Tips for Dog Owners
1. Obedience train your dog so he/she's a star in all situations.
2. Neuter/Spay your dog to curb territorial aggression, to prevent more (and more and more) unwanted puppies, and prevent your dog from roaming. All dogs are MUCH nicer to be around when they've been fixed!
3. Encourage your dog to be a Social Butterfly. Socialize him/her with as many different people as possible such as kids, seniors, disabled folks, and people of all ethnic groups.
4. Socialize your dog with other dogs at a level that is GOOD for your dog.
5. Become a dedicated student of 'dog body language' and get to know your dog like the back of your hand in order to be able to anticipate and prevent potential dog-dog conflicts. Learn about behaviors that indicate a dog is raising the stakes during a play session and be ready to intervene and watch for other triggers that could excite your dog into conflict. Pay careful attention to the behavioral changes that develop as your dog moves through the changes in it's life, particularly any anticipated 'shift' from a social dog to a dog that has less tolerance. This is common and normal in the terrier breeds, so keep your eye out.
11. When out with your dog, pay attention to your surroundings and balance the needs of the public with your dog's needs. This means picking up dog mess, not letting your dog jump on or annoy others, and avoid off-leash dogs that may run up and instigate a fight.
12. If worse comes to worse and you have to break up a dogfight, stay calm, take a deep breath and be prepared to do it quickly and safely. Pit Bull owners should know exactly how to do this with as little fuss as possible. You may want to carry a parting stick with you in areas where you might encounter loose running dogs that may harass or attack your leashed dog.
13. Research your dog's breed, including the history and original purpose of terriers so you can understand Pit Bull behavior. It's no secret that Pit Bulls can show dog intolerance when challenged. Becoming familiar with canine behavior will prove to be a big help so that you can enjoy a great success with your pet. Spread the word to other Pit Bull owners and be a responsible example for others.
14. License and microchip your Pit Bull so that if she/he gets lost, your beloved friend can be returned to you.
15. Despite all the work, enjoy your dog! Whether your buddy loves a long hike, a fast swim or just a rip snoring power nap, you and your special friend deserve to keep soaking' up all the good bully love!
1. Obedience train your dog so he/she's a star in all situations.
2. Neuter/Spay your dog to curb territorial aggression, to prevent more (and more and more) unwanted puppies, and prevent your dog from roaming. All dogs are MUCH nicer to be around when they've been fixed!
3. Encourage your dog to be a Social Butterfly. Socialize him/her with as many different people as possible such as kids, seniors, disabled folks, and people of all ethnic groups.
4. Socialize your dog with other dogs at a level that is GOOD for your dog.
5. Become a dedicated student of 'dog body language' and get to know your dog like the back of your hand in order to be able to anticipate and prevent potential dog-dog conflicts. Learn about behaviors that indicate a dog is raising the stakes during a play session and be ready to intervene and watch for other triggers that could excite your dog into conflict. Pay careful attention to the behavioral changes that develop as your dog moves through the changes in it's life, particularly any anticipated 'shift' from a social dog to a dog that has less tolerance. This is common and normal in the terrier breeds, so keep your eye out.
6. Respect the leash laws! Leash laws are a dog owner's best friend. They help you navigate situations where another dog may provoke your dog into a fight. Know your rights as a dog owner.
7. Understand that any sign of aggression towards a human is a major red flag and should be dealt with immediately with the help of a BREED EXPERIENCED trainer or behaviorist. Dogs that show an inability to improve should be safeguarded from the public (in secure housings for example) or in some cases, humanely euthanized. Pit Bulls were bred to be exceedingly friendly with people.
8. Exercise your dogs regularly so she/he can burn off that famous bulldog energy. Pit bulls are intelligent athletes. Young dogs need at least two hours of your time each day. A well exercised Pit Bull is a happy Pit Bull as well as it's owner!
9. Understand that many people have had negative experiences with dogs and are sincerely afraid of them. Give them reassurance when you can, rather than allow them to be unnecessarily frightened. Pit Bull owners have to go above and beyond the call of duty sometimes to help some people get over their fear and prejudice. What Pit Bull lovers see as ADORABLE - others may see as scary.
10. Try to develop a thick skin to help you endure rude or hurtful comments about your pet.
7. Understand that any sign of aggression towards a human is a major red flag and should be dealt with immediately with the help of a BREED EXPERIENCED trainer or behaviorist. Dogs that show an inability to improve should be safeguarded from the public (in secure housings for example) or in some cases, humanely euthanized. Pit Bulls were bred to be exceedingly friendly with people.
8. Exercise your dogs regularly so she/he can burn off that famous bulldog energy. Pit bulls are intelligent athletes. Young dogs need at least two hours of your time each day. A well exercised Pit Bull is a happy Pit Bull as well as it's owner!
9. Understand that many people have had negative experiences with dogs and are sincerely afraid of them. Give them reassurance when you can, rather than allow them to be unnecessarily frightened. Pit Bull owners have to go above and beyond the call of duty sometimes to help some people get over their fear and prejudice. What Pit Bull lovers see as ADORABLE - others may see as scary.
10. Try to develop a thick skin to help you endure rude or hurtful comments about your pet.
11. When out with your dog, pay attention to your surroundings and balance the needs of the public with your dog's needs. This means picking up dog mess, not letting your dog jump on or annoy others, and avoid off-leash dogs that may run up and instigate a fight.12. If worse comes to worse and you have to break up a dogfight, stay calm, take a deep breath and be prepared to do it quickly and safely. Pit Bull owners should know exactly how to do this with as little fuss as possible. You may want to carry a parting stick with you in areas where you might encounter loose running dogs that may harass or attack your leashed dog.
13. Research your dog's breed, including the history and original purpose of terriers so you can understand Pit Bull behavior. It's no secret that Pit Bulls can show dog intolerance when challenged. Becoming familiar with canine behavior will prove to be a big help so that you can enjoy a great success with your pet. Spread the word to other Pit Bull owners and be a responsible example for others.
14. License and microchip your Pit Bull so that if she/he gets lost, your beloved friend can be returned to you.
15. Despite all the work, enjoy your dog! Whether your buddy loves a long hike, a fast swim or just a rip snoring power nap, you and your special friend deserve to keep soaking' up all the good bully love!
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