FORT Koffee Klatch

[FinallyHere]

Then how about the CDC? Is that good enough a cite for you? Dog-Bite-Related Fatalities -- United States, 1995-1996

Nothing about Pitbulls there. Does mention rottweillers and chows though

[Rattus]

Nothing about Pitbulls there. Does mention rottweillers and chows though

Chart, 2/3's down - pit bulls, 60 fatalities, followed by rottweilers, 29 fatalities.

[coltnlasma]

In all fairness, those charts list "pit bull" (in quotes), and I believe the numbers include what many consider pit-bull type dogs ... a combination of dog breeds that includes the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog and any other pure bred or mixed breed dog that is a combination of these dogs. That's a pretty big grouping!

I love pits and also bulldog breeds, their loyalty is unmatched. The pits I've known and had as family pets have been nothing but big babies who think they are lap dogs. But they've also been trained to submit, and they've been spoiled as housepets. So, I agree that the dog's behavior is a result of the owner's influence or lack thereof - and also any animal's behavior can be influenced by how another animal or human acts.

[KatesMom]

I have heard both sides with regard to the pit bull argument. There are ones that are trained and there are ones that aren't. And I wholeheartedly agree that the overwhelming problem is the owner, not the dog. I can't tell you how many macho men (sorry, but it does seem to be overwhelmingly men, at least in my experience) want the pit bull and want it to be aggressive for the fear it instills in others when they walk it down the street. I think those people are trash, and it does a real dis-service to the breed. Pits are a tough dog to own, and require vigilence and training. And yes, there are other dogs that can be vicious as well, and even a golden retriever can be violent and aggressive under certain circumstances. That being said, the point I have seen made a few times, and someone please correct me if I am wrong - but the true fear with pits surrounds the LEVEL of damage they can do. Most dogs will bite and some can tear a hole in your arm or leg. In contrast, a pit can and will maul you. I think that's the fear - not the initial attack, but how far the attack with a pit can go, if allowed to start.

[Critical]

I have heard both sides with regard to the pit bull argument. There are ones that are trained and there are ones that aren't. And I wholeheartedly agree that the overwhelming problem is the owner, not the dog. I can't tell you how many macho men (sorry, but it does seem to be overwhelmingly men, at least in my experience) want the pit bull and want it to be aggressive for the fear it instills in others when they walk it down the street. I think those people are trash, and it does a real dis-service to the breed. Pits are a tough dog to own, and require vigilence and training. And yes, there are other dogs that can be vicious as well, and even a golden retriever can be violent and aggressive under certain circumstances. That being said, the point I have seen made a few times, and someone please correct me if I am wrong - but the true fear with pits surrounds the LEVEL of damage they can do. Most dogs will bite and some can tear a hole in your arm or leg. In contrast, a pit can and will maul you. I think that's the fear - not the initial attack, but how far the attack with a pit can go, if allowed to start.

Exactly. Yes, all dogs have the potential to bite, but a pit can kill and the statistics show that they DO kill more than any other breed. There was just a story on the news here last night about a little girl who was killed by the family dog - a pit bull.

Yes, I agree that the owner is often to blame, but it doesn't make a dog any less dangerous. Even dogs who are seemingly docile can kill. Like I said upthread, I've known some really sweet pits and I wasn't afraid of them, but I wasn't completely comfortable with them either and I wouldn't let one around other pets or children. I just couldn't take that chance.

[KatesMom]

Exactly. Yes, all dogs have the potential to bite, but a pit can kill and the statistics show that they DO kill more than any other breed. There was just a story on the news here last night about a little girl who was killed by the family dog - a pit bull.

Yes, I agree that the owner is often to blame, but it doesn't make a dog any less dangerous. Even dogs who are seemingly docile can kill. Like I said upthread, I've known some really sweet pits and I wasn't afraid of them, but I wasn't completely comfortable with them either and I wouldn't let one around other pets or children. I just couldn't take that chance.

Does anyone watch Pregnant in Heels? Last night was a couple that had a little terrier - like think those little 3 pound doggies. They loved their dog and said he was so sweet. Rosie came over with her doll baby in a bag and that little dog went to town! Grabbed the baby out of the bag by its head and dragged it across the room. Started growling and snapping when they tried to take it away! The dog reacted this way multiple times, even with the new baby's toys. They ended up having to take it to a behavior specialist and work with it. They had no idea it had these tendencies. I just kept thinking of this thread - even small dogs can be vicious in the right circumstances.

[pikachu]

I was thinking about starting a thread for Pet Peeves but searched for an existing one first. I found one but it had been closed and said we were to use the Koffee Klatch thread for that kind of thing so I'm posting it here.

*

I absolutely hate it when I walk past a microwave and either the unset time is flashing or there is time left on it from the previous person who took something out before the cooking time ended and didn't press the cancel button. Twice today at work I passed by our microwave and had to cancel time left so that the clock was showing again.

It's not like I go by the microwave's clock so I'm not sure why it bothers me so much but it does! All I can guess is it's because when my family went on vacation, I slept on the kitchen table which could be folded down into a bed and if the time wasn't set on the microwave, it would flash and keep me awake. Maybe it's partly because I don't like people leaving tasks incomplete because they're too lazy to do them and leave them for the next person to do (like using all the paper in the copier and then not putting more paper in before you leave so the next person to use it has to do it).

[Ellen]

...I absolutely hate it when I walk past a microwave and either the unset time is flashing or there is time left on it from the previous person who took something out before the cooking time ended and didn't press the cancel button...
...Maybe it's partly because I don't like people leaving tasks incomplete because they're too lazy to do them and leave them for the next person to do (like using all the paper in the copier and then not putting more paper in before you leave so the next person to use it has to do it).

That stuff bugs the hell outta me, too!

[Fanny Mare]

Bugs me too.piakachu I thought I was alone.I hate that flashing .I always ask who used the MW last. I guess its that nobody person

Same with my fax and or copier. lazy! hate it.

[prhoshay]

Your kitchen table folds down into a bed??? Maybe I am the unexposed one, but I find that bizarre. And, no, I can't understand sleeping in the kitchen....but I'm sure somebody will enlighten me. A flashing light could never stop me from falling asleep, either. Almost nothing comes between me and my zzz's!

What does bug me more than most things is a twisted telephone receiver cord! I just MUST unwind it!! Office, house....it doesn't matter!!

I become, absolutely, fixated until it's cured!!!!