[quote=natty]i’ll take the bait to explain further, although this is an entirely too complex an issue to discuss cliff note style….Four definitions.
“1. Behavior- Anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation; the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment.”
“2. Temperament- “The physical and mental characteristics of an individual dog, made evident through its reaction to stimuli in its environment. Aspects of personality that exist at birth and are as a result of genetic influences.”
“3. Genetic Predisposition- A genetic affectation which influences the phenotype of an individual organism within a species or population but by definition that phenotype can also be modified by the environmental conditions.”
“4. Instinct- The inherent inclination of a living organism toward a particular behavior. The fixed action patterns are unlearned and inherited.”
What you describe of a pointer, ‘pointing’, is instinct, which is genetic so you are correct in thinking it is a part of temperament, but not temperament as a whole. Temperament is derived from all genetic influence not just the genes that are the basis for instinct.
As I wrote earlier, canine breeding has been practiced unregulated for ages. a report of bulldogs being used as the name suggests over 100 years ago means as little today, as a person training a rottweiller to point.
Your underlying point, which is false, is that a dog with a muscular appearance, wide head and shoulders, etc., is born programmed to attack humans and other animals, unprovoked, out of a ‘drive’ for blood.
This perceived problem, pit bulls as whole, is not a public safety issue, it is impossible to correct. Humans are the error of way. If truly interested in public safety in your neighborhood, do your part, educate you and your family, learn about canine behavior and proper handling. Learn of the documented 7-8 aggressive type behaviors, and if your dog displays, take action to correct it. If a neighbor is allowing their dog to run leash free, handle the situation as an adult-no matter the dog size or perceived breed type.
Also, I should mention that homeowner and renter insurance is readily available for dogs deemed ‘dangerous’ by many companies. Without a documented bite history, liability insurance is a few clicks away, and if needed, I can point in the correct direction locally.[/quote]
Equipment: Pitbull, massive head and Jjaws, high weight to height ratio, incredible close in agilty. If neither ever learned to box would you rather be forced into the ring with Mike Tyson or Peewee Herman? People are being forced into the ring with these things and what are frequently their idiotic owners. I would rather those unlucky people be attacked by a less dangerous mutt. I was bit by a poodle when I was a kid. My friend, as an adult, was ripped up by two pitbulls. Nobody had to shoot the poodle. I was at no real risk. She almost died and had to have all kinds of reconstructive surgery. The cops had to shoot one of the dogs. Don’t be stupid and insensitive. Maybe the site you mentioned is biased. Common sense and real life experience isn’t.
