Tips & Warnings for Train a Guard dog

If you want to further develop your own understanding of training a dog's protection drives, seek out a responsible group such as a local schutzhund club that emphasizes creating a well-rounded working dog. These dogs are tested for sound temperament and must learn to perform at a high level in tracking and obedience as well as protection work. Find a reputable club that is a member of a national or international schutzhund organization. Before joining, spend some time learning about their organization, talking to members, and watching training sessions to determine whether you have the commitment needed to seriously engage in this demanding dog sport.

The most important aspect of guard dog training is control, which asserts your role as leader and normally comes from time you spend with your dog in enjoyable activities, including obedience training. A dog who is out of control and tries to be dominant can cause serious injuries and is far more of a liability than an asset. Never try to train your dog to bite or attack people. Doing so may be illegal in some states, and you place yourself at risk because you will be liable for injuries that result from an attack.

6 Simple Steps To Train A German Shepherd as A Guard Dog

German Shepherds will usually take to being a guard dog naturally. It's important to train them to be obedient. Learn how here.

Many dogs are natural watch dogs; their bark is sufficient to alert their owner to something unusual, and the alarm they set up is a deterrent. In addition, dogs who will fight if their owner is genuinely attacked do not have to be made aggressive to do so. Training a dog specifically to be a guard dog is hazardous and potentially creates a liability for you. Misguided attempts to make a dog aggressive through abuse will only backfire because the dog will not be loyal to someone who treats them harshly, and if the dog wrongly bites someone you will be at fault. Never train dogs who are basically fearful or out of control. Such dogs may not respond appropriately in non-threatening situations.

A German shepherd dog should not be selected to receive training as a guard dog unless the dog is basically friendly, stable and clear-headed, and has been well-socialized.

STEP 1

            Socialize your German Shepherd dog puppy from the start. Dogs should acquire a clear understanding of what is normal and what is not, so that they are not fearful and they know when there is a genuine threat. To socialize puppies, take them places with you, and allow them to meet and interact with as many other people and animals as possible, always taking care to keep your puppy safe from negative experiences. Dogs of any breed are prone to be shy and fearful in strange or new environments if they haven't been well socialized, and this can create a dog who bites from fear or who runs when confronted with anything unusual.

STEP 2

            Enroll your German shepherd dog puppy in an obedience class as soon as possible, and train your dog thoroughly in basic obedience. It is essential that your German shepherd dog is obedient at all times, but if you want to undertake guard dog training, the need for control becomes imperative. Even though the purpose behind the training is serious, dogs should enjoy obedience work and look on it as fun. Positive reinforcement, the practice of rewarding dogs when they perform correctly rather than punishing them for mistakes, serves multiple purposes by teaching dogs obedience, bonding them with their owners and letting them have fun. It also fulfills their need to work.

STEP 3

            Teach your German shepherd dog to cease barking on command. If dogs don’t learn this, they may bark incessantly at anybody and anything out of the ordinary, becoming a nuisance. Begin by teaching your dog to "Speak" on command, and give a treat and much praise for barking. Next, use a command such as “Quiet” or "Enough." Give immediate praise and a small treat when the dog is quiet. This training eventually gives you control over the dog's bark. Have your dog sit while barking. German shepherd dogs are intelligent and will normally learn quickly.

STEP 4

           Encourage your dog’s bark announcing strangers who come to your house. You can develop this trait by making a show of going to see why the dog is barking, offering praise, then giving the "Quiet" or "Enough" command. React positively when your German shepherd dog alerts you to unfamiliar people or objects at home, but do not allow this behavior to develop away from home. Your dog should be unconcerned about neutral or friendly strangers you meet when you are out walking.

STEP 5

            Build your dog’s alertness at home by having people the dog doesn’t know act as though they are trying to get into your home or yard. When your German shepherd dog barks, the intruder should look at the dog and then flee while you hold and praise your dog. Do not allow your pet to chase the fleeing stranger. Praise your dog highly for letting you know someone was in your territory, and stop the barking as soon as the person flees. This strengthens the dog's confidence.

