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Top 15 Tips for Being a Responsible Dog Owner These Tips apply to owners of EVERY breed of dog - and they are especially important for owners of American Pit Bull Terriers
2. Neuter/Spay your dog to curb territorial aggression, to prevent more (and more and more) unwanted puppies, and to prevent your dog from roaming. All dogs (especially Pit bulls) are MUCH nicer to be around when they've been fixed! 3. Socialize your dog with as many different people as possible, with kids, seniors, disabled folks, and people of all different ethnicities.
5. Monitor off leash play sessions closely. Be EXTRA savvy about your dog's limits with other dogs. Never let a dog that has shown any signs of dog-on-dog aggression mix freely without controls with dogs that he doesn't know, or you may have a nasty fight to deal with. Pit bull owners should use extra caution and good judgment once their dog has reached sexual maturity (typically 1 to 3 years). 6. 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 dog-on-dog aggression 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 changes that develop as your dog moves through the changes in her life, particularly her anticipated 'shift' from dog friendly to dog aggressive. This is common and normal in pit bulls, so be ready for it!
8. Understand that any sign of aggression towards humans is a major red flag and should be dealt with immediately with the help of a BREED EXPERIENCED trainer or behavioralist. Dogs that show an inability to improve should be safeguarded from the public (in secure housings for example) or in the case of pit bulls, humanely euthanized. Pit bulls were bred to be exceedingly friendly with people. A pit bull that shows aggression towards a human is NOT typical of the breed and should be dealt with immediately -- No "Ifs, Ands or Buts"! 9. Exercise your dogs regularly so s/he can burn off that famous bulldog energy. A well exercised pit bull is a happy pit bull! (and his owner is a happier owner)
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 her jump on or annoy others, and avoiding off leash dogs that may run up and instigate a fight. 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. Pit bull owners should know exactly how to do this with as little fuss as possible, and then work to make sure it never happens! You may want to carry a parting stick with you in areas where you might encounter loose running dogs. http://www.pbrc.net/breaksticks.html 14. Research your dog's breed, including the history and original purpose of the breed so you can understand his behavior as well as how to explain him to the public. Its no secret that pit bulls were selectively bred for dog-to-dog combat, so knowing the ins and outs of pit bull behavior and history will be your biggest help in enjoying great success with your pet. Spread the word to other pit bull owners and be a responsible example others can learn from.
Why Would Anyone Want to Own a Pit Bull? See for yourself in these photos of BAD RAP Volunteers and their dogs: Pit Bull Photo Galleria! » Breed Info | Monster Myths | Pros and Cons | Found a Stray © All Text and Photos Copyrighted 1999-2007 BAD RAP |
1. Obedience train your dog
so that you have him/her in check in all situations, including: around other dogs, in crowds, around skateboards, etc. Pit bulls are reknowned for their intelligence and strong desire to please. They generally take very well to training. Because of the current prejudice against pit bulls, our dogs have to display better manners than the average K9. 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 on as part of their lifestyle. 
4. Socialize your dog with other dogs!
at a level that is GOOD for your dog. Slow, careful (onleash) introductions with unknown dogs and LOTS of ongoing socialization with dogs that she knows and enjoys. The pit bull on the left was first introduced to her dog friends the right way...slow and careful. Their owners supervise them to make sure all play behavior is friendly and appropriate and (Important!) the dogs are separated from each other when they can't be watched. They all benefit from well-structured socialization. If your dog has matured beyond his dog friendly youngster days, being off leash around other dogs (especially dogs he doesn't know) could be asking for trouble .. i.e. fights! Better to let him mingle with other dogs on leash so he can stay accustomed to their presence in safety. Obedience classes are a great place to give your dog important socialization skills.
7. Respect those Dang Leash Laws!
10. 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. (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, um, Scary! This is BAD RAP volunteer Greg Huffman's cutie-pie named Loki throwin' down for a belly rub. Now ain't that a face!)
11. Try to develop a thick skin
to help you endure rude and hurtful comments about your pet. If people cross the street to avoid this lovely dog named Abby, she just wags her tail, hangs her tongue out and smiles like this. In Pit Bull Speak, we're pretty sure this means: "No matter WHAT you think of me, I think people are the best!"
15. Despite all the work, enjoy your dog!
Whether your buddy loves a long hike, a fast swim or just a rip snorin' power nap, you and your special friend deserve to keep soakin' up all the Good Bully Love! (This is BAD RAP volunteer Tom and his favorite pit bull bud named "Huey".)