I just don't get it...

[sporadic]

Somebody is going to have to help me out on this one.  Steve Foley (former NFL linebacker) was charged with failing to control an animal after his two pit bulls attacked a woman and killed her puppy.  Why do NFL players feel the need to own pit bulls?  I don't know a whole lot bout the animals, but they seem to be a very unstable breed of dog.  2 things...what on earth is the fascination with these animals and why the hell are the ones owned by NFL players always attacking people???  Makes me wonder if the dog itself is just nuts or if NFLplayers have some sort of huge underground dog-fighting ring.  Just wanted to see what everyone else thought...

[Andyzipp]

Somebody is going to have to help me out on this one.  Steve Foley (former NFL linebacker) was charged with failing to control an animal after his two pit bulls attacked a woman and killed her puppy.  Why do NFL players feel the need to own pit bulls?  I don't know a whole lot bout the animals, but they seem to be a very unstable breed of dog.  2 things...what on earth is the fascination with these animals and why the hell are the ones owned by NFL players always attacking people  Makes me wonder if the dog itself is just nuts or if NFLplayers have some sort of huge underground dog-fighting ring.  Just wanted to see what everyone else thought...

I think you might want to read this book...

http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Fear-Americans-Afraid-Things/dp/0465014909/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212760305&sr=8-1

[sporadic]

I think you might want to read this book...

http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Fear-Americans-Afraid-Things/dp/0465014909/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212760305&sr=8-1

I never mentioned a FEAR, just wondering what the fascintion with this breed of dog is.  I think the fear of an animal bred to kill would be warranted anyway.  The isolation and breeding of animals that show aggressive traits has a very strong impact on future generations, no matter how they are cared for.

[Limey]

Somebody is going to have to help me out on this one.  Steve Foley (former NFL linebacker) was charged with failing to control an animal after his two pit bulls attacked a woman and killed her puppy.  Why do NFL players feel the need to own pit bulls?  I don't know a whole lot bout the animals, but they seem to be a very unstable breed of dog.  2 things...what on earth is the fascination with these animals and why the hell are the ones owned by NFL players always attacking people???  Makes me wonder if the dog itself is just nuts or if NFLplayers have some sort of huge underground dog-fighting ring.  Just wanted to see what everyone else thought...

There are no bad dogs, just bad dog owners.

[Andyzipp]

I never mentioned a FEAR, just wondering what the fascintion with this breed of dog is.  I think the fear of an animal bred to kill would be warranted anyway.  The isolation and breeding of animals that show aggressive traits has a very strong impact on future generations, no matter how they are cared for.

No, but the idea that there is a significantly higher percentage of ownership of pit bulls amongst NFL players versus the general public and especially the idea that there is a higher rate of violence among those dogs owned by NFL players when compared to the general population of pit bulls is not based on fact.  It comes from somewhere, though.

That's what the book is about.

[BUWebguy]

Wasn't a lot of this covered here?
http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=103546.0

[sporadic]

No, but the idea that there is a significantly higher percentage of ownership of pit bulls amongst NFL players versus the general public and especially the idea that there is a higher rate of violence among those dogs owner by NFL players when compared to the general population of pit bull owners is not based on fact.  It comes from somewhere, though.

That's what the book is about.

Oh, sorry, jumped to a conclusion of the incorrect variety...guess now I have to read. 

[sporadic]

There are no bad dogs, just bad dog owners.

I don't necessarily agree with this Limey...Pit Bulls were bred mainly for one purpose.  I know of two people that got rid of them because they all of the sudden snapped (after being really good pets for quite some time), and I would not consider either of them to be "bad owners"

[Greg M]

In general, I agree with Limey, but some dogs are just fucking nuts.

[MikeyBoy]

More pit bull discussion here.

[Limey]

I don't necessarily agree with this Limey...Pit Bulls were bred mainly for one purpose.  I know of two people that got rid of them because they all of the sudden snapped (after being really good pets for quite some time), and I would not consider either of them to be "bad owners"

You're missing the point, I think.  The good owners got rid of the dogs once they realised that the breeding was too strong to be overcome by training.  That's what a good owner will do.  A bad owner keeps them and takes them out for walks...

[tophfar]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/sports/football/02vickdogs.html

[Limey]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/sports/football/02vickdogs.html

Note to self:  save this article and email to every NFL team just prior to Vick's release.

[sporadic]

You're missing the point, I think.  The good owners got rid of the dogs once they realised that the breeding was too strong to be overcome by training.  That's what a good owner will do.  A bad owner keeps them and takes them out for walks...

Point taken