If you own a Pit Bull, you know there are an unbelievable number of rumors and myths surrounding the breed. If you don’t own a Pit Bull, you probably believe the rumors and myths.
Before a Pit Bull came into my life, I, too, believed them. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I was scared of Pit Bulls, but I certainly didn’t feel comfortable around them. But then I did some research and learned from my own experience. Did you know that:
- In temperament testing, different variations of “Pit Bull Breeds” actually test better than common family pets like Dachshunds, Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels.
- Pit Bulls do not have “locking jaws”. There’s no proof of any kind of “locking mechanism” of the jaw and/or teeth that is different from any other dog.
- Pit Bulls are gentle, loving dogs who are so eager to please their human counterparts. Hugging like you see in the picture below? Happens to me every single day.
- In the early 20th century, Pit Bulls were the number 1 family pet.
- Pit Bulls are so good with children, they used to be considered Nanny Dogs. Of course, no responsible parent would leave their child unattended with any breed of dog. But it’s a fact that the Pit Bull was once considered a wonderful pet for kids.
- Many Pit Bulls get along wonderfully with other animals. Not all do. But then again, not all Poodles get along with other animals. Not all Labrador Retrievers get along with other animals. You get my point. Every animal has its own personality. Just as all humans are uniquely different, so are all animals.
- Pit Bulls are not naturally aggressive. Like any dog, however, they may react aggressively under stressful circumstances. Any animal’s behavior is going to be impacted by abuse, neglect, and other negative situations.
- No single neutered household pet Pit Bull has ever killed anyone.
- Some people actually believe Pit Bulls don’t feel pain. Seriously? This has to be the most ridiculous of all the Pit Bull rumors. They are living, breathing beings – of course they feel pain!
- The term “Pit Bull” does not define a single breed. Many dog breeds fall into the category of Pit Bull, including Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, and American Pit Bull Terrier.
- Dogs that are not Pit Bulls are often mistaken for the breed. Think you know what a Pit Bull looks like? Test your skills. You’ll be amazed at wrong you are.
- Pit Bulls are the most euthanized dog in the US. This is in part because there are so many myths surrounding them, which makes some people believe they’re not suitable for adoption. THIS IS NOT TRUE. A rescued Pit Bull can make a wonderful companion. Again, you have to judge each dog individually. You cannot make an intelligent, well-informed decision about a dog based on hearsay, myths, or stereotyping.
Negative Pit Bulls stories are often in the news, but have you ever wondered why? When my neighbor’s Cocker Spaniel bit a neighborhood kid, it took 13 stitches to close the wound, but unless you were there when it happened, you wouldn’t know about it because it didn’t make the evening news. No one is interested in a story about a Cocker Spaniel who attacked the kid who was pestering him.
Get your facts straight before you make a decision about Pit Bulls. Spend a little time with one. Only then can you decide what you believe.
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Hey everyone,
If you have some free time, check out Ashtro! He’s 1 years old and loves the camera.
Hey TJ, thanks for sharing this video – it’s adorable, and so is your boy! I’ll share it over on my FB page soon! :)
I have a pit bull it’s a girl and she is trained not like others pit bull
I here all of you I love pit bulls but my boyfriends parents are against the breed and will not allow us to get a pit bull my bf has 2 pit bulls that he had to get rid of because he couldn’t keep them he had 3 but one died when she was three months she died of parvo her name was mary jane and the other two pits names are Gyro and Indika my bf and I plan to get a big house and a giant yard and open a pit bull rescue and we will own at least three or four of our own I will be getting a red nose and he will be getting a blue nose and that is what we plan on doing.
Thank you so much for this. Having owned pit bulls, I completely agree. And they are absolute lushes when it comes to kids.
I have had my friend Odie (an affectionate pitbull) since he was 4wks. He is now 13yrs. I have been able to walk him off the leash without problems all his life and his best friend is a shi tsu terrier. He used to travel everywhere with me till my wife became pregnant with our twins. The breeder warned me that with all the time I spent with him he may become jealous and attack my kids when we bought them home from hospital (bullshit I whole heartedly trust my boy is all I could think.). The day we bought Abby and Aidan home from hospital 4yrs ago he became protective sitting and standing in between strangers to him and my kids. You could not ask for a better friend. My kids have rolled all over him from the time they could crawl and all he would do is sit or lie there and just take it. When they started to walk till now he has followed them around and allowed them to pull him around on the grass with his rope with knots either end carrying on like chewbacca from starwars. I am a long distance truck driver and got home tonight to receive the hardest news to date cause my wife could not bear to tell me while I was on the road. Odie has lost the use of his back legs in the last 7 days and the vets advice is to put him down. I am going to miss him it has been a great journey.
