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AIBU?

To want to tell others to do their research before judging!

391 replies

Mumzzy88 · 31/07/2017 10:51

I get stopped every day by other dog walkers.i get rude comments about my parenting because of my choice. I get shocked faces and utter disbelief when asked do I have a pet!
I have a pit bull!
He was not my choice of breed and I didn't even want a bloody dog!
But.... a family member was treating him very badly he was under weight riddled in fleas being hit and attacked by other dogs in the house being given just left over food from whatever takeaway they had that night I observed this for a few months until I was invited to a barbecue five years ago in 30degree heatwave I could hear this dog crying in a room upstairs. I went up to see the dog who was in a boiling room with NO water!
I lost it! And took the dog home that moment to mine !
Iv now had him 6 years he's now a confident gorgeous family pet and we all adore him and he's amazing with my children he sleeps with my 10 year old every night as he hates being alone (naughty I know) and even lives peacefully with two cats!
He's not got a aggressive bone in his stocky body
But nearly every day people stop me and demand I put THAT dog on a lead ( in a huge field) or how could you own such a monster!. Or omg how could you allow such a dog around your children!
I'm so sick of this it makes me so upset Because he's so lovely he's and been given a second chance to be a happy pouch.
I feel like I have to explain his story constantly AIBU to think that people should just mind their own bloody business or do some research on the breed!

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Mumzzy88 · 31/07/2017 11:25

I never use to like dogs either I didn't want one let alone his type! But I couldn't let him suffer no more the vet told me I saved his life as he was so under nourished he was weeks away from death so i get why people are scared I suppose after 6 years of spiteful comments to me it's just got to me now :( but I do understand why people see him as a big threat especially when they don't know him

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geekone · 31/07/2017 11:27

What a shame don't take it personally, people are very judgmental about dogs. My friend had a Dogue de Bordeaux and people used to cross the street in fear and I swear I never ever heard him bark or pull on his lead. He was a big softie. Bad dogs are generally because of bad owners (generally). It is of course a bad idea to leave any small child with any dog alone

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OnionKnight · 31/07/2017 11:27

Do you not always have him on a lead when you take him out OP?

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VestalVirgin · 31/07/2017 11:27

Keep him on a leash. As has been said, other people can't know for sure he won't attack. (And, really, you cannot know that for 100% certain, either).

And he has a different jaw from other dogs, so more likely to cause severe injury.

(That said, I hate it when dogs, ALL dogs, aren't trained to stay away from strangers, and then not kept on a leash. Little lapdogs running up to me and leaving muddy pawprints on my trousers isn't pleasant, either.)

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Mumzzy88 · 31/07/2017 11:28

When I see people in the distance I leash him as I know this is often the response

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CatWranglersAnonymous · 31/07/2017 11:29

Aww OP you did a lovely thing I've never had a dog (fully-paid Crazy Cat Lady ), but have always wanted to have one. I definitely have a soft spot for Staffies and pit bulls :)

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SoupDragon · 31/07/2017 11:29

Is he on the IED?

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Mumzzy88 · 31/07/2017 11:29

Yes but in a quiet open field I let him off then back on lead after immediately

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GarkandGookin · 31/07/2017 11:29

Your dog is registered and exempted - you are doing everything right.

YANBU to own a staffy - they are one of the very few breeds of dog recommended for families with young children. Pitbulls are also actually good family dogs (if brought up correctly of course) but are associated with idiots who fight dogs. Try to ignore people who believe everything they read in the papers (collie-crosses are described as 'pit-bull type' in stories of dog attacks because that is what the reporter thinks people want to hear).
Just do what you would do with any dog, keep it under control around other dogs, don't let small children torment it, etc - you know, all the common sense things any decent dog owner already knows. You don't need to do anything different because it is an exempted dog.
And good on you for rescuing him

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sugarandshite · 31/07/2017 11:30

When out with my bull terrier I often find the people most likely to panic at her being off lead are the ones who can't control their own dogs.
Luckily I've had more positive remarks than negative-most people know they're no different to any other dog. There's always the exception that can't see beyond what they read in the papers.

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Mumzzy88 · 31/07/2017 11:31

Yes he's on what we call the naughty dog list lol! He's registered tagged all that needs doing

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Mumzzy88 · 31/07/2017 11:32

Thank you

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aramintafatbottom · 31/07/2017 11:33

I don't see an issue with him not being on a lead when there's nobody about. You know him you know how he reacts. There are plenty of innocent looking dogs who are not notoriously "bad" breeds that cannot behave on a lead but because your dogs breed has a bad name it is assumed that it's going to maul someone to death.

It's so much more about the owner and the upbringing than it is the breed imo.

