The concept of nature versus nurture is used a lot when we discuss humans, whether it's about the nature of a child or the behavior of an adult that could have been due to the way they were nurtured or not nurtured as a child. But what many don't understand is that the nature versus nurture concept can be used in a discussion beyond just humans.
It's nothing new to many people that pit bulls are not well-liked by some of the population. Their stature is very muscular, often with stubby legs and a big head. But their stature isn't what gave them a bad rep. Pit bulls are often seen as attack dogs or fighting dogs. One of the only reasons pit bulls are in the news and headlines is often because they attacked a child or a person or were involved in dog fights, leading the public to think that all pit bulls are like that. One of the most well-known dog fights using pit bull terriers was arranged by Michael Vick and other accomplices in 2007.
But has the public ever wondered if maybe the pit bulls that are attacking people or involved in any other kind of violence was actually born violent? Nurturing a puppy is quite similar to nurturing a newborn child. The parents want to make sure that the child behaves well in the future and they ensure this by making decisions about the way they talk to them and treat them. I believe the same goes for puppies. Nurturing a puppy is often like nurturing a newborn child. The owner will treat the dogs well, teaching obedience, manners, and other skills they need for a peaceful domestic life. But what happens when the nurturing of a puppy goes wrong? Maybe the owners don't spend enough time with the puppy, or maybe they mistreat it, abuse it and so on. What happens then?
Puppies that are not nurtured correctly turn into scared, helpless and often violent dogs. This is where pit bulls get a bad rep; it's because of the horrible nurturing that puppy and adult pit bulls receive from owners, breeders and people that call themselves pet owners like Michael Vick.
Does anyone really know the true nature of pit bulls? They are actually extremely loving and loyal animals, one of the most loyal breeds that will smother their owners with kisses every time they walk through the door. Pit bulls can be quite large and muscular but they don't let their size show. They become instant lap dogs the minute you sit down.
There are cities around the world that have banned pit bulls. I find that stupid, frankly. The public is allowing the media and angry toy poodle owners to dictate the lives of pit bulls. Because of the way they've been nurtured and treated as puppies and adults, they are seen as angry, violent and high-strung.
It's far from the dog's fault for being the way he or she is. As far as I'm concerned, the owners have far more to do with the behavior of the animals.
While there are many pit bulls sitting in shelters as I type this, I think it's important to remind pet owners to be smart and careful when finding and adopting a dog from a shelter or a breeder. You may not know what this dog is like and how it will behave. But that doesn't mean take the animal back to the shelter. Take the animal home. Show it love and attention. No dog should be left behind.
Take responsibility. Love your pet and your pet will love you back endlessly.
