[Michele]

CROSSPOSTED

So You Want a Pit Bull?

You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull Terrier you want as your companion. Are you ready for this breed? Read this article and then decide if you want to go ahead with your decision.


Does your lifestyle fit the American Pit Bull Terrier lifestyle?

These dogs are packed with energy from head to toe. Craving a good run like a champion athlete. Exercise is critical to a heathy, happy bulldog.

High energy is their middle name and is a large part of their personalities. Play, work, and activity is something you must be able to give these dogs


If you're a couch potato you should find another breed to live with.

Do you have the security?

Pit Bull's are the Houdini's of the canine world. Able to leap tall fences with a single bound, dig under them with amazing speed and stealth, and unlock gates that adult people would have trouble with.

Escape will happen if you don't take the precautions to secure their living area.


You should have 6' privacy fence, beware of dog signs, hot wiring at the top and bottom of the fence, out door housing that keeps them out of the sun (even if they live indoors), and supervision are required for these dogs. You can't leave them alone for long outside because one of two things may happen:


They Escape

They're Stolen
Are you prepared for the scrutiny of neighbors and friends?

American Pit Bull Terriers are notorious. They have a bad name and the misinformed public is out to get them.

It seems like everyday another "mauled by pit bull" story runs, diminishing your choice of breed.


People will dislike you for your choice. Some may even try to kill your dog. Others will direct comments at you, vulgar, hateful comments, and friends and family may also be in conflict with your choice.

Be prepared for some rude behavior and protect your dog by teaching food refusal from strangers.

Can you train your dog?

There are two methods of training. One is to train your dog by showing it how to sit and lay down and then quitting. The other lasts forever.

Real training is life long training that starts when the puppy arrives at your home and ends with death.


Unless you're prepared to work with your dog 5-10-15 minutes per day, everyday, all week, every week, all year, every year, you may want to rethink your decision to get a Pit Bull.

Actually, if you're not prepared to train your dog, you should rethink getting any dog. Training is a fact of life and must be done in order to prevent a lot of trouble down the road.

If you can not control your dog, you don't need one.


Can you afford them?

Dog food, vet bills, training, leashes and collars, and dog houses all cost money.

Money you may not have right now. A quality dog food can cost as much as $800 per year.

Do you have this kind of extra money to spend on food? If not, wait until you do before you bring home that puppy.


Do you want a Pit Bull to impress people?

If this is the case, stop! Do not, repeat, do not bring one home. You're doing yourself and the dog a great injustice.

American Pit Bull Terriers are in demand because of their all around strength, agility, great looks, and mystic. Breeders are pumping puppies out like unleaded gasoline.

Puppies are being neglected and bad breeding practices are producing unstable dogs. Beware before you make any final decisions.


If I may point you in a different direction. Every day there are thousands of great bulldogs put down because no one will adopt them or they are deemed "unadoptable" by shelters.

Consider a Rescue Dog.

People who love this breed have created rescues for these dogs and hundreds of dogs are available for adoption.

Rescues are a win-win-win way to go. You give a dog that would otherwise not have a home, a home.

You give your money (which in most cases is a small adoption fee) to the rescue so they can continue their work, and you get an awesome dog that will 9 times out of 10 deliver more than any pure-bred dog could on their best day.


In closing, before you run out and buy a American Pit Bull Terrier, think about your options, make sure you have what it takes to provide and care for the dog, and take your time to find a dog that matches your desires.

[hack]

The animal shelters in Reno are full to overflowing with pit bulls. They are even offering free spaying and shots for the breed, in that area. Plus, they will pay you five dollars if you pick up the dog.
So many gang banger wannabes thought that a pit bull would make them real men, then they found out that you actually have to take the time to care for the dog. DUH!
Also, after the Michael Vick thing, many folks are not likely to adopt a Pit.
Think it all out, first. Don't let emotion or image cloud your judgement.

[PitNJ75]

Very good points. The best favor people can do for the dogs and for themselves is to do some homework and learn about these great dogs before adopting one - theyt're almost like having a 2nd job- albeit a very enjoyable job!

[LZRD84]

very true. my first pup was a spontaneous decision and sort of a 'learn as you go'... which was the wrong approach with this breed. My second one, well, i spent months prior learning as much as i possibly could to be a responsible owner and cater to the needs of this breed. I will always own one, and absolutely love this breed!

[foxxy]

Just treating your (dog) remeber of the famly the way you want to be treated will help alot. You do have to be willing to spend a very great deal of time .I have also found talking to tell like a person helps, or shale i say it has in me . It may not work with every pit .I treat my Luke like i wanta be treated and he treats me far better than i could have ever ask for .I'm not saying thats all the training they need ,but it does help.

