[Emily94]

I've been watching some random videos on YouTube (what else is there to do when you have no school?) and in almost every pit bull video they have like a tire or something hanging from a tree and they send the pit bull in to get it... Just wondering if this is like a sport or? Here is one video it is shown in a lot. YouTube - The Best Pit Bull Video Ever! just for a better understanding...

[JudyKayTee]

I believe those videos are posted to show the dog's aggressiveness or the strength of its bite.

I KNOW they use the tires for training for fighting - because I've seen the Police videos.

[Emily94]

Yeah, but the videos are showing how the dogs arnt aggressive...

[Sariss]

They seem to have a lot of fun with it. I've seen dogs hang up there forever.
I have seen competitions where they will put the tire up super high, and keep raising it to see who can get up the highest.

[Emily94]

Yeah, I just wondering if maybe it was like a... fly ball or agility..
Anyway it looks kind of fun, maybe I should get my boys out doing it :P

[Aurora_Bell]

It was supposed to prove their bite strength. You know how people say that pit bulls jaw locks and it's like 200 lbs of pressure per square inch? In reality, the jaws of the Pit Bull are functionally the same as the jaws of any other breed, and this has been proven via expert examination.

The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the
Skulls, mandibles and teeth of Pit Bulls show that, in proportion to their
Size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is
No different than that of any [other] breed of dog. There is absolutely
Not evidence for the existence of any kind of 'locking mechanism' unique
To the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier,
Says Dr. I. Lerh Brisbin of the University of Georgia (from the ADBA
Booklet, “Discover the American Pit Bull Terrier.)

Tests that have been done comparing the bite pressure of several breeds showed pressure PSI (per square inch) to be considerably lower than some wild estimates that have been made. Testing has shown that the domestic dog averages about 320 lbs of pressure per square inch. Recently Dr. Brady Barr of National Geographic conducted a comparative test between a Pit Bull, a Rottweiler, and a German Shepherd. The Pit Bull had the LOWEST PSI OF THE THREE.

I think they do love doing that sort of thing, just like any dog likes to play a little rougher when they can. My dogs LOVE playing tug of war with each other. It is a dominance thing, but they seem to be okay with it.

[Lucky098]

Those videos are just showing how strong the dog is.

They can be for fighting dogs, but also for fun.

If your dog isn't a pit, Emily, I would not suggest to teach them to do the death bite on anything. Ive never really seen any other breed to that besides the bully breeds.

[Aurora_Bell]

Lucky, did you read my post? A pitties jaw is made EXACTLY the same as any other dogs jaw...

[Lucky098]

Yes they are made the same way as any other dog.. but this specific breed was bred to have a stronger jaw (muscle wise). My pit bull bites a hell of a lot harder then my pointer.. My pointer would never have the strength to bite something and hang from a tree, whereas my pit does.

Its also a training thing. You train those dogs to bite and hold. What makes them so deadly is because they bite and don't get go.. Which is NOT a jaw lock.. They just don't want to let go.

[Aurora_Bell]

It's not that they were bred to have a stronger jaw, it was that they were bred to have a higher tolerance for things like pain, and a higher endurance then most other dogs. Historically, those dogs that would tolerate or ignore discomfort and pain and finish the task they were required to perform were the dogs that were bred and the sort of dogs breeders strove to produce. This is the trait of “gameness” that so many breed fanciers speak of, which may be defined as, “The desire to continue on and/or complete a task despite pain and discomfort". I guess all I am trying to say, is I don't think it would be a big issue if other breeds tried it. Although with the aggression issues her dog has, maybe it's best to leave this type of play out.

[shazamataz]

I was one of those people who did think their jaws locked, now that I have done research into it every reliable source I have found has said exactly what Bella has said.

It's not that they physically lock their jaw... they mentally lock it. They just don't let go until the task is done.

[Lucky098]

I don't see why someone would want to train a dog to hang form a tire by its teeth...

[Aurora_Bell]

I guess just personal preference.

[shazamataz]

The only thing I see wrong with it is the stigma attached to it.

Yes it might be harmless but if the average Joe sees a Pitbull latched on a tire not letting go... what are they going to think?
Doesn't help the breeds image at all.

[Aurora_Bell]

I totally agree with that. It's aggressive behavior regardless.

[Lucky098]

Agreed!

[Emily94]

Sorry, for some reason I didn't get a message saying this thread had replies!

Hunter went and seen a behavourist (She actually made time, what a suprise) and she said she thinks Hunter has a high prey drive, so I am supposed to do things that let his aggression out... Some suggestions I got were: Tye a toy to a string and whip it around, play lots of fetch, hide things and make him go find them...

I don't see how this is much different than what the behavourist told me to do...

[JudyKayTee]

I have no professional advice concerning this BUT I have had a number of German Shepherds. Some of mine have been aggressive. I have NEVER "allowed" my dogs to know how strong they are.

At the moment my GSD (and the Vet says she's the biggest GSD he's ever seen, she has a head like a basketball) weighs 150 pounds. She's a big, solid dog. I weigh 110 pounds. I'm the boss.

I've always been the "top dog" and one of the ways I've done this is by not letting her know her own strength.

Maybe it's scientific, maybe it's not, but it works for me.

I don't want my dog hanging from a tire by her jaws.

[Lucky098]

You claim your dog is a hound of some sort, instead of teaching him to use his mouth and training the muscles in his upper head and jaw area to be stronger and DO DAMAGE TO YOU.. Go overboard with obedience.

Do agility

If he fetches like crazy, try dock docks.

Make him learn tricks.. Tricks are frustrating for a dog because they have to figure out what you want. Its not like sit or down where you show him what you want.. He has to do it on his own.

A trainer came this way a few years ago and introduced training techniques for shelter dogs.. Maybe it'll work for you. You say nothing, the dog performs. Ex. Sitting and watching TV, give him an award every time he sits, or downs, or crawls... He will have to think of something that will give him a treat.

Run the snot out of him! I have high powered hunting dogs that become very destructive if bored. They have to run, and not on a leash. If they don't run, they are unlivable... Find a place you can let him off leash without other distracts and let him just run!

Teach him to use his nose. Hide treats around the house and make him find them.

There are 100 different things you can use to redirect your dogs psychoticness. Suggesting to have your dog show aggression towards any one thing is NOT a good thing... and I would question that "behaviorists" approach to make him be better.

[shazamataz]

I agree with lucky, you have to be very careful how you decide to excise his prey drive.

Things like lure coursing (the toy on a string) are fantastic for dogs with high prey drive but the problem with that is it ENCOURAGES it.
I know you have ferrets so I don't think encouraging the prey drive is a good thing.

Find other ways to let out his energy and excitement.

Here's a great idea... although it may not be practical for everyone :D

YouTube - Jerry needs no help playing with his ball.