# I pit people who don't train their big dogs. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 7, 2012, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075 "2012-02-07T15:21:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/41 "2012-02-08T21:38:38Z")
My 65-pound pitbull is in training. If you come to my house and you are a dog person, I will likely not crate the dog to give her a chance to practice her Chill Dog Skillz. If you don’t mind helping me correct her and whatnot. I have some friends who are helping with the training. And I have some friends who like dogs, but who aren’t really dog trainers and get themselves into trouble playing with my girl. She has no idea she’s a big powerful dog; she still thinks she’s a tiny puppy and she’s just playing. This scares the hell out of non-dog people. I will crate her when you are in my house if you are one of these people. She’s not allowed off-leash outside, anywhere, ever. We don’t do dog parks because I can’t trust other people’s dogs not to rush her. She’s a bit fearful, so if another dog scares her and she decides to defend herself, I will be the one held liable because I’m the one with the huge powerful scary pitbull. Nevermind the damn Chihuahua started it. I don’t give other dogs the chance to put my dog in that position. And we’re working toward her Canine Good Citizen certification, just to give my defense attorney something to work with if she ever does bite anyone. Not that I think that’ll save her, but it might help. So yes, I join the OP in the pitting of people who do not train their dogs. I’m spending considerable time and expense at it. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/42 "2012-02-08T21:54:06Z")
What I said in **Stoid** ’s rebuttal thread: > [@I pit people who don't train their little dogs.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-little-dogs/612093/22): > > I know whatever I say can and will be used against me in the pit… > > I should have included all dogs in my thread. Maybe even cats to be safe from a rebuttal thread. I’ve been around “little” dogs who aren’t trained… maybe even more than “big” dogs who aren’t trained. I’m just a 5’5" guy who happens to feel more physically threatened by “big” dogs simply because they can probably do more harm to me. Maybe its because, ever since I was a child and chased and bitten by a “big” dog with no leash, I’ve had more injuries caused by “big” dogs in my lifetime. > > It’s quite possible that they pick up on my fear and see me as a threat or something. > > If someone’s walking their “big” dog down the street, I’m more cautious in greeting the dog because the dog can possibly overpower me and their owners if they aren’t well behaved, (I know this isn’t all about “big” and “little” dogs, and there are some tough small dogs with BIG jaws that can really do some harm if they go to bite someone.) > > When I said they are more “manageable” I guess what I meant by that was that the owners probably have more control over the situation if the dog is acting up, as they can probably pick the dog up and put in somewhere where it wont be humping my leg. > > My ex has a little Chihuahua that barked like crazy when I would knock on the door, as I entered it would continue to bark, and would “bite” my hand… but it never clamp down hard enough to break any skin, or even hurt me. It just gets excited, and after a few minutes would pass, it would be back to it’s normal self. I could pet the dog. It would lick me. I actually think the dog likes me, but just goes crazy when there’s company. He also goes to the bathroom in the house at times. > > A friend of mine has a “little” dog named Darlin, that has bit me before, (and almost everyone else she’s in contact with), but Darlin is kept in separate part of the house with a gate she can’t scale. The only reason I got bit was because I asked to try and make friend with the dog… held out my had for it to sniff, and it just bit me. The bite did hurt, but still didn’t break any skin. > > I already listed the harmful encounters I’ve had with “big” dogs in the thread that I made, (aside from the experience I had when I was a kid which I spoke about earlier in this post.) > > Once again, I shouldn’t have singled out “big” dogs. I understand why it needed a rebuttal thread. “Little” dog owners shouldn’t be excused for their dog’s bad habits, and they aren’t always “manageable”. **Stoid** , I’m sure you love your “big” dogs very much. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/43 "2012-02-09T01:43:54Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I think he either puts his hands down there and the dog is interested in his hands (she’s very alert to hands), or he moves in such a way that makes her think he’s hiding something and she’s gotta try to find it. > > Anyway my point is sometimes it’s not the dog sometimes it’s your reaction to the dog. And yes sometimes it’s poor training. This is a good point for those who don’t like dogs. I am NOT saying that dogs should be allowed up on you, etc. But in those instances where you are dealing with an oblivious dog owner, dogs react very strongly to body language. If they’re in a house where they’re too high on the totem pole, they’re going to want to make sure you know that (i.e. dominate you via jumping, licking, sniffing, etc.). This is why owners will tell you to give them a knee (no - not kick them, but be assertive with them). The more you shy away, the more they’re going to advance. Again - it shouldn’t come to that. The owner should be aware of and control their animal. But if they can’t do that, you’re not entirely helpless and should react intelligently, rather than like a scared 4 year old girl. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/44 "2012-02-09T01:48:29Z")
