[d1Bc25UP]

I had an interesting experience today while at petsmart. Where I live in Vegas the local animal shelters hold adoptions on the weekends where they'll bring a bunch of dogs and set up shop outside petsmart. Many of these dogs are pit bulls and pit bull mixes.

On each crate is a laminated card describing the dog, it's age, whether it's good with kids and other animals etc. I was looking at one particular male pit who was in his cage when a shelter worker came up to me and asked if I was looking for a dog. I told her no, although I love pits we already had one dog and my boyfriend and I just aren't at a place where we can do the whole crate and rotate thing for two dogs if they didn't get along. The woman proceeds to tell me it wouldn't be a problem, this pit bull was great with other dogs, as were most of the pits up for adoption today. She was telling me all the fine points about the dog, without mentioning any of the potential problems such as DA. From my readings on this site I know that DA can appear at any time, any age.

My question: Do you all think it was a little unethical that the shelter worker didn't thoroughly explain the potential challenges of owning a pit bull? Mind you this was a local shelter, not a pit bull rescue.

I understand they're trying to find good homes for dogs, I just feel like they need to be upfront and honest with people or else it could be a recipe for disaster, and I feel this way for all breeds not just pits. I'd be interested in hearing your opinions....

[bUqLfXRI]

It's completely unethical and downright foolish. And that's the reason I no longer work with our local pit bull rescue.

A lie by ommission is still a lie and these people are lying to you no matter which way you look at it. And they're lying to everyone else. And they're lying to themselves.

[sabbixsweraco]

My question: Do you all think it was a little unethical that the shelter worker didn't thoroughly explain the potential challenges of owning a pit bull? Yes, absolutely unethical. This breed is not for everyone. The shelter worker is giving out false information. When they place the dog and the dog goes after another dog because of DA, the owners won't know what the hell is going on......this pisses me off.....

[glazgoR@]

IMO shelters sometimes place dogs or cats in homes just to get them out of the shelter as they get overloaded. I think that they mean well but they are going about it the wrong way and setting themsleves up to possibly getting the dog back.

[sabbixsweraco]

I have to add to this.....this breed needs to be with an owner that is pit bull savvy. This breed is special. They are athetic dogs. They need owners that know everything there is to know about them.

While shelter workers are trying to do good, they would be better off to educate themselves first before trying to adopt out this breed.

[MormefWrarebe]

I'm pretty sure our rescue just recently lost a potential adopter because we got into the whole dog park issue. She claimed she had experience with the breed because she dog sits her neighbor's pit when they go away & it gets along with her dog & is fine at the dog park. When I told her that DA can come out at any time & that dog parks are just not a good idea she didn't want to hear it. I took a lot of time with her explaining the difference between DA & HA. I even sent her the link to this board & told her that there are tons of great info here. Well that was the last we heard from her. Guess she's out there still trying to adopt another pit to take to the dog park from somebody else & I'm sure sooner or later she'll find one. Frustrating.

[d1Bc25UP]

I'm pretty sure our rescue just recently lost a potential adopter because we got into the whole dog park issue. She claimed she had experience with the breed because she dog sits her neighbor's pit when they go away & it gets along with her dog & is fine at the dog park. When I told her that DA can come out at any time & that dog parks are just not a good idea she didn't want to hear it. I took a lot of time with her explaining the difference between DA & HA. I even sent her the link to this board & told her that there are tons of great info here. Well that was the last we heard from her. Guess she's out there still trying to adopt another pit to take to the dog park from somebody else & I'm sure sooner or later she'll find one. Frustrating.

it's amazing how hard headed people can be. I have a feeling that woman is going to learn the hard way when it comes to pit bulls and dog parks.

[seicslybearee]

I don't know that I would say unethical...since it was a shelter and not a breed specific rescue. I would reserve unethical for someone that DOES know better, but chooses to not disclose. I can't say whether or not this person actually knew how wrong she was.

However, uneducated, irresponsible, and a disservice to the breed and potential adopters - most certainly.

Sadly, most shelters don't have the resources to properly train their volunteers or their employees for that matter. But in the interest of public safety and responsibility to every breed of dog, I think they should put more effort into learning and knowing different breeds and their quirks. Just like they shouldn't sugar coat the pit bull, they shouldn't sugar coat border collies or jrts, either. If you are going to speak like and represent yourself like you are an authority, which the avg person considers a shelter worker to be, then you should actually know what you are talking about.

[glazgoR@]

IMO if they are going to hold a special event at a petsmart or whatever they know what kind of dogs they are bringing maybe they should do a small bit of research on the breeds they are bringing and maybe with the little cards that talk about the dog they should include a hand out of breed specific information (for any breed they are bringing) I am sure a quick search on the internet will give them a summary of sorts that they can print out and bring to the adoption event. its not very expensive or time consuming but would be helpful to potential adopters so they know what they are in for.

Kris2642- i think you did do a good thing by not adopting the dog since at this time you do not have the means for a second dog. that was very responsible of you

[bUqLfXRI]

I would rather see the dogs euthanized than end up in the hands of the uneducated, naive, foolish, and/or downright stupid. And that's exactly the kind of hands that many shelters and rescues are placing these dogs in just to place them and make themselves feel better about what they do.

Obviously I'm not talking about all shelters or rescues here, but many, many of them. It's more about bleeding-heart syndrome and "giving the poor itty-bitty pitties a nice home" vs. putting high-energy, high-drive, possibly DA dogs in an educated and experienced home.