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Pit Bulls are dogs. Dogs have unique personalities. Some dogs are aggressive, others are submissive; many dogs are protective, many dogs are affectionate. All dogs are individuals who have temperaments, feelings, instincts, and reactions of their own.

Each breed has a set of expected behavioral and personality traits. Pomeranians, though small and fluffy, tend toward being aggressive and protective. Dobermans, despite their intimidating appearance, tend to be sweet-natured and friendly. Border Collies are loyal and live to work. Labrador Retrievers are playful and love to swim. Chihuahuas tend to be spoiled, and are expected to be yappy and nippy. However, these inborn traits can be altered by a dog's environment. Dobermans can be taught to be aggressive and mean. Chihuahuas can be raised like a "real dog", and be very pleasant companions.

This is how the Pit Bull debate can become confusing. Pit Bulls, like Pomeranians, are a naturally aggressive breed. However, while a Pomeranian is small and its bite is no more serious than a bruise or scratch, a Pit Bull is a strong, heavily muscled dog, and its bite is usually very serious. A nasty Pomeranian is not terribly scary. A nasty Pit Bull is extremely dangerous.

Dogs, like all creatures, are born with individual personality traits, which are shaped according to the environment they experience. When a dog experiences a loving, gentle, respectful home with the boundaries of acceptable behavior clearly defined, it can be expected to be a loyal, trustworthy, loving companion. However, when a dog experiences aggressiveness, physical punishment and/or neglect, humiliation, with little or no behavioral guidance, it will be shaped accordingly. A submissive dog will likely become timid and frightened, and a more aggressive dog may become dangerous.

Dogs like Pit Bulls tend to end up in the wrong hands. Hands that teach them to be aggressive, that it is acceptable to lunge and growl, chase and attack. When a naturally aggressive breed is placed in the hands of a misinformed, irresponsible, or even malicious person, a dangerous dog is created. The same dog raised by a knowledgeable, responsible, caring person would very probably be a gentle, playful pet.

Basically it comes down to understanding dogs, understanding the traits of each breed, and carefully nurturing the individual dog. Pit Bulls, though aggressive, need not be dangerous.

Learn more about this author, Sheri Bertaux.
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