I was reading the comments on a dog blog featuring the video of the young girl feeding the 6 pit bulls. I came across this comment from a young mother of 5 children. It scares me to think that she will keep violent dogs despite the risk posed to her own kids. If one of her kids gets seriously injured or worse would she be accountable? Or would it just be a tragedy? You know Im not quite sure what to think. If I hadnt read the debate I dont think I would have thought much about it and would have thought it was cute. After reading, it got me thinking. I have two large pits. One weve had since he was 6weeks old and is now 5yrs old and 70lbs. Mia weve had since she was 9mths old and now weighs 55lbs and is 21/2 yrs old. They both have their own little issues that Ive had to question one time or another because I have five children. Edward our male that weve had the longest I trusted solely with my children and didnt think he would ever harm one of my children until one day. My youngest was 11/2yrs old playing around Edward while he was chewing on a treat. Edward dropped the treat and my son picked it up to hand it to Edward. In just a split second before my son could give it back Edward.growled, pounced and nock the baby over and grabbed the babys arm leaving bruises. It was a very scary moments. I dont know what came over Edward. My son always interact with the dog and his food and treats. We trained them that way. They have to submit to the children. It put my perspective in check. I became a little more cautious with my children and there interaction with the dogs. But I still fed my dogs together keeping the children at a distance during feeding time. Mia is the sweetest girl I have ever met. She loves children she just wants acceptance. Her only downfall is that she is animal aggressive. But great cuddle buddy for her human family. Well, time and time again I fed my dogs together but in separate dishes to monitor foid intake because of there strict diet needs. I didnt have a problem fir over the first year of having Mia. Until one day. MIA tryed to control both dishes not letting Edward eat. Growling when he came close. I kept telling her to nock it off. Well They got the look in their eyes and went at it. I tryed to interfere and separate them. I got bit a deep bite on my thigh. Instantly they stopped fighting knowing they messed up. Thankfully because there was no way I was going to get them apart in my small kitchen. Now I feed them in separate rooms with no children around. The behaviors from my Mia have escalated twards my male Edward, but not twards people. She now controls the water, toys and play. I never in my mind thought Edward would lash out in aggression, especially twards a baby. That was enough for me to say wow. He had a bad moment. moody moment, but I cant guarantee it wont end in harming a child sometime. No I dont have to get rid of my dog. But I do have to treat him as a large powerful animal and take precautions to ensure the safety of the children. I dont leave baby and dog in room alone. I do not leave both dogs in room with older children, I separate dogs while eating. I have two water dishes on opposite sides of the house. I do not house the dogs together in the outdoor kennel ever.They need space to get away from each other. So do I from my partner. I got them both fixed and I put the dogs away when my younger childrens friends come over. I dont trust the combo. Do they know how to respect dogs. I cant chance it. Its not that my dogs are aggressive. Its not that my dogs are untrustworthy. Its not because of the name of their breed. Its because they are powerful and strong. It is because if something where to happen it would not be a nip at the ankle. It would be substantial. One nip with my dogs would be a large bit. They are so strong, there is no way I cold control them both physically. I have the upper hand by commands and training. But not by strength.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 06:20:16 +0000