What causes aggression in Pit Bulls and other certain breeds of dogs?

I didn't read your links, sorry. I worked a ten hour overnight shift and then had a 3 hour working interview this morning. I'm too exhausted to do much lol.

Simply from your description and quoted though, that is NOT the type of aggression I would label in bully breeds. That is more descriptive of any number of hunting dogs or hounds displaying animal aggression. Most bully breeds were bred for dog aggression.

It's not a "predatory" aggression, stalk and hunt etc... it's a fullout fight aggression. I also strongly believe this differs from human aggressions. I think pit bull accounts on the media are strongly biased, and mislabeled.

I've seen numerous "pit bulls" that are NOT bit bulls. Maybe if you close one eye, poke yourself in the other eye, and already know before hand the dog has short hair you MIGHT see pit bull in it. Pit bulls are banned in Denver because of 2 kills in a 20 year time period.

In that same 20 years 2 people were killed by huskies. Why are they not banned as well? This question is not about that, though.

That is off topic. Just know, from what I half-@$$ed read, I do not agree that "aggression" applies to pit bulls. I DO believe genetics can't be fixed though.

I just had someone tell me Luther is obviously NOT well trained if he is still fearful (remember my EXTREMELY fear aggressive 16 week old puppy that was almost euthanized?). I see it as a MAJOR accomplishment that such an aggressive, fearful animal could be at the point he is now. If all he has for the rest of his life is some skittish tendancies and some fear, then that alone is almost a miracle.

Because to expect all fear to be gone is just naive. It's genetic, not due to a lack of poor socilization or abuse. Unfortunately, most bully breeds are poorly bred due to punks and wannabes.

Please note, I do NOT consider these dogs "pit bulls". I consider 30lb, lean, athletic game animals to be pit bulls, as those are the only true American Pit Bull Terriers. But, be that as it may, most american bullies, "pit bulls" to the general public, are a genetic NIGHTMARE.

Do we expect issues with them? Yes, and issues should be expected. Also, I expect it ignorant and foolish to believe a dog that has displayed ANY Aggresion will not harm a child.

And I'm talking human aggression, not exactly animal aggression, although an animal aggressive husky around a small child can OBVIOUSLY lead to problems. For that matter, trusting dogs and babies is just stupid in general, but especially dogs that have displayed aggression. I'm sorry, one fearful snap from Luther would cause a small child to lose their face.

If a dog displays any aggression or questionable behavior, they are NOT trusted around children. End of discussion. If more parents and owners took responsibility for what they had, maybe there would be far fewer child deaths at the hands of aggressive dogs.

Luther is NOT allowed near my 16 month old niece Do I trust him? Honestly, I would bet there is a good 75%+ chance that he wouldn't do anything to her, he's great with the rest of my family. But even an ounce of doubt, a knowledge of his past, an acceptance of size comparison, a realization of danger.... I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER risk.

One chance, one bite, one deceased baby. Not worth it. He is locked outside or in the bedroom when she is over.

End of discussion. I'll go take a nap now, come back later and actually read all of the question lol.

Sometimes trolling is just what people do, sometimes it carries issues, here it just seems to be pointing out that dogs are animals and some breeds are more 'animal' than others. It's only common sense to limit the risk by buying well bred even tempered stock and raising them consistently. Why would anyone leave a baby unsupervised with a loose dog in the first place?

And, just as with open fires, you teach the child the inadvisibility of poking its hand in the embers. Add: Never mind the -TD. You are totally responsible if your dog bites a child because you left the child alone unsupervised.

"Predatory aggression is distinctly different from other forms of canine aggression. A predatory dog doesn’t threaten. She won’t give a warning growl or bark.

She might stalk her victim briefly and quietly, or she might simply give chase. Some dogs will bark or whine excitedly during the chase. Others will be silent.

A dog might bark or growl when she catches the prey, but typically only if the animal fights back. A dog engaged in a predatory encounter looks for all intents and purposes like she’s having fun. She’ll be excited and aroused, and she’ll adopt a defensive posture only if the potential prey stops running and turns to attack her.

" Source: http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/82...

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.