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?
American Pit Bull Terriers 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
people would have trouble with.
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:
1. They escape. 2. 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 "Baby mauled by pit bull" story runs,
diminishing your choice of breed.
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Ron Hevener
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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 Bulldog.
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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
