the shelters exterminated 3,000(three thousand) innocent dogs.
Due to the fact that dog attacks were increasing throughout the United States other U.S. cities and even foreign n countries adopted Rush's policy of canine ethnic cleansing or The Dangerous Dog Act
On July 25, 1991 Britain copied the US Dangerous dog Act, which is still causing pain and suffering to dog owners and their pets.
On Friday August 30 2002 BSL was defeated in historic court ruling the Alabama Supreme Court ruled 7-2 "that there was no genetic evidence that one breed of dog was (born) more dangerous than another simply because of it's breed."
Meisterfeld say's "It's not a breed problem it's a behavioral problem due to alpha dominant training" that's causing dogs to become vicious and attack. "These traumatizing/terrorizing training methods have imprinted a new and vicious behavior in even our once friendly breeds."
The subtitle of Meisterfeld's book - written for the safety of our children and the welfare of our dogs is most appropriate because it serves both camps, and was written purely from his own, pioneering, experience with canine aggression and neurosis.
Also the principle of Meisterfeld's philosophy rehabilitates dogs that have had rage syndromes without any form of negative reinforcement/punishment or drugs are explained in his book.
For additional information about the global dog bite epidemic please visit http://www.cwmeisterfeld.com or http://www.dogwhisper.com
# # #
Copied from:
©Copyright 1997-2009, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC. Vocus, PRWeb and Publicity Wire
_______________________________________________________________________________
Chelsea, AL (PRWEB) October 1, 2004 -
The American Kennel Club,
American Veterinary Association, and ASPCA have acknowledged that BSL does not work.
They list "the top six reasons why"
However they failed to research as to why Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Newfoundlanders, Dachshunds, Yorkshires Terriers, Pomeranian and 23 other pure breed dogs have caused human fatalities. Mainly young children are the victims. United States Center for Disease Control
C.W. Meisterfeld a professional dog trainer, since 1954, who has been specializing in rehabilitating aggressive dogs wrote a documented book, Jelly Bean versus Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, (published 1989) about why the friendly family puppy suddenly becomes a wild and vicious animal, bites the hand that feeds it and attacks their children.
The Dangerous Dog Act (DDA) breed banning (BSL) was originally drafted in America by the Animal Regulation Chief Robert I Rush of the City of Los Angeles California Department of Animal Regulations on Mar 31, 1990. (Los Angeles Times)
This policy was based on the erroneous misconception that pit-bulls, American staffordshire terriers, bull terriers, Akita's and other fighting breeds are genetically born dangerous and should be exterminated. No one questioned or challenged Mr. Rush ethnic cleansing policy. Not even the American Kennel Club. In defending their AKC registered breeds,
Mr. Rush sent a directive to all of Los Angeles city shelters "Shall not sell any pit-bull type dog to any person, period" and within three weeks the shelters exterminated 3,000(three thousand) innocent dogs.
Due to the fact that dog attacks were increasing throughout the United States other U.S. cities and even foreign n countries adopted Rush's policy of canine ethnic cleansing or The Dangerous Dog Act
On July 25, 1991 Britain copied the US Dangerous dog Act, which is still causing pain and suffering to dog owners and their pets.
On Friday August 30 2002 BSL was defeated in historic court ruling the Alabama Supreme Court ruled 7-2 "that there was no genetic evidence that one breed of dog was (born) more dangerous than another simply because of it's breed."
Meisterfeld say's "It's not a breed problem it's a behavioral problem due to alpha dominant training" that's causing dogs to become vicious and attack. "These traumatizing/terrorizing training methods have imprinted a new and vicious behavior in even our once friendly breeds."
The subtitle of Meisterfeld's book - written for the safety of our children and the welfare of our dogs is most appropriate because it serves both camps, and was written purely from his own, pioneering, experience with canine aggression and neurosis.
Also the principle of Meisterfeld's philosophy rehabilitates dogs that have had rage syndromes without any form of negative reinforcement/punishment or drugs are explained in his book.
For additional information about the global dog bite epidemic please visit http://www.cwmeisterfeld.com or http://www.dogwhisper.com
# # #
Copied from:
©Copyright 1997-2009, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC. Vocus, PRWeb and Publicity Wire
*****************************
June 2010 Article
Should You Be Scared of Vicious Dog Breeds?
You have probably seen and heard about many vicious dog attacks on the news or by word of mouth. Many questions have arisen from this as to whether certain breeds of dog are instinctively aggressive. Many feel that these "aggressive" dog kinds should be got rid of such as the Doberman Picher, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff and Rottweiler. All the above mentioned dogs have brought thousands of people fear through recent years.
