Pit Bulls: Mean or Misunderstood?
An Interview: Mary Harwelik, Professional Dog Trainer, Founder of 'The REAL Pit Bull'
I am looking for information about the temperament and personality of Pit Bulls. A recent event in our home town has sparked my interest in this information because a friend of mine is being threatened with having to find a new home for his Pit Bull or move out of the county.
I simply want to give the citizens in our area an educated view of Pit Bulls, as I believe that the media puts a negative spin on these beautiful animals.
I've looked through your web site, and have found it very helpful. Thank you again for your help.
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1. Please give your name, your affiliation with Pit Bulls, and state whether I have your permission to quote you in my article.
My name is Mary Harwelik. I am the founder of The REAL Pit Bull (www.realpitbull.com), have been involved with Pit Bulls for close to 15 years, and am a professional dog trainer who specializes in the breed (www.peaceablecanines.com). You have my permission to quote me.
2. How would you describe the average temperament of a Pit Bull?
Eager to interact in a friendly manner with humans. Stable, tolerant. Adaptable. May be aggressive towards other dogs/animals.
3. What determines the temperament and personality of a Pit Bull?
Just as with people and other breeds, genetics and life experiences determine temperament/personality.
4. Are Pit Bulls family dogs? Why?
Pit Bulls can make excellent family dogs.They are stable, human-friendly dogs, not prone to aggression towards people, are active, loyal, affectionate, and tolerant. Because of their strength and high energy level, they may be unsuitable for homes with very young children, and due to animal-directed aggression, may be best as the only companion animal.
5. Do you think society has an accurate view of Pit Bulls?
No, I do not. The public's vision of the Pit Bull is skewed because largely their information comes from inaccurate media sources.
6. Do you think that Pit Bulls are naturally mean or vicious animals? Why?
"Mean" is a subjective term, and vicious largely implies immoral intent to do harm and is inaccurately used to describe aggression in animals, so I would have to say "no" to the above question.
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Interviewer to Ms. Harwelik:
Thank you again for helping me to understand and communicate to the public that Pit Bull Breeds are misunderstood, yet affectionate, lovable breeds of dogs. Your time is much appreciated.
Published by Susan
I'm a wife and mom from Virginia. I am also a licensed secondary English teacher and I have a BSBA in Marketing and Management. In my spare time, I like to read, bake, and create web sites. View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentIf you would like a photo of what a famley pet (PIT BULL) did in one bite e-mail me at kenpremo@hotmail.com
be happy to send you some.
I feel any one that ownes a pit bull should have get a license as if it were a gun.
after the pit bull attacked my cousin it cost their owner every thing they owned. Think about that
Any one who tells you pit bulls are not dangerous is out of there mind.
Go to any dog park and ask onners of
non pit bulls about the trouble they have had with pit bulls at thier dog park.
read in news papers about pit bull attacks.
i have always wanted a pit bull but was scared of them after what i heard pics of dogs bite i seen and told about lock jaw and they not like kids i have two kids 9 and 12 i just got a year old pit he is more loveable and better manerd then my springer spaniel wich they get along great thought he would try to eat her lol and as for hte kids he likes them to death lol i now belive it is how they were raised he is so gentle my mom is scared but the more she around she will see it not the pitt its the dog they not all bad.people who dont know spread all the bad never the good.
I love Pit Bulls! I was one of those who didnt know anything about them so I just hated them...well now is a different story,I have a 1 year old Pit and a cocker spaniel/shepherd mix and I love them both.
I started a blog for a college class about Pit Bulls, everyone should have a look and leave your stories!
dontbullymypit.wordpress.com
i have an instinct and passion so deep for this creature that no irresponsible dog handler can fool me as to why they might own a pit. here is what i get out of it . you want to be veiwed as someone fearless when you know that you are hiding from the inability to hold your own in confrontation with your peers or people in general. my suggestion to you is try and developing some heart or get off of the streets.' for clarity purposes i'm talking about the want to be thugs and toy gansta. real thugs and gansta's manipulate the world ,but not at the expense of destroying animal or human life. this is not written for the pitbull haters it is bigger than you it is for the ones that claim love for the animals ,but doing just the opposite. if your animal is tied up outside i'm talking to you. if you fight your pit i'm taking to you if you beat your pit you are the toy gansta and worst than that your intelligence has gotton run over by your ability to lead by example " how about that maste
You guys are right! Pit Bulls are excellent friends. Thanks for the comments! ~Susan
pitbulls are awesome i have 4 of them one of them is.,.....rosie,rose,cupcake,and cutie
I have a nine year old pit bull. People should read about the breed and be responsible pet owners from the moment they get their dog. The dog should be well socialized and any negative behaviors should be corrected. I love my dog, he is a great dog. I believe the media blows up anything negative that they can find. I hope more people will open their minds and hearts to pit bulls, mixed breeds, and all animals. Human beings create negative situations not dogs or a specific breed. Be a responsible pet owner and you will have a great dog no matter what the breed.
i dont think all pitbulls are mean, but any dog can turn on you.
My brother has a Pittbull, her name is Rosie. She is just the sweetest thing. She could be the mascott for the Daycare were my sister works.