Some Pit Education
- Thread starter Renee750il
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Nope. Lil Bit is just a young female who's sole exercise is around the house zoomies. 
Other than just being a dog, she participates in no sports & gets no goal-oriented exercise (such as conditioning for shows, weightpulls, hunts, etc.)
Gamedogs, you know I love you.....right?...
Other than just being a dog, she participates in no sports & gets no goal-oriented exercise (such as conditioning for shows, weightpulls, hunts, etc.)Gamedogs, you know I love you.....right?...
Not to get the thread off-topic though
Currently she is eating Timberwolf Lamb & Apples, prior to that she was eating Timberwolf Wild & Natural (and the only reason she's on Lamb & Apples now is because Wild & Natural wasn't in stock when I reordered). She will almost definitely be going back to Wild & Natural the next time I order, I would prefer to feed the Chicken formula over the Lamb if the dog does good on it.
Timberwolf - Where to Buy... no reason to say thank you, you're already welcome.
I've been racking my brains all day about this thread...I volunteered at a spay/neuter clinic today as well and since the majority of the dogs coming in were pits, it would have been hard to think of much else.
Ok: as far as body shapes go...I saw a bunch of dogs that were the "media favorite" chained and ignored outside type that resembled some of the opening pictures. The insistance that accompanied the "just a house dog" made me think a little bit harder about other "pet" bulls that I know...and remembered Sammy and Riker, one APBT and one AmStaff that come to daycare/board where I work. Sammy acts like he eats crack for all three meals (can do a standing jump 5+ feet in the air) and while isn't quite as ripped as Lil Bit, he does have some interesting muscle definition. He's definitely built like them...lean body, fairly sleek head, instead of the bulldog body/cinder block head that is also common. Riker has a pretty obvious musculastructure as well. So...I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not quite as disbelieving as I first was.
For those with working dogs...a)will someone please clarify exactly what is meant by this? I've gotten the impression that "working" a dog is about tantamount to saying "fighting", since so far if a dog shows or weight pulls, the activites are named as such. Part B)I know that APBT's are dog-aggro, some to a vivid extreme. Do you try to alleviate this in anyway (early socializiations, etc) or do you just accept it as a course of nature that comes with an APBT and keep all dogs seperated at all times?
I mainly ask because quite a few of the pits we have in at work are fine with other dogs, not only family, but large (like 40+) groups of strange dogs. I understand that some traits run higher in some lines than others; there are similar instances in Australian Shepherds (not with DA, but you get the point).
Ok: as far as body shapes go...I saw a bunch of dogs that were the "media favorite" chained and ignored outside type that resembled some of the opening pictures. The insistance that accompanied the "just a house dog" made me think a little bit harder about other "pet" bulls that I know...and remembered Sammy and Riker, one APBT and one AmStaff that come to daycare/board where I work. Sammy acts like he eats crack for all three meals (can do a standing jump 5+ feet in the air) and while isn't quite as ripped as Lil Bit, he does have some interesting muscle definition. He's definitely built like them...lean body, fairly sleek head, instead of the bulldog body/cinder block head that is also common. Riker has a pretty obvious musculastructure as well. So...I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not quite as disbelieving as I first was.
For those with working dogs...a)will someone please clarify exactly what is meant by this? I've gotten the impression that "working" a dog is about tantamount to saying "fighting", since so far if a dog shows or weight pulls, the activites are named as such. Part B)I know that APBT's are dog-aggro, some to a vivid extreme. Do you try to alleviate this in anyway (early socializiations, etc) or do you just accept it as a course of nature that comes with an APBT and keep all dogs seperated at all times?
I mainly ask because quite a few of the pits we have in at work are fine with other dogs, not only family, but large (like 40+) groups of strange dogs. I understand that some traits run higher in some lines than others; there are similar instances in Australian Shepherds (not with DA, but you get the point).
The word "work" could mean many things... weight pull, hog hunting, agility, racing, dock jumping, etc. (including fighting and simply exercising). People with different breeds of dogs who are "working dogs" also use the word in the same way, just because the breed is a fighting breed doesn't mean that "to work" means "to fight." Personally, I do not try to force socialize them (unless with other puppies, if they are puppies) because this breed of dog (not a "pitbull" but APBTs) is almost always dog aggressive to an extent, and most of the ones who aren't will be when any is shown from another dog (especially by displaying dominance). I've known a few people who have actually attempted and succeeded with up to 3 dogs being able to "live" together (although I personally don't recommend it) of this breed, but they are either littermates or pup, mom, and dad.
I'm not being offensive or rude, so please don't take it as such, but you typically will not find an APBT just anywhere, most of them are of mixed bred and unknown linage, "pits" include a purebred or mix of any of up to, usually, 5 different breeds on average.
