Two years ago, I adopted a lovable Pitbull mix named Emma. She's afraid of thunder, loves belly rubs, is sweet with kids and great with other animals. Sadly, a lot of the general public perceive my Emma as a monster, and that's probably why over half a million Pitbulls are put to sleep in the US alone each year. I decided to use my photography to start a positive PR campaign called Not A Bully to help change the way people view Pitbulls.
When my Boxer and best pal, Winston Churchill, died a few years back, I was devastated. I couldn't imagine getting another dog for a long time. In fact, it took about 2 years before I felt ready to adopt a new pup. I went to an adoption event at a Petsmart in the Virginia area with full intention to adopt another Boxer, but fate had a new plan for me. This is where I would meet Emma (formerly known as Midori). Due to her appearance (aka being a Pitbull) and her dark fur, she spent the majority of her life just inches away from being put to sleep on numerous occasions. She would be put in foster care for over 9 months until I finally met and adopted her.
Emma and her Valentines Day card
You can call me a softie, but it made me emotional imagining that people would try and put this sweet little baby to sleep just because of how she looks and negative interpretations of the Pitbull breed. In fact, studies show that Pitbulls are the least aggressive dog breed. Sounds crazy right? Then why all these dog attacks? Well, sadly (in this case) they are very receptive to training, eager to please their masters, and also inherently strong. It has been bad bad bad humans that have trained these dogs to be aggressive. Still skeptical? Read this article about how a majority of Michael Vick's fighting dogs were placed in homes with new families after some love and structured training.
It's funny when you adopt a Pitbull. All of your friends with Pitties will come out of the woodwork to share with you their challenges of being responsible owners of the breed. Not because of the dogs mind you. The issue comes from our communities. For example, to get a lease approved in most properties, you may have to fib about your dog breed. Personally, people have scowled and looked at me as if I was a piece of trash with my loyal pup behaving by my side. Some cities have created breed specific legislation that actually bans Pitbulls from being allowed in city/county limits or you risk having your dog automatically confiscated and put to sleep. It goes on and on because some terrible people have trained these otherwise great dogs to be monsters.
I decided that I wanted to do something positive for dogs like Emma. I started a website called NotABully.org which is dedicated to sharing the positive stories of rescued Pitbulls that have been through the worst (bait dogs, abused dogs, dogs that were kicked/shot/starved) and have every reason to hate humans, but with some love and training they have made positive impacts on our communities. I want to show people that these dogs are not naturally aggressive. That even after facing every hardship possible, these dogs are still fantastic.
Cesar Millan's dog JuniorI've started with a series of dog portraits (examples above), which I will post more examples at the bottom of this post, and articles for a few sites and magazines to raise awareness. Emma and I even visit schools in low income areas to teach about dog adoption and the negatives of dog fighting and dog abuse. I am hoping to expand to other avenues such as short videos sharing inspiring dog stories and arranging dog adoption events. As you can tell, I am very passionate about the subject.
Visiting schools with EmmaI've always told people that ask me advice about how to get more success and fulfillment out of their photo careers that personal work is absolutely KEY. Every time I have pursued something that I'm passionate about for a personal photo series, it has always gone somewhere. Well, this project is no exception. The moment I started the portrait series, I admittedly started blabbing about it to everyone that would listen. Well, that paid off! About 2 months in, the folks from the National Geographic channel reached out to me and asked me to come into their offices in downtown DC to discuss a project...
Little did I know National Geographic Wild and Cesar Millan (aka the Dog Whisperer) were planning out a TV special about trying to change the negative stigmas around Pitbulls, exactly what I was trying to accomplish with my site / positive PR movement Not A Bully. They actually wanted to have Ceasar fly to the east coast and film him coming to visit me in studio as I took Pittie portraits as well as have me share about Not A Bully and how it was inspired by Emma and pups like her. Filming happened late in 2013 and after many months of excitedly waiting, the special "Love My Pitbull" is finally coming out THIS FRIDAY on April 18 at 9pm on National Geographic Wild channel.
At the premiereI went to show's premiere in LA last week and saw the show and it is awesome. They even asked to put some of my Not A Bully portraits up on display! If you were ever curious about how Pitbulls got their bad image and what we can do to make a difference, you have to see the special!
Please follow Not A Bully on Facebook to get updates or get involved in helping save some wonderful dogs!
