These tips apply to owners of EVERY breed of dog – and they are especially important for owners of American Pit Bull Terriers and the like only because of negative public perception.
| 1. |
A DOG IS A LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT. Do not bring home a dog unless you understand that you must care for and love this dog for the rest of the dog’s life. Carefully consider your future and all the possible changes you may experience. Understand that, no matter what happens, you are responsible for your dog and must keep your commitment. Dogs are not disposable and are not a matter of convenience! |
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| 2. |
RESPECT THE LEASH LAWS!!!!!! |
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| (A) |
ALWAYS have your dog on leash no longer than 6 feet in length when you take him/her for a walk. We recommend double leashing or using a coupler so if one leash comes loose, you still have control of your dog. There is no excuse for a dog running loose! |
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| (B) |
NEVER allow your dog to roam free! NEVER! |
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| 3. |
DO NOT take your adult Pit Bull to an OFF-LEASH DOG PARK or any other area where the dog may come into contact with other dogs running loose. |
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| 4. |
Exercise your dog(s) regularly so she/he can burn off energy. A well exercised dog is a happy dog! (And the dog’s owner is a happier own!!! |
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| 5. |
SPAY/NEUTER YOUR DOG(S). Have your dog(s) altered between 10 weeks and 6 months or as early as possible if you adopt or purchase your dog at an older age. Females that are in their reproductive cycles, and males who are triggered by their sexual hormones, tend to be far more reactive and aggressive and tend to roam more than those dogs who are not altered. |
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| 6. |
SUPERVISE! SUPERVISE! SUPERVISE! |
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| (A) | NEVER leave dogs, including, but not limited to, pit bulls, unsupervised with other animals. When no one is around to keep an eye on the dogs, the dogs should be safely crated separately or in separate rooms, even if the dogs are best friends. You never know what might trigger an argument in your absence. All canines can and do fight. If no one is home to break-up a fight, the dogs could inflict very serious injuries to each other, or worse. | |
| (B) | Always monitor dogs while they play, and don’t let things escalate. Roughhousing can trigger a fight if not kept under control. Many dogs like to play rough and can be pretty vocal. Their games often mimic a real fight. Don’t let the dogs push it too far. As the “leader,” it is your responsibility to keep your dogs under control. | |
| (C) | NEVER leave children and dogs unsupervised! If the dog and child are to be together, an adult must supervise at all times. If you cannot watch the interaction at all times, put the dog in a crate or in a separate room where the child and the dog are not in contact. Even if you must leave the room for a minute, the dog should be placed in a crate or taken with you. | |
| 7. |
Obedience train your dog with POSITIVE training methods. Dogs respond better to encouragement rather than yelling and anger. Training will help you and your dog become a better team. You will learn how to properly communicate with your dog and to effectively manage your dog in public. Your dog(s) should be well-behaved in all situations, including when around other dogs, in crowds, around skateboards, etc. You must always have control of your dog but please learn to control your dog without scaring him/her, using extreme measures or harming your dog! Pit bulls are renowned for their intelligence and strong desire to please. They, generally, excel in training. Because of the current prejudice against pit bulls, our dogs have to display better manners than the average canine. Please remember that obedience training is not a one shot deal – training is an ongoing task and requires a committed owner willing to take this work in as a part of their lifestyle. |
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| 8. |
NEVER SET UP YOUR DOG FOR FAILURE!!!! Early socialization MAY help, but is not a guarantee that your dog won’t become dog aggressive at some point. Get to know your dog’s likes and dislikes in many different settings and circumstances. ALWAYS know and respect your dog’s potential. Remember that even if it’s a non-pit bull dog that starts the hostilities, the pit bull will always be blamed. The particular dog, will most likely pay the price in the hands of the authorities and, the entire breed will pay the price with additional negative media reports and breed-specific laws. |
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| 9. |
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 any and all problems. 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 a dog fight. Pay careful attention to the behavioral characteristics that develop as your dog moves through the changes in his/her life, particularly his/her anticipated ‘shift’ from dog friendly to dog aggressive. |
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| 10. |
Understand that any sign of unprovoked aggression towards humans is a major red flag and should be dealt with immediately with the help of a EXPERIENCED CERTIFIED behaviorist. Dogs that show an inability to improve should be safeguarded from the public (in your home and ALWAYS under your control for example) or humanely euthanized by you (not dropped off at a shelter). Pit bulls were bred to be exceedingly people friendly. A pit bull that shows unprovoked aggression towards humans is NOT typical of the breed and should be dealt with immediately -- No "Ifs, Ands or Buts” and No Excuses! PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME THAT NORMAL DOG COMMUNICATION, SUCH AS BARKING, IS HUMAN AGGRESSION. CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOUR DOG IS ACTUALLY OR AGGRESSIVE OR WHETHER YOUR DOG IS MERELY COMMUNMICATING! |
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| 11. |
Understand that many people have had negative experiences with dogs and are sincerely afraid of them. Give them reassurance when you can, rather than allowing 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. (Good Lord! To the uninitiated, pit bull faces can take some getting used to. What we pit bull lovers see as ADORABLE – others may see as Scary!) |
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| 12. |
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 avoiding off leash dogs that may run up and instigate a fight. You may decide to carry a stick, pepper spray, a stun baton or anything else to scare away an off-leash dog. |
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| 13. |
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. Owners with multiple dogs should know exactly how to stop a scuffle with as little fuss as possible, and then work to make sure it never happens again! |
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| 14. |
Research your dog’s breed, including the history and original purpose of the breed so you can understand his/her behavior as well as how to explain him/her to the public. Knowing the ins and outs of pit bull behavior and history and, in particular, knowing your particular dog’s likes and dislikes will be your biggest help in enjoying great success with your pet. Spread the word to other pit bull owners and set a responsible example from which others can learn. |
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| 15. |
Spend time with your dog each day!!! Make time for your dog and, despite all the work, enjoy your dog! |
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