How to Make a Pit Bull Release its Bite
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Pit bulls are one of the most popular breeds exploited for dog fighting. For this reason, more and more people get the impression that they are dangerous.
In this article from AnimalWised, we will go through whether pit bulls are violent breeds, how to avoid dog fights and lastly, how to safely make a pit bull release their bite and unlock their strong jaw.
Are pit bulls dangerous?
This breed has, unfortunately, garnered an unfair load of bad press over the years, deeming them to be an aggressive and dangerous dog. Nevertheless, pit bulls are not dangerous. Like any other dog, they can be violent when they feel unsafe and in danger. This is exactly the position they were put in when forced into dog fights. Having being victim to this cruel activity, pit bulls have gotten the reputation of being violent. This discrimination against the breed has led them to be banned or restricted in more than 20 countries around the world. These include: Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Romania, Norway, Switzerland, Israel, Turkey, USA, Canada (In Ontario, Manitoba and the city of Winnipeg), Bermuda Islands, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Malta, New Zealand, Ecuador, Australia, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus.
There is also a legislation in several countries that aims to promote and establish certain behavioral guidelines for pit bull owners. It specifies that they should only walk with a muzzle, a short leash and under the responsibility of the owner. The owner must also obtain an administrative license involving another series of requirements.
We often judge pit bulls simply by their physical qualities: a developed musculature and great athletic ability. Perhaps they are more physically intimidating compared to say, a Yorkshire Terrier, but the latter can be equally as snappy - if not more so!
The key is to educate them from an early age so they can be a loving, obedient and faithful companion. Always remember to use positive reinforcement too.
We elaborate more on this subject in our article Are Pit Bulls Dangerous?
Break stick for dogs
Have you heard of the break stick? If you search how to make a pit bull release their bite online, you will probably see this object. A break stick is a device inserted into the mouth of a pit bull (behind their molars) to facilitate the release of their grip on another dog. See image below.
Now, a responsible pit bull owner who has dedicated themselves to thoroughly train and give plenty of affection to their dog will have no use for it. The break stick is a device popular amongst dog fighters or those who do not train their dogs through positive reinforcement, instead, they opt for cruel punishments.
It is important to note that no dog owner should use their hand to unhinge their pet's jaw. Otherwise, you risk them redirecting their bite to your hand, or elsewhere on your body.
Not all pit bulls are aggressive toward other dogs. This is will depend on their upbringing. Nevertheless, break sticks are still considered useful in a multi-dog household, to some people. However, we believe this scenario should never be an issue to begin with, so we would like to offer some tips on how to avoid a dog fight or attack.
Does a pit bull lock their jaw when biting?
This myth is as common as it is absurd. There is no different anatomical or physiological mechanism in a pit bull that allows their jaws to lock. On this regard, the pit bull's bite is exactly the same as that of any other dog.
This myth is actually not only related to the pit bull, but to many other dog breeds. It is also directed to the Boxer, the American Stafforshire Terrier and other dogs considered aggressive or violent. But it is simply nonsense stemmed from their powerful strength and determination.
How to avoid a dog fight or attack
If you are introducing your pit bull to another dog, perhaps a new pet, check out our article on cohabitation between pit bulls and other dogs. The meeting will not get violent if both pets have been well trained. It is your responsibility to ensure your pet is ready to be exposed to fellow animals.
- The introduction should take place in neutral territory, and never at home.
- Pay equal attention to both dogs.
- Don't force the situation on them; let them interact on their own if they want to.
- Refrain from stepping in as long as neither dog is at risk.
- Avoid rewarding them with treats during the first few days of knowing each other to avoid getting them jealous.
Many canine educators recommend using an anti-pull harness to give you better control of your dog. However, we encourage you to teach your dog to walk by your side. You could keep your dog on a leash until you are certain the situation is under control and your dog is reacting well to everyone around them.
Make sure you are abiding by your country's law, as you may be obligated to put a muzzle on your pit bull. This will keep strangers at ease, who may be intimidated by your pet. If anything, this improves the reputation of pit bulls and their owners, so it is a win-win.
Finally, and most importantly, you should teach your dog to drop objects. Regardless of any emergency action you may need to take, practicing "release" with your dog will help prevent such conflicts and improve your overall relationship with one another.
How to make a pitbull release its bite
If you find yourself in the position in which your pit bull has gripped onto an object or worse, a fellow dog or human, you will need to know how to act.
Most dog breeds will snap erratically at the dog or person they have an issue with, biting and releasing repeatedly. However, pit bulls will usually bite and hold. This is not a breed specific trait, but it is because they are a Terrier.
If an encounter between a pit bull and a fellow dog becomes vicious, it is normally effective to squirt them with a hose or a big bucket of water. We do not recommend the break stick because it can harm their teeth and the person using it can be harmed too.
Likewise, you could grab one or both dogs by their hind legs to remove their center of gravity and their balance. This is another effective way to break up a brawl.
Having said all of that, real, well-trained pit bulls are sweet, loyal, friendly and energetic dogs. Do not be put off by negligent owners who have encouraged the discrimination of this breed. They are not only great pets for experienced dog owners but are fantastic with children. Just ensure young kids are taught how to treat animals properly.
The only way we can subvert this bias against pit bulls is to educate and reveal how loving and compassionate this breed can be. Do you have a pit bull? We would love to receive some photos of your pets! Feel free to leave us a comment below.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Make a Pit Bull Release its Bite, we recommend you visit our Behavioral problems category.