I'm not being offensive or rude, so please don't take it as such, but you typically will not find an APBT just anywhere, most of them are of mixed bred and unknown linage, "pits" include a purebred or mix of any of up to, usually, 5 different breeds on average.
A) "Work" can be anything from hog hunting/catch dog, weight pulling, etc. It can include dogfighting (especially in countries where it's still legal & accepted), but it isn't limited to it.
B) All my APBTs are socialized with other dogs/pups when they are pups. A have had a handful that do ok under constant & vigilant supervision with a dog of another breed & have had 2 in recent history that got along somewhat with each other for about 4 yrs until 1 day a fight broke out & that was the end of that as they remained mortal enemies thereafter. I don't mind DA & just prefer to keep my dogs separated with the use of tie-outs & a "crate & rotate" routine. I spend much more time socializing my dogs with humans thus creating the ultimate family companion. As these dogs were not bred to be pack animals, I think it is a waste of my time to try & change hundreds of years of selective breeding & would rather focus on a different trait (their love & loyalty to humans). IMO, it's like trying to spend all your time trying to get your Labrador or Retriever to quit fetching &/or retrieving things or to try & take away the natural herding instinct out of a Border Collie. You might make some sort of progress with a handful of individual dogs, but one cannot change hundreds of years of selective breeding overnight.
B) All my APBTs are socialized with other dogs/pups when they are pups. A have had a handful that do ok under constant & vigilant supervision with a dog of another breed & have had 2 in recent history that got along somewhat with each other for about 4 yrs until 1 day a fight broke out & that was the end of that as they remained mortal enemies thereafter. I don't mind DA & just prefer to keep my dogs separated with the use of tie-outs & a "crate & rotate" routine. I spend much more time socializing my dogs with humans thus creating the ultimate family companion. As these dogs were not bred to be pack animals, I think it is a waste of my time to try & change hundreds of years of selective breeding & would rather focus on a different trait (their love & loyalty to humans). IMO, it's like trying to spend all your time trying to get your Labrador or Retriever to quit fetching &/or retrieving things or to try & take away the natural herding instinct out of a Border Collie. You might make some sort of progress with a handful of individual dogs, but one cannot change hundreds of years of selective breeding overnight.
As mentioned, "working" your dog can be any # of things, from weight pulling to agility course running. Basically it is a term to describe having your dog(s) get out there and USE their muscles. Methods vary. The methods are many.
As far as sciialization goes, first and foremost, "THE # 1 gloden rule" for "pit bull" ownership is, "NEVER and I mean NEVER trust your APBT NOT to fight". NEVER.
If you keep this first and foremost in the very front of your head, you will always be prepared for any accident and never caught off guard=which can turn out to be a very costly mistake, if you're not. That being said, you can raise your APBT, as a pup, with other dogs and with the best of intentions. Yes, it's ideal to socialize them as pups. IMO, the more socialization, the better. However, it's not always so "cut and dry". I have a female, raised, form day one, and socialized with an older female. They did great together, until one day, when something "set her off".(She was about 8 months), and turned and literally tore into that older female, like she had never even seen her before. Thankfully, I knew what to do, and although it cost me a few bills, lesson learned, and they have been seperated since that incident. So, yes, my intentions were not only optimistic, they were also unrealistic, at the same time. As I mentioned a few pages back, some APBT's will get along fine with other dogs. Some will not. Some may do fine, up to a certain point, and then they "change". They "turn". It's all to be expected, I feel, as part of being an owner and accepting these "traits/characteristics" that come along with owning this breed.
Are they for everyone? I would say "no", NOT by a long shot. But this breed, imo, is definitly, "second to none"!
If you ever had a well-bred APBT you would know why we would be willing to deal with the dog aggression. Having to deal with a dog with a high level of DA is very difficult when compared to a non-dog aggressive dog. It requires alot of responsibility. However, these dogs were bred to be EXTREMELY loving of people as a trade-off for their dog aggression. Also, they are extremely active which is right up most of our alleys. I would much rather have a dog that required hours of exercise per day than a dog that would rather sit around and sleep all day. These dogs aren't for everybody and sadly alot of people sell them to everybody and anybody. That is why they pack the shelters.
I have had a husky, golden retriever, two mutts, and a german shephard before I got my first APBT. There was no comparison between the APBTs and the rest of the dogs. The other dogs couldn't even hold a match to the APBT, in my opinion. From then on, I knew that I would never have another dog but an APBT. These are great dogs and I am more than happy dealing with DA if I get to enjoy all of the other great characteristics of these dogs.
Would it be better if a person had a yard full of kenneled dogs instead of chained dogs? I don't see the difference. They are both constrained. However, one provides extra security to ensure that an accident won't happen.