> [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > I pit people who don’t train their dogs…no matter what size. That’s just stupid. You need to pick a size. ---
**Author:** ![Cub\_Mistress](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea666f/32.png) [@Cub\_Mistress](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cub_Mistress)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/45 "2012-02-09T02:43:29Z")
I have to go into people’s houses daily for my job. I have to deal with many, many different dogs. IME and in general, people who own bigger dogs seem to be more concerned with training and properly socializing their dogs. people who have small dogs have frequently inadvertently trained them to “chase” people out the door when they leave. They pick up their dogs when they chase people who are leaving and reward them for their behavior without actually intending to do so. On the other hand people with bigger dogs are usualy more aware of the potential for damage and are more on top of training or controlling measures. For example, I see someone who has a pit bull in his home. This dog goes to her crate by command and is confined while I am caring for her “Daddy.” Afterwards, she is let out to meet and greet the visitor politely. This is a pleasant visit for me, even though I have some anxieties about dogs. ( I was bitten by a client’s dog less than a year ago.) On th other hand, another client thinks it is very funny that her small dog chases me out the door when I leave, nipping at my pant legs. I despise that dog and have to fight the urge to kick him across the room. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/46 "2012-02-09T03:41:04Z")
> [@Foxy40](#): > > I will never understand dog owners that do not send the dogs out of the room when a guest is at the door or coming in. Not everyone that comes to my door is a dog lover or even dog tolerant. When my door bell rings, my dogs bark and immediately run into my bedroom where I close the door on the way to answer my guest. Why subject every person to my animals? As much as I love them expecting everyone I know to love them as well seems unreasonable. Shrug. Parents expect that everyone they know will love their kids at any time and age - why should I treat my dogs like second class citizens in their own home? If it’s a tradesperson or something, that’s different, but anyone who knows us knows that this house has dogs. Well trained dogs, that are not locked away simply because another human has walked thru the door. ---
**Author:** ![BleizDu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9dc877/32.png) [@BleizDu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BleizDu)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/47 "2012-02-09T09:57:45Z")
> [@Foxy40](#): > > I will never understand dog owners that do not send the dogs out of the room when a guest is at the door or coming in. Not everyone that comes to my door is a dog lover or even dog tolerant. When my door bell rings, my dogs bark and immediately run into my bedroom where I close the door on the way to answer my guest. Why subject every person to my animals? As much as I love them expecting everyone I know to love them as well seems unreasonable. If someone rings my door, either it’s the plumbler/whatever, we were waiting for them and in that case the dogs are locked up in another room; either it’s someone showing up uninvited (salespersons for ex) and I really prefer having my medium size dog by its collar when I open the door, I feel safer. ---
**Author:** ![Becky2844](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/48 "2012-02-09T10:24:48Z")
When I go out to take a walk I’m not afraid of the cats. While frozen in place (do NOT look him in the eye, don’t extend your fingers) the owner, if the owner is even around, invariably says Don’t worry! He won’t bite! as wovey-dovey growls you to your spot. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/49 "2012-02-09T14:01:31Z")
> [@Becky2844](#): > > When I go out to take a walk I’m not afraid of the cats. I’m also not afraid of the trees. In other news, cats are not dogs. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/50 "2012-02-09T14:08:52Z")
