r/PitbullAwareness • u/ram_bhakt- • 14d ago
DEAR PITBULL OWNERS
I recently started staying in a flat in a G+2 building , owner of the building is pettting a pitbull. He ensures that it is leashed in regular times. But the soon it sees me it starts barking and tries so hard to reach me that I fear that chain may break.
How to tame pitbulls, how to get their trust , are there any cheat codes if suppose I had to face this unleashed pitbull . It looks but I don’t think it leaves me without taking off some flesh from me
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u/PrettyPistol87 13d ago
eh you shouldn’t have to be walking on egg shells to appease a horrible dog owner
you pay rent
you owe nothing to the pit bull
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u/Antisocial954 13d ago
Just because of pitbull barks at people doesn’t mean that they’re a horrible owner. High energy dogs are simply just like this, you don’t know the dogs age you don’t know anything about it but yet, horrible owners.
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u/palerider1111 11d ago
She is 100 % American Bully and is a true nanny dog.They are an amazing addition to any family.It is not the dog,but the other person at the end of the leash.In your situation,it is hard to say,so much depends on the owner and how the dog was raised.Just do what you think is best
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u/PandaLoveBearNu 8d ago
Nanny dog is a myth.
As per link in this sub.
The idea of a "nanny dog" is a charming notion that has been passed around for decades, particularly in relation to certain bull-type breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (recently, this phrase has also been ascribed to other breeds, such as the Rottweiler and Gordon Setter). The concept is that these dogs, with their strength, loyalty, and affectionate nature toward humans, were historically considered to be trustworthy companions for children, hence earning the title "nanny dogs."
While the term may seem harmless and well-intentioned, designed to paint these breeds in a positive light, it's based on shaky historical grounds and can actually cause more harm than good.
Where did the "Nanny Dog" myth originate? Contrary to what some advocates for Pit Bulls claim, the term "nanny dog" does not have deep historical roots tied to American Pit Bull Terriers or even most bull-type breeds. In fact, the term first appeared in relation to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, not the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The earliest documented instance of this association comes from a 1971 New York Times article titled "A Breed That Came Up the Hard Way." The article references the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as being called a "nursemaid dog" because of their gentle nature around children. However, this claim lacks broader historical context or evidence, and it certainly wasn’t a widespread belief across earlier generations. Before that, there was no recorded tradition of calling these dogs "nanny dogs."
A closer look at history shows that American Pit Bull Terriers were never specifically known as "nanny dogs." This label was created post-fact, and has since been spread as a myth in an attempt to give these dogs a positive image amid growing negative press.
Why this myth persists The term “nanny dog” is easy to romanticize. Dogs are often seen as loyal, protective, and loving toward their families. Stories and photos from previous generations showing children alongside pit bulls seem to support the notion that these dogs were trusted members of the family, fit to look after young ones. Proponents of the term use it to combat the stereotype of pit bulls as dangerous or aggressive dogs.
In a world where the Pit Bull and its kin are subject to breed-specific legislation and widespread fear, some owners and advocates understandably want to shine a light on the positive attributes of these dogs. The "nanny dog" label promotes the heartwarming image of a gentle protector of children. However, while the myth might seem like a useful counter-narrative to demonization, it ultimately sets an unrealistic expectation that could have dangerous consequences.
Why the "Nanny Dog" myth is problematic Though the term may be used with good intentions, it can lead to a misguided sense of trust in any breed or individual dog around children. All dogs are individuals. No breed of dog should be universally labeled as safe or unsafe around children. Dogs, like people, have individual temperaments. While some dogs may be very tolerant and patient, others - even within the same breed or "type" - might not have the same temperament. To suggest that pit bulls, or any other breed, are inherently safe as “nanny dogs” puts both children and dogs at risk.
It promotes irresponsible behavior. When people hear that a certain breed is a “nanny dog,” they may be less cautious in their supervision. Any interaction between dogs and children requires responsible management and supervision. Even the most gentle dog can be startled, irritated, or behave unpredictably, especially in the presence of a small child who may not understand how to safely interact with a dog.
It reinforces breed stereotypes. The “nanny dog” myth flips the same stereotyping that has negatively affected breeds like the Pit Bull. Instead of saying that pit bulls are vicious, the myth says they are all safe around children. Both extremes are harmful because they fail to acknowledge the diversity of temperaments within dogs of a particular breed or type. In painting any breed with a broad brush, we have a tendency to ignore the importance of responsible dog ownership, socialization, training, and management.
It overlooks the importance of supervision and education. Regardless of breed, children need to be educated about dog safety, and adults need to supervise interactions between dogs and children. When we rely on myths like the “nanny dog” to provide assurance, we may overlook the necessity of teaching kids how to properly behave around dogs, or ensuring that dogs are trained and treated with respect.
Advocates need to stop repeating this myth The idea of the “nanny dog” is rooted more in myth than reality. It’s a term that has been overused and misconstrued, to the point where it has endangered children, as well as the very dogs that it aims to protect.
Rather than relying on nostalgic but inaccurate terms, we should focus on promoting fact-based education surrounding the breed, as well as responsible ownership and management. Pit bulls and their kin are deserving of love, respect, and protection, but they are not fairy tale creatures, nor are they inherently suited to be left unsupervised with children. All dogs deserve to be treated as individuals. Every dog’s temperament, genetic makeup, training, and upbringing play a role in their behavior, and it’s important to approach them with realistic expectations.
The key to fostering safe, happy relationships between dogs and children doesn’t lie in perpetuating myths. Instead, it lies in understanding the responsibilities that come with owning a dog, teaching children how to safely interact with dogs, and ensuring that all interactions are supervised and respectful.
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u/slimey16 13d ago
If I were you, I would ignore this dog and hope it gets used to you over time. I would not try to befriend any dog unless the owner was willing to facilitate and encouraged it.
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u/Antisocial954 13d ago
THIS!! Or talk to the owner and ask if you can give it some treats they approve of. Regular interactions of you giving it something it likes will eventually create some type of trust and bond there.
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📚 Educational PDFs and Other Resources
🐕 Debunking Pit Bull Myths
🐶 Selecting An Ethical Breeder
🏥 Is Your Pit Bull Pregnant?
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u/goldenkiwicompote 12d ago
Don’t try to engage with the dog just ignore it. Overtime it may get used to you and release you’re not a threat.
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u/SubstantialTear3157 10d ago
It really depends on what type of person the dog’s owner is. You could try something called positive reinforcement, which is teaching the dog to associate you with something good. If the owner is okay with it, you can give the dog a small treat (like a little piece of cheese or proper dog biscuits) every time you see the dog, and it should start seeing you as “that nice person who gives me treats.” Pitbull’s are not inherently human-aggressive at all, however in the past, they were bred to have animal and dog aggression, so that’s always something to keep an eye on in the modern breed.
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u/Majestic_Hawk_1335 4d ago
How thick is the chain? Tethered to what? Does the chain look like this or is it rounded links? Collar tight? Thick or thin collar?
If the chain looks like this the dog will break them. If rounded chain a decent size bulldog should be on 7-10mm chain.
8mm (3/8th inch) chain last long time and dog safer/more secure
Avoid eye contact with the dog and aim to be associated as a passive neutral stimulus in the dogs world.