MAN VS DOG

The famous adventure show hosted by Brill Grill “Man VS Wild” showcases how to survive in the wild at its toughest, without harming the habitat of any animal. Most animals face the threat of predators. Even dogs do, “Yes I’m talking about the most threatening breed PITBULLS”.

When I came across 8th grade girl Sanvi a resident at RT Nagar and asked her about her favourite dog, surprisingly it was a Pitbull.  On speaking to her parents, I came to know her everyday routine was to wait for the clock to turn 8.30pm, that’s when her neighbour Mr Deeraj took his dog MAYA(pibull) for walk. As seen in the movie Charlie 777 the girl is excited to meet the dog daily and play awhile with it.

Recent incidents of these pitbulls in the country scares the life out of most people but after coming across Sanvi and Maya, I fell into conservation with Mr Deeraj who is a dog lover himself since his childhood. We spoke about the recent incidents at Lucknow, Bangalore and Ghazibad.

He spoke about dog behaviour and dog trainer as two aspects of the issue.

Ooff!!  We need to understand why a dog may behave in a certain manner and consider their motives for both good and bad behaviour. Dog Trainers teach individual dogs the behaviour as requested by owners.

Now this was a bouncer for me!!

The Myth –

After the discussion with Deeraj, I googled about these dogs, about their personality to know if indeed it is the most dangerous dog. I have heard many friends talk about the threat to children from these dogs. They are banned in many countries for their ferociousness.

Historically these dogs were used in spectator sports of bull & bear baiting in England, which later was deemed inhumane and became illegal. Thus it was the trait of aggression that was used in breeding the genetic line. Later they soon became quiet and protective dogs, also known for being gentle and family-friendly.

Surprisingly most of the blogs say, it’s a great companion breed for children, as they are loving and gentle with people & often make a lousy guard dog because of their wagging eagerness to greet the person at the door.

I guess every dog owner wishes to have these qualities in their pet dogs. But again why is the Pitbul singled out and blamed for aggression and terror attacks?? 

Deeraj told me about the upbringing of pitbulls which was in contrast to the general impression of them as ferocious dogs.

First, if you own a Pitbull you must give dedicate time in socializing them with humans and others dogs, when they are very young to overcome their natural tendencies.

Second, keep them leashed in public to prevent fights with others dogs.

Third, consistent training & gentle disciple is a must.

Asking about his drill in training Maya, he told me of regular walks on the road, and visits to parks, Play grounds near his house, sometimes even to the Cubbon Park’s – Dog’s Park which helped him in getting her socialized and also spending lots of time with her after his office hour. And he always appreciates her when she obeys him by treating her to some dog food & sometimes punish her too by putting her into the cage if she misbehaves.

Listening to this, i remembered my childhood days where my mother used to appreciate me when I did my homework with some chocolates or sometimes punished me if I did any mischief.

 I personally am convinced that the behaviour of humans towards these sensitised dogs should also be careful and sensitive. Owners should bring up their dogs like one of their family members rather than see them as watchmen kept outside the house and no socialising with the dog.

If you still want to own a pitbull you must take above suggestions seriously or you may generate more panic situations as we read about.

-“It’s an everyday drill for Sanavi to finish her homework before 8.30pm and wait at her gate for MAYA”. That tells the story