First it was the Bloodhound, sensationalized in the dramatizations of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Then it was the Doberman, symbol of the Nazi menace. Today...
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reviews
Dec 10, 2011
Jennifer (aka EM)
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Absolutely essential reading for anyone wanting to arm themselves with facts and evidence-based counter-arguments to overturn BSL. This book is available online as a PDF here, but I'm happy to have bought it and to know that my $24.95 will go to fund ongoing work by Karen Delise and the National Canine Research Council.
What follows is not a book review, but a political rant.
I'm embarrassed to have been an Ontario resident when then-Attorney General Michael Bryant force More...
What follows is not a book review, but a political rant.
I'm embarrassed to have been an Ontario resident when then-Attorney General Michael Bryant force More...
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Jan 26, 2011
Mel
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I truly appreciated this book and its creation. Very redundant at times, but I understand Delise was only trying to make her point clear- to understand and properly report dog bites, one must understand the circumstances surrounding the bite (victim, dog, environment, behavior, etc.). Something of which our media currently neglects to a gross level. i enjoyed learning about the history of dog bites and which breeds were ostracised in the past (bloodhounds for chasing rogue slaves, Newfoundlan
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Jun 18, 2009
Colleen
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Social attitudes towards domestic dogs and animal behavior have undergone a dramatic shift over the last fifty years, leaving the dog holding all the responsibility for the owners' bad or negligent behavior. The scrutiny given to "pit bulls" over the last few decades reflects a growing abdication of owner responsibility as well as a decline in understanding about canine behavior and dog breed characteristics in general. The media and politicians have seized on the ignorance of the pu
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Mar 31, 2009
Michelle
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The Pit Bull Placebo: The Media, Myths, and Politics of Canine Aggression by Karen Delise
Like the pharmacologically inactive sugar pill dispensed to placate a patient who supposes it to be medicine, eradication of the Pit Bull is heralded as the cure for severe dog attacks. However, a placebo is administered to appease a person's mental duress. In the present day climate of fear and misinformation about Pit Bulls and dog attacks, eradication of the Pit Bull is the placebo administe More...
Like the pharmacologically inactive sugar pill dispensed to placate a patient who supposes it to be medicine, eradication of the Pit Bull is heralded as the cure for severe dog attacks. However, a placebo is administered to appease a person's mental duress. In the present day climate of fear and misinformation about Pit Bulls and dog attacks, eradication of the Pit Bull is the placebo administe More...
Dec 09, 2010
Elisabeth
rated it:
Very interesting and eye opening! I think the information in this book is valuable for dog lovers, as well as those who may not like them. Understanding why dog attacks happen is important for us all considering how many millions of dogs live among us. It is mind boggling to think that some people actually want to ban breeds to "cure" the problem of aggression and dog bites. Banning guns does not keep criminals from owning them, and banning a breed will only add value to those who want
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Jun 28, 2010
Beth
rated it:
all people could benefit from this book. discusses the true reasons behind dog aggression and how the media has created "demon dogs" for over a century w/their slanted and illinformed reporting - from airdale terrirers, to blood hounds, dobies, rotts, GSD, chows, to recently the 30+ pit bull breeds.
there would be less fear and less attacks if people knew how to react to dogs and how to read them, and most importantly what are they doing to make a dog fearful and aggres More...
there would be less fear and less attacks if people knew how to react to dogs and how to read them, and most importantly what are they doing to make a dog fearful and aggres More...
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Aug 05, 2009
Kate
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The writing is a bit dry, which makes for a good study but not an exciting read. While I knew or had heard a lot of what was said in this book already, I still learned a lot about the history of dog aggression in the US. Definitely a good book for anyone who has questions about breed specific legislation or dangerous dog bans.
Oct 26, 2011
Gillian
rated it:
This is an excellent book that takes the time to really show how Pitbulls have been abused in the media. I'm a Pitbull owner and advocate, but I'm not blind to the fact that a Pitbull is not for everyone. In fact, I'd say they are for a specific personality only, i.e., someone who is willing to stand firm and never coddle these dogs. Love them yes, coddle them no.
This is a must read for anyone who likes facts and being educated enough to make their own decisions on this breed.
This is a must read for anyone who likes facts and being educated enough to make their own decisions on this breed.
Apr 09, 2009
Tristan
rated it:
A fact-filled, enjoyable book about the history of vilified dog breeds in America, how the media has portrayed them, and how that portrayal has changed in recent decades. A must-read for anyone who loves dogs. Even if you're not a "pit-bull person", you'll be haunted by the ignorance and hate that so many people have shown towards not only pit bulls, but bloodhounds, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and more.
Delise's research and presentation of the subject will shock you into
Delise's research and presentation of the subject will shock you into
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Apr 20, 2011
Desiree
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This is something that should be read those who have the ability to impose BSL.
May 06, 2010
Manya
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It's a great book, easy to follow and highly insightful. Full of the real statistics, fact vs. myths, and history, that surround the pit bull breed.
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