STEP 6

          Walk your German shepherd dog on a leash around the perimeter of your property regularly to identify your territorial boundaries. Do not allow your dog to bark at people who are outside your property. Do not allow your dog to chase people under any circumstances

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History of Italian Mastiff Cane Corso : A Game Breed

The Cane Corso is a descendant of the canis pugnax, dogs used by the Romans in warfare. Its name derives from cane da corso, an old term for those catch dogs used in rural activities (for cattle and swine; boar hunting, and bear fighting) as distinct from cane da camera which indicates the catch dog kept as a bodyguard. In the recent past, its distribution was limited to some regions of Southern Italy, especially in Basilicata, Campania, and Apulia

The Cane Corso is a catch dog used with cattle and swine, and also in wild boar hunts. Cane Corso were also used to guard property, livestock, and families, and some continue to be used for this purpose today. Historically it has also been used by night watchmen, keepers, and, in the past, by carters and drovers. In the more distant past this breed was common all over Italy, as an ample iconography and historiography testify.
As life changed in the southern Italian rural farms in the 20th century, the Corso began to become rare. A group of enthusiasts began recovery activities designed to bring the dog back from near extinction in the late 1970s. By 1994, the breed was fully accepted by the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) as the 14th Italian breed of dog. The FCI provisionally accepted the Corso in 1997, and ten years later was fully recognised internationally. In the US, the American Kennel Club first recognized the Cane Corso in 2010. The popularity of the breed continues to grow, ranking in 50th place in the United States in 2013, a jump from 60th place in 2012.

Cane Corso : The Italian Mastiff : A Game Breed

The Cane Corso ,also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a large Italian breed of dog, for years valued highly in Italy as a companion, Guard dog and hunter.

Appearance

The Cane Corso is a large Italian Molosser, which is closely related to the Neapolitan Mastiff. In name and form the Cane Corso predates its cousin the Neapolitan Mastiff. It is well muscled[1] and less bulky than most other Mastiff breeds. The breed is known as a true and quite possibly the last of the coursing Mastiffs. The official Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standard expects ideal dogs to stand 58–70 cm (23–28 in) at the withers, with females in the lower range (58–66 cm (23–26 in)) and males in the higher (62–70 cm (24–28 in)). Weight should be in keeping with the size and stature of these dogs, ranging from 45 to 50 kg (99 to 110 lb) for males and from 40 to 45.4 kg (88 to 100 lb) for females. The overall impression should be of power, balanced with athleticism. A Corso should be moderately tight skinned; however, some dewlap on the neck is normal, and the bottom of the jawline should be defined by the hanging lip.

The head of the Cane Corso is arguably its most important feature. It is large and imposing. The forehead should be flat and convergent to the muzzle. The muzzle is flat, rectangular (when viewed from above), and generally as wide as it is long; approximately 33% the total length of the skull (a ratio of 2:1). The eyes are almond in shape, set straight and when viewed from the front, set slightly above the line of the muzzle. Darker eyes are preferred, however, the color of the eyes tends to emulate the shade of brindling in the coat. Traditionally the ears are cropped short in equilateral triangles that stand erect, however, as cropping is no longer legal in many jurisdictions, Cane Corso with ears are becoming more common, and should hang smoothly against the head, coming to at or slightly below the level of the eyes

Black Cane Corso puppy

The tail of the Corso is traditionally docked fairly long, at the 4th vertebra. Again, with trends in cosmetic surgeries for dogs changing, many Corsos now have full tails, which should be carried erect, but never curled over the back.
Cane Corso appear in two basic coat colours: black and fawn. This is further modified by genetic pigment dilution to create "blue" (grey, from black) and frumentino or formentino (from fawn, where the mask is blue/grey) colours. Brindling of varying intensity is common on both basic coat colours as well, creating tigrato (black brindle), and Grigio Tigrato (blue brindle). White markings are common on the chest, tips of toes, the chin, and the bridge of the nose. Large white patches are not desirable.
The average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

Temperament

The Cane Corso is not recommended for novice dog owners. As a puppy, it requires strong leadership and consistent training and it is highly encouraged to begin socialization as soon as possible. Ideally the Cane Corso should be indifferent when approached and should only react in a protective manner when a real threat is present. They will very rarely fight unless provoked and are typically very docile and sweet.

