I volunteer at a rescue that sees many pit bull 'type' dogs. Some come from known backgrounds, like a dog I briefly fostered and posted about here. Some are strays and the background (and breed) are unknown or only guessed at.
I think most of the people on these forums would agree that pit bulls are not a perfect fit for every family. They are active, high drive and high energy dogs that have a tendency toward strong dog aggression. While not all pit bulls will be dog aggressive, an owner needs to understand that the possibility is there and needs to be willing to take full responsibility for managing and securing their dog. They also need to understand that dog aggression may only show itself later in life.
So my question...if you were running a rescue or shelter, would you place restrictions on who can adopt a pit bull 'type' dog? Would you discuss the possibility of future DA with the new owners? Would you only adopt out pit bulls from a known background, where you have some idea of their temperament and training? Would you adopt out a pit bull only to an experienced owner? Would you adopt them out to a home with other dogs or small animals? How would you handle young dogs that may not be mature enough to show dog aggression? Would you adopt out a dog that has killed other animals in the past? Would you not adopt out pit bulls at all for fear they might fall into irresponsible hands?
Please understand I am not at all saying that pit bulls are bad dogs who don't deserve homes. I just think it would be interesting to have a conversation about the unique challenges a potentially genetically DA animal presents in the world of rescue. There's also the added complication of the reputation that pit bulls have (both as locking jaw slavering monsters and as perfect 'pibble' furbabies) and the role a responsible rescue should play in presenting a more realistic picture.
I think most of the people on these forums would agree that pit bulls are not a perfect fit for every family. They are active, high drive and high energy dogs that have a tendency toward strong dog aggression. While not all pit bulls will be dog aggressive, an owner needs to understand that the possibility is there and needs to be willing to take full responsibility for managing and securing their dog. They also need to understand that dog aggression may only show itself later in life.
So my question...if you were running a rescue or shelter, would you place restrictions on who can adopt a pit bull 'type' dog? Would you discuss the possibility of future DA with the new owners? Would you only adopt out pit bulls from a known background, where you have some idea of their temperament and training? Would you adopt out a pit bull only to an experienced owner? Would you adopt them out to a home with other dogs or small animals? How would you handle young dogs that may not be mature enough to show dog aggression? Would you adopt out a dog that has killed other animals in the past? Would you not adopt out pit bulls at all for fear they might fall into irresponsible hands?
Please understand I am not at all saying that pit bulls are bad dogs who don't deserve homes. I just think it would be interesting to have a conversation about the unique challenges a potentially genetically DA animal presents in the world of rescue. There's also the added complication of the reputation that pit bulls have (both as locking jaw slavering monsters and as perfect 'pibble' furbabies) and the role a responsible rescue should play in presenting a more realistic picture.
Pit bulls in rescue- would you restrict, euthanize, or adopt?
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