See more of my photography on my website: www.SondersPhotography.com
This campaign has been awesome and has grown larger than I ever thought possible. I've gotten HUNDREDS of emails from folks wanting to help as well as share their stories. I've loved every moment and so excited to share Not A Bully with the rest of the world!
Remember, personal projects keep your work fresh, your creativity on its toes, and can get folks excited about what interests you most! Consider this a perfect example! Funny though, I'm normally a human and car photographer and I never thought I'd get so much press for dog portraits, but I am happy it is for an excellent cause and will hopefully help make a difference.
Again, please watch the special on Nat Geo Wild channel this Friday April 18 at 9pm!
Emma
BTS photo of my dog portrait setup. Ring light on my Phase One, overhead beauty dish, and two strip lights behind
On set with Cesar Millan, Emma, and Junior. Photo by my shoot assistant Jonathan Taylor
Awesome shout out!
Mike. Where in the hell are u getting this from ....FOX news???? pitbulls for generations have been bred (and dogs in general) BECAUSE they are good with humans. You sir ARE A COMPLETE FOOL. anyways, dogs naturally WANT to be with humans even preferring humans to other dogs at about 8 weeks old. so no. you are wrong. There are dog breeds listed as "dangerous" because WE are scared of them. No other reason. But lets name a few. Rotties - everyone thinks they are vicious dogs. well here's a little tip for ya. rotties are and have been for generations used as a family dog to WATCH CHILDREN. also for shepherding uses. German sheps....same thing. Now on to pits. for generations they were "America's dog" in the 1900's everyone had one and they were known as nanny dogs. Specifically BECAUSE they were known to be amazing around kids. PEETEY from the original little rascals....guess what???? BIG OL PITBULL. the problem isn't with any breed of dog....only with us humans. Once people ;like u understand that then this BSL and breed prejudice will stop. But sadly we are a long way off.
Hi Jason, thanks for the compliment and I really appreciate you shouting at me, somehow makes you more right. Or maybe not. Dont even think you can get Fox News here this country, so defintely nothing to do with that. Dogs are pack animals, they will defer the pack leader, so guess what when they are weaned at 8 weeks they see their owner as pack leader - nothing whatsoever to them preferring human company. And I agree completey about Rotties making great family gaurd dogs, problems arises when someone from outside the family (pack) comes around, and whammo, innate instinct kicks in and people get bitten or mauled. Not dogs fault it's only doing what it knows, it is protecting its 'pack'. And PB's may be amazing around kids right up until another kid from another pack comes around and, holy mother of Mary, it wasn't the dogs fault it ripped the face off an unsupervised kid. I have had 6 dogs as pets over last 45 years, still have two, never trust any of them but I have had breeds that although they may bite (and they have) they do not have in their breeding the 'never say die, never let go' attitude of the PB. I have been involved with professional (and extremely well trained) working dogs for 25+ years and the basic pack mentality is always there no matter how well trained or socialized a dog is lurking in the character of the animal. I have seen (1st hand not via Fox News) horrendous mauling by PB's (usually from 'good homes, well trained and socialised) and have watched as surgerons spend hour after hour trying to re-attach someones face. I have listend to distruaght owners plead that their beloved PB should not be put down because it was actually the kids fault for wandering into their front yard etc etc. So no I am not a complete fool. I have just seen too much from this breed to see any useful need for it. But otherwise thanks for the compliment YOU COMPLETE MORON.
All dogs CAN BED dangerous, but they rarely are. Pity Bulls can be lethal, that's the difference
Be sure to tell that to the parents of the 2 children who died this month from sled dogs..
Guest used the term "rarely". Rarely means (be definition) seldom or infrequently. He didn't use the term "never".
Guest used the term "rarely". Rarely means (by definition) seldom or infrequently. He didn't use the term "never".
Douglas, can you tell me why, in the group of photos of you doing some sort of school visit (?) you have a fairly heavyweight lead on your beloved, trusted, it will never bite or attack anyone, ever, pooch and that lead is wrapped very, very, securely around you hand? Surely if he is just a loveable and cuddly dog and just wants cuddles he could be off the lead....or do you fundamentally, not completely trust him? Cheers Mike
I have a feeling you won't listen to anything I say but it's an average pet store leash and collar. Emma didn't pull or act out one bit. I hold the leash that way because that's the way I was shown by my dad years ago. I've had my dog 2 years now and she is well trained and loved. I have never witnessed her act violently, even when provoked by other dogs.
