How to Socializing A Pit Bull APBT

There are many ways to socialize your Pit Bull.  The age of your dog as well as his/her individual personality will help you determine which methods are appropriate for socializing your dog.

Pit Bulls under six months of age should be enrolled in a puppy class.  Many obedience training facilities have classes specifically for puppies, and often part of the class time is devoted to off-leash play with other puppies.  When seeking out a training facility, it is often helpful to observe the classes prior to attending so you can get a feel for how class will be conducted and see if it is a good match for you and your dog.  Off-leash play can be an important feature of a puppy class, but it should be done properly (i.e., does the instructor factor in age, size and play style of puppies when organizing play groups?).

To socialize adult dogs, owners should first carefully introduce their Pit Bulls to other adult dogs.  A great way to introduce adult dogs is to take a nice long walk on leash together.

Some ways that adult dogs can interact with other dogs are:

• Taking long leash walks with appropriately matched dogs of good temperament and good social skills and with known, responsible owners.
• Organized play dates with friends' dogs in a fenced area.
• Taking an obedience or agility class, where your dog will learn to focus on you in the presence of other dogs, and may also receive positive reinforcement in the presence of other dogs.

We do not recommend dog parks or dog daycare providers:

• While dogs can learn good social skills at a daycare or park, they can just as easily learn poor social skills in these largely unsupervised situations. 
• Dogs in a pack act very differently than they do individually; even a well-socialized dog of good temperament can be drawn into "pack behavior."
• There's no way to predict or know the behavior of the other dogs in the group at a park or daycare; many people take their dogs to daycare providers or dog parks with little understanding of their own dogs' tolerance for other dogs; there is often an expectation that "dogs will work it out" however this can occur in a way that results in injury.
• Dogs playing together for long periods of time in large groups with unstructured time or activities can result in inappropriate behavior.
• Dog playgrounds need to be carefully selected by competent readers of dog body language and with an understanding of social canine behavior; there are many people well-intentioned, operating dog day care with very little experience with dogs and, in particular, with very little Pit Bull experience.
• If something does go wrong, whether or not the Pit Bull instigates it, the Pit Bull is usually blamed; every negative incident can result in future problems during dog-dog interactions.

Understanding Different Dog Tolerance Levels

A Normal Trait that is as Flexible as it is Manageable.  This information is designed to help demystify the common trait of dog-dog aggression.  Dog aggression shows up in numerous breeds, and it's generally "no big deal" ...unless you deny it, misunderstand it or exploit it.  Like so many dog owners, we expect that our dogs have the potential to show some degree of dog aggression in select situations.  Our job as responsible stewards is to keep our pets out of those situations by reading their body signals and understanding their individual limits.  At the same time, we work to improve the tolerance of each dog through appropriate socializing opportunities.  Because dog aggression is not a "one size fits all" trait, outlined below are four very common levels of dog-tolerance that we've come to recognize in our work with the dogs.

1.  Dog Social - A dog that truly enjoys the company of other dogs, including house matedogs.  Very easy going; forgives even the rudest dog manners.  Dog-social dogs include most puppies and a percentage of socially mature (14 months and older) Pit Bulls.  Some call these dogs 'cold' Pit Bulls.

2.  Dog Tolerant - Typically non-reactive on leash and either indifferent or friendly to other dogs.  Is well socialized and shows relaxed, easy body language in the presence of new dogs.  May not 'love' dogs that he doesn't know, but has decent tolerance for rude behavior; a long fuse.  Enjoys known dog friends and, in general, succeeds with housemate dogs.

3.  Dog Selective - Has dog friends but is more selective.  May dislike certain 'types' of dogs and/or is easily offended by rude dog manners. Likes to dictate the rules during dog-play.  Can succeed with housemate dogs with supervision.

4.  Dog Aggressive - Has a very limited number of dog friends; sometimes, no dog friends.  May be opportunistically leash reactive with a weak handler and/or no training.  May have a short fuse during play, even with dogs that it knows.  Needs heavy supervision during play and a good leader when out on leash.  Many live successfully with housemate dogs (usually opposite sex) with proper supervision and safe management protocol.

