[Edisesyethisp]

So this is my first post on the forum. I haven't been exactly sure what to post a thread about, I don't really have any "burning desires" at present, but something came up for me AGAIN this morning that I'm sure other owners of this glorious breed can relate to!

I live in a large condominium complex where a lot of people own dogs. They are openly accepting of dog owners, which is very nice, they even have a small enclosed exercise area set aside just for the dogs that live in the complex. I often enjoy letting my 10 month old APBT run his little heart out on the grass, he just LOVES it! A couple of times I have even let him socialize with other dogs there (inside the locked enclosure with both dogs on a leash at first of course). I am a very responsible Pitbull owner, with many years of experience with the breed and I am very clear on the importance of always having my dog on a leash. Whenever I allow him to greet other dogs I only barely let the leash slack while myself and the other owner move around with the dogs. Then their leashes don't get tangled together so that we may pull them apart at the first sign of aggression by either dog. I don't believe that my APBT can never be trusted to play with another dog, but I am vigilant about testing his reaction to the other dog in a highly controlled environment FIRST and always paying attention to their interactions while they are playing. My problem is this: I consistently run into irresponsible inconsiderate ignorant dog owners who think its ok for their obnoxious, aggressive little lap dogs to run around off leash! Just because your toy breed is lacking in size and power does NOT mean it isn't a problem. I wouldn't want my dog to hurt another dog, I would feel terrible! But that's not the only problem in this equation, I know that, god forbid, my dog should become provoked and react to the situation he will be blamed. In all actuality he has every right to protect himself from the attack of some unruly little biter, but I will be the one in danger of losing my Pitbull whom I love dearly, as a result of someone else’s complete disregard. Why should I be put in this stressful position every time I am out with my APBT, or even worse, just with my kids! Everyone needs to learn to be responsible for their dogs NO MATTER WHAT THIER BREED! Forrester