pit bull

So you have chosen to add a baby Pit Bull to your family.  You have learned about its history as well as its unfair controversies.  You have taken your time, searched high and low, and finally found a number of good breeders who have perfect lovable litters for you to choose from.  Now comes the dilemma; which puppy should you pick?

Both Pit Bull males and females make equally good pets.  Males are a little larger than the females.  Some males mark their territory inside your house by urinating on your walls and furniture, a behavior that can be quite difficult to stop.  And because they are genetically inclined to attack, males tend to fight with other male dogs, especially with another male Pit Bull.  Female Pit Bulls also have the tendency to fight with each other, but are less likely to do so.  Furthermore, female Pit Bulls experience what is called “estrus” or heat cycle, twice a year.  Estrus lasts for three weeks, although neutering usually helps to avoid it. 

When deciding which Pit Bull puppy to pick out of the litter, try to choose the one with the best parents and grandparents you can find.  Keep in mind that although all Pit Bull puppies look extremely cute, their faces do change as they turn into adults.  If looks are important to you, be sure that the breeder has the look that you like.  You can determine how the puppies would look like as adults by looking at their parents and grandparents. 

Consider the basic features of a good Pit Bull.  Pit Bulls are very strong and athletic dogs.  The puppy of your choice should display strength, vigor, speed, and energy.  Watching how the parents act will give you a good idea of the puppy’s potential temperament.  If the parents show signs of curiosity, enthusiasm, and positive energy, their puppies will more likely develop the same traits.  In addition, if the parents and/or grandparents have been living long, healthy lives, the puppies will also have a very good chance of enjoying a long lifespan. 

Observe how each puppy behaves with the rest of the litter.  Bossy Pit Bull puppies are prone to become dominant adults.  On the other hand, puppies that act submissive are likely to grow up into insecure adults.  Choose the one with a temperament that falls somewhere in between the two extremes.  The puppy that curiously comes to greet you with excitement and follows you around is a probable choice.  If the puppy doesn’t resist to being held and stays relaxed while you lift him up should be the perfect puppy for you.  

All Pit Bull puppies look adorable.  You need to spend time with as many puppies as you can so in order to see the differences in their personalities and therefore, pick the best one for you.

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Your Pit Bull is a very strong and powerful dog with a not-so-good reputation.  Since he can be very intimidating to a lot of people, no matter how gentle and well-trained he is, many are still going to be petrified if they see him unleashed and running down the street with a grin on his face.  

Because of your dog’s strength and ability, he would need a strong and sturdy leash to keep him under control.  There are many types of leashes that are strong enough to hold your canine gladiator.  You can either get him a sturdy braided leash, a cotton canvas leash, a nylon leash, or a leather leash.  All dogs are recommended to have a six-foot leash.  A four-foot leash is also ideal when walking your dog in tight places.  However, whatever type of leash you decide to get, do not get one that is made of chain.

Many dog owners believe that a chain leash is the only leash that is tough enough to hold their strong dogs.  A chain leash is not at all a good choice to use on a strong dog, especially on a Pit Bull.  Although the chain part is strong, the part where the chain is attached to the handle is usually just a weak rivet, making the leash weak.  Furthermore, it is hard to get a good grip on the chain part of the leash or wrap it around your hand because it would hurt your skin if pinched.      

Retractable leashes are very popular and effective, but they should be used with great care.  A retractable leash is also not a good idea to use around other people or dogs.  Using a retractable leash on a crowded area can create a very bad tangle.  It is also not wise to use a retractable leash near a street; your Pit Bull is a very adventurous dog and is inclined to hastily run out on the road, catching you off guard, and delaying you from pulling the brakes on time. 

Do not forget too, that your Pit Bull is a very powerful dog that can build up an incredible amount of momentum if he runs at full speed to the end of the leash.  With most dogs, such a charge would cause them to be snapped suddenly back.  But a Pit Bull can easily knock the leash from your hand and snap the line.  Furthermore, if you happen to drop a retractable leash, they tend to retract toward your dog which causes him to think that he is being chased.  He will then tend to panic and run very fast in an attempt to get away.

