Are Pit Bulls Aggressive?

Dog aggression is a common issue in Pit Bulls but, are Pit Bulls aggressive? Like, actually?

In fact, the UKC’s official breed standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier states that “most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression.”

But while dog aggression may be normal in Pit Bulls, that doesn’t mean it can’t become a problem.

look at this aggressive Pit Bull 🙂

Are Pit Bulls Aggressive?

No, Pit Bulls are not aggressive naturally. But, it is their upbringing and life experiences that often play a significant role in shaping their behavior. Socialization and early positive experiences are crucial in preventing aggressive tendencies in dogs, including Pit Bulls.

Pit Bulls are the only bully dog breeds that are generally misunderstood by the masses due to their tough build and stature. Pit Bull doesn’t just refer to one dog breed but comprises several breeds. Over the past few decades, Pit Bulls have been termed as bad boys in the mainstream media.

If you look at the Pit Bull history, you’d be surprised to learn that these dogs were bred keeping in mind the vigilance of the Staffordshire Terrier and the strength of the Bull Dog.

Initially, Pit Bulls were used in animal sports such as ratting, bull baiting, cock fighting, etc. With the introduction of animal welfare laws, such sports started to phase out.

We’ve seen Pit Bulls who are well-mannered around other dogs and people, and we’ve also met Pit Bulls who were quite a handful. Regardless, the animal aggression in Pit Bulls is not the dog’s fault in itself but is rather a human error.

We humans have continuously bred these dogs to utilize their aggression in sick animal sports, to the point that only an experienced dog owner can deal with them affectionately.

Furthermore, several dog owners have a habit of keeping their Pit Bulls chained or caged in small premises, which will naturally spark anxious and neurotic behavior from them.

Are Pit Bull Puppies Aggressive?

The answer is, no. Pit Bull puppies aren’t aggressive like their fully grown counterparts. But they’re definitely a lot more stubborn than other dogs.

The way your Pit Bull puppy will behave depends ultimately upon its upbringing. It is harder to rehabilitate older Pit Bulls because they’ve been raised to act as a fighting dog.

However, Pit Bull puppies can be trained to be affectionate companions. It totally depends upon how they’re raised.

Some traits of Pit Bulls are hereditary but that does not mean that these wonderful creatures can’t be trained to become a little more compassionate. There are various factors that can trigger aggressive behavior in dogs and all dog breeds are at an equal risk of acquiring such behavior.

But, if you as a trainer treat your Pit Bull puppy well and set boundaries from the very beginning, they’ll be less likely to grow up into stubborn adults.

At What Age Do Pit Bulls Become Aggressive?

Most Pit Bulls begin to show signs of aggressiveness between six months to 2 years of age. However, it’s important to note that this does not mean all Pit Bulls will become aggressive. Aggressive behavior largely depends on their upbringing, socialization, and individual temperament. As a responsible pet owner, there are several steps to minimize the risk of aggression in your Pit Bull you can take.

Firstly, it’s crucial to provide proper training and socialization for your Pit Bull starting from a young age. Puppies are more malleable than adult dogs, and introducing them to various environments, people, and other animals during their formative months can help prevent fear or aggression from developing later on. Consistency is key in both training and reinforcement of positive behaviors.

Another considerable factor is the genetic disposition of your Pit Bull. If the parents or ancestors of your dog have shown aggressive tendencies, it is essential to be extra vigilant with training and socialization. In such cases, working with an expert dog trainer with experience handling Pit Bulls can be beneficial in managing any potential aggression issues.

Environmental factors can also impact the aggression levels in your Pit Bull. Ensuring that your dog has a secure and stable living environment with a routine can help reduce stress and anxiety, which could contribute to aggressive behaviors. Additionally, proper exercise and mental stimulation are essential for maintaining a well-balanced, happy dog.

In summary, while Pit Bulls may start to exhibit signs of aggression after six months old, it is not an inevitable outcome. By providing proper training, socialization, and a stable environment, it is possible to raise a well-adjusted, non-aggressive Pit Bull.

Are Pit Bulls Genetically Aggressive?

While it is true that Pit Bulls have a history of being used for aggressive purposes, it is important to understand that Pit Bulls are not genetically aggressive. Genetics can play a big role in a dog’s behavior, but it is the combination of genetics, upbringing, and environment that shapes their aggressiveness.