The Bell Curve of Dog Aggression:  Dog tolerance levels are flexible and are determined by environmental factors (handler influence, training and socializing efforts) as much as they are determined by genetics.  Dog social dogs can become less social as they come into their maturity, and dog aggressive dogs can become much more tolerant with good direction and proper socialization.  With the combined
factors of maturity, socialization, good leadership and training, most Pit Bulls fall comfortably in the middle spectrum of this bell curve.

Can you trust a dog?

“I don’t like one of your ownership rules,” writes an offended website visitor. “‘Never leave a dog alone with a child’?? My dog is totally trustworthy around my kids!”

Trust can be difficult to define. But, in essence, if you trust a dog, you have a feeling of certainty that the dog will not fail your expectations.

What do you expect from your dog? Dogs liv
e in the moment. They do not have morals. Dogs react to instinctual drives; they do not think about how their actions will affect them or others. Only through a great deal of training and effort can we give our dogs a very rudimentary understanding of cause-and-effect. Dogs cannot think at the level that people do.

Some owners expect their dogs to think logically, to have morals, and to behave like people. Such expectations are unrealistic. You can trust that a dog will think and act like a dog. You can also trust that a dog will not behave like a person.

You can expect (or trust) a dog to:

Jump up on people
Bark
Bite
Chase moving objects
Fight
Lick
Whine
Scratch and paw
Run around
If you own a dog, he will not let you down if you expect these behaviors.

You cannot expect (or trust) a dog to:

Distinguish “good guys” from “bad guys”
Suppress predatory instinct when faced with shrill noises and small, fast-moving objects
Lie down and accept a painful or frightening situation
Stay in the yard when the gate is wide open
Do something just because you said so
Be a “good dog” without any guidance or training
Understand human morals, virtues, and expectations

Some people trust dogs to act and think the way people do. These people are offended by responsible ownership rules because the rules do not trust dogs to behave like people. Some people think that when an owner follows the rules of responsible ownership, it is because that owner does not trust his or her dog to behave—that the dog is “bad.”

Responsible dog ownership rules are based on trust—a different definition of trust! The rules trust that dogs will behave like dogs, and the rules help dog owners to maintain that trust. Don’t be offended by responsible dog ownership rules, and don’t be ashamed to follow them! In order to be a responsible dog owner, you can and should trust your dog—to be a dog.

Dog Fighting Today

                      Dog fighting, despite its felony status in all 50 states, is still a grave concern to animal advocates. All across the country, humans abuse dogs in heinous ways. From nonchalant, impromptu ‘street fights’ to the large-scale organized matches held on a regular schedule at set locations, dog fighting still occurs every day.

                       Dog fighting is an ANIMAL ABUSE ISSUE. Pit Bulls happen to be the breed most used in dog fights. But if Pit Bulls did not exist, dog fighting would still take place. There is no quenching the blood lust of human ‘kind’. Brutality against animals in the form of staged matches or fights between animals or even between man and animal is an activity almost as old as man himself – it was in existence long before the Pit Bull. Those who make dog fighting a PIT BULL ISSUE do the dogs a grave disservice. These dogs are VICTIMS in every sense of the word. Exploited, abused, tortured for human gain, Pit Bulls are innocent beings caught up in a tragic societal issue.

                       
                  Pit Bulls are NOT part of the problem. The only PROBLEM is PEOPLE. The dogs are not perpetrators, they are not evil partners of the humans, nor are they mere ‘tools’ of a ‘trade’. These dogs abused by man are living, feeling, breathing, helpless victims, with a world to offer if humans would only give them the chance. They have so much worth and substance, but their countless positive traits are trampled on and stifled by the real ‘animals’ who mistreat them. Allowed the opportunity to blossom into their true selves, even those dogs who have been exposed to the cruelty of the pit can live as companions and enjoy those luxuries afforded to ‘normal pet dogs’. Dogs saved from fighting busts do not need ‘rehabilitation’ – what they need is a chance to show who they truly are, their intrinsic natures - their positive attributes of love, trust, loyalty, courage, and gentleness.

