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Bark-A-Loud

What pit ownership means for me...

Pits are...

1) Friendly
2) Stubborn

If you are considering adopting a pitbull or pit cross-

Be prepared! You MUST be firm but fair with this breed!! Give them an inch and they take a mile...if you know what I mean. I am a novice pit owner and I was too soft, and fell short in certain areas of his training, and now that he is 80 lbs. I regret letting him have his way, because I am paying for it now.

I will share my experience, to give you a good idea of what I mean...

Letting him meet people and other animals on walks, thinking this was was "socializing" was a big mistake! Now he wants to socialize with everyone, including people who look like they'd rather not meet him. He pulls and pulls and pulls until we reach them and then he jumps all around, pirouettes, prances
around in circles on his hind legs and clowns around (he thinks he's showing off) making a total nuisance of himself.

I am amused by these antics, but to others, I know it's not so charming. I don't let people meet Duke so much anymore, unless I am certain that they are tolerant of big, hyperactive dogs, jumping and slobbering all over the place...

Luckily for Duke, there are some people who welcome his antics with gusto! And the love is flying all over the place!

Dogged Doggone Dog!

Duke is fully grown now, at two and a half years. In May he will offically be an adult dog. His training is coming along nicely and he is developing some wonderful house manners.

I wish I could say the same for how he behaves outdoors-

I am proud to say he has the ability to ignore other dogs that may be barking or approaching, and that is impressive to me.

BUT...

He will chase cats, or people, dragging me along helplessly.

When we walk alone on a quiet street, he does well enough, but if we encounter other humans...LOOK OUT! He's outta control, hyperactive, and does what he pleases. He has not stopped jumping, walking on his hind legs, or pulling on the leash. He weighs around 80 lbs., and that's a LOT of dog for me.

Once we reach person/cat after 30 mile per hour persuit, I quickly assure person/cat by saying something apologetic like, "I'm sorry if he scared you. He's very friendly, and he just wants to meet you." Then I explain that he is still a puppy, and hasn't yet learned his manners.

This is usually where the cat bolts like a bat out of hell.

Or, in the case that it is a person, this is the point where they are clearly thinking something like, "You call this monster a puppy?"

-Not very good PR for a pitbull cross!

I hang my head in shame as I feel like I have failed Duke and Pitbulls everywhere.

Aggression and the Pitbull

People need to understand that "dog agression" and "human aggression" are two very different, and unrelated things.

In the historical, regulation dog fight, the two dogs were matched together, by size. Their handlers remained in the ring with the dogs. Several times in a match the handlers would step near the dogs and seperate them, before releasing them to engage in the fight again.

Pitbulls, bred for the fighting ring, needed to be two things, sound and game.

Gameness, to engage with another dog of equal strength, and endure until he victored his apponent, a feat which could be very long and tiring-

and soundness, to be disengaged from his opponent, without biting his handler.

It is with this regard that pitbulls should be evaluated. A well bred pitbull, will be a balanced animal and very sound. He will have a desire to engage in any kind of work, and will be a friendly companion to his caretaker and his caretakers' family.

That being said, you should also know that a pitbull comes with a strong determination of mind, and can be willful, if he does not respect his caretaker. (Picture a friendly dog, who will engage in play, and be affectionate, but who will steal your belongings and run around the house with them, with a "you can't catch me" attitude, a dog who will not come when you call, a dog who will always push limits and usually get away with it, and you get the picture.)

The pitbull is not for the novice dog owner, or a meek handler. Gaining a pitbull's respect early is crucial. You must be firm and consistent. Do this and you will earn a tremendously obedient, and capable companion.

Every pitbull owner should be aware of thier dog's breeding history. Be wary of their tendancy toward "dog aggression" due to their history as a fighting breed. When introducing your pitbull to other dogs, be relaxed, your dog will read your emotions, but always be prepared to separate your dog, and pay damages.

(This is not so much of a concern for pit mixes, but do always look out for that tendancy. Also note that a purebred pitbull may not be "dog aggressive". Look into its line and see how far removed it is from its ancestral pitfighters.)