Tara talks about pit bulls and why we are against dog breed bans in a show inspired by a disturbing news story published today: a few weeks ago, two police cars and two animal control vehicles pulled up at the home of Stef’ny Steffan looking for her beloved 4-year-old dog, Xena. Seven officers hauled the animal off to the city shelter, putting her on death row. Since May, more than 380 dogs have been impounded and at least 260 destroyed — an average of more than three a day! What do these dogs have in common? They are all the subject of a dog breed ban on pit bulls! We also answer a listener question on dog training from Jorge :) - Direct link to the show.

Show Notes:

00:00 Intro

00:10 Disturbing News Story

03:00 Our argument against breed bans
-They are ineffective, if all pit bulls are taken away, problem/bans will just shift to a different breed
-Problem is not the breed, problem is irresponsible owners
-Solution: punish the owner's actions, not the dog's breed

07:26 The problem of Pit Bulls vs "Pit Bull Type Dogs"
-Dogs that simply look like a pit bull can be affected by breed bans
-See if YOU can identify the pitbull

12:15 Pit Bulls are a misunderstood breed
-Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown sounds like a blockhead
-UKC Pit Bull breed standard
-Pit Bull breed history
-Pit Bull attack statistics

20:55 Our personal experience with Pit Bulls
-Experience at dog shelters/Personal experience
-Famous pit bulls
--Petey from Little Rascals
--Stubby, the most decorated military service dog in US history

26:18 Listener Question, how to assure your dog does not become dependent on food for training.

29:29 Outro
-Spay or neuter your dog, it's the best thing you can do for your furry friend!