Why Do Pit Bulls Fight?

                     Coming soon.........

Dog Fighting History

Dog Fighting

History

                    Fights between two or

A dogfight, c. 1785

more animals have always been popular spectacles. The Romans, the Greeks, Spanish, as well as French have pitted dogs  against other animals, dating back hundreds or thousands of years. So when the British people began selectively breeding the popular old-time bulldog for use in dog-on-dog combat, they couldn't take credit for having been the first to pit one animal against another. (It seems the bloodlust of humans extends across time and the globe!)

                   The dogs that were used in these British dog fights became known as the American Pit Bull Terrier.

                    The original, old-time bulldog was used for all manner of stock-related work, particularly as a catch dog: used by the butcher to manage unruly bulls,  and by the hunter for help in catching and holding wild boar and other  game. The sport of bull baiting became popular in England, having arisen from  these functional jobs that the bulldog performed for humans.  

                     Baiting was extremely popular and nearly a national past time. At one point, there was even a law mandating that the flesh of a bull could only be sold if the animal had  been baited prior to slaughter. But the baiting of animals was  eventually outlawed due to the increasingly loud voices of opposition.

                   And so humans--with their insatiable lust for blood and violence-- turned to the sport of dog-on-dog fighting.

A turn-up between a dog and Jacco Macacco,
 the fighting monkey, 1822

                   The bulldog, mixed with tough hunting terriers, was created to be used in this emerging ‘sport’. Selectively bred down to a smaller size to increase agility in the pit, these dogs were also bred for stamina and wrestling ability. However, the most important trait in the fighting dog was gameness. Gameness--the willingness to keep going and not give up--is a trait common to breeds of bulldog ancestry. It may also be described as that plucky, never-say-die attitude seen in terriers. Lastly, the fighting dog had to be easily handled by humans, and so any aggression shown towards people was carefully selected against.
                     These dogs were eventually to become known as the “Pit Bulldog” or “Pit Bull Terrier”, the precursors to our modern  APBT.

                    Pit Bulldogs (the new bulldog/terrier fighting dogs)were imported to America around the time of the Civil War, and they gained great popularity over the years. The dogs were not only the fighting dog of choice, but they were also surprisingly popular with the general public who embraced the breed wholeheartedly.

                   Viewing art and old photographs from the early to mid 1900’s, you can see that the Pit Bulldog was viewed as a valuable part of American culture.  Back then, the breed was known as a sound family companion, and a dog that was great with kids—despite the fact that it was also a fighting breed.

                   In the realm of the American dogman, dog fights provided betting opportunities, entertainment, and also served as a means to establish and then preserve a specific type of dog--the American Pit Bull Terrier (aka “Pit Bull”). In 1898 the United Kennel Club was formed in order to preserve the breed, establish a stud book, and create rules for the pit. UKC founder CZ Bennet officially named the breed: American Pit Bull Terrier. Through dog fights, breeders could identify certain traits in a dog and  then breed that dog that manifested the sought-after traits. Besides gameness, a  very stable, sound dog was extremely important. Aggression towards humans was not tolerated. Through this type of careful selection, the Pit Bull breed was refined. (Please see Pit Bull History for more information about the development of the breed.)

                  Dog fighting continued on into the 1900s, although it began to lose favor after the turn of the century. Throughout the 1900’s, dog fighting would gradually lose ground. The fighting amendment added to the Animal Welfare Act in 1976 helped propel stricter laws (and to push dog fighting underground where it unfortunately still flourishes). It was eventually outlawed as a felony all across America.


Dog Fighting Today -
                                Coming soon...

Tips for managing a multi-dog household APBT

Dog aggression is a tricky business. To begin with, dog aggression (aggression directed by dogs toward other dogs) and human aggression (aggression directed toward humans) are entirely separate behaviors. It’s very common for dogs to exhibit some degree of intolerance toward their fellow canines but show only trust and affection for humans. Second, dogs of any breed can be dog aggressive. We at PBRC have lost track of the number of times we have been approached by off-leash aggressive dogs while responsibly walking our leashed pit bulls. Finally, dog aggression is not a matter of simply being dog aggressive or not dog aggressive. As we point out in our Breed Info page, it’s more accurate to think of dog aggression as a spectrum. Some dogs are completely tolerant of other dogs, others are completely intolerant, but most are somewhere in between.