Shane, please accept my condolences for you and your family. I’m so glad you got to experience the love and devotion of a Pit Bull – there’s nothing like it. Sounds like Odie was an amazing boy, and I know you’ll miss him terribly. Fly free, sweet Odie boy. You’ll see your family again one day.
you speak the truth show it to the world
I did’n know much about pitbulls till 3 years ago when I adopted a pitbull mix from a shelter, and she is just so sweet and inteligent, and not agressive at all, not even when a dog tried to attack her. On the other hand, she is just so good with my little nephew and niece when they go to play with her. Is like she goes and adapts the games I usually play with her to the kids level and plays in a much gentler way that with me (since she never gives me the toys, but gives them to my niece and my nephew without me teaching that to her). The only bad part is she will go and steal food from the kitchen at the smallest oportinuty, but, well, no body is perfect, and I really love her a lot.
Hey guys, I’ve never kept a pit bull, I have the equivalent…American staffy. I love her to bits & the breed. The bull terrier lineage has been miss understood in recent times due to human intervention. My girl is more loyal to me than any one or thing I have ever come across. I feel the same for Pit bulls. All it takes to have a good dog is love & care. That’s it, plain & simple.
Unfortunately my friends Jack Russell got attacked by a pair of pit bulls. But if u see who the owners were…sorry but you’d understand why the dogs were the way they were. The dogs were destroyed…but this can end if ppl understand how to manage the breed! Smart up, if ur not prepared to put in the work, don’t get a dog let alone a pit bull. Otherwise enjoy them & love them”
My dad and his pitbull were out for their afternoon walk when a more aggressive pit bull came running up on them from behind trying to attack them when my dads pitbull got away and tore the throat of the other pit bull saving my dads life and his. My dad said that dog saved his life from the Pitt bull who was not raised well. His dog only had a few gashes while the other one eventually died.
Well I can say from experience, that I have never owned a pit bull before. I have always been a dog lover, but I was never really crazy about pit bulls. Probably just like the majority, I heard all the terrible rumors about the breed. It had been about 10 years since I have had a dog and decided to search the web. I came across a website, that offered pit bulls. I researched their website and read the information it had to offer. I scrolled through the puppy page and came across a puppy that has a thresh hold on my heart to this day. The dirty nasty rumors are so wrong. This breed is by far the most loving, caring, and bonding to the human race than any breed out there. The term “mans best friend” is an understatement. If you have or never have owned a pit bull you certainly should. Pit bulls are number one in my book.
i think that now im ready to have that loveable pity youre talking about :)
With a handle like “Torn Off Lip”, I can only assume you’ve either had a bad experience with a dog or, more likely, you’ve got a negative attitude about pit bulls and you’re trying to make a point.
Either way, you need to do your research about things before you come to this page spouting insults. I’ve done my research, and I’ve worked with hundreds of pit bulls. This post is based upon what I have experienced and witnessed personally, as well as what others have experienced.
By the way, do you know that most of the time when someone calls another person a negative name, like “moron” for example, it’s because they can’t think of anything intelligent to say, and they think name-calling will intimidate the other person? You DON’T intimidate me, because quite frankly, I think you’re under-educated and have no clue what you’re talking about. Get your facts straight then come back here and we’ll talk.
P.S. I find it amusing, too, when a person makes a negative comment but doesn’t leave any clue as to who they really are. If you really believed you were right, you’d leave your name, email address, and blog link. Since you didn’t, I seriously have to doubt your legitimacy. Bye bye.
my pit has an aversion to horses…..is this normal??
do you own a pit? im sorry for whatever experience that you have had. unfortunately, im sure that like most accidents, it was to blame on human error. dogs are a product of the people who raise them and their environment. they do not have higher brain function, much like many people who, although ill informed, argue on message boards. people make dogs mean, not breeds. the most vicious dogs that i encounter time and time again are chihuahuas. also baloney is a made up word. its bologna. have a nice day!
very true, i have had my pit for 6 months, he has never met a stranger (except for a horse), is great around small children, is extremely obedient, and a total cover hog. probably the second most intelligent, but by far the friendliest, dog that has ever adopted me.