History

The Cane Corso is a descendant of the canis pugnax, dogs used by the Romans in warfare. Its name derives from cane da corso, an old term for those catch dogs used in rural activities (for cattle and swine; boar hunting, and bear fighting) as distinct from cane da camera which indicates the catch dog kept as a bodyguard. In the recent past, its distribution was limited to some regions of Southern Italy, especially in Basilicata, Campania, and Apulia.

Formentino Cane Corso puppy

The Cane Corso is a catch dog used with cattle and swine, and also in wild boar hunts. Cane Corso were also used to guard property, livestock, and families, and some continue to be used for this purpose today. Historically it has also been used by night watchmen, keepers, and, in the past, by carters and drovers. In the more distant past this breed was common all over Italy, as an ample iconography and historiography testify.
As life changed in the southern Italian rural farms in the 20th century, the Corso began to become rare. A group of enthusiasts began recovery activities designed to bring the dog back from near extinction in the late 1970s. By 1994, the breed was fully accepted by the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) as the 14th Italian breed of dog. The FCI provisionally accepted the Corso in 1997, and ten years later was fully recognised internationally. In the US, the American Kennel Club first recognized the Cane Corso in 2010. The popularity of the breed continues to grow, ranking in 50th place in the United States in 2013, a jump from 60th place in 2012.

Dog Sports

These days, the choices in dog sports and recreation are nearly endless. Dog sports are great options to keep active dogs both physically and mentally healthy. All dogs need some degree of exercise, but most will thrive with extra stimulation. Very active dogs are ideal candidates for high-performance sports like agility and flyball, though almost any healthy dog can enjoy participation.

Be sure your dog has a thorough veterinary evaluation prior to starting any dog sport. Once your vet gives clearance, consider these top dog sports that can challenge your dog's mind and body while reinforcing the canine-human bond.

10 Easy to Remember Tips for Responsible Pit Bull dog Owners APBT

1. Exercise your dog everyday. Pit Bulls are high energy dogs that need some way of burning off that pent up energy. Even a short 10-15 minute walk or game of fetch in the backyard will help burn off energy that can lead to behavior problems.

2. Never leave pit bulls alone with other dogs (or any animal). Even if you're dog gets along great 99.9% of the time with other animals the Pit Bull is known for animal aggression and it is possible something will happen. A good piece of advice I received a long time ago was, Never trust your Pit Bull not to fight.

3. Always have your dog on a leash in public. Most if not all towns, cities and states have leash laws. Obey these laws. This will help people see your dog in a positive light and keep accidents like getting hit by passing cars from occuring.

4. Always supervise your dogs and never allow them to roam free. Loose dogs are often hurt by cruel people and accidents can happen as well. Always know where your dog is.

5. Supervise your dog with small children. This is a must. Small children are often hurt by dogs not out of angry, but because dogs can scratch them, step on them, and otherwise injure them.

6. Spay or Neuter your dog. Unless you plan on doing something where the dog can not be spayed or neutered get it done. This will reduce accidental breedings and stop roaming males from getting loose.

7. Train your dog. Take your dog to obedience classes or hire a private trainer to help you train your dog. This is very important for Pit Bull owners. If you can not control your dog bad things will eventually happen. Get your dog into training as soon as possible.

8. Avoid dog parks. Dog parks are a breeding ground for disaster. Young dogs have been killed in dog parks by bigger dogs and taking your dog to a dog park is simply not a good idea at all. A better choice is to enroll your puppy into puppy socalization classes. If you have a rescue dog I would also recommend these types of classes as well. Some trainers do have them for older dogs. Your dog will have a far better chance at proper socialization in one of these classes than at a dog park.

9. Socialize your dog. Take your dog to as many places as you can, meet new people and while they are young meet as many other dogs as possible. Socializing your Pit Bull will help curb any future problems that might occur.

10. Keep your dog properly confined. Pit Bulls are known to be great escape artist. Make sure you have the means to keep them in your yard and properly confined. Installing a six foot privacy fence is not a bad idea either.

Responsible ownership starts from the time your Pit Bull comes to live with you. Irresponsible owner's are one of the major causes for all the problems the breed faces today. It's our hope here at Pit Bull Lovers we can spread the word and educate more owners to take responsibility for their dogs actions.

In order for things to change, we must change the way we look at our own actions and how they effect the world around us. Until we do that, things will simply stay the way they are right now.