Hi Douglas, I will listen to anything that is based on reason and fact. But you still didn't answer my question....if you completely and utterly trust your dog why was she (apologies) on a lead in the first place. I am a fellow dog owner and lover. I have had 6 dogs over the years as pets and still have two, I have had working farm dogs and am involved with very very well trained and managed professional working dogs. I do not trust a single one of them. Like them, yup, love them, to bits. Trust them, absolutely not. I have, over my working career dealt with horrific injuries from dog bites. From well loved family pets that have never shown any sign of being vicious, to mal-treated pitbulls. But without exception the Pitbulls have attacked the most ferociously and with the least warning and left the worst injuries. For your own sake do not ever trust your dog - it is genetically trained to kill. And it will attack you without a moments notice if something triggers that genetic switch in its head. Nice photo's otherwise though. Cheers Mike
Sure. I figured it was implied that we have leash laws. Dc is no exception. All dogs must be on leash, especially on government property
This is an unusual line of reasoning? You're saying that because he leashes his dog he is proving he doesn't trust her? Aren't we supposed to leash our dogs?
So if we leave our dogs unleashed we are irresponsible, but if we have them ON leash it means it's because we dont' trust them. Seriously dude? Do you just get up in the morning and eat "stupid" for breakfast?
Hi Kirtsy, I tried to have abowl of 'stupid' for breakfast but you had eaten it all, with a large helping of 'really really low IQ' on the side. My point was, surely, if you completely and utterly trust your, it will never bite anyone because it is a completely harmless breed, and 'my' dog is so well socialised, then it would be a great opportunity to have it off the leash to show and prove once and for all just how safe it is. But it isn't so you can't. Because you can never ever really trust a PB. Ever and any responsible dog owner knows that. But guess you were too busy lying on the couch eating 'fat lazy dumb arse chips'. in other words Kristy, don't disrespect me without actually knowing me or my background dealing with dog bite victims. Horrific, face missing, eyes ripped out, muscles stripped from bone injuries, injuries that victims may survive but never really recover from but hey its never those lovable pitties problem. Just the poor innocent kid shouldn't have walked past and made eye contact blah blah blah. The only good PB is a dead one, and the only truly responsible PB owner doesn't have a dog. They are fundamentally breed to kill and fight. Get rid of them. Now get back to your frothy, foamer, hater, BS you clearly eat all day. Cheers Mike
I'm going to take a wild guess here and assume that you've had a bad experience with a Pit Bull (otherwise this kind of vociferating screams for therapy) If so, I am very sorry for you but why the misguided campaign? Do you always look for positive stories on the internet and attack them with such vim and vigor? We could post FAR more disturbing articles and FAR more disturbing vile things humans do. Should we start a campaign to kill them? Take a breath and come back when you're not frothing.
Hi 'Rayne Storm', no, no bad experiences with PB's just many years first hand experience of maulings etc, picking up the pieces, trying to work out which bit should be attached to where or if it is even possible or viable to re-attach. Dealing with the aftemath that lasts for years. And I dont like being called 'stupid' by some random PB frother, foamer, fanboy etc who doesn't know me. I did not show her any disrespect initially and I wouldn't to anybody. I just cannot fathom why anyone would want a dog that is bred for fighting as a pet when there are dozens of other breeds out there that are far more suited to being kept as pets. There are plenty of idiots out there that think keeping big cats as pets is okay if they are properly trained. While Douglas's campaign might, at face value, seem like a positive cause, it is sadly misguided. Cheers
Thank you for your response. Putting back the pieces, are you a surgeon, nurse ? As you can speak of you're experience, I can only speak of mine, which have always been very positive. I however consider myself very well educated in canine behavior and I know many, many responsible people who have owned bully breeds for years never had a dog bite or attack. I do believe there are people who should not own the breed and should be criminally charged and held responsible if their dog attacks. A dog attack is a horrific ordeal but banning a breed is not the answer. I don't know what it will take for all of us to meet in the middle and stop the irresponsible breeding and ownership. We need a solution but killing dogs that have never bit or hurt anyone can't happen.