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CrosswordPuzzle · 31/07/2017 11:35

Not all dogs are the same though. Not all dogs are mild mannered and this is across all dogs. However, dogs like pitbulls are bred to bite and grip. To bite the throat and not let go.

Besides which, if a little terrier attacked me, I may have broken skin but I'd most likely be able to kick it into the air and off of me. If a large pitbull bit then a) it wouldn't let go b) I couldn't kick or shake it off.

Locking jaws are a myth so ignore that, but there are difference between breeds and research will do your argument no favours.

I grew up with what could be called dangerous cross breeds. My favourite ever dog was a doberman / alsatian / lab cross.

The argument isn't about what your dog can do whilst on its best behaviour, it's what it could do at its worst.

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SoupDragon · 31/07/2017 11:36

Yes he's on what we call the naughty dog list lol! He's registered tagged all that needs doing

So why does the government site say he should be muzzled and on a lead when in public?

TBH, I think he should be for his own protection. In any kind of altercation, your dog is the one who will pay for it.

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mrscropley · 31/07/2017 11:38

Pitbulls and parolees. .
Should change a few options I feel. .

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MorrisZapp · 31/07/2017 11:38

People who believe everything they read in the papers? Can you give examples of lies about dogs that have been printed in newspapers?

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mrscropley · 31/07/2017 11:39

Opinions even. .

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GeillisTheWitch · 31/07/2017 11:39

TBH, I think he should be for his own protection. In any kind of altercation, your dog is the one who will pay for it

And the OPs children, if they would be heartbroken at their pet being taken away and destroyed if someone reports the OP for not complying with the exemption conditions of owning this dog.

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TheHiphopopotamus · 31/07/2017 11:40

I know what you mean. We have a Staffie and people either make a massive deal of avoiding her and picking their dogs up to shield them or go out of their way to make a huge fuss of her. It's weird and I've never had this happen with any other breed of dog I've owned.

And for the record, she's the most obedient, loving and absolutely the softest dog I've ever had. She is terrified of little yappy dogs that think they're Rottweilers and can't get away from them fast enough.

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PeppaPigTastesLikeBacon · 31/07/2017 11:45

I love dogs (don't have one) but I am of the opinion that they should all be kept on a lead in outdoor space unless somewhere specifically for dogs (or at least where footfall is likely to be low and no wild stock about).
My friends dog was of an aggressive breed but has just had to be put down after attacking my friend for the 3rd time. You never know what a dog will be like. All animals (like humans) are unpredictable and given enough goading will lead to an attack.

If it makes you feel any better, I would allow my dd to stroke your dog if we were out and about (and yes I do always speak to owners about the dogs temperament before allowing her to stroke them)

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RatherBeRiding · 31/07/2017 11:45

I don't see an issue with him not being on a lead when there's nobody about. You know him you know how he reacts. There are plenty of innocent looking dogs who are not notoriously "bad" breeds that cannot behave on a lead but because your dogs breed has a bad name it is assumed that it's going to maul someone to death.

It's so much more about the owner and the upbringing than it is the breed imo.

Absolutely. There are a lot of breeds and cross-breeds that can do as much damage as a pit-bull.

Unfortunately a lot of ignorant people will label your dog and label you for having him.

I certainly don't have a problem with dogs off leads so long as they are well trained and their owners can recall them instantly.

One of mine is fine off the lead the other one is a sight hound who could never be off the lead except in a totally enclosed (and rabbit free) space. Breed is far less important than training and socialisation.

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TeamCersei · 31/07/2017 11:46

Well done for rescuing that poor dog from a life of hell.
There should be more people like you!

Now for the not so nice bit
YABVU by not having your dog on a lead, especially around other children.
It doesn't matter how well your dog gets on with your 10 year old.
You are in possession of a dog breed that has caused a lot of deaths (and injury) to young children.
You can hardly blame parents for viewing your (offlead) dog with suspicion.
To their eyes, if your he's gentle, loving, wouldn't hurt a fly' dog were to suddenly turn^, at least if he's on a lead, their child will at least stand a chance of not being injured.

Keep him on a lead.

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Mumzzy88 · 31/07/2017 11:50

Yes of course he's muzzled which also adds to the disgust of others as he now looks like a monster so iv can't win he also can't defend himself when being attacked by other dogs big or small which also Makes him nervous around small dogs I feel sorry for him being labelled and restricted he can't play fetch as he is muzzled bless him. He loves a ball as well :(

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WorraLiberty · 31/07/2017 11:51

He sounds like a lovely dog

But, you took a massive risk bringing a badly abused dog home to live with your 4yr old daughter (which she would've been at the time).

Glad it worked out for you.

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