Tosa (dog)

         The Tosa (土佐, also called the Tosa Inu or Japanese Mastiff) is a breed of dog of Japanese origin that is considered rare. It was originally bred in Tosa (present day Kōchi) as a fighting dog and still is today.

Appearance -

The head of a Tosa

                 The Tosa varies considerably in size, with the Japanese-bred dogs tending to be about half the size of those bred outside the country. The Japanese breed generally weighs between 80 and 135 pounds (36 and 61 kg), while the non-Japanese breeders have focused on dogs that weigh from 130 to 200 lb (60 to 90 kg) and stand 24.5 to 32 inches (62 to 82 cm) at the withers. [clarification needed] The coat is characterized by its short and smooth appearance and is often red, brindle, or fawn. Occasionally it can be a dull black, but this is somewhat rare. Maintenance of the coat is usually minimal.

History -

               This breed originated in the second half of the nineteenth century. The breed started from the native Shikoku-Inu, an indigenous dog weighing about 25 kilograms (45 pounds) and standing about 55 centimetres high, which closely resembles the European Spitz. These dogs were crossed with European dog breeds, such as the Old English Bulldog in 1872, Mastiff in 1874, St. Bernard, German Pointer in 1876, Great Dane in 1924, and the Bull Terrier. The aim was to breed a larger, more powerful dog. The heyday of Tosa breeding was between 1924 and 1933, when it was said that there were more than 5,000 Tosa breeders in Japan.

Legal matters -

                  Ownership of Tosas is legally restricted in certain jurisdictions. In the United Kingdom ownership is regulated under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and in Trinidad & Tobago under the Dangerous Dogs Act 2000. A specific exemption of a British court is required to own and import Tosas legally in the UK. Some insurance companies will not insure homes with dog breeds deemed dangerous. The Australian Customs Service prohibits the import of Tosas, along with other dog breeds considered dangerous, into Australia.

                  The Tosa is one of eleven breeds of dog banned in 2007 by the Dublin City Council from their properties, including council houses, flats and estates.

The breed is illegal/banned in :

• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Israel
• Malaysia  - where the country's government claimed that the Tosas are specifically bred for fighting; the step was made in order to combat the increasing number of dog attacks on humans, especially children.
• Malta
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Singapore
• Turkey
• Tunisia

Pitbull - An All-rounder Breed

This article is not much long but contains a lot . Pitbull is a breed to whom we can say an allround breed . It serves the every aspect or expectation of his owner . Everyone owns a dog for different purpose . Some own dog for guarding , some for a companion , some for playing ,some for business and some for fighting etc. But the only breed that serves all the reasons equally is pitbull .
    Pitbull breed has setup it self where it is used everywhere . Why pitbull is this much succesfull breed the only answer is ADAPTABILITY . This breed adapts every environment, every owner and every work . So if you want to own an perfect all-rounder dog than right choice is PITBULL .

How to Break Up a Dog Fight

              The topic of how to break up a dog fight seems to evoke a wade-right-in, rather macho attitude in some people. But you don’t need to break up every dog fight, and there isn’t a single safe and perfect method of doing so. This week, how to tell when a fight is serious, and some ways to try to break it up, ideally without getting hurt yourself. - 

Should You Break Up a Dog Fight?

Dog fights call for a disclaimer--oh, boy, do they. It’s inherently dangerous to intervene in a dog fight, or even a canine argument. Yet the reality is that if your own dog is involved in a serious fight or an attack, you’re going to feel a strong urge to protect him or to stop him from doing grave damage to another animal. So though the ideas I offer don’t exactly constitute advice, you may as well know what various people have suggested and tried. But always remember that you may get hurt.

Also, this article doesn’t cover aggression between housemate dogs. If your own dogs are fighting regularly or making frequent ugly faces at each other, get skilled, in-person help.

Let Loud Dog Arguments Take Care of Themselves

I mentioned canine arguments above. Your ordinary dog-park squabble, in which the dogs move like lightning, roaring and snarling at the tops of their lungs, is a cue to stand back, get out of the way, and unbunch your undies. People say “The dogs would have killed each other if we hadn’t broken them up.” Actually, the dogs are talking trash. Almost always, if you leave them to their own devices, they either won’t hurt each other or will leave a couple of small punctures around the face, ears, and neck. The argument might last a minute from start to finish, though the time usually seems a lot longer to the people watching. Once the dogs are done, they’ll shake out their bodies and offer each other social reconciliation behaviors or just go about their business, paying each other no more mind.