As a responsible owner, you should be aware that Pit Bulls were historically bred for certain traits, which can include aggressiveness. However, early positive experiences and proper socialization are key to preventing aggressive tendencies in dogs, including Pit Bulls.

In a study conducted on the DNA of various dog breeds, researchers found that aggression is not solely determined by breed, but rather by a complex interplay between multiple genetic variations and environmental factors. This means that even if Pit Bulls may have a genetic predisposition for aggression, it does not automatically make them aggressive.

What you can take away from this is that, as an owner, you have a significant influence on shaping your Pit Bull’s behavior. Ensuring that your dog has early socialization with other dogs and humans, as well as a proper upbringing, will play a significant role in determining whether your Pit Bull exhibits aggressive behavior.

Ultimately, it is essential to approach the topic of Pit Bull aggression with a balanced understanding of the factors at play. While genetics may be a contributing factor, it is not the determining factor in a Pit Bull’s aggression. Your role as a responsible and empathetic owner is vital in guiding your dog towards a well-adjusted and non-aggressive temperament.

Dog Aggression vs. Human Aggression

When we talk about aggression in Pit Bulls, it’s very important to distinguish between aggression toward other dogs and aggression toward humans. PETA propaganda notwithstanding, the two are in no way related.

The former is common in many breeds, including Pit Bulls, while the latter is extremely unusual in our breed.

A Pit Bull who displays any aggression toward humans, no matter how slight, is not temperamentally sound and should be spayed or neutered immediately to make sure they don’t reproduce. The owner should also seek out professional help from an experienced canine behaviorist.

Can Aggressive Adult Dogs Become Friendlier?

But what if you have an adult Pit Bull who is already displaying signs of dog aggression? If you’re committed to putting in the necessary effort, aggressive adult dogs can become friendlier or at least more tolerant of other dogs.

Your Pit Bull’s strong desire to please you works to your advantage here, but it will still take a lot of work to see significant improvements in your Pit Bull’s interactions with other dogs.

Begin by getting yourself a copy of Turid Rugaas’ Calming Signals (if possible, get both the book and the DVD). People often say that Pit Bulls attack without warning, but that’s not entirely correct.

What is correct is that Pit Bulls may not display the classic warning signs everyone associates with an impending dog fight.

The warning signs they display are more subtle, so the first thing you need to do is become a master of reading your dog’s body language.

For Pit Bulls who get along with dogs they know and like, but not with strange dogs, you will want to provide increased socialization opportunities with other dogs.

These meetings should be on lead and take place on neutral territory (somewhere neither dog has been before). The first time you and the owner of the other dog get together, you may just want to take the dogs for a walk (try to alternate who’s in front) without letting them sniff each other.

The next time, you can briefly let them check each other out.

If there’s any sign of aggression (this is where knowing how to read canine body language is crucial), pull the dogs away from each other before a fight ensues.

After several more on-lead walks together, you can try again. If all goes well this time, start increasing the amount of time you let the dogs sniff each other. If the two slowly begin to hit it off, you will eventually progress to an off-lead encounter in a fenced area.

For Pit Bulls who act aggressively if they so much as catch a glimpse of another dog, a desensitization program is in order. A Pit Bull this dog aggressive may never like other dogs, but that doesn’t mean she can’t become desensitized to their presence.

If you decide to turn to a professional trainer for help, make sure you select someone who doesn’t employ positive punishment and negative reinforcement methods (see this article on clicker training for an explanation of the terminology).

Punishing dogs for acting aggressively toward other dogs is entirely counterproductive, as your Pit Bull will begin to associate the punishment with the other dog, giving him even more reason for dislike and hostility.

This is not to say that you should reward your dog for displaying aggressive behavior. The key is to begin rewarding before your Pit Bull’s body language indicates aggression, while teaching him to keep his attention focused entirely on you.

Practice getting and keeping your dog’s focus under increasingly distracting conditions until you are confident in your ability to do so.

Eventually you will attempt walking past a dog he would normally try to attack (on lead, of course), but you’ll get his attention (using praise, body language, treats, toys, or whatever else works for you) before the other dog is in sight and keep him focused on you until the two of you have walked passed the other dog.

Over time, this will require less and less effort and become almost automatic, as your Pit Bull learns to focus on you and ignore other dogs.

