Pit Bulls Out of the Doghouse (Mostly Positive Story)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pitbulls3aug03,...

The bar is crowded, but Karen Dawn doesn't hesitate to enter with her two dogs in tow. Paula sports a pink bandanna around her neck; Buster, a camouflage kerchief.

Oblivious to the din of voices and music, Paula and Buster quietly make their way through the tangle of patrons' feet, pausing to bask in the massage of hands reaching down to pet them. "They're usually on someone's lap," says Dawn, who seeks out animal-friendly restaurants and bars like this one in Venice.

<snip>

So how is it that two dogs belonging to a breed that is controversial, feared, banned by some cities and possessed of the worst public relations in the canine world end up cuddling with beach community hipsters?

Paula and Buster are evidence of a phenomenon that is emerging in some unexpected parts of the city: the well-socialized pit bull.

<snip>

There's no doubt these dogs require special handling, and one longtime pit bull trainer is chagrined by what she calls a "huge sympathy" for the dogs.

[Warpy]

1. The few I've known have been sweethearts

and lap dogs. The problem is that they are unpredictable, especially with strangers and children.

Special handling and confinement are keys for anyone who wants to live with this particular breed.

[Dervill Crow]

9. I don't let kids younger than 10 or so near my dog.

She's a very sweet dog, but she wasn't socialized with kids when she was younger and I'm not going to take a chance. I would be just as cautious if I had a German Shepherd or a cocker spaniel, which in my experience are far more unpredictable in their behavior.

[The Sushi Bandit]

2. I Hate Dogs

read all about it here: http://sushibandit.blogspot.com/2006/07/i-hate-dogs.htm...

[RamboLiberal]

4. Who cares - Go open a dog hating thread

eom

[The Sushi Bandit]

5. Read the link - it's FUNNY

[Dervill Crow]

7. Yes, it is. eom

[Gloria]

3. "Capone" a pup, just moved, but he was a regular at the wall,

looking forward to receiving attention from all who passed by. As sweet as sugar. Another one from around the corner, Spike, was equally affectionate...got out once but was fine.

However--the strength of these dogs is almost overwhelming. They certainly need careful handling and attention. I couldn't believe how strong Capone was...massive paws and powerful.

[oppositionmember]

6. Euthanize them all.

How many more kids do we have to read about getting ripped to shreds. Even the "good" ones eventually turn. Somehow some assholes bred the murder gene into them.

[Dervill Crow]

8. If that was true it wouldn't be such big news when it happens. n/t

[gizmo1979]

10. That's the most idioyic thing I've heard today.

They don't turn,the ones that are doing the attacking are trained to do that.I've got pits and they never do anything remotely aggressive,to humans or other dogs.They are very well trained and very lovable animals.