The matter becomes even more complicated with pit-bull-type dogs. While it’s true that fighting was a part of these breeds’ original purpose (part of, but not the only purpose), it is simply wrong to say that pit bulls are “fighting dogs.” Pit bulls are one of the most popular dogs in the United States, but very few of them are actually bred and trained for fighting. The vast majority of pit bulls are bred for family companionship, looks, or nothing in particular. A relative minority are “game bred.” And, as in the case of Michael Vick’s dogs, even pit bulls that have endured the horrors of the pit have proven docile toward other dogs and, most importantly, no worse for the wear in their trust and affection for humans.

As responsible pit bulls owners, we must understand and respect our breed’s heritage, just as Golden Retriever owners or Border Collie owners should respect their breed’s heritage. This means understanding that our beloved dogs may be intolerant of other dogs. At some point, they may even have to forego all interactions with other dogs. We see too many owners forced to rehome their dogs because they simply don’t understand dog-to-dog aggression issues. For this reason, we cannot underemphasize the consequences of misunderstanding dog aggression. Of course, dogs are individuals, and each situation is different, so our recommendations may not apply in all circumstances. Nevertheless, we encourage pit bull owners to follow the guidelines below.

Know Your Dog(s)
Is your dog confident and relaxed around other dogs, or is it insecure and defensive? Is your dog generally tolerant or intolerant toward other dogs? If you have a multi-dog household, are there particular situations that trigger aggression between your dogs (the doorbell, going in and out of the house, toys, food, rawhides, etc.)? Know what triggers aggression and avoid it.

Set Your Dog(s) Up to Succeed
Of course, the very best situation is to have a pit bull as your only pet. Pit bulls are people dogs, anyway. And if they receive enough attention from their family, they won’t need a canine companion to be happy. However, if you prefer having two dogs, and many people do, the next best situation is to have a compatible neutered male and a spayed female, whose interactions are always supervised. If you have multiple pit bulls, a pit bull in a multi-pet home, or more than one of any type of dog, you might find our Crate and Rotate page helpful.

There is a higher incidence of aggressive behavior between dogs of the same sex. Two males or two females will often view each other as rivals, even if they appear to get along most of the time. This is a fact for every breed. Have your dog(s) spayed or neutered as early as your veterinarian finds it appropriate.

Always be prepared. Like humans, dogs develop different personalities as they mature (at around 3 years of age). Most puppies are fine with other dogs; however, all dogs can become intolerant of other dogs as they mature, and pit bulls are no exception. This doesn’t mean that certain dogs could “snap” or “turn.” That’s a completely bogus idea perpetuated by the media. Aside from rare cases in which aggression is suddenly triggered by neurological or pathological disorders, there are always warning signs. Again, know your dog, and set it up to succeed!

Properly introduced, a neutered male and a spayed female with compatible personalities should be fine. They will, however, require strict supervision all their lives.

Train Your Dog
Using positive reinforcement, work on basic commands like sit, down, heel, and stay. Also, work hard on focus and attention. Getting your dog to direct its attention away from distractions and toward you is a foundation of good training.

Never Leave Your Dog Unsupervised With Other Animals
We can't emphasize this enough. If no one is around to keep an eye on them, dogs should be safely crated or in separate rooms, even if they are best friends. Dogs can fight for many reasons—status, food, toys, or rawhides—and if you’re not there to manage them, things could escalate. Your dog does not need “company” when home alone, and the routine of going into a crate every time you leave can be quite comforting for your dog. It also provides you with total piece of mind. There is no chance that your dogs will fight, and they won’t chew up your favorite pair of shoes!