I own 2 wonderful girls. and now I am a advocate for the breed. I aim to educate and raise awarness for the breed until I stop breathing. Stop breedism against pit bulls. Change a mind and save pit bull lives!!!!
I just adopted a pitbull that was going to be put down the next morning…I’m so glad I saved her because she is honestly the most lovable obediant dog I ever had. Ilove her soomuch and its true about the hugs ..she loves hugging and kissing. I LOVE MY PITBULL!
Wow….you’re INCREDIBLY FULL OF BALONEY LADY…AN UTTER MORON!
Thank You for trying to stop the ignorance surrounding these amazing animals. I personally own a rescue Pit and I can not begin to tell you the joy that she has brought into our home. She came to us when we already had a “Rescue Cat”, and we worried if they’d get along. Let me tell you, I’ve never sen 2 animals that love eachother so much. They even cuddle up & sleep together, not to mention the way they often eat/drink together putting their heads in the same bowl at the same time.
Pits make amazing pets and will surely give you an overdose of unconditional love. Kids????? My neighbors got 7 and they adore Sparky as she does them. They try to ride her like a horse, feed her dog food 1 kibble at a time, and share their ice cream with her. The only time you’ll see the slightest sign of aggression is if a stranger tries to approach them.
One day they were all playing on the back porch which is on the alley side of the bldg. (We live in a very tough neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side) The drunk attempted to climb the stairs yelling at the kids. Sparky immediately “herded” the children behind her, went to the top of the stairs, and with her hair standing up on her neck she let out a very scary low growl. When the man took another step, she snarled, bared her teeth & started barking. The man couldnt run down the stairs fast enough. We don’t know what his intentions wer, but we believe Sparky knew. Once out of sight, she went to the kids1 by 1 hitting them with her nose and licking them…. including their mom & me. Thank God Sparky was there to protect us. “The Nanny Dog” truly is a perfect label for them. ;-)
The point about no neutered single pit ever recorded as killing anyone is key. Humane Society estimated 86%, CDC 90% of fatal dog attacks were by unaltered males, of all breeds. Keeping unaltered male dogs might be a ‘personal rights’ issue to some people, as keeping what breed we choose is to others (it is to me). But keeping ‘bull’ dogs of powerful breeds is a statistically relevant risk factor for a human aggression incident, while keeping a spayed neutered ‘pit bull’, especially if it’s passed a formal temperament test, is not.
As far as low pain threshold, it’s true of our ‘pit type’ (she’s not a pure breed anything, most ‘pit bulls’ aren’t) when it comes to sensitivity to accidentally stepping on her paw or being poked and prodded at the vet, definitely less sensitive than our beagle was. OTOH she’s a tough looking sissy when it comes to going out in bad weather.
i have a 12 month old pit bull and hes the nanny of the house, as soon as my 4 month old niece wakes up he is right by her lickin on her and shes just sits there hugging his back.. my mom used to be terrified of pitbulls, but i brought my solomon home and now she loves him to death. fuck stereotypes
I don’t believe people think pit bulls are mean it the owner that make them mean. I have five pit bulls. And none of them are mean. I even have two kids. The dog are wonderfull around my kids
I just adopted a dog and was told that it was part lab part kelpie from the dog rescue place. But everyone else (including the pound say lab/pit). Anyway…I am one of those that know nothing about pits. To be honest I’m scared. Not in anything he has shown me. He is a good dog. But I hear news stories about a family pit that was treated well just snapping all the sudden. What r guys take on the snapping issue. That is where my fear comes in. I’m afraid one day he could snap, without warning. Are pits more likely to snap? Or is that just rumor? I’m not attacking a bread at all, I’m trying learn about it.
My 10 lb. Chihuahua had a 105 lb. Cane Corso on his back in the submissive position at the park. His name was Gehngus. He was the biggest baby. Such a love!
