10 Basic Points to Understand About Pit Bulls Pit Bulls are loyal, loving creatures that are often viewed based on their tough exteriors. Welcoming one into your love is a blessing, but also an important responsibility. Here are some tent poles of information and perspective on responsibly owning and loving a Pit Bull. 1. Understand the Breed. The term Pit Bull does not encompass one particular breed of dog. It more accurately refers to a group of breeds possessing similar features and traits. Most commonly, the term is used in reference to Staffordshire Terriers and Bull Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers. Pit Bull breeds were created by people and nurtured to be especially loving, friendly and energetic. 2. Understand the Stigma. Society frequently depicts Pit Bulls as aggressive, vicious killers. Because of this, Pit Bulls and their owners have an unfair stigma to battle with. When strangers avoid your dog or make assumptions about you based on your dog, it’s important for you to be a calm, positive spokesperson for the breed. Be open with people and help them see your dog as a unique animal with a distinct personality, not an example of a negative stereotype. 3. Understand the Responsibility. As a positive example of a Pit Bull Owner, you’ve got to make sure your dog is well cared for and well trained. Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered. Pit Bulls are among the most common breeds seen in shelters, and taking care of spaying or neutering will ensure that your dog isn’t contributing to an increase of the sheltered population. 4. Understand Good Training. Pit Bulls need help to be trained, just like any other dog. Choose an active training that uses a lot of positive reinforcement. 5. Understand Your Dog’s Social Needs. Pit Bulls are friendly and generously love their human counterparts, but they still need social guidance when they’re first encountering new humans. Teach your dog good canine manners and allow him to become the classy socialite he longs to be. 6. Understand Your Dog’s Place Amongst Other Dogs. Pit Bulls fall somewhere in the middle of the dog-aggressiveness scale. They can be pushed to aggression if they feel a need to defend themselves. Unfortunately, they will almost always be the dogs to blame if a scuffle occurs, regardless of the truth. Know this and keep your dog safe. Don’t bring him to leash-free dog parks. Set up play dates with dogs he’ll trust. Help him socialize safely. 7. Understand the Laws. As unfair as it may be, many states, cities, and buildings and restrictions and codes about Pit Bull Ownership. Before you devote yourself to this dog, be sure you know if Pit Bulls are outlawed in your location. There could even be a section on it in your insurance policy. 8. Understand Playtime. Pit Bulls are playful and very active, especially outdoors! Get ready to spend about a half hour twice a day playing and exercising at an aerobic level with your dog. 9. Understand the Personality. Know what traits you’re looking for in your dog. Think about adopting a grown-up Pit Bull that has already developed his personality. Some pups get aggressive as they age. If your dog has aggressive tendencies or gets scared easily, you’ll know before adoption and won’t be surprised. 10. Understand the Impact You Can Have. Choose to adopt a rescue. Your dog will have had a health screening, vaccines, and been spayed or neutered. The shelter will likely have a personality profile on hand to teach you about your dog before you take him home. You’d be making a difference in the life of an amazing dog and reducing the amount of homeless Pit Bulls everywhere. Share your love! Published 11/05/2014 by PetClue
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 05:26:11 +0000
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