Who would let their young girl walk this dog?

[Adina P]

So this girl (9-10?) walks by our house with a very strong, pulling pit (intact male). I've seen her once or twice before...one of those times she was holding a leash and looking for her dog.

Just now as she passes the corner of our fence her dog pulls like a monster because ours are in the yard and barking. Clark is in the front yard mowing and stops to watch cautiously. The dog runs around the corner to seek out our dogs -- who have a hole they stick their noses through to see out. This dog tries to bite them through the hole (only big enough for a dog head). Clark I think had to grab the dog to stop it and then the girl regained her leash hold...only to fall on her butt a few yards later. She got up and kept walking but this dog was not only SURELY heavier than her, but 10x more powerful. I couldn't help but thinking "WHO would let their young girl walk this dog?"

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Adina,
You are right to be concerned. Are there any laws where you live you might be able to take advantage of? Where we reside pit bulls are permitted, in the next county over, only p.b. mixes are permitted. How strange is that, they can be just as aggressive. Maybe locating where this girl lives and "reminding" the parents of
laws might be helpful if they refuse to be considerate without such a "reminder".

There is a product called "Spray Shield" that is an animal deterrent spray, supposed to ward off aggressive animals. It is not as strong as pepper spray but supposedly just as effective. . The mix is citronella, water and glycerin. I got a can (about $10.00 for a small can -about 12 seconds worth of spray in the whole thing)
to take to the dog park, it felt a bit safer. It was suggested to me by another doodle owner in our local club. Reading the label it does state that it is only effective in low to medium level aggression. I think it is safer than
pepper spray as it doesn't harm eyes.

I wish you luck with solving your situation.

[Adina P]

Debbie: I know there are good pit bulls. But the fact is they were bred to be tenacious and withstand a considerable amount of pain...so if they are aggressive it's not pretty. Plus, even though they 'should' be good with humans, it is common for pits to be dog aggressive if not socialized/raised properly. So...I remain hesitant about them.
Natalie: what a scary story! And to think that family got a second dog...what are they thinking?

[Debbie and Thomas]

Maybe this is why Pitties have such a bad rap because of stupid dog owners. (Not all of them are bad-so don't get upset pls, just the ones like these folks)

[Adina P]

I don't know WHY I didn't think to call Animal Control, but I certainly will next time I see this girl. Clark had suggested I catch up with the girl and talk with her...but honestly I was afraid to approach her knowing how her dog might pull toward me -- theoretically I'm not biased against breeds, but practically YES I'm a little bit afraid of out of control pits. It most likely was NOT human aggressive because Clark was able to (bravely? stupidly?) grab the dog firmly to keep it from hurling itself through our fence...and this dog did NOT try to bite, but STILL... Now I have this fear that it will come around the corner just as I am out with my dogs...eeeek!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Follow her home and talk to the adults there. Perhaps they are stupid and don't realize that the girl can't control the dog. Perhaps you will shame them into training their dog and only letting someone who can handle him walk him. Perhaps at least they will be embarrassed enough not to go by your house - at least you dogs will be safer.

[Sarah]

Owners who dont care.

[Stella]

The sad thing is that one day that pit will get into a fight or bite another dog, and probablt end up being put down. All because the owners were totally irresponsible. Very sad.

[Tamara & Giada]

WOW!! We also have this around here a bit. Our neighbor lets their son (now 8) be pulled on his roller blads by their 80# boxers................he does fall!! I'm waiting for serious injury to happen!!!

[SD Suz - Mom of 3 Doodz]

Answer: Stupid parents - Problem is you can't cure stupid. How much training of any kind do you suppose the dog has? I'm sure the answer is "NONE"!!! Stupid, stupid, stupid.

[sandy b]

That is an accident waiting to happen.