Spay and Neuter
Have your dog(s) spayed or neutered as early as possible. Beyond the benefit of knowing that you will never contribute to pet overpopulation, intact dogs are more likely to show aggression toward other dogs. Females in their reproductive cycles and males that are triggered by sexual hormones tend to be far more reactive.

Monitor Playtime
Pit bulls live to play, and playtime between compatible dogs is a great form of exercise and socialization. But roughhousing can trigger a fight if not kept under control. Pit bulls are scrappy: they like to play rough and can be pretty vocal. Don’t let things go too far. As the leader of your pack, it’s your job to set limits and keep everyone under control.

Always Have Your Dog on a Leash When Walking
Regardless of what breed you own, this should go without saying. It’s a basic rule of dog ownership. If your dog is outside the house and not enclosed within a fenced area, keep him or her on a leash.

Do Not Bring Your Dog to an Off-Leash Dog Park
And avoid any other area where it may come into contact with other dogs running loose. For the reasons we list here, dog parks are poor choice for dogs of all breeds. Dog parks are frequently more about human entertainment than the well being of the dogs. Your dog can get just as much exercise and socialization on a leash.

Early Socialization May Help
But it’s no guarantee that your dog might not become dog aggressive at some point. If you already have a dog and you want to bring a pit bull into your home, your best bet is to adopt a mature dog whose personality is a known quantity.

               "Post a comment to know More About Dogs"

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.

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!

History of the American Pit Bull Terrier APBT : A Game Breed Part 3

History of  Pit Bull Part 3                                                                    Part 1            Part 2

            In 1898 the United Kennel Club was formed with the express intent of providing registration and fighting guidelines for the now officially-named American Pit Bull Terrier. Later, those who wished to distance themselves from the fighting aspect of the breed petitioned the American Kennel Club for recognition of the Pit Bull so that it would be eligible for dog shows and other performance events. The AKC conceded in 1936 but only under the stipulation that the dogs registered with them be called "Staffordshire Terriers", the name of the province in England in which the breed supposedly originated. Upon acceptance of the breed, many people dual-registered their dogs with both the AKC and the UKC. Lucenay's Peter (the dog that starred in the Our Gang series) was the first dual-registered Pit Bull/Staffordshire Terrier.

The UKC evolved, eventually beginning to register other working-type breeds, and later holding shows similar to those of the AKC. Currently, the UKC is the second largest purebred dog registry in the United States, complete with strict bylaws that ban anyone who is convicted of dog fighting. The American Dog Breeders Association was formed in 1909 because of certain fanciers' opinions that the UKC was not doing its job protecting and preserving the Pit Bull breed as they felt it should be preserved. The ADBA's goal is the same now is at was then: to register, promote and preserve the original American Pit Bull Terrier fighting-type dog, although like the other two registries, they officially frown upon the illegal act of dog fighting.

The AKC eventually closed its studbooks to American Pit Bull Terriers. For a short period in the 1970's, the AKC reopened its studbooks to American Pit Bull Terriers. In 1973 the AKC added the prefix "American" to the Staffordshire Terrier's name in an effort to distinguish it from the newly recognized Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Today, the AKC only allows registration of those dogs with parents registered as American Staffordshire Terriers. In April, 2010, the UKC closed its studbooks to the AmStaff and no longer allows dual- registration.  The ADBA allows registration of AmStaffs, but the dogs carry the original name, "American Pit Bull Terrier."

Today the Pit Bull has evolved into a marvelous working and companion dog, used for purposes as varied as those it originally performed. Pit Bulls are employed as police/armed services dogs, search and rescuers, therapy animals, and livestock workers. They compete in all manner of organized dog sports, from herding to agility to conformation to obedience and the bite sports like Schutzhund and French Ring. They make loving pets for children and seniors, and everyone in between. They are indeed one of the most versatile breeds on the planet. Much of this is owed to the activities it once performed. The harshness and physical demands of the activities molded a strong, healthy, stable animal, one anyone should be proud to own.

