Central SA
Pitbulls ‘not always culprits’─── ZENANDE MPAME 15:54 Wed, 30 Oct 2024
Even with more than 300 dog breeds, many people are quick to jump to the conclusion that a pitbull must have been the culprit when there’s been a dog attack.
American Pitbull Terriers are frequently misidentified and are generally confused with at least 10 to 15 other breeds, according to animal behaviourist Estelle Smith from Underdog South Africa Pitbull Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
“This type of dog breed flourishes on love, attention, and being a companion, it wants to be in a house, and part of a family. This is the most misunderstood breed in the world, people don’t know much about it. Education is the key to success.”
The rehabilitation centre vets future pitbull owners. They look at the property where the dog will be kept and also check if prospective owners are responsible individuals. “The importance of checking the property is to ensure that the dog will be safe as these dogs will escape. They only escape, if they are suffering from separation anxiety or if they are not stimulated.”
New owners are advised to have pets vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and sterilised. If a dog is not sterilised and in heat, it can pick up on a female scent, which could cause behavioural problems which include trying to escape.
Dogs often lash out and bite people or other dogs owing to abuse, starvation, over-stimulation and under-stimulation. When the dogs are under-stimulated they will try to jump the wall and see what is happening next door when they hear children playing, however, not to harm them, but to join in the fun.
Facts to know about keeping pitbulls as pets. Photo: thesprucepets.com
“Breeding has snowballed in South Africa and it needs to be stopped because the moment you cross-breed, it’s not a pitbull anymore. And this is where the genetics get mixed up and then this is when the problems start coming in,” said Smith.
“People should get information on breeding and the best place where they can get educated about it is at the American Dog Breeders Association. Many organisations, like Underdogs, are willing to help where they can.”
Positive reinforcement, by giving treats, exercise, toys, implementing rules and setting clear boundaries, are some of the things advised by animal behaviourists to new pitbull owners.