You show me utter disrespect by knowing nothing about me and assuming/accusing me of being irresponsible. So yeah. stupid. I have owned pit bulls for over 20 years. NOBODY has been hurt by my dogs. I choose them because they are amazing dogs. they are fun, they are active, they are athletic, they are UBER EASY to train,
Okay Kristy, I give up, I concede, you are right, its not the dogs, its not the breed, its not even the owners, and in fairness its not even the parents of the kids that get mauled. Its just those bloody statistics that keep getting in the way. And honesty we all know there are lies, damn lies and statistics. And when those statistics don't give us argument we want they are wrong anyway. So yup, you are right. Well done, damn the statistics and damn the deaths keep your beautiful dogs. It is your right after all in the land of the free. And you wonder why the rest of the world refers to you guys as the land of the stupid! I guess it is Darwinism and natural selection at its very best. God-damnit it's my right to have gun, the fact that they are killing all our kids is not MY problem, the fact that PB's are killing our kids is not MY problem its my right to have one. Get back to your big bowl of sugar and your obesity epidemic - after all that's you right.
First of all I have ALWAYS said it's the owners (or at the very least the humans involved) who are to blame. For a myriad of reasons. I don't believe it's the "breed" because you are talking about basically 20 different breeds of dogs. I don't recall saying anything about statistics either. They can be twisted anyway you want to twist them. What I said is that I have owned pit bulls (American Staffordshires to be really specific) for over 20 years and NOBODY has been hurt by my dogs. I choose them because they are fun, athletic, easy to train dogs. If you want to go after every single irresponsible owner I'll lead the charge. But that isn't what the people of DBO, and people like you want to do. You want to come and kill my dog..and millions of others that have never hurt anyone. If I'm responsible and leash my dog you say it's because I don't trust it, but if I don't then I'm irresponsible for letting it be loose. If I get a treadmill to exercise my dog so that he can get the energy release he needs in the winter I'm training him for fighting, if I don't and he hurts someone because he's been pent up too long then I'm horrible and irresponsible. No matter how much we do, no matter how hard we work, no matter how many HUNDREDS of hours I spend with my dog making sure he's a good, happy, well balanced part of my family it's never enough for your people because some other jackass chained his outside and it got loose and hurt someone. Or some stupid parent left their child alone with their dog and the kid got hurt or worse. I'm not responsible for what other people do. MY DOG is not responsible for what other dogs do. And because of the hatred thrown at me and my dogs for a long time, my sympathy meter for "victims" who want nothing more than to kill my dogs is empty. Want to educate? I'm on it. Want to go after bad owners? Let's go. Want to stop back yard breeders? Sign me up. But leave ME and MY DOG alone.
Hi Kristy, just to clarify, I have no idea what DBO is, I dont live in the US, I am not going after you, I have never been anti-PB until I saw this very misguided campaign, (and am still not). I was on this site as a photographer not as some frothy anti-PB advocate. I have witnessed many many dogs bites, both in real time and after the event, and by far (by a million miles) the injuries by PB's are the worst. Sheppards leave a lot of puncture wounds but not much more, Labs a lot of gum and lip marks, Terriers much the same as Sheppards only smaller. But PBs are in a different league. They are horrendous due to the nature of the dog, its sheer brute strength and the way it hangs on. Pulling big Shepard of a victim is easy, they let go pretty quickly when they know you are in charge, but PB, never lets go until you kill them. And then they keep going. Enjoy your dog, it sounds as if you look after it but I hope it doesn't disembowel you one day because it finds you asleep on the couch. Believe me that really isn't pretty when someones much loved, well cared for, favorite pets of 8+ years decide they might like to be in charge and rip their owner guts out just because they saw the opportunity. Not sure I have ever seen Labs do that. Cheers
What is your experience with the breed? You've witnessed many dog bites and how is that? Saying to another person you hope their dog does not disembowel is pretty twisted and sick. Your talking to a person who is the owner of the breed and loves them. I find it hard to believe you've never been anti pit bull until this campaign yet you said above the only good pit bull is a dead one?! I own a pit bull and I have worked in the veterinary field for 10 years and have encountered all breeds of dogs. ALL breeds can and will bite. The pit bulls I have encountered are big babies and sweet hearts. I've seen labs aggressive and even golden retrievers. Go to www.avma.org and look up the role of breed in dog bite and risk prevention. If your going to resort to name calling "land of the stupid" its a shepherd not shepard or sheppard. CHEERS!!
"And you wonder why the rest of the world refers to you guys as the land of the stupid!" Got a news flash there sparky, YOU ARE THE MINORITY WHEN IT COMES TO BSL AND PIT BULLS! You and your hate group do not outnumber responsible pit bull owners!