CESAR MILLAN, a.k.a. “the Dog Whisperer” has a wonderful website about pit bulls. As far as snapping for no reason…. Pit bulls fall in the below average category. I just read an article in which a study was done on this exact issue. U won’t believe what dog is the number one most likely to bite his owner……(drum roll please)………… Dachshunds! ! Yes, a wiener dog is more likely to snap than your lab-pitt (your “Pittador”?) Is. So please, continue to learn from factual sources, check out the dog whisperers page, and spread the word against ignorance. You have a very loving & loyal mix. I envy you.
I have a lab/pit mix. My vet told me that I just acquired the best kind of dog! Told me to expect extreme loyalty and companionship! Have had her a year and my 2 year old does anything to her with no reaction. They make the best pet! We keep.her very socialized with all kinds of people and have never had a problem! She has issues with men entering our home and has never snapped at anyone. I have only ever heard great things about pits as family dogs! Every professional my pit comes in contact with has told me what a great dog pits make and I have to agree!
so true i saved a pit bull not even 3 days ago he is a red nose and i swear the best pet ive ever had in my life so sweet playful and my friends 4 year old walks him and he is only a pup still and no lie i was walking him and some man came up and he was fine but then the man was being way to friendly with me and rebel picked up on it and barked it was the first time i ever hurd him do that and it was just for show but that quick and now i feel safe any where i go I LOVE MY PIT BULL
I have two pit bull mixes and they let my toddler sit, stand and climb all over them and never growl or show any kind of aggressive behavior. They are awesome.
I have one pit and i rescued her from a horrible breeder. She protects my 3 and 5 year olds and she’s only 6 months. She thinks she’s a cat and even pounces like one! She plays well with our cat and snuggles with him every evening. I haven’t seen the slightest indication of aggression towards anything. The only thing she kills is bubbles! Wouldn’t trade her for the world!
I Own 2 Pitts Right Now, A 4 Year Old And A Puppy.
But Before The Puppy I Had Anotherone That Was 4 Too, In My Experience I Had Never Had Any Problems With My Pitts, They Are Loveing And Really Playfull With My 7 Year Old Daughter, She Has Grown Up With Them And I Totally Love The Way They Protect Her Against Strangers.
My Friends And Their Kids Can Come Over With No Problem, And I Love How They Leave With A Different Mentality When They Meet My Pitts. To The Point That Just A Week Ago, My Friend Got One And His Family
Love Her So Much.. Ohh And By The Way My Weenie Dog And My Pitts Love Eachother It’s Funny How My Pitts Protect Him From Other Big Dogs That Want To Harm Him. My Pitts Love Little Dogs An They Repect Them. Bottom Line Is IT’S HOW YOU RAISE THEM NOT THE BREED…PUNISH THE BAD OWNERSHIP…NOT THE BREED..SO FOR U ALL LOOKING INTO ADOPTING A PITT, GET TO KNOW ONE , AND DO YOUR RESEARCH.
My ex’s roomate has 2 pitts, a mama and her son. The first time I saw him, I was slightly nervous because he was HUGE and one big solid muscle. That fear lasted maybe 10 minutes at the most because a thunderstorm came through and the next thing I knew, he was ontop of me crying and shaking everytime thunder hit. Needless to say, I fell in love with him after that and when I get my own place, I’m sooooo going to get 1…or 2 lol.
I have a Pit Bull and he is a good loveable dog and he good with me and my family, and he also knew when my wife was pregnant with my daughter. And also knew that my mom wasn’t going to be here that much longer, when she passed away he wouldn’t leave her spot where she was sitting everyday.
I recently got a pit bull and it’s the most loving dog I’ve ever had.
i have a pittbull of my own i think it is crazy that people who dont every have one hate them. i think that every littel boy and girl should gorw up with a pitbull
I have a 2 year old pit. Best dog ever. I truely believe it’s the owner and not the dog. It’s like having children there are good kids and troubled kids. Per reflection on how they are raised. :)
i had two pits and they were like fury brothers to me
I have always thought that it was the “Terrier” part of the name that was most descriptive. Terriers aren’t for everybody, as they have a tendency towards independence and vigorous activity.
all true stories i own four of dem i only have a problem wit da daddy he dnt gt alng wit dogs bt loves ppls i wouldn’t trade dem for nothin n da world dnt gt me wrong dey will gt hard headed every nw and den
My family and I own two pittbulls a boxer and a st Bernard. I work in law enforcement and would never thought I would own one. I have only Delt with ones that were trained to protect dope houses. After owning out two for about a year my oldest one was hit by a truck and I spent three thousand dollars so she would stay alive. They are the most loving dogs there are and the most loyal. Great with our two kids I trust them with our lives. They sleep with my 5 year old daughter every night. For the rest of my life I will always own a pitt.