Even the most aggressive Pit Bull can learn to at least tolerate the presence of other dogs (if only by ignoring them), provided you are prepared to put in the necessary time and effort.

Pit Bull Aggression – FAQ

What To Do With An Aggressive Pit Bull?

If your Pit Bull begins to show signs of aggression against humans or fellow canines, then it is important that you take the necessary measures to mitigate such behavioral issues. Aggression in Pit Bulls is a serious issue and must be dealt with immediate concern.

In such a case, the best thing to promote healthy behavior in your Pit Bull is by providing them with the necessary amount of training by professionals. Search for the best ethnologist or dog trainer in your local area and get your dog’s behavior evaluated.

The dog trainer will then go on and refer you to certain behavior management guidelines that will help tone down the stubbornness of your Pit Bull. In case your Pit Bull requires additional behavioral management, the dog trainer might recommend a few professional sessions with you and your dog.

The most crucial aspect towards aggression management in Pit Bulls is detecting it at an early stage and coming up with necessary solutions to alleviate such behavior.

Levels Of Dog Aggression In Pit Bulls

Instead of defining dogs as “dog aggressive” or “not dog aggressive,” it helps to think of dog aggression in Pit Bulls as a continuum. On one end of the spectrum, we have the social butterfly.

This dog gets along with everyone and is always eager to make new canine friends. She is very forgiving of “bad behavior” and seems to tolerate even obnoxious dogs with a relaxed, easy going demeanor.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the highly aggressive Pit Bull. This dog must be kept separate from all dogs, all the time. He neither likes, nor accepts other dogs, and taking this dog for a walk is highly stressful because he lunges toward anyone on four legs.

Most adult Pit Bulls fall somewhere between these two extremes. They may be generally friendly, but quick to put a dog who annoys them in his place. Or they might be fine around all dogs of the other sex, while attacking dogs of their own.

Still others accept the dogs they know or live with, but aren’t trustworthy around strange dogs. Or they may be okay with other dogs as long as the other dogs clearly accept them as the boss. There are countless variations.

Raising Your Pit Bull Puppy To Be Dog-Friendly

Many Pit Bull puppies are social butterflies, but this frequently begins to change, often to the great surprise of novice owners who prided themselves on their dog-friendly Pit Bulls. The dog reaches social maturity around age two, though it can happen as early as eight months or as late as three years.

Knowing this, you may wonder if there’s anything you can do to increase the chances that your Pit Bull puppy will remain dog-friendly as an adult.

The answer is “yes,” but the operative phrase is “increase the chances.” Because the genetic predisposition for dog aggression is strong in some dogs, nothing you do will ensure that your puppy grows up to be a dog-friendly adult.

You can, however, increase the likelihood.

The key is to provide your puppy with frequent socialization opportunities with well-behaved, well-socialized, friendly dogs. It is critical that all the dogs your puppy meets are friendly and non-aggressive.

The #1 reason (other than genetics) that previously friendly dogs become aggressive is that they were attacked or threatened by another dog.

That’s why places like dog parks, where you have no control over the type of dogs your puppy will run into, are such a bad idea.

That’s also why it’s up to you to protect your puppy in the event that another dog tries to attack him. You are the pack leader, and your puppy looks to you for protection.

Don’t make the common mistake of encouraging your puppy to “stand up for himself,” no matter how small or non-threatening the attacking dog may seem to you. That type of encouragement has created countless aggressive dogs.

In order to be effective, socializing your puppy with other dogs must be an ongoing process. Many people spend a few months actively socializing their puppy and then consider her “socialized,” but that’s not how it works.

You must continue to provide your puppy with regular opportunities to socialize with friendly dogs as she grows up, including new dogs she hasn’t met before.

Joining a training club or dog group in your area is usually the easiest way to accomplish this.

Final Thoughts

Debates surrounding Pit Bull aggression continue to be prominent in today’s society. Often stereotyped as dangerous and aggressive animals, Pit Bulls have faced scrutiny for their reputation. However, it is essential to understand the factors contributing to this perception and the nuances of the breed.

Surprisingly, modern Pit Bulls were intentionally bred to be friendly and gentle toward humans. Understanding this breed’s history and the impact of responsible ownership can help dispel the myths surrounding Pit Bull aggression.

By focusing on proper training, care, and socialization, you, as a Pit Bull owner, can help ensure the loving and loyal nature of these often misunderstood dogs.