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Training your Pit Bull is easier than training other dog breeds.  One of the reasons that this is so is because Pit Bulls are among the smartest and the most willing participants when it comes to dog training.  Another reason is that they are very eager to please their owners.  And since dog training techniques of today are easier and more effective than ever, there is no reason why your Pit Bull cannot be the friendliest and the most intelligent dog on the block.

Here are six tips when it comes to Pit Bull dog training:

1. Remember that all dogs live in the present moment.  Every time you reward or punish your Pit Bull, he can only assume that it is for his behavior at the time of the reward or punishment.  For example, if you happen to find a mess that he did a few hours ago, do not drag him to it from his nap and then start scolding him.  He will only think that he is being scolded because of taking a nap.
2. You have to be consistent with your rules.  If he was not allowed to sleep in your bed last night, then he should not be allowed to sleep in it tonight or or any other night for that matter, regardless of how much he begs.  By giving in to his begging, he will only learn that begging sometimes pays off.  This will then create a behavior pattern that is difficult to change.
3. Your Pit Bull will repeat actions that bring him rewards, whether the rewards are intentional or otherwise.  Letting him out of the cage to make him stop whining may temporarily work.  However, in the long run you will end up with a Pit Bull who continuously whines whenever he is placed in a cage.  Be sure to only reward behaviors that you want to see repeated.
4. Keep in mind that your Pit Bull is very eager to please you.  All you have to do is to show him the way.  Forcing your dog can distract and even intimidate him, thus slowing down his learning process.
5. It is not necessary to repeat a command over and over or to yell louder and louder.  Doing so will not make your dog understand what you are trying to get across.  Your Pit Bull is not deaf, and if he behaves like he is, you just need to steer him toward the right direction.  This will probably mean taking a step back in your training.
6. Above all, be patient.  Although things may not go as smoothly as you hoped it would be, it is still possible to train your dog.  You just need to be realistic, firm but gentle, consistent, and always maintain a good sense of humor with your pet.

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There is no question that Pit Bulls are good looking animals.  But while they possess a certain noble look that many people find irresistible, their most distinguishing feature is in their personality. 

Almost all Pit Bulls share similar traits.  They all carry with them a legacy of physical as well as mental characteristics that were once essential for their ancestors’ survival.  Pit Bulls are exceptional dogs who need exceptional owners.  Whether their traits are considered positive aspects of the dog’s personality or an obstacle to the owner in creating a lasting bond, depends entirely on the owner. 

Below are four reasons why a Pit Bull may not be suitable to your needs in a pet dog.

1. A Pit Bull is a strong and very muscular dog.  He is also very energetic.  He will make a great pet if you want a dog that does not break easily.   You will also make a great match if you are the type of person who is always up for an adventure and would not mind a canine companion.  However, if you are not the active type and would rather have your ten year old walk your dog by himself, or if you are always busy with work and have no time to take your dog out for a stroll, then a Pit Bull is not for you.
2. A Pit Bull is a very intelligent and confident dog.  This works great if you know how to properly train your dog and you have figured out how to apply his wonderful play drive and sense of humor to guide his intellect.  But if you think that you can push your dog into obedience or if you expect him to hang onto everything you say, then a Pit Bull is not for you.
3. A Pit Bull is loyal and bonds deeply with his family.  This is great if you are also loyal to him, consider him as a permanent member of your family, and do not mind taking him along on family trips.  But if you consider having a Pit Bull as a temporary pet and then abandon him after a period of time or if you always leave your Pit Bull home alone, then having a Pit Bull will not work out for you.
4. A Pit Bull is perceived as a tough “macho” dog.  This is great if you live alone and want a dog that makes you feel safe and secure.  On the other hand, if you want a dog that is easily approachable and is welcomed by everyone, than a Pit Bull is not for you.

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