I don’t take sides. I’m afraid of both small dogs AND big dogs! Big dogs can maul you to death, and I’m afraid of being ridiculed for fighting back too strongly against aggressive small dogs that were never properly socialized. But medium dogs I’m not afraid of. If they attack me, I’d be able to hit them back without fear of being a jerkwad. ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/51 "2012-02-09T14:10:54Z")
> [@Foxy40](#): > > I will never understand dog owners that do not send the dogs out of the room when a guest is at the door or coming in. Not everyone that comes to my door is a dog lover or even dog tolerant. When my door bell rings, my dogs bark and immediately run into my bedroom where I close the door on the way to answer my guest. Why subject every person to my animals? As much as I love them expecting everyone I know to love them as well seems unreasonable. Depends who it is. If you’re a cold caller, salesperson, Jehovah’s Witness, campaigner or what-have-you, tough shit. The more uncomfortable you feel, the better. If you’re invited, we’ll have discussed it already and decided on an appropriate course of action. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/52 "2012-02-09T14:24:33Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Good luck with this one. > > If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years at the Dope is that the two most nondangerous things in the world is a loaded gun and an unleashed Pit Bull. Well, no gun I’ve ever heard of has ever needed a rabies shot, or had to be “put down” as a “mad gun.” In fact, every gun does know one trick, and it’s sort of a “facotry default” for every single one: “Stay!” ---
**Author:** ![Becky2844](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/53 "2012-02-09T17:13:04Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > I’m also not afraid of the trees. In other news, cats are not dogs. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/54 "2012-02-09T18:11:17Z")
> [@Becky2844](#): > > When I go out to take a walk I’m not afraid of the cats. > > While frozen in place (do NOT look him in the eye, don’t extend your fingers) the owner, if the owner is even around, invariably says Don’t worry! He won’t bite! as wovey-dovey growls you to your spot. While we were walking on the on-leash path the other day, someone’s large dog came over to sniff at us. I pointed my dog repellent spray at the dog, and apparently the owner gave me the evil eye for doing that (I didn’t see it - I was busy keeping my eye on the large dog that was too close to me - my husband informed me later). I’m not spraying the dog, because it’s not attacking, but I think it’s good for her to know that not everyone enjoys a strange dog running up to them (not to mention that it’s illegal in multiple ways), and some of us are packing. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/55 "2012-02-09T18:13:36Z")
I am afraid of trees. But I hear that they’re more bark than bite. ---
**Author:** ![Becky2844](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Becky2844](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becky2844)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/56 "2012-02-09T19:57:51Z")
> [@Darth\_Panda](#): > > I am afraid of trees. But I hear that they’re more bark than bite. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/57 "2012-02-09T23:02:24Z")
> **[Rescued dog bites NBC anchor in the face during feel-good segment gone wrong](https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/cutline/rescued-dog-bites-nbc-anchor-face-during-feel-141755422.html)** > > It was supposed to be one of those feel-good segments on a local television newscast: A rescued dog. A grateful owner. The hero firefighter who pulled the dog from the ice. But that's not how it turned out. The dog, an Argentine mastiff named... Dog bites NBC anchor in the face. ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/58 "2012-02-09T23:32:02Z")
> [@MyFootsZZZ](#): > > [Rescued dog bites NBC anchor in the face during feel-good segment gone wrong](http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/cutline/rescued-dog-bites-nbc-anchor-face-during-feel-141755422.html) > > Dog bites NBC anchor in the face. What’s your point? That sometimes dogs bite people? This isn’t news to anybody! ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/59 "2012-02-09T23:38:43Z")
> [@Candyman74](#): > > What’s your point? That sometimes dogs bite people? This isn’t news to anybody! It was just the story on Yahoo’s front page that I thought was relevant. Especially; “Max’s owner, has been cited by Denver Animal Control for a “leash-law”” violation (“because the owner did not have control of the dog at all times”), for allowing a dog to bite and for not having the dog properly vaccinated." I don’t blame the dog. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075/60 "2012-02-09T23:39:07Z")
> [@Candyman74](#): > > What’s your point? That sometimes dogs bite people? This isn’t news to anybody! Especially dogs who have been in stressful situations and are being put into more stressful situations afterward. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-people-who-dont-train-their-big-dogs/612075.md?page=2)