Bibliography:

•  The Working Pit Bull/Diane Jessup
•  History of Fighting Dogs & Fighting Dog Breeds/Dieter Fleig
•  This is the APBT/Richard Stratton
•  Evolution of the Bulldog/VH Ross
•  A New Look at the contribution of the eastern brachycephalic breeds to "bull breed" history/  Carl Semencic with Don Fiorino ("Dog World" magazine, March, 1984)
• Bulldog History/John Kragenskjold

                                                                Back to Part 1 

History of the American Pit Bull Terrier APBT : A Game Breed Part 2

History of Pit Bull Part 2                                                                               Part 1

              In 1835, a law was set in motion in England that would make the sport of baiting illegal, and over the next few years, the activity eventually died down upon enforcement of the law. The people turned to another blood sport - dog fighting - and of course turned to the bulldog as the likely candidate for what was to the become the foundation of a new breed.

"Dustman" - a known bulldog-terrier cross.

                Bulldogs with a heightened tendency to exhibit dog-directed aggression, a smaller size, and greater agility for performance in a pit that was decidedly smaller than the large areas that baits were typically held in were the likely candidates. Hardy, scrappy sporting terriers were crossed into these fighting bulldogs to further enhance these traits. The crosses were called bull-and-terriers.
               

                 It is considered general knowledge that these crosses were the first Pit Bulls, however there is some speculation as to whether or not the history of these crosses is that of our Pit Bulls, or rather a history "borrowed" from the Bull Terrier, which is a very well documented bulldog/terrier fighting dog cross. Some students of Pit Bull history believe that the Pit Bull is practically a living replica of the old-time bulldog, and that during this time the bulldog was refined as a fighting dog ‘as is’, without any crossbreeding. The question presented is this: why would the devotees of the already extremely game bulldog dilute the blood of the perfect fighting dog with non-game terriers? The typical argument is that the terrier blood increased agility and decreased size. However, the jobs the bulldog was typically required to perform would have demanded agility and the ability to avoid the antics of an enraged bull. As already pointed out, bulldogs came in a variety of sizes and shapes, so breeding down the size to be more compatible with the pit would not have been a difficult task, even without looking outside the gene pool. Examining works of art from all points in history, one will discover dogs that look similar to today's Pit Bull.

"Crib & Rosa" - this painting is shown to
depict two dogs of original bulldog type.

                   As tempting as it may be to sucked in by the allure of such a notion, the odds of the APBT being the original, terrier-free bulldog is not likely. It is the opinion our opinion that, while the APBT is probably made up mostly of old bulldog blood, at least some terrier blood *was* indeed introduced. Please consider the fact that quite a bit of cross-breeding went on among the game dog fanciers of the time who were not so much interested in purebred dogs as they were in dogs with fighting ability, and would therefore breed accordingly to dogs that were game, regardless of pedigree. It is a known fact that bulldogs and terriers were mixed, and fought, and it is extremely unlikely, and in fact no evidence proves, that none of these bull-and-terrier mixes never made it into the APBT gene pool.

                     The breed eventually to be known as the American Pit Bull Terrier was selectively bred specifically   with the idea of it becoming the ultimate canine gladiator. But by virtue of the fact that so much of the breed was made up of versatile bulldog blood, the breed also proved adept at a number of non-fighting activities, including those which the bulldog had been used for. Also, the traits (specifically gameness and a soft, gentle, amiable temperament with humans) bred for in pit dogs were surprisingly relevant in other arenas. Gameness is defined as the willingness to see a task through to its end, even under penalty of serious injury or death. Gameness was the trait most cherished in a fighting dog for obvious reasons, however this same trait proved useful in other areas - a dog who had the tenacity to hold a wild bull or boar, braveness to keep wild and stray animals away from valuable livestock, and extreme tolerance for pain (which made for a very stable dog less likely to bite out of fear or pain) was useful in rural old England, and later on in America. So while a core group of fanciers focused on the fighting uses of the breed, and bred with the pit in mind, others kept dogs for a variety of tasks. And indeed, some family/working dogs were used in the pit and some pit dogs were also family/working dogs. There was never a clear line drawn between ‘fighting dogs’, and ‘non-fighting dogs’ in those early years of the breed.

