In the beginning: Pit bull type dogs were originally bred in England to “bait” bulls as
a form of entertainment. Eventually outlawed for cruelty, bull baiting was replaced
by sport dog fighting. While many pit bulls were trained to act aggressively towards
other dogs in the ring, they were also carefully bred with an extremely strong bite
inhibition towards humans. This was a crucial characteristic that handlers
selectively bred into their dogs. Handlers needed to be able to step directly into
the ring and separate fighting dogs without the threat of being bitten by their own
dog. This selective breeding led to a population of dogs that
were known for their dependability and trustworthy nature
with people. Pit bulls weren’t seen as just sporting dogs in
England; they often lived as family members and their
reliability with children earned them the nickname
“nursemaid’s dog” or “nanny dog”.
Life in America: Pit bulls made the voyage across the
Atlantic and settled in America, where they were considered
excellent farm workers and family dogs. The brave, loyal,
friendly image of the pit bull became synonymous with that of
our nation and by Word War I, the pit bull had even become
our mascot. Overwhelmingly respected, the American Pit Bull Terrier was
chosen by the U.S. Military to represent our country on war posters that touted our
country’s strength and fearlessness. At the end of WWI, Sergeant Stubby, a pit
bull,became the most decorated war dog in United Sates history. Because of this
positive image, pit bulls were used in all sorts of advertisements and posters during
this time period. They appeared along side Buster Brown in shoe ads, as “Petey” in
the Little Rascals, and on the cover of Life Magazine.
Unfortunately for pit bulls, they became the fad dog for criminals in the 1980s and
their positive image was tarnished by the actions of their abusers. Now they are
among the most abused and misused dogs in the country and desperately need our
help.
Today many dog breeds are lumped together under the name 'pit bull', including
many dogs of unknown parentage and mixed breeds. This diversity within the
'breed' reminds us to evaluate each dog as an individual.
As we work to rebuild the image of pit bull type dogs
it’s helpful to remember all the good things about
the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT):
Clowns and Cuddlers: APBTs are known as
clowns by those of us lucky enough to share out
lives with them. They are goofy, expressive,
intelligent, and affectionate dogs that make us
laugh! Quick to crawl into your lap, pit bulls are big
cuddlers that shower their people with love. Their
athleticism and intelligence make them excellent
working dogs too. However, not every family is cut
out for life with a pit bull because, while owning a pit
bull is a rewarding experience, it also comes with
the added responsibility of being a spokesperson
for a misunderstood breed. If you’re thinking about
sharing your couch with a “pibble”, consider the
following aspects of living with pit bulls to see if it’s
the right choice for you:
Training: Taking your dog through a basic obedience class is highly recommended,
particularly with a trainer who has experience with pit bulls type dogs. Dogs need to
learn household rules through consistent, positive training. Without rules to follow,
your dog will walk right over you. Training helps to teach your dog polite manners
while interacting with new people, dogs and other animals. Ultimately, try striving
for a higher goal with the Canine Good Citizen certification or through the American
Temperament Test Society, so your dog can be a canine ambassador.
Control: When you have your pit bull around the general public it is extremely
important that your dog be under your control at all times. A pit bull that’s pulling
and jumping at the end of the leash is viewed as “out of control”, while other breeds
doing the same thing are just “overly friendly”. And for goodness sake, please don’t
let your dog roam your neighborhood unsupervised. Containment methods, from
fences, to dog crates, are important to consider when owning any canine.
Socialization and Play: Dogs should be socialized as young as possible, but it’s
never too late to start. Better social behavior is an important aspect of debunking
certain myths about the breed. Dogs should be socialized in a controlled setting to
make sure play is friendly and appropriate. Keeping dogs separate from each other
when they cannot be supervised in one way to control any unwanted behaviors. Older
dogs that have passed their puppy stages will require introductions in a calm,
positive environment.
Eliminate or limit time spent in dog parks, or off leash areas, with any mature pit
bull. Even if you bring a well-socialized dog to the park, that doesn’t necessarily
mean the other dogs will be well behaved. Dog fights are common occurrences at
dog parks. Even if your pit bull doesn’t start the fight, they are more likely to be
blamed for the skirmish than other breeds involved, thereby increasing negative
perception of the pit bull type dogs.
Be comfortable with the fact that your pit bull may not want to interact with other
dogs. While many pit bulls live successfully with cats and dogs, just as many pit bulls
prefer to be the only pet in a household.
Here's some great advice from Bad Rap about safe socializing and dog parks
Exercise: Pit bulls were originally bred as performance dogs and some have high
energy needs. If you own an athletic pit bull, you’ll need to commit time every day
to exercise your dog. Not only will your dog enjoy this positive outlet with you, but
as the old saying goes: A tired dog is a good dog. When dogs channel their energy
into an appropriate outlet, such as running or playing, they are less likely to chew
your furniture!
Tough Skin: Owners of pit bulls need to be suited to deal with the negative image
other people may have of their dog. There will always be people wary of you walking
down the street with your pit bull. Take the time to make sure others are educated
about the breed and to show off your dog’s good manners and polite behavior. You’ll
be a true breed ambassador in no time!
Do you have a new pit bull and need some help getting started?