Humans Can Make Loud Dog Arguments Worse

Often, though, several humans crowd in, shouting and screaming and grabbing at the dogs. These panicked, well-meant interventions not only amp up the dogs but put the people at risk of being bitten themselves. The dogs may be startled when a “third party”--a hand--appears behind or above them. Also, humans move so much more slowly than dogs. We get in the way of flashing teeth that otherwise would have been doing just that--flashing. Finally, if one dog has grabbed an ear or a fold of skin, being pulled away may cause him to clamp down and hold on. The result can be a bad tear when otherwise there wouldn’t have been any injury at all, or only a minor one.

Serious Dog Fights Are Often Quiet

In a real fight, you probably won’t hear the roaring and snarling that mark doggy trash talk. Both dogs may be dead silent. During a serious dog attack, the aggressor may be quiet while the victim dog screams. Some dogs may dart in and out, slashing at each other’s legs and bellies; others latch on and grind down. The victim may break free and try to escape, only to have the attacker go after him again. There’s no risk-free intervention we can make. I had a client with two Golden Retrievers, one of whom broke the other’s leg in an attack. The client tried to end the fight and the attacking dog then tore up her arm.

You Probably Won’t See Many Serious Dog Fights

Bearing the risk in mind, here are some of the suggestions I’ve heard. By the way, let’s forget about practice making perfect; unless you’re a dog fighter, or maybe you run a daycare

 that doesn’t pre-screen the dogs, you’re not likely to see enough serious fights in your lifetime to develop much expertise. Most important is to keep your cool--a tall order, but panic makes you think less clearly.

How to Most Safely Break Up Dog Fights

[[AdMiddle]You’ll notice that several of the tips depend on your happening to have some device or object conveniently to hand. Because we all go around with air horns in our pockets, don’t we? Yes, setting off an air horn is one idea. And it’s a good one, if you have an air horn.

If a hose is available, spray cold water on the fighting dogs. Indoors, try a bucket of water. More portable than a hose is a canister of citronella spray, but you have to have it with you and most people don’t think it will stop a serious fight. Dropping a blanket over the dogs to startle and quiet them is safe and easy, if of course you have a blanket; whether a blanket will stop a serious fight is another question. Some people recommend shoving a board or a sheet of plywood between the dogs, which sounds implausibly difficult to me--and again, unless the fight’s conveniently located in your home workshop or a lumber yard, good luck finding a suitable piece of wood. Another tool-based recommendation I’ve heard is to hit a latched-on dog in the face with a hose or a heavy stick. This obviously has potential for grave injury to the dog, so don’t resort to it lightly--remember, those flashy, noisy arguments that scare the hell out of people are almost always resolved quickly by the dogs themselves. They don’t need us to quote-unquote help.

Potentially Effective but Dangerous Ways to Break Up a Dog Fight

The interventions that I think likeliest to stop a serious fight or attack are, unfortunately, also the most dangerous to you. One is to grab the fighting dogs’ tails and pull the dogs up like wheelbarrows until they’re clear of each other. That works better with at least one person per dog; the big risk is, of course, that either or both dogs will whip around and go after the person holding their tail. With short-tailed or dock-tailed dogs, you could grab a leg instead, but that brings your face and upper torso closer to the action.

Breaking Up a Serious Dog Attack Can Get You Hurt

I’ve been fortunate enough to witness only one attack in which I thought the aggressing dog was going for a kill. The attacking dog’s tenacity is burned into my mind. While the victim dog screamed, a friend and I picked up the attacker by her tail and hind legs, but even dangling in the air she hung on to the other dog. We kicked her and punched her to no effect. I finally ended the attack by grabbing the attacker’s collar and twisting it to cut off her air. When she couldn’t breathe, she let go. Can I recommend this as a tactic? Really, no; I was lucky not to get hurt worse than I did.

Remember, most of the time most dogs will come out of most dog arguments mostly unscathed, and if you keep out of it, you’ll be unscathed too. Take a deep breath and let everybody’s heart rate come down.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pit Bull

                               Aaahhh, the sun feels good! Let's play ball!

Pit Bulls Form Very Strong Bonds with Their Owners.  