Sally served with the Pennsylvania Infantry
during the Civil War, and is regarded as a war hero.

                    Pit Bulls were imported to America shortly before the Civil War, and used in much the same manner as they were back in England. But in the USA the breed solidified and was named - the American Pit Bull Terrier. Strains of the fighting dog that remained in England later came to be known as Staffordshire Bull Terriers. There is speculation as to how closely related the Stafford and Pit Bull are as a breed, but the most convincing case is made up of claims that they are a similar breed, developed during the same time, made up of similar but separate strains of bulldog and terrier blood. Cousins, but not brothers. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier became recognized as a breed by the English dog registry, the Kennel Club, in 1935.

"Lucenay's Peter" - aka "Pete the Pup"
 from the Our Gang series.

                 
                    In America, the Pit Bull flourished. It was one of the most popular breeds, highly prized by a wide variety of people. The Pit Bull was used to represent the US in WW1 artwork; popular companies like RCA and the Buster Brown Shoe Company used the breed as their mascots. A Pit Bull named Pete starred in the popular children's television series, Our Gang; Stubby, which many people call a “pit bull type dog” became a decorated WW1 hero. Pit Bulls accompanied pioneer families on their explorations. Laura Ingalls Wilder of the popular Little House books owned a working Pit Bulldog named Jack. Famous individuals like Theodore Roosevelt and Helen Keller owned the breed. It was during this time that the Pit Bull truly became America’s sweetheart breed, admired, respected and loved.


                                                    Continue on to part 3  --->
                      

History of the American Pit Bull Terrier APBT : A Game Breed Part 1

Presented here is a thorough document on the history of the American Pit Bull Terrier (Pit Bull), along with bibliography to enable easy research for the interested reader.

Part 1

           As far back as one cares to go in recorded history, one will find reference in both word and art of molossoid dogs that were used for fighting, hunting, and war. There were different "types" of molossi, spread about the world, used for similar functions and these dogs evolved into our modern day mastiff and bulldog breeds. It is unknown if these types sprang up individually, or from one main ancestor. Some believe that this type of dog originally came from an area close to China.

             

From Homan's A of Fighting with a molossoid with
 a molossoid dog, an early mastiff.

British Chief Caractacus was defeated by Emperor Claudius of the Roman Empire in 50 AD. The Romans were so impressed by the fierce fighting dogs they met when they landed in Britain that they began importing the dogs back to Rome for use in the great arena, alongside the other dogs they already possessed for such uses. It seems reasonable to assume that the British dogs were at some points crossed into the Roman dogs. Ancestors of these dogs were exported to all parts of the continent, including France and to Spain where they became renowned fighting dogs. Later some of these dogs found their way back to Britain. A variety of breeds of mastiff and bulldog-type were scattered about, and most likely contributed to the creation of the bulldog that was to be one of the main ingredients used in the development of the Pit Bull.
             
               Circa 1406 Edmond de Langley, Duke of York, wrote a treatise entitled "The Mayster of the Game and of Hawks" in which he described the "Alaunt" or "Allen" dog (a descendant of the ancient molossoid dogs), which was the popular baiting dog of the time because of its tenaciousness and strength. In a 1585 painting, dogs described as Alaunts that look very similar to modern day Pit Bulls, only of a larger size, are shown hunting wild hogs.

               The name "bulldog" was first mentioned in print in 1631. Later, dogs described as bulldogs were used to bait bull and bear. These bulldogs are most assuredly the descendants of the Alaunt. A letter written in Spain in 1632 by an Englishman named Prestwich Eaton to his friend George Wellingham who was in London, asked for a "good mastiff dog and two bulldogs." This gives indication that a split had occurred and the bulldog had already formed into a distinct type by this time.
 

Here is a depiction of a bulldog doing what
this type of dog was created to do - bait bulls.

Bulldogs were one of the breeds used to create the modern APBT.
 Bulldog history is often mistakenly applied to Pit Bulls.

