PitBulls, did you know?

Pit Bulls originate from an English bull baiting dog, bred from bulldogs and terriers. These animals were bred to fight bears, bulls and other large animals to the death. They were trained to latch on and not let go. Most often the animal under attack would die from blood loss. This and many other blood sports were quite popular, especially in royal courts of England. Finally bull baiting was put to an end in 1835.
So, people decided to take on the sickening sport of dog fighting. Originally there were rules and the sport was followed by rather elite crowds. The dogs were further bred for strength and longevity. Over time this sport has made it to the streets. This poor breeding has led to the bad reputation of today’s modern American Pit Bull.
These dogs are by nature very even tempered, obedient and they have earned the title “nursemaids dog” in the long ago past for their diligence in watching over and loving children. Most people do not know that pit bulls rank in the top ten by the American Temperament Test Society. There is just a slight difference between them and the long beloved golden Retriever; they are very commonly used as therapy dogs in hospitals and nursing homes.
Unfortunately Pit Bull fighting is reaching an epidemic proportion. There is an awesome project going on in Chicago, I wish the media would focus more on this, The Chicago Coalition to Cease Dog Fighting. Mr. Tio Hardman of whom I am a huge fan, heads the task force. He is taking on the Chicago streets, one block at a time. Many drug dealers actually keep Pits to “protect” their drug stashes. Of coarse these dogs are trained to be vicious killers, is that the dogs fault?
In inner cities dog fighting, gangs, drugs and illegal weapons all go hand in hand. Tio can take these dogs that have never known love and absolutely turn them around. He has a wonderful gift and we need more people like him. He is working with legislators, Best Friends Network and The ASPCA. He hosts competitions where people can showcase their dogs’ natural talents and strength in a non-violent way.
There is also a wonderful project going on called Brother helping Brothers, based out of Liberation Christian Center. Elder Tony Gordon is a police dog trainer, as good as they get. He helps ex-cons teaching them his training techniques. This is such a good connection; Pit Bulls have attained this awful reputation and as one might imagine or know personally, it may be quite the same for an ex-con trying to get back in the work force and life.
These men are making such a profound difference in their violence ridden communities.
Tio will be at the upcoming Canine Legislation Conference, where they will be working on the tough issues that face Pit Bull ownership today.
On another note, the ASPCA and BADRAP with the approval of the USDA are taking on the responsibility of temperament testing and any possible rehabilitation of the dogs seized in the Michael Vick tragedy. I mean tragedy for the dogs, as for the man, he had it all and he threw it away. I applaud the attorneys from the ASPCA that chewed him up!