Check out Bad Rap's excellent handout: New Bully in the House
a form of entertainment. Eventually outlawed for cruelty, bull baiting was replaced
by sport dog fighting. While many pit bulls were trained to act aggressively towards
other dogs in the ring, they were also carefully bred with an extremely strong bite
inhibition towards humans. This was a crucial characteristic that handlers
selectively bred into their dogs. Handlers needed to be able to step directly into
the ring and separate fighting dogs without the threat of being bitten by their own
dog. This selective breeding led to a population of dogs that
were known for their dependability and trustworthy nature
with people. Pit bulls weren’t seen as just sporting dogs in
England; they often lived as family members and their
reliability with children earned them the nickname
“nursemaid’s dog” or “nanny dog”.
Life in America: Pit bulls made the voyage across the
Atlantic and settled in America, where they were considered
excellent farm workers and family dogs. The brave, loyal,
friendly image of the pit bull became synonymous with that of
our nation and by Word War I, the pit bull had even become
our mascot. Overwhelmingly respected, the American Pit Bull Terrier was
chosen by the U.S. Military to represent our country on war posters that touted our
country’s strength and fearlessness. At the end of WWI, Sergeant Stubby, a pit
bull,became the most decorated war dog in United Sates history. Because of this
positive image, pit bulls were used in all sorts of advertisements and posters during
this time period. They appeared along side Buster Brown in shoe ads, as “Petey” in
the Little Rascals, and on the cover of Life Magazine.
Unfortunately for pit bulls, they became the fad dog for criminals in the 1980s and
their positive image was tarnished by the actions of their abusers. Now they are
among the most abused and misused dogs in the country and desperately need our
help.
Today many dog breeds are lumped together under the name 'pit bull', including
many dogs of unknown parentage and mixed breeds. This diversity within the
'breed' reminds us to evaluate each dog as an individual.
As we work to rebuild the image of pit bull type dogs
it’s helpful to remember all the good things about
the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT):
Clowns and Cuddlers: APBTs are known as
clowns by those of us lucky enough to share out
lives with them. They are goofy, expressive,
intelligent, and affectionate dogs that make us
laugh! Quick to crawl into your lap, pit bulls are big
cuddlers that shower their people with love. Their
athleticism and intelligence make them excellent
working dogs too. However, not every family is cut
out for life with a pit bull because, while owning a pit
bull is a rewarding experience, it also comes with
the added responsibility of being a spokesperson
for a misunderstood breed. If you’re thinking about
sharing your couch with a “pibble”, consider the
following aspects of living with pit bulls to see if it’s
the right choice for you:
Training: Taking your dog through a basic obedience class is highly recommended,
particularly with a trainer who has experience with pit bulls type dogs. Dogs need to
learn household rules through consistent, positive training. Without rules to follow,
your dog will walk right over you. Training helps to teach your dog polite manners
while interacting with new people, dogs and other animals. Ultimately, try striving
for a higher goal with the Canine Good Citizen certification or through the American
Temperament Test Society, so your dog can be a canine ambassador.
Control: When you have your pit bull around the general public it is extremely
important that your dog be under your control at all times. A pit bull that’s pulling
and jumping at the end of the leash is viewed as “out of control”, while other breeds
doing the same thing are just “overly friendly”. And for goodness sake, please don’t
let your dog roam your neighborhood unsupervised. Containment methods, from
fences, to dog crates, are important to consider when owning any canine.
Socialization and Play: Dogs should be socialized as young as possible, but it’s
never too late to start. Better social behavior is an important aspect of debunking
certain myths about the breed. Dogs should be socialized in a controlled setting to
make sure play is friendly and appropriate. Keeping dogs separate from each other
when they cannot be supervised in one way to control any unwanted behaviors. Older
dogs that have passed their puppy stages will require introductions in a calm,
positive environment.
Eliminate or limit time spent in dog parks, or off leash areas, with any mature pit
bull. Even if you bring a well-socialized dog to the park, that doesn’t necessarily
mean the other dogs will be well behaved. Dog fights are common occurrences at
dog parks. Even if your pit bull doesn’t start the fight, they are more likely to be
blamed for the skirmish than other breeds involved, thereby increasing negative
perception of the pit bull type dogs.
Be comfortable with the fact that your pit bull may not want to interact with other
dogs. While many pit bulls live successfully with cats and dogs, just as many pit bulls
prefer to be the only pet in a household.
Here's some great advice from Bad Rap about safe socializing and dog parks
Exercise: Pit bulls were originally bred as performance dogs and some have high
energy needs. If you own an athletic pit bull, you’ll need to commit time every day
to exercise your dog. Not only will your dog enjoy this positive outlet with you, but
as the old saying goes: A tired dog is a good dog. When dogs channel their energy
into an appropriate outlet, such as running or playing, they are less likely to chew
your furniture!
Tough Skin: Owners of pit bulls need to be suited to deal with the negative image
other people may have of their dog. There will always be people wary of you walking
down the street with your pit bull. Take the time to make sure others are educated
about the breed and to show off your dog’s good manners and polite behavior. You’ll
be a true breed ambassador in no time!
Do you have a new pit bull and need some help getting started?
Check out Bad Rap's excellent handout: New Bully in the House
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| What's Your Pit Bull IQ? |
