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I have one word for you...RESEARCH
Adopting
the right dog for you: Every year, thousands
of dogs (not only bullys) end up in shelters and are euthanized because their owners didn't take the time to
investigate the particular breed they "thought" they wanted. Please don't add to the already staggering statistics.
Taking the time to research a breed will give you an idea if that particular breed is right for you. Every breed
has certain typical characteristics and quirks - find out before you adopt if those are things you are willing to
adapt to your lifestyle. Also remember that just like people, no dog is perfect.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * First and foremost, pit bull ownership requires a great deal
of owner responsibility. Because the media and the public thrive on sensationalized pit bull narratives, its imperative
that pit bull owners become breed advocates and model responsible ownership practices in their communities. The
more you know about the breed, the better breed advocate you will be. Quite simply, pit bull owners across
the country are under fire. We must be responsible owners in order to help overcome the public's negative
views of the breed brought about by the irresponsible and careless owners.
Quite frankly, the rules of responsible pit bull
ownership are no different than that of any other dog. Unfortunately, because our dogs are the targets of
fear, hate and discrimination, we must take it up a notch. The words "pit bull," when used in this paragraph, can
be - and should be - easily exchangable with the word "dog." There is no such thing as being too responsible when it
comes to your pit bull... NEVER allow your pit bull to roam freely, ALWAYS walk your pit
bull on a leash, ALWAYS supervise your pit bull with other animals, NEVER keep your
pit bull chained or tethered for extended periods of time or without your supervision (an unattended pit bull is a prime target
for theft), and as with any dog, ALWAYS supervise children with dogs.
The
typical pit bull is a unique and wonderful animal. They offer incredible companionship, are amazingly athletic and have a
terrific sense of humor. There is truly no other breed like them! Pit bulls are
not the breed for everyone... but then again, the same can be said of any breed. Pit bulls demand owners that not only understand the challenges of the breed, but who are committed to negotiating
these challenges on a daily basis. Many of those challenges come in the form of discrimination and bias from society. Because
of this, not only are pit bulls categorized in a derogatory manner, but their owners are as well.
Many believe that bull breeds are
inclined to dog aggression - I am one of those people. It is extremely important to note,
however, that many breeds of dogs can be dog aggressive. Obviously, every dog
is different and every dog has a distinct personality - a dog's temperament is the result of its socialization
and upbringing. That being said, however, it is important
to remember that pit bulls were originally bred to fight other dogs. I have found through
my personal experience in rescue that many pit bulls tend to have some level of dog aggression, and
that level can vary from insignificant to severe. As a sensible alternative to categorizing the entire
breed, dog owners should know, understand and/or be "in tune with" THEIR dog's temperament and personality. If
you know your dog doesn't particularly care for other dogs, do not take place your dog in situations where he might find
himself in trouble. As the dog owner, you are in control and you are charged with making the appropirate decisions
that impact your dog. It all boils down simple common sense!
Even more important is the distinction between
dog aggression and human aggression. The simple fact that a dog displays aggression toward another dog does not
mean it will display aggression toward a human. Unprovoked aggressive acts or behaviors towards humans from
any dog - regardless of breed is unacceptable. When speaking of pit bulls specifically, in my own
personal opinion, you will not find a more friendly, loving or affectionate breed out there. One common saying
about pit bulls is that they "never meet a stranger."
I personally believe that owners need to understand the fighting heritage of the pit bull. This
is by no means to glorify what I feel is a cruel and heartless history, but understanding the breed and
its history is critical to successly raising and living with your pit bull. Some form of aggression towards
other dogs is common and, as with any other trait, there are varying degrees of aggression. Pit
bulls reach adolescence between the ages of 8 and 14 months of age, and at that time, their demeanor with
other dogs can change. It is not uncommon for an adult pit bull to be quarrelsome toward other dogs. To expect him to be otherwise
is unfair to the dog, to yourself and to the community in which you live. Dog aggression, handled responsibly, is not something
which should stop you from enjoying many activities and sports with your pit bull. We would all like to think that
our dog is the "exception to the rule," but do you really want to find out the hard way that he or she is not?
As I initially stated, pit bull ownership is no different from that of any other dog.
Quite simply, dog ownership is a responsibility, and all dogs - regardless of breed - require responsible owners.
Sadly, it is when people don't follow the rules of responsible dog ownership, it is pit bull owners who suffer the greatest
consequences. Therefore, I encourage all bull breed owners to be advocates for the breed, as well as role models for
other dog owners. By doing so, pit bulls can once again become an American icon in society. |