This Adorable 9-Week-Old Puppy Wasn’t Allowed To A Puppy Party Because Of Her Breed And People Are Not Happy
Pit bulls often suffer from prejudice against them. Many people believe that this particular dog breed is much more prone to aggression than other dogs, however, pit bull owners disagree. Many of them claim, that if the dog is treated and raised right, there is no reason to fear them. Nevertheless, the pit bull stigma is so strong that some pet stores even forbid these dogs from participating in their events.
Ashley Yanez and her tiny 9-week-old pit bull Blu weren’t allowed to participate in an event held at Petsmart, the sole reason being the breed of her puppy. Ashley wanted to give Blu an opportunity to socialize and play with other dogs, but she never anticipated facing such discrimination. According to Petsmart’s policy, they do not allow “bully breeds or any mix of, or any pets that exhibit aggressive behaviors” to participate in any off-leash, group play activities within their Doggie Day Camps, to ensure the safety of their associates and other pets.
The whole situation left Ashley really heartbroken. “I’m so shocked but so happy that pit bull awareness is being brought to our attention. Pit bulls are dogs too and need to socialize to have a healthy lifestyle,” she told BuzzFeed.
Petsmart reached out to apologize for the confusion and clarified that pit bulls are welcome to the stores, although they are banned from group activities with other pets. Many people came to Blu’s defense, saying the policy is unfair. Tell us what you think about this situation in the comments.
Meet Blu, an adorable 9-week-old pit bull
Image credits: Ashley Yanez
Her owner Ashley Yanez took Blu to the party held by Petsmart
Image credits: Ashley Yanez
Ashley wanted to give Blu an opportunity to socialize and play with other dogs
Image credits: Ashley Yanez
However, they both were denied entry because Blu is a pit bull
Image credits: Ashley Yanez
Petsmart reached out to apologize for the confusion and offered a party package to set things straight
However, Ashley decided not to tolerate this kind of discrimination
Many people came to Blu’s defense, saying the policy is unfair
Others shared photos of their ‘vicious’ pit bulls to prove a point
49Kviews
Share on FacebookIf I was at Petsmart, I wouldn't allow him at the party. Not because he's a pit, but because he's 9 weeks old. Until a pup has all of his parvo shots (about 14 weeks old or so), it shouldn't be around areas where lots of dogs go. Parvo is no joke. Even with ER care, it's basically a coin flip if the pup will make it.
Pits are the most lovable dogs! Any breed can be aggressive, blame the owner not the breed.
So when a Greyhound runs really fast I should blame the owner not the breed? Let me tell you a story about the Petsmart not far from me They held dog adoptions on weekends to help find homes for sweet dogs. One weekend there was a pitbull there not unlike the ones in all those stupid pics in the article. She slipped out of her collar while when an employee took her out to potty.
Load More Replies...That's not true. There are good dogs and bad dogs in every breed. I have a dog that bites and he is a dachshund
Load More Replies...So VERY wrong! An unsocialised Pit Bull or Staffie will be aggressive towards other dogs if they feel that dog is threatening them or their owner, which is why socialising is of the utmost importance. You'd be hard up to find a friendlier or more loyal dog. jasper-gli...d9b1ef.jpg
Yes, socializing your dog is extremely important but something you should realize now is ANY dog CAN be aggressive not just "Pit Bulls" or Staffies...ANY dog! This kind of thinking is part of the problem.
Load More Replies...Sure, any dog can be aggressive...but pits have strong jaws and can lock down hard, making it hard to get them off. I knew a pit that was "oh so friendly and never bit or even barked at anyone ever..." I had known it for months and it always sat next to me on the couch when I visited and loved getting head scratches. One day out of nowhere it jumped up and latched on my face. I wasn't even moving or looking at her...it was completely random. It was hard getting her off me. So...I understand why the breed wasnt allowed because...yes...all dogs can be aggressive, but pits are really strong. All this being said, it is ridiculous that the puppy was turned away...shes so small
Just an FYI, pits aren't even in the top five dog breeds with the strongest bite and "locking jaws" is a long disproved myth. I am definitely not negating your personal experience, I just don't like seeing false info spread around about an already hated breed...I'm going to try to post some links, if anyone was curious. https://americanpitbullfoundation.com/pit-bull-myths-debunked/ https://animalfarmfoundation.blog/2017/02/24/no-pit-bull-dogs-dont-lock-their-jaws-and-other-myth-busting-facts/ http://petcomments.com/ten-dogs-which-have-the-strongest-bite/ https://topdogtips.com/dogs-strongest-bite-force/
Load More Replies...The most important thing for a dog is socialisation! So, they denied Blu entrance to a puppy party... Then they wonder why some pit bulls turn out being bad with other dogs... Hmmm I really wonder the same...(*smirks sarcastically at their stupidity).
Not socializing a puppy is only a very small part. The BIGGEST problem that scientists have found is that 80% of the dogs that have attacked were kept as resident dog and not as family dogs. Meaning they were abused, mistreated, and neglected. They were put outside on a chain with little to no shelter and barely taken care of.
Load More Replies...Wow. I adopted my kitten at Petsmart. Apparently he had been there for three months, in a small little cage and barely any food/water per day. We didn't adopt Socks because we supported PetSmart, but rather because we couldn't stand for him to stay there.
Wow, cats get adopted very quickly at my Petsmart. Didn't know any agency responsible for the cats left them there so long.
Load More Replies...How to miss an opportunity to help ensure a dog isn't going to be a problem with other dogs. Socialisation is an incredibly important part of a puppy's development. Such a cutie.
I don't know why BP keeps erasing the photo though... IMG_9029-5...47df66.jpg
Load More Replies...The other day i saw and a man and a woman sitting on a low wall outside the mall. The man had a beautiful Pit Bull who was just sitting there smiling and making friends with everyone and when I went over to him he made friends with me. I commented that it had been a while since I had seen a Pit Bull and the lady who was sitting next to the man recoiled in horror. "Is that a Pit Bull? she said They're supposed to be dangerous." I said "you've been here a while now and the dog has shown you nothing but friendliness. How can you think he's dangerous. Pit Bulls are the one of the sweetest friendliest and loyal breeds there are. Their bad rep is due to bad people teaching them to do bad things. You've got more chance being bitten by an irate Yorkshire Terrier than a Pitbull. There's no such thing as a bad dog breed just bad owners." She seemed to calm down then but it is so sad how many people still believe the unnecessary bad hype about this breed before getting to know them.
People just dont know how to do their own research and think for themselves. They'd rather believe everything they're told.
Load More Replies...Aah, how vicious and evil. I'm so scared. Everyone's totally gonna die. -_-
Unfortunately I have also been asked to leave a PetSmart just because of my American bulldog Charlie. And he's the loveliest boy ever, but to many employees and customers are afraid of my boy strictly on appearance. It's very sad
My cousin owns 3 pits and they are the sweetest dogs ever!! They let the kids run all over them, pull their tails, ears, lips and they don't do anything! Even being protective they've never attacked, just places themselves between the kids and the person. They are cuddle bugs and just want to kill you with licks! #savethepitties
I have never ever met a mean pit. They are so loving!
Load More Replies...Ugh... there's always a breed of dog people label as vicious or dangerous. I remember when I was a kid, nobody wanted Dobermans, then, it was Rottweilers, now... Pitbulls. Ugh! It's not about the breed, but the owner who doesn't take responsible and kind care of the dog. As SBW71 said: ANY breed can be aggressive.
Any breed can be unpredictable - my 14 week old baby boxer was killed socialising with 3 older dogs of a breed that does not have a bad reputation and the dogs concerned had no record of agressive behaviour towards other animals or children
How about paying attention to the FACTS? There are three breeds that are statistically more likely to bite: Chihuahuas, Jack Russles, and Min Pins. Vicious bully breeds are a fallacy, created through movies and the media. Simply not a fact.
You would think that people that work in the pet industry would know more about breeds and dog behavior. Anybody that works with dogs knows that pitties are sweet.
They hire anyone willing to work for minimum wage. Someone that works for minimum wage does not have any training beyond what is done for new hires. They do not have any breed or behavior training beyond what they *may* have picked up from past experience.
Load More Replies...I've already commented but here's bit of a PSA: yes it is true Pit Bulls often cause the majority of attacks (based on statistics I've seen) however because of the way they are sometimes bred (you know those beefcake looking pitties with huge muscles) they are more popular as attack dogs, so already they are more likely to be purchased by someone who will not treat them like an actual pet. The majority of all Pit Bull attacks occur in mistreated pitties and/or unaltered males. So while they do cause the majority of attacks they are subject to abuse more often that causes that behaviour
Turn back the years, remember the other breeds that had a bad reputation, it was because they were trained to be guard dogs !!!
Petsmart also regularly turns away disabled dogs and any animal that requires a muzzle from their grooming department.
Ok I don't usually comment on BP, but while this situation sucks and is completely reprehensible, at least it wasn't a death sentence. Here in the UK, pit bulls are banned, and if you have one even if it's perfectly trained, socialised and obedient, the authorities can seize your pet and have it destroyed.
Exactly, my partner had a pit cross staffie. When she felt threatened in her home she would bark. She got destroyed two years ago when he went to prison cause the police seized her and cause of her breed. I’ve seen photos of her and she looked so sweet. I wish I could have met her, I also wished I had known him back then cause one of the reason she got destroyed was cause he didn’t have anyone to look after her 😔
Load More Replies...You can come to my doggo party! I PROMISE I won't try to keep your amazingly cute doggo haha...ha...ha.
She is trying to do the RESPONSIBLE thing and socialize her puppy!!!
What I see a problem with here is attitude. You cant blame PetSmart for a few arrogant employees. They tried to apologize, and she blew them off.
Racism also happen in pet. Some people just only want special breed. Just because it is look cute, cool, or expensive. And hate another breed because they are ugly, vicious, and just regular breed...
Oh Ashley, I wished you and Blu lived closer to me. I would throw that sweet puppy the biggest party and he could wear his party outfit! Love to you and Blu!
wow...talk about preconceived notions. when I found my rescue pitbull, the mentioned to keep him away from other dogs and no children. can you imagine! my poor Saske! i couldnt believe how they already had been sentenced to never be able to play with other dogs or kids by the humane society. today, he is the big brother of 4 other dogs and my 2 boys. he was so great, I let him stay with my dad who was losing his sight and he was his service dog, till he passed.he helped him cross streets, took him out to the park, and back home.
I called their Corp office and yes Pit Bulls are Banned from groups and stores if the Manager doesn't allow them! IMG_0394-5...7d9d0c.jpg
Its a pitbull you idiots. There has already been multiple attacks by these dogs at various petsmarts.
Debra Tankerson you Moron! You know nothing about Pit Bulls! STFU!!
Load More Replies...All animals matter,each and every one of them is unique in their own special way,all these dogs are precious.
any breed can be aggressive when not socialized properly and you are trying to do the right thing by your dog, regardless of breed to see that he is a healthy happy well socialized little fellow. Kudos to you. Sadly certain dogs suffer stigmas. My dog is a large sheepdog and was attacked by 2 maltese cross, and she was trying to climb my body to get away from them, never engaging them.The owners let them run off leash and when I asked her to call them she said "they don't come when called" Sadly she is only 1 neighbour on our street of 3 that has small maltese type dogs that run free. People tend to think because they are small they are harmless. I have found that personally not the case
This is just sad. Get that EVERY breed of dog has a good and bad dogs, if their owner did their job at training and socialize their dogs properly they will be the best companion ever, but why attacking Pit Bulls only? I've seen cases of Maltese biting other people and never got this kind of publicity.
Pitties are vicious only if they're taught to be that way. Heck, any breed can be vicious if forced to grow up as vicious. I've known pitties, rottweilers, and staffies who were all sweet and gentle dogs. We lived nextdoor to two staffies who were scared of our skinny little cat!
I don't own a pitbull, but I saw one named Shamrock Shake at a shelter once. I heard the other day that she was adopted.
Right because an alligator is EXACTLY the same as a dog. EXACTLY. Good call!
Load More Replies...If I was at Petsmart, I wouldn't allow him at the party. Not because he's a pit, but because he's 9 weeks old. Until a pup has all of his parvo shots (about 14 weeks old or so), it shouldn't be around areas where lots of dogs go. Parvo is no joke. Even with ER care, it's basically a coin flip if the pup will make it.
Pits are the most lovable dogs! Any breed can be aggressive, blame the owner not the breed.
So when a Greyhound runs really fast I should blame the owner not the breed? Let me tell you a story about the Petsmart not far from me They held dog adoptions on weekends to help find homes for sweet dogs. One weekend there was a pitbull there not unlike the ones in all those stupid pics in the article. She slipped out of her collar while when an employee took her out to potty.
Load More Replies...That's not true. There are good dogs and bad dogs in every breed. I have a dog that bites and he is a dachshund
Load More Replies...So VERY wrong! An unsocialised Pit Bull or Staffie will be aggressive towards other dogs if they feel that dog is threatening them or their owner, which is why socialising is of the utmost importance. You'd be hard up to find a friendlier or more loyal dog. jasper-gli...d9b1ef.jpg
Yes, socializing your dog is extremely important but something you should realize now is ANY dog CAN be aggressive not just "Pit Bulls" or Staffies...ANY dog! This kind of thinking is part of the problem.
Load More Replies...Sure, any dog can be aggressive...but pits have strong jaws and can lock down hard, making it hard to get them off. I knew a pit that was "oh so friendly and never bit or even barked at anyone ever..." I had known it for months and it always sat next to me on the couch when I visited and loved getting head scratches. One day out of nowhere it jumped up and latched on my face. I wasn't even moving or looking at her...it was completely random. It was hard getting her off me. So...I understand why the breed wasnt allowed because...yes...all dogs can be aggressive, but pits are really strong. All this being said, it is ridiculous that the puppy was turned away...shes so small
Just an FYI, pits aren't even in the top five dog breeds with the strongest bite and "locking jaws" is a long disproved myth. I am definitely not negating your personal experience, I just don't like seeing false info spread around about an already hated breed...I'm going to try to post some links, if anyone was curious. https://americanpitbullfoundation.com/pit-bull-myths-debunked/ https://animalfarmfoundation.blog/2017/02/24/no-pit-bull-dogs-dont-lock-their-jaws-and-other-myth-busting-facts/ http://petcomments.com/ten-dogs-which-have-the-strongest-bite/ https://topdogtips.com/dogs-strongest-bite-force/
Load More Replies...The most important thing for a dog is socialisation! So, they denied Blu entrance to a puppy party... Then they wonder why some pit bulls turn out being bad with other dogs... Hmmm I really wonder the same...(*smirks sarcastically at their stupidity).
Not socializing a puppy is only a very small part. The BIGGEST problem that scientists have found is that 80% of the dogs that have attacked were kept as resident dog and not as family dogs. Meaning they were abused, mistreated, and neglected. They were put outside on a chain with little to no shelter and barely taken care of.
Load More Replies...Wow. I adopted my kitten at Petsmart. Apparently he had been there for three months, in a small little cage and barely any food/water per day. We didn't adopt Socks because we supported PetSmart, but rather because we couldn't stand for him to stay there.
Wow, cats get adopted very quickly at my Petsmart. Didn't know any agency responsible for the cats left them there so long.
Load More Replies...How to miss an opportunity to help ensure a dog isn't going to be a problem with other dogs. Socialisation is an incredibly important part of a puppy's development. Such a cutie.
I don't know why BP keeps erasing the photo though... IMG_9029-5...47df66.jpg
Load More Replies...The other day i saw and a man and a woman sitting on a low wall outside the mall. The man had a beautiful Pit Bull who was just sitting there smiling and making friends with everyone and when I went over to him he made friends with me. I commented that it had been a while since I had seen a Pit Bull and the lady who was sitting next to the man recoiled in horror. "Is that a Pit Bull? she said They're supposed to be dangerous." I said "you've been here a while now and the dog has shown you nothing but friendliness. How can you think he's dangerous. Pit Bulls are the one of the sweetest friendliest and loyal breeds there are. Their bad rep is due to bad people teaching them to do bad things. You've got more chance being bitten by an irate Yorkshire Terrier than a Pitbull. There's no such thing as a bad dog breed just bad owners." She seemed to calm down then but it is so sad how many people still believe the unnecessary bad hype about this breed before getting to know them.
People just dont know how to do their own research and think for themselves. They'd rather believe everything they're told.
Load More Replies...Aah, how vicious and evil. I'm so scared. Everyone's totally gonna die. -_-
Unfortunately I have also been asked to leave a PetSmart just because of my American bulldog Charlie. And he's the loveliest boy ever, but to many employees and customers are afraid of my boy strictly on appearance. It's very sad
My cousin owns 3 pits and they are the sweetest dogs ever!! They let the kids run all over them, pull their tails, ears, lips and they don't do anything! Even being protective they've never attacked, just places themselves between the kids and the person. They are cuddle bugs and just want to kill you with licks! #savethepitties
I have never ever met a mean pit. They are so loving!
Load More Replies...Ugh... there's always a breed of dog people label as vicious or dangerous. I remember when I was a kid, nobody wanted Dobermans, then, it was Rottweilers, now... Pitbulls. Ugh! It's not about the breed, but the owner who doesn't take responsible and kind care of the dog. As SBW71 said: ANY breed can be aggressive.
Any breed can be unpredictable - my 14 week old baby boxer was killed socialising with 3 older dogs of a breed that does not have a bad reputation and the dogs concerned had no record of agressive behaviour towards other animals or children
How about paying attention to the FACTS? There are three breeds that are statistically more likely to bite: Chihuahuas, Jack Russles, and Min Pins. Vicious bully breeds are a fallacy, created through movies and the media. Simply not a fact.