Actually I do trust my dog, but alas, I also follow state laws and leash my dog when it's required. I also DON'T trust all children, so I don't leave my dog running loose amongst them, mostly because he is 70 pounds of muscle and it wouldn't take much to knock a small child over. Just because I prefer to be safe and responsible with my dog, doesn't mean he's a time bomb ready to explode. And for what's it worth, that holds true for ANY dog in my care, not just a pit bull.
You are an idiot. Doug clearly stated that he was abiding by leash laws, that was why his dog is on leash, NOT because he didn't trust her because she wasn't safe to be around kids. No matter what anyone's answer you will continue to twist it around to fit into your little mantra that you repeat over and over. Why don't you go find something more noble to hate on. With all that is going on in the world, all the wrongs that happen every day to people, pit bulls are the only thing you can find to be passionate about?? Go fight the government or something, you aren't needed here!
If she weren't on a lead wouldn't you be accusing him of being a bad owner for that?
Any dog can be dangerous. I have 3 labs and my youngest for whatever reason just doesn't like very little kids. But I know that about her and take steps to be a responsible dog owner. So it's not just Pits.
I do a lot of shelter photography and work with all kinds of different dogs including a ton of pits, I'd've learned that for many pet owners the problems arise when they don't understand the breed of dog they have.
Anyway that's not why I posted.. I was wondering Doug why are you using the ring flash? I'm trying really hard to improve my lighting for shelter dogs. I don't have a studio staple like you have, so often I have to make do with a room at the shelter. I have a simple lighting setup of one flash and shoot through umbrella.. But I do have a beauty dish and seeing your BTS I want to try it.
Also with the weather getting warmer I'll be trying to do more photo outside. So if you have any tips that you might share I'd be greatful.. If you have any interest in seeing my work so for as a frame of reference.. I have a Facebook page. Www.facebook.com/PawsofHopephoto
Thanks a million!
David: thanks for making a difference in shelter dogs' lives! I started my Mutts n Models adoption awareness campaign several years ago and it's incredibly rewarding to know the models with whom I shoot for this campaign and I can make a difference!
Sugar coating the pit bull image by hyping them as lovable wigglebutts is the height of irresponsible dog ownership. Pit breeds are purpose bred to be fighting dogs and introducing them into homes has had disastrous consequences. Pit breeds are not companion dogs. Never have been and never will be.
DOG ATTACK RELATED FATALITIES~~USA~~2014
(Update of 15th April)
16 DEAD SO FAR - Fighting Breed Dogs killed 14 (including 8 CHILDREN)
- All other breeds combined killed 2 (including 1 CHILD)
Breakdown:-
- 8 child victims of Fighting Breed Dogs (0 - 18 y/o)
- 4 elderly adult victims of Fighting Breed Dogs (over 65 y/o)
- 2 Adults (18 - 64 y/o)
Localities:-
- 6 victims of Fighting Breed Dogs came from TEXAS (4 adults, 2 children)
- The following States have all suffered one victim of Fighting Breed Dogs so far: Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, New Jersey, Alabama, Arizona, Mississippi, Los Angeles.
* = FAMILY DOG(S) OR DOG(S) KNOWN TO THE VICTIM; FRIENDLY & WITHOUT AGGRESSION.