My family and I own two pittbulls a boxer and a st Bernard. I work in law enforcement and would never thought I would own one. I have only Delt with ones that were trained to protect dope houses. After owning out two for about a year my oldest one was hit by a truck and I spent three thousand dollars so she would stay alive. They are the most loving dogs there are and the most loyal. Great with our two kids I trust them with our lives. They sleep with my 5 year old daughter every night. For the rest of my life I will always own a pitt.
My family and I own two pittbulls a boxer and a st Bernard. I work in law enforcement and would never thought I would own one. I have only Delt with ones that were trained to protect dope houses. After owning out two for about a year my oldest one was hit by a truck and I spent three thousand dollars so she would stay alive. They are the most loving dogs there are and the most loyal. Great with our two kids I trust them with our lives. They sleep with my 5 year old daughter every night. For the rest of my life I will always own a pitt.
I have a 9 year old pitbull that I got from my local shelter. When we got him he have scares and deep cut all over his body. They sayed he came off the streets near apart of town were there was a lot of dog fighting. He was scared of every thing but he has no aggression toward one and is a great dog. I have now had him for 4 years now.
i have three pitbulls and a all black german shepard and from time to time they fight the shepard wins every time.
I use to own 4 pit bulls when i lived out in the country but ended up gettin rid of three of them an kept one her name was sadie she was so smart she never bit nobody was lovong towards everybody the only time i had a problem with her is when me an my ex got into a fight an she attacked him just to get him off me i have to say i would not trade her for nothin she was my baby/my child :)
These dogs are wonderfull I have 4 and they all get along great! I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world! And it upsets me knowing how ppl treat them and how some states kicked them out. I cry have every time i see videos on youtube o pic on google.but im so thankfull for my two heros Tia Maria Torres and Shorty and his crew they’ve same so many and shown them a second chance at life, love, attention, affection the whole 9 yrds of TLC!
So true. My friend’s brother has a Pit and he is just the sweetest thing in the entire world! We shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, not all Pits are the same (just like humans) we are all different in our own way. Just because some people decide to train their dogs to fight doesn’t mean all Pits are bad. It’s all about how you raise/train them. They are just like ever other dog in the world: loyal. They do what their master tells them to do, if that’s fight then they will fight. If its protect, they will protect (so one and so forth). They love their masters and they will do anything for them.
I also agree, i was missed informed about Pit Bulls. I have a year old blue pit he is the most lovable dog i have ever owned. He is a 75 pound lap dog. So please before you judge take the time to learn about them it will surprise you on how lovable the pit can be if treated with respect and kindness.
I have had my 3 year old male pit since he was a puppy and he is the best dog I have ever had. My only complaint is his whining… and his cover stealing. He lays on the back of the couch and that drives me crazy. BUT he is wonderful with children (he loves babies) and other animals. He’s affectionate and smart (too smart if you ask me, he opens doors and closes them again). He is protective.. and stubborn. Honestly he’s more like a person than a dog. I love my pit more than anything… plus he likes to dance to jazz music :-)
My pit Buddy is that sweetest animal i have ever been around the only complaint is he whines also its like hes trying to say hey pet me hug me take me for a ride in the truck his favorite thing .the only dog that ever bit me was a weener dog
I note own two pitbulls, and I absolutely love this breed.my girls are so smart, gentle, affectionate and loyal. However, they DO require proper training and socialization like any other dog. My 8 year old pitbull was in the front yard with me when our neighbors chihuahua ran into our yard and attacked her.my girl yelped and growled at her but NEVER bit her. With proper care, training and love pitbulls are wonderful dogs.
I note own two pitbulls, and I absolutely love this breed.my girls are so smart, gentle, affectionate and loyal. However, they DO require proper training and socialization like any other dog. My 8 year old pitbull was in the front yard with me when our neighbors chihuahua ran into our yard and attacked her.my girl yelped and growled at her but NEVER bit her. With proper care, training and love pitbulls are wonderful dogs.