[Nic.Karas]

Originally Posted by Michele CROSSPOSTED So You Want a Pit Bull? You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull Terrier you want as your companion. Are you ready for this breed? Read this article and then decide if you want to go ahead with your decision. Does your lifestyle fit the American Pit Bull Terrier lifestyle? These dogs are packed with energy from head to toe. Craving a good run like a champion athlete. Exercise is critical to a heathy, happy bulldog. High energy is their middle name and is a large part of their personalities. Play, work, and activity is something you must be able to give these dogs If you're a couch potato you should find another breed to live with. Do you have the security? Pit Bull's are the Houdini's of the canine world. Able to leap tall fences with a single bound, dig under them with amazing speed and stealth, and unlock gates that adult people would have trouble with. Escape will happen if you don't take the precautions to secure their living area. You should have 6' privacy fence, beware of dog signs, hot wiring at the top and bottom of the fence, out door housing that keeps them out of the sun (even if they live indoors), and supervision are required for these dogs. You can't leave them alone for long outside because one of two things may happen: They Escape They're Stolen Are you prepared for the scrutiny of neighbors and friends? American Pit Bull Terriers are notorious. They have a bad name and the misinformed public is out to get them. It seems like everyday another "mauled by pit bull" story runs, diminishing your choice of breed. People will dislike you for your choice. Some may even try to kill your dog. Others will direct comments at you, vulgar, hateful comments, and friends and family may also be in conflict with your choice. Be prepared for some rude behavior and protect your dog by teaching food refusal from strangers. Can you train your dog? There are two methods of training. One is to train your dog by showing it how to sit and lay down and then quitting. The other lasts forever. Real training is life long training that starts when the puppy arrives at your home and ends with death. Unless you're prepared to work with your dog 5-10-15 minutes per day, everyday, all week, every week, all year, every year, you may want to rethink your decision to get a Pit Bull. Actually, if you're not prepared to train your dog, you should rethink getting any dog. Training is a fact of life and must be done in order to prevent a lot of trouble down the road. If you can not control your dog, you don't need one. Can you afford them? Dog food, vet bills, training, leashes and collars, and dog houses all cost money. Money you may not have right now. A quality dog food can cost as much as $800 per year. Do you have this kind of extra money to spend on food? If not, wait until you do before you bring home that puppy. Do you want a Pit Bull to impress people? If this is the case, stop! Do not, repeat, do not bring one home. You're doing yourself and the dog a great injustice. American Pit Bull Terriers are in demand because of their all around strength, agility, great looks, and mystic. Breeders are pumping puppies out like unleaded gasoline. Puppies are being neglected and bad breeding practices are producing unstable dogs. Beware before you make any final decisions. If I may point you in a different direction. Every day there are thousands of great bulldogs put down because no one will adopt them or they are deemed "unadoptable" by shelters. Consider a Rescue Dog. People who love this breed have created rescues for these dogs and hundreds of dogs are available for adoption. Rescues are a win-win-win way to go. You give a dog that would otherwise not have a home, a home. You give your money (which in most cases is a small adoption fee) to the rescue so they can continue their work, and you get an awesome dog that will 9 times out of 10 deliver more than any pure-bred dog could on their best day. In closing, before you run out and buy a American Pit Bull Terrier, think about your options, make sure you have what it takes to provide and care for the dog, and take your time to find a dog that matches your desires.

Good post! I got landed with my pit by accident but have found that she needs two good one hour walks a day or she won't settle (i.e. drives me mad racing round the house with my kids happily on her heels)! Also, my dog was stolen, people either want her or are scared of her- I find myself walking her VERY early and VERY late to avoid unwanted scrutiny- even still I'm forever being approached by shifty types offering me 'top dollar' to breed her! Although I wouldn't trade her for the world, it has been one hell of a commitment- much more difficult than keeping an ordinary dog, think long and hard before you get one!

[bigred]

so true. there are a lot of dogs that aren't for some people. you really have to do your research for the right animal to suite your needs

[Lowlife]

Another good read to people new or thinking about getting a pup.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by PitNJ75 Very good points. The best favor people can do for the dogs and for themselves is to do some homework and learn about these great dogs before adopting one - theyt're almost like having a 2nd job- albeit a very enjoyable job!

You put it right, i totally agree with you in this.

[danniv]

This article makes some very good points. A lot of people get pits because they like the look of the dog and the reputation, failing to realize that they are a very needy breed.

[Robert]

I totally agree with you on this one.

Originally Posted by PitNJ75 Very good points. The best favor people can do for the dogs and for themselves is to do some homework and learn about these great dogs before adopting one - theyt're almost like having a 2nd job- albeit a very enjoyable job!

[Deniselynn]

Can we somehow drill this in people's heads? I swear, more and more people own this breed and have no business doing so. I am beyond frustrated. Flame away but I am starting to think adopting these dogs out is just wrong.

[APBTlover09]

Originally Posted by Deniselynn Can we somehow drill this in people's heads? I swear, more and more people own this breed and have no business doing so. I am beyond frustrated. Flame away but I am starting to think adopting these dogs out is just wrong.

i agree with you and iam too frustrated.

[PunishTheDeed,NotTheBreed]

I know what you all mean.
I took my boy from a girl that was keeping him on a balcony in december.
She was feeding his pizza crust and other odds and ends, he was only two months and already he was totally agressive.
I ended up have to PAY her 150$ and about $4, 000 in vet bills.
Now he is a year old and the most well behaved, loyal dog that I have owned. He is great with kids, and all other animals.
Not an agressive bone in his body.

It just take some TLC - Time, Love and Care.