               By viewing art, we can see two distinct types of bulldog-like dogs. Some are more low-slung, with undershot jaws, heavier-boned, and broader. It is to be assumed that this is the prototype from which the modern-day AKC Bulldog was drawn upon, having been created by the crossing of the Alaunt with a Chinese brachycephalic breed Pai Dog. However, also to be noted are bulldogs in art that are strikingly similar to modern day Pit Bulls, with less-exaggerated features and longer legs. Might these be the main ancestors of the current day Pit Bull? It would seem likely. It must be noted that "bulldogs" at this time were not dogs of any particular strain or breed, but rather a type of dog with certain traits that was used for certain things. Dogs which possessed more Pit Bull-like features went on to become the Pit Bull breed after being mixed with terriers, while the more "bulldoggy" bulldogs were used in creation of the brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, etc).

             
                Bulldogs were used for all manner of work including baiting, fighting, stock work, and farm dog, as well as companion animal. They were an agreeable dog, capable of extreme ferociousness towards other animals but unwavering loyalty and gentleness towards humans. They were a breed which was required to demonstrate a certain level of aggression directed towards other animals, but were routinely used in pairs to bait animals, so overt aggression towards others of their same species was not an extreme trait.

                                                         Continue on to part 2 --->

U.S. Dog Fighting History ( American Pit Bull Terrier )

       

A turn-up between a dog and Jacco Macacco,
 the fighting monkey, 1822

   In 1817, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was brought to America and dog fighting became part of American culture. Yet, though historical accounts of dog fighting in America can be dated back to the 1750s, it was not until the end of the Civil War (1861-1865) that widespread interest and participation in the blood sport began in the United States. For instance, in 1881, the Mississippi and Ohio railroads advertised special fares to a dog fight in Louisville; public forums such as Kit Burns' Tavern, "The Sportman's Hall," in Manhattan regularly hosted matches. Many of these dogs thrown into the "professional pits" that flourished during the 1860s came from England and Ireland—where citizens had turned to dogs when bear baiting and bull-baiting became illegal in their countries.

                   

 twentieth century American Pit Bull Terrier 

In twentieth century America, despite the expansion of laws to outlaw dog fighting, dog fighting continued to flourish underground. Aiding in the expansion of dog fighting were the police and firemen, who saw dog fighting as a form of entertainment amongst their ranks. In fact, the Police Gazzette served as a "go to" source for information about where one could attend a fight. When Henry Bergh, who started the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), witnessed police involvement in these fights, he was motivated to seek and receive authority for the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents to have arresting power in New York. Additionally, Bergh's 1867 revision to New York's animal cruelty law made all forms of animal fighting illegal. However, According to the ASPCA website, the Humane Law Enforcement department of ASPCA has been disbanded and NYPD has taken over its duty. As laws were passed to outlaw the activity, high profile organizations, such as the United Kennel Club, who once endorsed the sport by formulating rules and sanctioning referees, withdrew their endorsement.

How to increase grip or jaw power in American Pit Bull Terrier or all other Game Breed Dogs

For a game breed dogs jaw power is most important things. A last longing grip is a dream that every owner of dog watch . In this article I am trying to give some tips to increase jaw power... You can also visit an article on this same topic at Increasing Grip Or Jaw Power

5 ways to increase Grip or Jaw Power

1. Spring Pole -

• To increase jaw power and grip spring pole is used as most prefered choice. With the help of spring pole a whole body exercise also get completed. So if you want to increase jaw power of dog spring pole is a good choice.

2. Food -

• Food has vital role to increase jaw power. Calcium and mult
  
  ivitamins are required to increase jaw strength and make teeth stronger.

3. Artificial Bone Chewing -

• If you have real bones available than they are the best choice but if don't than artificial bone made from calcium and protein are good way to practice your dogs jaw. Dogs enjoy chewing them and also get stronger teeth and jaws.

4. Tug of War -

• Many dog owners who have more than one dog can use this. Dogs get enjoyment in tug of war and also increases their jaw power. They have to hold the tug with strong grip to win this game and they enjoy a lot.

5. Old Tyres -

• This exercise is similar to spring pole. But in this old bike or car tyre is used to increase the jaw power of dog.