O.K. I got a new puppy (Pitbull) and have had some nasty remarks...?

Start referring to your dog as an "Am-Staff" because it doesn't have the negative BUZZ to it that "pit bull" does- which is not a breed but what three breeds are referred as being and several that look like what people think are "pit bulls" are referred to when many of those dogs don't have an ounce of APBT in them.

Since there is so much active legislation against all the closely related breeds- then if someone asks you what an Am-Staff is, you can tell them it's a type of Terrier.

This way you can let them get to know your dog first without an automatic label. Also let them get to know you as a friendly person. Sounds like you train your dogs well. Let your dog sell it's breed by introducing her to people and they can get to know her first, without the fear and predjudice.

I have an APBT (largely at least- mother was purebred registered and litter was dumped at 2 1/2 wks) and I intro her as a "mixed breed dog". Then I let her get to know people. She is well trained, loves children and adults, doesn't care for cats but was b-slapped by one as a pup and leaves them alone- lol- THEN after people got to know her and know us we said that her mother was registered APBT but the father was not known.

At that point they already have a GOOD impression of the dog and it will change their mind! Many here where we live now were afraid of dogs, period. We have used our APBT to help them get over their fear of dogs because she is so friendly and well trained.

So congrats on your pup and just stay as friendly as possible and let people get to know your dog as a friendly well trained dog.

As far as printing out Pit Bull facts- if a person already has a big wall up towards a dog, then they may continue to be rude even when you try to educate them via pamphlet.

I think the best comeback is a well trained dog that you can introduce people to and get them liking the pup and then later give them the "facts". They'll have seen it with their own eyes.

I'd like to see a fact sheet drawn up about mis-identified dogs (dogs identified as "pit bull" who aren't even in that category in any way shape or form) who have been identified as killers without newspapers retracting the stories, and stats compiled about legislation drives and concurrent increases in "attack" reports.

Congrat's on your pitbull!

Did you know that pits are great family dogs and are actually considered a great breed for families with kids? That the pit is actually not a dominant breed? That its personality is extremely loyal - even above others in this loyal species - and one reason why they are used for fights and attacks is because they'll do ANYTHING to please their human? Did you know that many of the reported "pit bull" attacks were not made by a pitbull at all? There are actual reports of "pits" killing someone, but turned out to be a golden retriever!

The media has attacked this breed and holds a record on these attacks that far exceeds the actual attack record held by the pit.

One more thing... think back at old movies, in the 80's it was the Doberman that was condemned, in the 60's it was the German Shepherd... I think fact sheets are a great idea. Also taking your dog out and showing the world his attributes. The public is just ignorant and listens only to what they want to hear.

I love that. Hoenstly there is no reason not have a rude comeback as their comment to you was rude. We had a pitbull that we raised from 5 weeks of age and he was so sweet. You are absolutely right about training, but also keep in mind that training alone will not curb any animals instincts. If other people treat him as though he is a bad dog, he will inturn become that dog. So be aware of the people you allow to have contact with him. I wish you all the best with him. Some people just have no brains.

Remind her that a lab ate a lady's face off...literally.

Remind her that a few years ago, Rotties and Dobies were the "all time" vicious breeds.

Get your dog spayed/neutered, and let the people know that intact dogs of ANY breed are 3 times more likely to bite.

Tell people that Pit bulls have a higher pass rate on the Breed Temperment test than collies, and many other breeds:

http://www.atts.org/stats1.html

Welcome to the world of Pit Bull devotion. You will continue to get nasty remarks from people who are uneducated on the breed, and that have already been swayed by the biased media.

My suggestion? Get your dog well trained, CGC certified, and Therapy Dog certified.

I wouldn't try to not be rude. I would be just as rude as she was. Pitbulls can make great pet and I know quite a few that are great dogs. I do not think the majority of owners is what causes the bad reputation. I think it is a minority of owners, but people are exposed to those owners and those dogs through the media. There is never any exposure to Pitbulls that are well trained loving pets, or their owners. All you can do is make sure your dog is a great example of what a great dog they can be, and try to educate people one person at a time. You may even change someones opinion.

First, Congrats on the pit. Second, I love Lily's answer. Third, I have been in your shoes myself. I raised pits for several years and was hounded by IGNORANT people the whole time. I have two children and people would say "I can't believe you let those 'animals' be near your children." We had seven pits in the yard running together all day and night and never had any trouble. They are very loyal pets and family members. You just have to grin and say "do you know more children die at the hands of a parent or guardian each year than by dog attack?" Have a nice day!!!!

THe dog is not illegal you have the right to have whatever kind you like. I hope it is trained well and loved, you can't do more than that.

Just tell someone you wouldn't abandon children who had a bad reputation, you would give them extra love and support! These dogs deserve the same, we can't turn our back on everything that doesnt suit us.

I think if there is a danger for real in these breeds, then mussel them in public and you choose what is the best dog for you no matter what other ppl say.

Go for you K9 good citizen cert. and explain that the myth that all Pits are killers is something you hope you and your dogs can help dispel.

LOL at a recent job interview I was asked about my passions, I said one of my passions is my dog. The interviewer asked what breed I have. When I answered "Rottweiler Pit Bull mix." She actually jumped back a bit, as if she expected a vicious dog to leap out from under my suit skirt. I smiled and said that THAT was my passion, teaching people about these dogs and how loving they can be.

Its always best to reply politely to people who comment or ask. Sometime people ask because they have heard bad reports and a short sweet answer from you will set their minds at rest. Remark on why the dog was originally bred, ie, originally bred for vermin control. Then remark on your training, ie, you are going to train the dog to do .... whatever it is, ie obiedence or agility, heelwork etc and the fact you are dedicated to training the dog and as such he will be a dog in control at all times.

We all should know that the end result of a dogs behaviour is a direct relationship to the training its had. If you train a dog to fight its going to fight, if you train it to heelwork, its going to stay to your heel, etc.

Good luck with your puppy, get it to as many puppy classes so it learns how to socialise.

If you are willing to spend some money.. There are some good books with information u can equip yourself with..

Here is one such book.. http://www.fataldogattacks.com/

Or you could say that a Gun is far more dangerous than a pitbull but more people seem to own guns than a pitbull.. Its all in the hands of the owner.. Nothing is dangerous until its in the wrong hands or in this case, the wrong owner..