Pitbulls: Do they deserve their bad reputation?
Owners vehemently disagree.
After a Florida Lake woman and her dog were recently attacked by her neighbour’s Pitbull, the Record decided to speak to owners of these controversial dogs.
We asked on our Facebook page for Pitbull lovers/ owners to contact us and literally received more than a hundred responses from owners who wanted to sing the praises of their beloved dogs. Strangely enough, when we asked residents who had had bad experiences with Pitbulls to contact us, we received no reaction.
Also Read: Pitbulls attack lands woman in clinic
Romano van der Walt, a Witpoortjie resident, obtained his Pitbull eight months ago and was so smitten with his dog, named Deca, that he had its paw print tattooed on his arm.
Romano decided to name his dog after a steroid brand, since Pitbulls, according to him, are especially popular in the bodybuilding fraternity.
“I had a phobia about Pitbulls but decided to get one to overcome my fear and I have not looked back yet,” said Romano. He said he regrets the fact that he bought the dog instead of adopting one from a shelter and advised people to rather adopt a rescued Pitbull. He has four other dogs and said there is never any trouble between them and Deca.
Also Read: Two Pitbulls stolen from SPCA
“On the contrary, the little Dachshund is the aggressive one who thinks she is the boss in the yard,” he laughed. “When it comes to children, Deca is so loving it borders on him being bullied. He will run up to a small child but then just drop in front of them, and allow them to climb on him.”
Romano said the secret to owning a well-behaved Pitbull is giving it lots of attention. “The problem is, most people obtain these dogs merely as watch-dogs and therefore neglect to give them proper attention,” he explained.
It was clear when Romana and Deca were being photographed that there is a very strong bond between them.
Also Read: In defence of pit bulls
The Record also spoke to Margie van Rooyen from Breaunanda. Her Pitbull, Chucky, is now two years old, and built like a beast, yet according to Margie he is the most loving dog in the world. She said the fact that she has five children, five cats, a parrot and another small dog proves that Pitbulls are not a danger to either children or other animals, but she said there is a secret. “The most important thing is to socialise the dog from the time he is a puppy. He must socialise with children, other people outside the family and other animals,” she explained.
She concluded by saying the stereotype of Pittulls being overtly aggressive is “nonsense and that any dog who is raised wrongly can be aggressive”.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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