1. Christina Burleston~43 y/o~Houston TX~2+ Pit Bulls~01/05/14
2. Betty Clark~75 y/o~San Antonio TX~2 x Pit Bulls~01/06/14
3. Kara Hartrich*~4 y/o~Bloomington IL~2 or 3 Pit Bulls~01/17/14
4. Annabell Martin*~89 y/o~Corona CA~2 x Rottweilers~01/26/14
5. Klonda Richey~57 y/o~Dayton OH~2 x Cane Corso/Mastiffs~02/07/14
6. Je'vaeh Mayes~2 y/o~Temple TX~1 Pit Bull~02/17/14
7. Braelynn Coulter*~3 y/o~High Park NC~1 Pit Bull~02/24/14
8. Summer Sears~4 y/o~Tallassee AL~Mixed Breeds (tbc)~02/26/14
9. Raymane Robinson~2 y/o~Killeen TX~1 x Bull Mastiff~03/01/14
10. Kenneth Santillan~13 y/o~Patterson NJ~1 x Bull Mastiff~03/01/14
11. Nancy Newberry*~77 y/o~Phoenix AZ~1 x Pit Bull~03/15/14
12. Mia Derouen*~4 y/o~Houma LA~1 x Pit Bull~03/26/14
13. Dorothy Hamilton*~85 y/o~Kaufman TX~2 x Pit Bulls 03/31/14
14. Christopher Malone*~3 y/o~Holmes Co MS~1 or 2 Pit Bulls~04/01/14
15. John Harvard*~5 y/o~St Clair Co AL~1 x Pit Bull~04/07/14
16. Petra Aguirre~83 y/o~San Antonio TX~1 x AmStaff Mix~04/11/14
FATALITIES OF INTEREST RELATED TO DOGS:
1. Carlos Trevina*~54 y/o~Idaho Falls ID~heart attack after trying to separate multiple fighting family Pit Bulls~01/08/14
2. Demonta Collins~13 y/o~Richmond Co GA~chased into traffic by loose Pit Bull~04/10/14
3. Davon Jiggetts~17 y/o~Fulton Co GA~chased into traffic by loose Pit Bull~04/12/14
Pit bulls were bred for strong jaw muscles, tolerance to pain, and tenacity/determination. These traits make for a good fighting dog. However, whenever someone brings up the issue of them being "bred to fight," they ignore that there were also bred to be docile to humans, too. It would be disastrous to have a fighting dog that was a constant threat to its owner.
The issue with pit bulls is the same issue that exists with guns: most people who have one don't deserve to own one. If something goes wrong with the dog, the effects are going to be far more devastating than most breeds, and the bigger the injury, the more likely it is to be reported.
Do the DBRF's I listed above characterize a dog type that is bred to be docile to humans? If it was any other animal mauling to death 13 people in 4 months, we would not even be having a discussion of allowing it in people's homes.
Good job on siting your source. I'll raise your nameless source with a couple of my own. Here are links with stories explaining some of the attacks of which you reported. Sadly, a lot point back to poor parenting, conditions, and training.
http://foolishfolliestoo.com/?p=619
http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities-2014.php
Statics can be misleading by nature, and is the exact reason statisticians don't associate correlation with causation. What's the actual report rate for all breeds, meaning how many go unreported from other breeds? What was the experience level of the owner? what were the situations preceding the attacks? Were they neutered males or not? Were they actually pit bulls?
Oh, and rottweilers are on that list, too, which were bread to be herding and guard dogs, and with that come traits that can make a dangerous dog for untrained or irresponsible owners. I also noted that there could be attacks that go unreported due to breed not being able to inflict as much damage. But none of that helps your rally cry against pit bulls does it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QncvCQ66nwA
how many of those were mixes? what would you call a shepherd Labrador?..a mix..there are well over 8 million dogs in the US alone..dog fatalities are tragic..but they are rare..
the breed is a great breed. There is NO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE that exist in this world that shows the genetic make up of a pit bull! NONE! The genetically bred to kill is a MYTH by pit haters and they have ZERO evidence to prove such. Do Not Be fooled by idiots. There are known pit haters like JEFF BORCHART who have been caught and documented talking to 12 year old girl sexually, there are screen shots to prove it!! There are also screenshots to prove most of the HATERS on this thread have spoken publicly about using anti freeze to kill any dog that looks like a pit bull!! Haters use fear to try and ban a breed...Its all BS , do not believe it
Right, all dogs are equal! That's why you see such a variety of dogs herding livestock - might be a Bijon, or maybe an Irish Setter, or perhaps a Lab! That's why police so often use Dalmations, Old English Sheepdogs, and Greyhounds as K9 Units. And when hunters head out to the field, they're just as likely to take a Bouvier as a Tibetan Terrier, or maybe even a English Bulldog! When someone needs a guard dogs, well they can pick any breed - maybe a Afghan Hound, a Bedlington Terrier, a Springer Spaniel, or even a Poodle (you see SO many Poodles guarding the chop-shop yards!). There is no genetic difference in breeds and no breed has any inherent "purpose bred" genetic traits! It's really "all how you train them". If there were no pit bulls, well, the dog fighters would just start using Cairn Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, or Beagles!
so you wanna claim pits are not in Law Enforcement now huh?? you might wanna google that Karen cause you'd be WAY wrong. And FYI they're also in the military as well. So if Police agencies and Military trust them, what makes your agenda better than those who serve huh?