                      You will have a devoted friend for life.  But this friendship comes with a price tag.  You'll have to honor your dog's loyalty and devotion and be ready to commit LOTS of quality time (at least 2 hours a day) to your pet for life.  To banish your dog to the backyard or leaving him alone for long periods of time for weeks on end can cause him to become depressed, and/or destructive. The more time you spend with your Pit Bull, the more you'll enjoy him.  

Pit Bulls are Agile, Athletic and FUN.

                   Pit Bulls can be escape artists!  Many can climb tall fences, dig underneath, or Houdini their way out of the most secure yards.  Many are forever lost or stolen once they're out.  A Pit Bull running loose is likely to get into the kind of trouble that gives this breed a bad rap.  Owners should provide a very secure set-up and supervise all play when the dog is outdoors, and keep him indoors when no one's home.  If indoor accommodations are not possible, we recommend an outdoor kennel run with a good lock, or a well designed cable tie-out.  Always have a collar and tags on your dog in case they do get lost.  Microchip your pet too!  On behalf of all the lost Pit Bullies who never make it safely back to their home, LCAS asks you to PLEASE be extra safe with your dog!  Shelters are filled with Pit Bulls and Pit mixes even though they account for less than a third of the dogs impounded.  Fewer are returned to their owners and they are much harder to adopt into good homes.

                    Pit Bulls are impressive dogs to show off in agility work, fly ball, and other exciting dog sports.  You can utilize a Pit Bull's athletic talents by having a great time with your pooch in ways that may surprise you.
  
Pit Bulls Love to Swim, Run, Play Frisbee & Romp in the Great Outdoors.

                    Finding places where your dog can run off-lead can be very difficult, if not impossible!  If your dog gets in a fight with another dog, things could go very badly very fast.  You may be the one to get into trouble and your dog could end up impounded, even if he wasn't the one that started the fight.  Because there tends to be some current prejudice against Pit Bulls, because your Pit Bull can cause a lot of damage to another dog, and because it's impossible to completely avoid poorly managed loose aggressive dogs in dog parks (this includes YOUR dog if you're not on top of his dog aggression potential), smart owners of mature bull breeds choose to play it safe and steer clear of these places in favor of safer options.

                   Because many Pit Bulls tend to be happier around dogs that they know, you may be able to find or create 'play groups' where your dog can regularly visit with other dog 'friends' for fun and exercise.  Both you and your dog will benefit from the extra socialization.

                  Pit Bulls are very active dogs that need a LOT of run around time and exercise, but are generally not compatable with off-leash dog parks.  Don't get a young Pit Bull if you live your life in the slow lane.

Pit Bulls Love Kids.

                  

                   Its a well known fact - Well managed, responsibly owned Pit Bulls are some of the best family dogs.  The American Canine Temperament Test Society lists this breed as having one of the most stable temperaments of any of the purebreds, right up there with golden retrievers.

                  

Pit Bulls are Social Butterflies - 

                    Your dog will LOVE to go places with you to see the sights and visit with your friends, family, and strangers on the street.  Over the last 20 years or so, the Pit Bull has fallen victim to the careless deeds of unethical breeders, irresponsible and even shady owners.  This bad combination, along with the handiwork of sensationalistic media, has created a terrible thing for our beloved breed.  As a result, myths, misdeeds, misunderstanding and hysteria abound!  When you walk around with your Pit Bull, you'll no doubt encounter people who'll be afraid or who may give you trouble for having a Pit Bull.  By taking your well behaved bully out into the world, you'll have the pleasant opportunity to talk to lots of folks that you meet.  By doing so, you can help dispel the myths about Pit Bulls as you proudly show off the lovable dog by your side and the experience will probably allow you opportunities for more interesting conversations then you ever thought possible. Undoubtedly, you'll be making friends while you're busy changing minds. Enjoy!

Pit Bulls are Clean Animals with Short Coats-

                      These handsome hunks have few grooming needs and are generally easy to care for.  They don't like to be left out in the cold.  Your Pit Bull will want to be where its warm which is inside with you!  They'll keep you warm while trying to keep themselves warm.  They look great in groovy little winter dog jackets and sweaters.

Top 15 Tips for Being a Responsible Dog Owner

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. 

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. 

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!