Physically pit bulls need no defence but unfortunately their reputations do.
In the wake of the recent pit bull attack, dog trainer and pit bull expert Justin Jardim brought his beloved dog, Ty (as in Tyson) to the Record offices to shed some light on this breed that invokes so much fear in the general public.
“What people do not understand is that because pit bulls are a cross between the American Bulldog and a terrier and has been bred to fight, they have the terrier’s prey instinct,” says Jardim.
“Furthermore you can not beat a pit bull into submission or kick it. The dog will get scared and then aggressive. In the recent attack I think someone might have tried to kick or hit the dog in order for it to let go of the victim,” explains Jardim.
Another factor that Jardim also could not emphasise enough is that pit bulls need to be taken for walks.
According to Jardim there is also no problem with pit bulls and children as long as the pit bull is used to them.
“Even if kids do pull their ears or tails they will not retaliate since they have an extreme high tolerance for pain,” says Jardim.
Jardim has offered his service for free to all pit bull owners.
His Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Programme deals with basic training, home obedience, behaviour correction, family protection, general care and how the dog thinks and why it reacts in certain ways.
Pit bull owners can contact Jardim on 072 045 0033.