Pit bulls are used as sniffing dogs by the police but they are NOT used as K9 Units that go along w/officers in their daily roles and interact with the public. Also, pit bulls are banned on US military bases and very few are used by the military.
you know exactly how many dog breed are BANNED from military bases Karen? As a Marine that did serve I can tell you there are MANY, and it doesn't stim from ""Potentially Dangerous"" reasons. Yet your side focuses in on just the fact Pits are Banned on MOST not ALL bases
Wrong. There are pit bull K9 dogs. Do some research besides DBO.
Awesome! As a photographer and a pit bull owner, I approve!
FYI - when you get a pit bull your friends and family "come out of the woodwork" with their stories about great pit bulls you've never heard of. Guess what else comes out of the woodwork? Crazy whackos foaming at the mouth and spamming your article with negative crap. Please ignore them! WE are the majority.
Yes , everyone wakes up , googles pit bull articles , have their big private dogsass.org meeting and come out swinging full force . Sad bunch .
Calling people who disagree are "whackos foaming at the mouth"? What?
Not everyone who disagrees - but people who hunt out any positive story on pit bulls so that they can come in here and rant. I haven't seen Debbie Bell posting in here yet, so you can't see what I mean by "whacko" :)
Well, ok, I would call that whacko too... Very strange, where do people get the time for that?
I guess I'm pretty hypocritical because I'm commenting. I do, however, have a 'dog in this fight' -- for lack of a better term. I have a photo background that I'm only sort of using and I'm active in rescue. I really want to get involved in photographing dogs in shelters.
And I'm the owner of two mix breed dogs who happen to be pit mixes.
I did think more about your comment and I should probably cut down on the hyperbole. Not all of them are whackos. A guy did accuse the photographer of being irresponsible because he LEASHED the dog, though :)
No Sara, what I said was, if Douglas really, truly, completely and utterly trusted his dog, and was in a controlled situation where he wanted to show just how trustworthy it is, surely he could have it off the leash. So in future don't mis-imply what I said. Thanks.
these dogs are tooo dangerous.. but thats nice pics +)
Labrador Retrievers were bred to retrieve downed game from water so the instinct to swim was bred into them. Labradors will instinctively jump into any pool or body of water without training or prompting because that's is what they were bred for. Border Collies were bred to herd live stock. They will attempt to herd any animals that will stick around the area (other dogs, cats, geese). Border Collies do this instinctively without training or prompting and it is actually really funny to watch. Grey Hounds were bred to race. They will instinctively take off and run with out any training or prompting because this is what they were bred for.
I could go on and on with this for all the breeds, but my point is that these instincts were bred into these animals and they will have varying degrees of these instincts no matter what. Pit Bulls were bred to fight and stand up to other animals many times there size. They will always have the instinct to fight unless it is bred out of them. Yes you will find some Pit Bulls that are not as hostile and gentle but the majority will have a stronger instinct to attack. It is very hard to train an animal to go against it's instinct and if you are successful can you ever really trust that animal.
Just look at the wiki on Pit Bulls and check the stats. Why is it necessary to continue breeding this dog that is bred to instinctively attack. The role they were bred for, bull baiting and fighting other animals was outlawed a long time ago, so why do we continue to breed them. They should be outlawed or heavy penalties should be in place for the actions these dogs take. If you want one then you should be severely penalized for there actions, knowing that this dog is bred for these actions. If you are a bleeding heart and are so positive that these animals are so misunderstood, then you don't have to worry because these dogs will never take these actions.
I love love love this project! You are awesome and amazing! Thank you for everything you are doing to show the people that have the ability to actually learn something that just because *some* dogs do bad things, doesn't mean they all do. And that because *some* owners are horrible doesn't mean we all are. <3
" others serve as protection or sentry dogs for the police. The majority are cherished family members. Pit bulls become very attached to their people, and most love nothing better than cuddling on the couch or sleeping in bed with their pet parents (preferably under the covers)!"
Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/truth...
Also within that source, it notes that pit bulls, like a lot of dogs, should socialized, and should NOT be left unsupervised with children or pets. The reason is not b/c they're going to "snap", it's b/c they might not be the one who starts the issue - although they might, but their strength and determination can lead to a lot of damage.
Seriously, if you don't know anything about the breed other than what's put out by the media, then shut up. If you're inexperienced dog owner, then a pit bull isn't for you. I've driven for years, but that doesn't mean I should become a NASCAR driver.