.jpg)
Fear mongering is a huge media tactic in the United States. We've all seen movies or TV shows that displays a large dog, usually a German Shepherd, Doberman, Rottweiler, or an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bull) performing an aggressive behavior. These negative associations have been so ingrained into our society, that when a dog of this breed actually performs an aggressive act we remember that more than we remember a smaller/medium sized breed performing the same aggressive act. Unfortunately, the reality of this large breed stigma includes unnecessary breed bans in different states & cities.
If you own a large breed, especially a breed that has a stigma behind them, you will need to make it a point to put in a LOT of work behind training your dog so that they can become breed ambassador and you are seen as a breed advocate. This work includes but is not limited to:
Educating yourself on your breed - learn the history of the breed, where they came from, what their temperament is with people & animals, what their temperament is for training, etc.
Educating yourself on dog body language - you need to understand what dog body language means so that you are better able to read your dogs behavior in uncomfortable or overstimulating situations
Educating yourself on the stigmas behind the breed you have & make a plan on how you will NOT let your dog fall victim their preconceived fate
Educating those around you about these stigmas and show them that your dog does not fit the stereotype
Putting in training (ALWAYS - even if you do not have large dog or bully breed) - Teach your dog basic obedience, leash etiquette. We want our dogs to be model citizens, especially for dogs that society has outlawed and unfairly convicted
Properly socializing your dog (ALWAYS - even if you do not have large dog or bully breed) - you will want to socialize your dog with both humans and other animals
Get involved with a non-profit or a animal shelter that advocates for these discriminated breeds
Remember, as a dog owner you are responsible for how your dog is perceived and are 99% guilty for their misbehavior at home or in public. Inadvertently humans are guilty for this idea of bully breeds & larger breeds like German Shepherds, Dobermans, Bloodhounds, & Rottweilers to be perceived as guilty and causing:
A bad reputation
Higher euthanisation rates in animal shelters & pounds
Unnecessary fear - people are afraid when they see these stigmatized breeds in public
Neglectful animal owners - not socializing their dog or properly caring for their dog
Abusive animal owners - allowing their dogs to fight or be used as bait dogs, beating their dogs, etc
Ignorance of facts - people falsely claim that Pit Bulls are one of the worlds most aggressive breeds when Pit Bulls were known as "nanny dogs" due to their loyalty and gentleness around children
ALL dogs are a product of their owners & life, not their breed and genetics. Yes, some dogs have specific characteristics breed into them but those characteristics can be trained into a positive behavior. For example, if you have a Doberman (historically known for being guard dogs), you know that you will need to work on techniques to prevent resource guarding or reactivity to people/animals (socialization). The magnifying glass needs to be turned inward, and analyzed instead of taking the easy option and blaming the breed. Do not be guilty of adding to these breed misconceptions, educate yourselves even if you do not own a stigmatized breed.
Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece