There’ s a lot to know and a lot to do when it comes to being a responsible owner of an American Pit Bull Terrier. This historic breed faces BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) in the United States and abroad and could eventually be illegal to own in your town too. Remembering that your actions and your dog’s actions are important in this time of need will help us all. One more dog attack, one more loose Pit Bull, one more person scared of this breed could be the final nail in the coffin and we would all lose our wonderful companions forever.
Being an educated and aware owner coupled with being responsible makes it easier for all of us to enjoy our dogs safely. Showing the general public that not all Pit Bull owners own them to be an “accessory” or to help us look cool. That not all of us are irresponsible and bad dog owners, but that many of us could even be more responsible then they are.
Please remember these few key points when owning your American Pit Bull Terrier. Be responsible, be educated and be thick skinned…. Most of all enjoy your years with your dog!!!
NO dog parks!
While many people frequent dog parks as they become more and more popular, this breed is not one that should attend. Dog Parks are a accident waiting to happen and while people say “Well my dog is a good dog and nothing bad will happen…” the fact is, it can and often does.
Unvaccinated dogs, untrained and ill-behaved dogs, and uneducated owners…. All of these things are encountered at your local dog park. There is no proof of vaccinations required to attend and we would all hate to see your dog or someone else’s come down with Parvo or Distemper. Unaltered dogs are also allowed and with that there can be issues with territory, even guarding a potential “mate” and a fight can arise because of this.
Some owners use a dog park as a form of exercise instead of interacting with their pet and taking it for a walk. Many of these dogs are not trained and when off-leash in a park can be unpredictable and not respond when it’s owner gives a command. This can be a problem when say another dog is pestering your dog, the owner can call and call but the dog does not respond. This situation can lead to a fight, which almost always will be YOUR dog’s fault because of his or her breed.
Other people use a dog park as a way to let their dog socialize and be with other dogs. We encourage socialization of dogs from a young age, but realize that once maturity set’s in our dogs do what they were bred to do. Knowing that every Pit Bull has the ability hard-wired to fight other dogs makes you an aware and educated owner. Expecting the worse because it is very possible with your dog is a tough reality to grasp at times, we know. Some think that if their Pit Bull displays these fighting tendencies with other dogs that it makes them a bad owner and that they did something wrong in raising their dog. Knowing and accepting the potential that your dog could be like most adult Pit Bulls and have dog aggression issues and avoiding a dog park is part of being a responsible owner.
Organized play dates in a controlled back yard with more than one adult supervising is always recommended for this breed. Having the more than one adult on hand is crucial, especially for dogs just getting to know each other. The chance of tempers flaring and a fight happening is not unheard of so it’s much better to expect it than to not.
Use a Leash!
Remember that even if you are at a park that is not a dog park, at the beach, or even an unfenced yard…. KEEP YOUR PIT BULL ON A LEASH! Leashes are law and while you can suffer a penalty if your dog is found off-leash, leashes are just a smart thing use. If your dog is on a leash then you are in control with whatever comes your way….. a stray dog, a small child, even a cat. Using a leash is a big part of being a responsible owner.
Leashes come in all shapes, functions and sizes. If you have a dog that pulls and so you feel you cannot walk it try a Sporn No-Pull Harness (http://www.sporn.com/prod
uct_info.php?products_id=2
8
) or even a Gentle Leader (http://www.premier.com/pages.cfm?ID=29 ). If you are somewhere like a beach or a park where you think it is unfair not to let your dog run freely you can try a longer leash… just make sure it is not a flexi or retractable leash as those often break. We recommend something stronger like this: http://www.sitstay.com/cgi-bin
/sdisp.cgi/EQM49.lg.jpg
The
public’s perception of a Pit Bull is a mean and vicious one that runs as a stray and attacks someone. Whether your dog is friendly or not, if it runs up to a stranger and not on a leash, you are very likely to scare the person very badly… even if your dog had the best intentions. Having your dog in control, on a leash, and then nicely approaching a stranger for affection is a much better situation than the former. Remember again, with BSL and the public’s fear, it is your responsibility to represent the breed you own and show it in a positive manner.
Always Spay or Neuter!
Spaying and neutering is important with any animal, but with this breed even more so. They have become so overpopulated and with less and less Landlord’s accepting them as pets, some homeowner insurance companies not allowing them, towns and states banning them, it has become harder and harder to own one. It has been estimated that about 600 American Pit Bull Terrier’s and mixes die in US shelters EVERYDAY! Even if your Pit Bull is a “rare” color, there are many more like it, even with papers… sitting in a shelter waiting to die.
Altering your pet can curb aggression and destructive behaviors. Think about your 16 year old son when he sees a girl his age walk by. Instinct makes us all animal and your dog can have the same issues. Altering the sexual drive of your pet makes them less likely to roam seeking a mate, cuts out the hormonal ups and downs, can help stop territorial “marking” and helps create a calmer and more sedate companion.
Altering can also help with health issues. The percentages of unaltered animals having testicular, prostrate, uterine and mammary cancers are lower. Because the sexual organs are removed and the hormones stopped, your dog is less likely to be diagnosed with cancers that commonly affect their reproductive organs.
Please contact us for low-cost spay and neuter resources if money is an issue.
Feeding your American Pit Bull Terrier is a lot more involved than running down to the grocery store and picking up a bag of Kibbles and Bits or Atta Boy. Your new family member requires a more balanced and healthy diet to live a long and happy life.
Pit Bulls are known for their skin issues. Many of them are allergic to most of the staple ingredients in your grocery store dog food. Wheat, Corn and Soy are the most common ingredients as well as the most common allergens. Cutting these things out of your dogs diet will help your dog keep a glossy coat instead of one that is bristly and dry. Pit Bulls are also prone to lowered immune systems usually due to food allergies and these lowered immune systems can trigger Demodectic Mange. Demodectic Mange is treatable but the first thing to do to cure it or just plain avoid it would be feeding the proper food.
Pick a food that uses no Corn, Wheat or Soy. There are plenty of them out there and it may be a little more inconvenient than running to the corner store, but it’s well worth it and your dog will thank you. Check out http://www.dogfoodproject.com
/index.php?page=betterproduct
s
for more information on how to know what makes up a great food.
Below is a list of recommended foods and their websites where you can find places to buy them. There are plenty of great foods out there…..
Canidae Solid Gold
www.canidae.com www.solidgoldhealth.com
Canine Caviar Timberwolf
www.caninecaviar.com www.timberwolforganics.com
Merrick www.merrickpetcare.com Natures Variety www.naturesvariety.com
Pinnacle
www.
breeders-choice.com/pinnacle.htm
Natura
makes both California Natural and Innova, both good choices!
http://www.naturapet.com/br
ands/california-natural.asp
http://w
ww.naturapet.com/brands/innova.asp
A
RAW diet can also be beneficial to this breed. Read more about it here: http://rawfed.com/
Supplements are also useful and can be added to any dog food. We recommend using: http://www.mirabeau.org/supplements.htm
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