For one thing, you must remember that the news doesn’t always document things in a truly accurate manner. Each dog bite that has caused a fatality in the USA can be paralleled with thousands, perhaps millions of canines that haven’t ever bitten a person. More statistics reveal that of the 4.7 million bites from dogs that take place yearly in the States, 16 end in a fatality. And this small number shows that, though man should certainly be aware of aggressive dogs, the facts need to be taken in the right perspective.
Ten or more dogs exist on a vicious dog list. It depends who has put the list together, which dogs you will see mentioned on the compilation. In any case, a breed which is listed frequently is the American Pit Bull Terrier. Even though the reports show a disproportional level of serious bites from this breed, the data doesn’t make it clear on whether this is to do specifically with the breed or whether the owner’s are to blame.
A misunderstanding is often brought about when people think of the Pit Bull Terrier as having a locking jaw. Although this breed of dog does tend to hold on when it bites there's no conclusive proof that this is down to some kind of locking jaw.
At times, the Rottweiler is chosen in front of the Pit Bull in terms of aggressiveness. It exists today as one of the longest bred herding dogs. Contrary to general conceptions, the breed is in fact both very clever and exhibits gentle actions. The dog just isn’t all that keen on strangers.
Whatever the kind of dog --whether it be one of the ones listed above or some more trusted dog-- there will always be the possibility of something going bad. It is likely that poor training and neglect from the dog’s owner are the roots of much aggressive behavior from dogs. When you're thinking about getting a dog, then, perhaps it would be better to forget the reputation of the dog and take a look at the dog breeder instead.
Dogs that might be a potential threat include those who have been neglected, poorly socialized or treated. Make sure that you know the background of the owner who is selling you the dog prior to making the choice to get that dog. If you have opted to pick up a dog from a the local humane society, be sure to inquire lots about the dog and view the animal before taking him home. Dogs of all kinds can bite or be dangerous. However, if you do your research and carry through as a reliable dog owner, you hopefully will be fine with your new dog.
Content written by Jess Reid of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/collars-leashes/">Oh My Dog Supplies</a>, check out our cool collection of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-car-seat-covers/">car seat covers</a> online.
www.mydogcontent.com
You have probably seen and heard about many vicious dog attacks on the news or by word of mouth. Many questions have arisen from this as to whether certain breeds of dog are instinctively aggressive. Many feel that these "aggressive" dog kinds should be got rid of such as the Doberman Picher, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff and Rottweiler. All the above mentioned dogs have brought thousands of people fear through recent years.
For one thing, you must remember that the news doesn’t always document things in a truly accurate manner. Each dog bite that has caused a fatality in the USA can be paralleled with thousands, perhaps millions of canines that haven’t ever bitten a person. More statistics reveal that of the 4.7 million bites from dogs that take place yearly in the States, 16 end in a fatality. And this small number shows that, though man should certainly be aware of aggressive dogs, the facts need to be taken in the right perspective.
Ten or more dogs exist on a vicious dog list. It depends who has put the list together, which dogs you will see mentioned on the compilation. In any case, a breed which is listed frequently is the American Pit Bull Terrier. Even though the reports show a disproportional level of serious bites from this breed, the data doesn’t make it clear on whether this is to do specifically with the breed or whether the owner’s are to blame.
A misunderstanding is often brought about when people think of the Pit Bull Terrier as having a locking jaw. Although this breed of dog does tend to hold on when it bites there's no conclusive proof that this is down to some kind of locking jaw.
At times, the Rottweiler is chosen in front of the Pit Bull in terms of aggressiveness. It exists today as one of the longest bred herding dogs. Contrary to general conceptions, the breed is in fact both very clever and exhibits gentle actions. The dog just isn’t all that keen on strangers.
Whatever the kind of dog --whether it be one of the ones listed above or some more trusted dog-- there will always be the possibility of something going bad. It is likely that poor training and neglect from the dog’s owner are the roots of much aggressive behavior from dogs. When you're thinking about getting a dog, then, perhaps it would be better to forget the reputation of the dog and take a look at the dog breeder instead.
Dogs that might be a potential threat include those who have been neglected, poorly socialized or treated. Make sure that you know the background of the owner who is selling you the dog prior to making the choice to get that dog. If you have opted to pick up a dog from a the local humane society, be sure to inquire lots about the dog and view the animal before taking him home. Dogs of all kinds can bite or be dangerous. However, if you do your research and carry through as a reliable dog owner, you hopefully will be fine with your new dog.
Content written by Jess Reid of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/collars-leashes/">Oh My Dog Supplies</a>, check out our cool collection of <a href="http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-car-seat-covers/">car seat covers</a> online.
www.mydogcontent.com