| January 18, Holland, MI--police officers shot and killed | | | | or territory. Watch your dog around strangers. The |
| a Pit Bull after it entered a neighbor's yard and | | | | dog should be protective and alert but not suspicious |
| attacked their family pet. January 17, Memphis, TN--a | | | | and aggressive. Your dog should calm down after |
| 5 year old boy was attacked by a Pit Bull named | | | | you tell him the situation is "okay". Finally, some dogs |
| "Beast". The dog was shot and killed by the police. | | | | are simply aggressive by nature and that behavior |
| Mobile, AL--a 4 year old boy was attacked by the | | | | has either been encouraged or not properly |
| family Pit Bull. Mims, FL--three Pit Bulls attacked | | | | corrected and is now becoming out of control. |
| several dachshunds in a neighbor's yard, killing one, | | | | If a dog growls or snaps without cause, or is acting |
| and severely injuring another. January 15, | | | | strange, you should see your veterinarian! There are |
| Spartanburg, SC--a Pit Bull attacked a 62 year old | | | | a variety of medical conditions that can cause pain or |
| woman. Oberlin, OH--a 25 year old man was attacked | | | | brain problems that would cause this behavior. Most |
| by his Pit Bull. January 9, Darwin, Australia--a 12 year | | | | likely it is only a minor medical problem, but other |
| boy was attacked by the family Pit Bull. January 9, | | | | more serious problems can occur. Doctors have |
| Lake of the Woods, CA--a 75 year old woman was | | | | medication for pain, senility and other more rare |
| attacked by two Pit Bulls. January 5, Muriwai Beach, | | | | conditions that can alter behavior. If it is not medical, |
| New Zealand--a Pit Bull attacks horses and riders. The | | | | the doctor can refer you for professional training or |
| list goes on and on. | | | | behavioral counseling. |
| Frequently we hear that about a Pit Bull pet gone | | | | People should learn, teach and practice obedience |
| bad. The sad fact is, not every owner is right for a | | | | lessons on their dogs. This puts you in the position as |
| Pit Bull. They have been specifically bred to be | | | | leader and they learn to consistently respect human |
| protective, not aggressive, and are fine when | | | | authority. Most of the time good obedience training |
| properly cared for and trained. When they are not, | | | | keeps aggression in check. |
| they become the latest headline. The Pitt Bull is | | | | If you are attacked by a dog, use a physical object |
| responsible for 63% of all dog bites, but many Pit | | | | and protect yourself. Get a clipboard or briefcase |
| Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Doberman | | | | between you and the dog's teeth - no other part of |
| pinschers are wonderful pets. It all depends on their | | | | the dog is going to hurt you! Don't kick the dog, if |
| early socialization and training and the environment | | | | they get your foot or leg they may not let go. |
| they are in. A dog is a dog, but big dogs and dogs | | | | It can be normal for a dog to bite. If you roll over a |
| with an aggressive nature need special attention | | | | dog's tail or startle it while eating it may bite. That is |
| placed on socialization and training. | | | | called a "provoked" bite and does not carry a high |
| Dogs usually do not suddenly turn on someone. For a | | | | level of concern because it is considered normal |
| dog to unexpectedly turn and bite out of aggression | | | | behavior. However an unprovoked bite of a large or |
| is extremely rare. Dogs are very social creatures and | | | | aggressive breed should worry you. The law is clear - |
| most view their family and other humans as part of | | | | these dogs must be trained or confined by a leash, |
| their social structure. | | | | muzzle or pen. |
| So, how can you tell if a dog will be aggressive? | | | | Remember if a bite is provoked it could be normal |
| There are various reasons a dog might act | | | | behavior, but if it is unprovoked it can be a very |
| aggressively. Fear is probably first. If dogs are afraid | | | | serious--even life threatening--event. ALL dogs need |
| they may strike out. Protection is next -as dogs feel | | | | socialization and training very early in life. Problems are |
| a strong need to protect their people, pack members | | | | harder to fix when dogs become adults. |