Ive never, owned a dog in my life my ex brought a 11 month pitbull into our apt a week later he went to jail for beating me and the dog went after him acidently nipped my leg but if, it wasnt for the dog I would, of never made it, out of. The house alive .. He is so sweet ad. Ive had him a week by myself and hes always by my side.. I believe he saved my life.. And he gets along with my cat its so amazing.. And hes so smart!! Love this information thank you
GREAT POST!!!BTW…. your new Pit will spend the rest of his life protecting you. Mine sleeps with my cat, & once saved my cats little butt from a bigger cat that was beating him up. Pit bulls LIVE TO RECEIVE LOVE & TO GIVE LOVE. The more Love you give him, the more sure you can be that he will NEVER allow harm to come your way. U have a new friend for life Stephanie, I promise u that. Ohhhh, and I bet your stupid ex-boyfriend regrets bringin that big baby home. Hahaha….jokes on his sorry a**.
you are right they are miss treated dogs they were bull baiting dog (they fight bulls) , and they are breed for dog fights which are just plain old dumb (dog fights can hurt a dog or kill it).
I thought that bull terriers were originally breed for use with bulls not fighting. They only got that name after they started being use in fighting.
To be fair, “pit bulls” WERE orginally breed to be fighting dogs. They were used in “pit fighting”- hence the name. BUT- they were breed to be genetically good fighting dog, stronger, higher pain tolereance, etc., but they had to be TRAINED for the actual fighting. And since most of these pit fighters were also housepets, they were also breed to have NO human aggression. Great post btw.
Well you need to check up on history on pits. You will find out that the breed was breed as a poor mans horse. Later on the were put it pits to chase rats. That how the name pitbull really came from. Then they were tought to fight other pits an so on. Watch little rascals. Look at pettie really hard. Old movie an new movie
Both of you need to check on your history about pits. They were originally used for hunting wild boar. Every pitbull I owned were people friendly, athletic, & v ery playful. These are the best pets to have in my book.
Pits r one of the best dogs i have grow up with nothing but put bulls they r seack for fighting not loveing but that is bull shit pits are the bigest sweethearts i have seen a rotie tearing up a lil boy in my old trailer park were we werent alowed to have pits but we had one anyways well when he heard the lil boy scrwamkng and crying he busted the the trailer. Wall to help him and he killed the routie and if it werent for him then that lil boy whould have been kied and we have been alowed to have pit bulls ever since
I am sorry that your friend’s dog killed a pony. That’s a very unfortunate situation. But Pit Bulls were not originally bred to fight or kill. It has been my experience that dogs that do this have not been properly trained. You can’t blame the dog for that – it’s the owner’s responsibility to train and care for the dog.
NICE… :)
I actually had an article also about this breed…. please check in here : http://www.planetanjing.com/american-pit-bull-terrier.html
sorry, its in Bahasa Indonesia, you guys can use translator :D
My friend’s pit bull killed a pony. KILLED A PONY! What do you think they were bred to do in the first place?
My friends Golden Retriever killed a deer…whats your point?
My girlfriend’s mentally disabled uncle had a pony that he love more than life itself. The neighbor’s golden retriever and black lab killed it one day. Your argument isn’t valid.
but its not a pit
my aunts chiwawa or however you spell it killed a chicken and a rabbit not to mention bite 3 ppl and gave them stitches so whats your point? also my son got bite by lab and there suppose to be one of the best ppl friendly dogs. Never once has my pitt or any pit i know hurt anybody or anything! its not the dog its the dog owner and how there raised
Thanks for weighing in, Jen! I love the educational information from Pit Sisters! I hope lots of people check it out and learn the facts about these awesome dogs!
Great post, thank you Christina! I was surprised to learn that pit bull types are misidentified 75% of the time, and that German Shepherds’ and Rottweilers’ bites are stronger than pit bulls’. Amazing! Pit Sisters Rescue has more info compiled on an education site: http://boldforbullies.tumblr.com/ Thanks!
I agree, before one / two / oh wait then / three joined my family I did not think much about them, but now try to take mine and you will see what happens when a mother gets ‘protective’ …