You would think that people that work in the pet industry would know more about breeds and dog behavior. Anybody that works with dogs knows that pitties are sweet.
They hire anyone willing to work for minimum wage. Someone that works for minimum wage does not have any training beyond what is done for new hires. They do not have any breed or behavior training beyond what they *may* have picked up from past experience.
Load More Replies...I've already commented but here's bit of a PSA: yes it is true Pit Bulls often cause the majority of attacks (based on statistics I've seen) however because of the way they are sometimes bred (you know those beefcake looking pitties with huge muscles) they are more popular as attack dogs, so already they are more likely to be purchased by someone who will not treat them like an actual pet. The majority of all Pit Bull attacks occur in mistreated pitties and/or unaltered males. So while they do cause the majority of attacks they are subject to abuse more often that causes that behaviour
Turn back the years, remember the other breeds that had a bad reputation, it was because they were trained to be guard dogs !!!
Petsmart also regularly turns away disabled dogs and any animal that requires a muzzle from their grooming department.
Ok I don't usually comment on BP, but while this situation sucks and is completely reprehensible, at least it wasn't a death sentence. Here in the UK, pit bulls are banned, and if you have one even if it's perfectly trained, socialised and obedient, the authorities can seize your pet and have it destroyed.
Exactly, my partner had a pit cross staffie. When she felt threatened in her home she would bark. She got destroyed two years ago when he went to prison cause the police seized her and cause of her breed. I’ve seen photos of her and she looked so sweet. I wish I could have met her, I also wished I had known him back then cause one of the reason she got destroyed was cause he didn’t have anyone to look after her 😔
Load More Replies...You can come to my doggo party! I PROMISE I won't try to keep your amazingly cute doggo haha...ha...ha.
She is trying to do the RESPONSIBLE thing and socialize her puppy!!!
What I see a problem with here is attitude. You cant blame PetSmart for a few arrogant employees. They tried to apologize, and she blew them off.
Racism also happen in pet. Some people just only want special breed. Just because it is look cute, cool, or expensive. And hate another breed because they are ugly, vicious, and just regular breed...
Oh Ashley, I wished you and Blu lived closer to me. I would throw that sweet puppy the biggest party and he could wear his party outfit! Love to you and Blu!
wow...talk about preconceived notions. when I found my rescue pitbull, the mentioned to keep him away from other dogs and no children. can you imagine! my poor Saske! i couldnt believe how they already had been sentenced to never be able to play with other dogs or kids by the humane society. today, he is the big brother of 4 other dogs and my 2 boys. he was so great, I let him stay with my dad who was losing his sight and he was his service dog, till he passed.he helped him cross streets, took him out to the park, and back home.
I called their Corp office and yes Pit Bulls are Banned from groups and stores if the Manager doesn't allow them! IMG_0394-5...7d9d0c.jpg
Its a pitbull you idiots. There has already been multiple attacks by these dogs at various petsmarts.
Debra Tankerson you Moron! You know nothing about Pit Bulls! STFU!!
Load More Replies...All animals matter,each and every one of them is unique in their own special way,all these dogs are precious.
any breed can be aggressive when not socialized properly and you are trying to do the right thing by your dog, regardless of breed to see that he is a healthy happy well socialized little fellow. Kudos to you. Sadly certain dogs suffer stigmas. My dog is a large sheepdog and was attacked by 2 maltese cross, and she was trying to climb my body to get away from them, never engaging them.The owners let them run off leash and when I asked her to call them she said "they don't come when called" Sadly she is only 1 neighbour on our street of 3 that has small maltese type dogs that run free. People tend to think because they are small they are harmless. I have found that personally not the case
This is just sad. Get that EVERY breed of dog has a good and bad dogs, if their owner did their job at training and socialize their dogs properly they will be the best companion ever, but why attacking Pit Bulls only? I've seen cases of Maltese biting other people and never got this kind of publicity.
Pitties are vicious only if they're taught to be that way. Heck, any breed can be vicious if forced to grow up as vicious. I've known pitties, rottweilers, and staffies who were all sweet and gentle dogs. We lived nextdoor to two staffies who were scared of our skinny little cat!
I don't own a pitbull, but I saw one named Shamrock Shake at a shelter once. I heard the other day that she was adopted.
Right because an alligator is EXACTLY the same as a dog. EXACTLY. Good call!
Load More Replies...
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