I have had a husky, golden retriever, two mutts, and a german shephard before I got my first APBT. There was no comparison between the APBTs and the rest of the dogs. The other dogs couldn't even hold a match to the APBT, in my opinion. From then on, I knew that I would never have another dog but an APBT. These are great dogs and I am more than happy dealing with DA if I get to enjoy all of the other great characteristics of these dogs.
Would it be better if a person had a yard full of kenneled dogs instead of chained dogs? I don't see the difference. They are both constrained. However, one provides extra security to ensure that an accident won't happen.
I would really like to thank all of you - not only for the information given in this thread, but for the tone that has pervaded a very touchy subject. There has been a great deal of useful and interesting information offered freely and without rancor and honest questions asked and answered, and much has been learned, and this will, I hope, continue.
I had hoped this would be the case. So far, "my" Chazzers have discussed everything from politics to religion and now - APBTs - with open minds and without resorting to defensive behaviour.
Anyway, sorry for the interruption, but I thought you all deserved acknowledgement and my thanks.
Carry on
I had hoped this would be the case. So far, "my"
Chazzers have discussed everything from politics to religion and now - APBTs - with open minds and without resorting to defensive behaviour. Anyway, sorry for the interruption, but I thought you all deserved acknowledgement and my thanks.
Carry on
I would really like to thank all of you - not only for the information given in this thread, but for the tone that has pervaded a very touchy subject. There has been a great deal of useful and interesting information offered freely and without rancor and honest questions asked and answered, and much has been learned, and this will, I hope, continue.
I had hoped this would be the case. So far, "my" Chazzers have discussed everything from politics to religion and now - APBTs - with open minds and without resorting to defensive behaviour.
Anyway, sorry for the interruption, but I thought you all deserved acknowledgement and my thanks.
Carry on
I had hoped this would be the case. So far, "my"
Chazzers have discussed everything from politics to religion and now - APBTs - with open minds and without resorting to defensive behaviour. Anyway, sorry for the interruption, but I thought you all deserved acknowledgement and my thanks.
Carry on
Thank you, for that Renee. When you educate others, imo, it's like reteaching yourself. And no amount of information would I ever view as useless or irrevalant.
Thank you all, so being so open minded. As an APBT owner, I'm grateful to not only be here, but to be allowed to share some knowledge and information, as well. Along with, hopefully, dispelling any "rumors" regarding this breed.
Nice group of people! It's been my pleasure, thus far.
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I like that the dogs pictured haven't been docked and cropped. I went through all 20 (so far) pages and can't believe it hasn't been brought up yet. Those dogs are gorgeous with their long ears and tails. I'm not die-hard against docking and cropping I'm just a sucker for long ears and tails. Especially ears. I think the condition of their ears shows they haven't been fought.
The biggest problem I have with dogs being chained outside is that it takes away their 'flight' option from predators and elements. I know when I've been camping and have kept my dogs tied up they are much more aggressive when people approach our campsite. Normally they are very welcoming of strangers but when they are tied to their 'home' they become much more aggressive to the point where people were afraid of them. I understand that in some situations it's the best option but I'd rather have one dog that could be inside than several dogs that had to be chained up.
The biggest problem I have with dogs being chained outside is that it takes away their 'flight' option from predators and elements. I know when I've been camping and have kept my dogs tied up they are much more aggressive when people approach our campsite. Normally they are very welcoming of strangers but when they are tied to their 'home' they become much more aggressive to the point where people were afraid of them. I understand that in some situations it's the best option but I'd rather have one dog that could be inside than several dogs that had to be chained up.
As far as docking and cropping goes, with this breed, docking is not recommended, and usually not done. With cropping, it's strictly a matter of personal opinion, as to whether one likes or dislikes the "look", as health wise, cropping a dog's ears, imo, certainly has no benefits. I personally like the "natural" look of the ears, but as mentioned. every owner will have an opinion on this issue. (which is often the case).
In reference to the chaining & aggressiveness issue, these two do not automatically go hand in hand. My dogs will welcome you into their chain space just as they would welcome you into the yard if they were running loose. APBTs are not guard dogs nor should they ever be used as such. 99.999% of the APBTs I know will gladly leave with the UPS man if he would allow it.
Chained dogs that are aggressive will be aggressive when they are not chained. And by aggressive I mean territorial aggression & outright human aggression. This is not a trait that comes & goes. And I will never understand why people continue to get bitten by chained dogs....leave them alone! IMO, stay out of their space & nothing bad will/can happen to you. But again, I referring to more of your guardian types that APBTs. In fact, I have to have 3 other breeds of dogs to "protect" my yard because none of my APBTs will nor do I want them to.
I've visited many different homes/yards with APBTs on proper chain set-ups & with the owners ok (I don't care if it's your best friend, ALWAYS ask before approaching a dog loose in the back yard or on a tie-out), I have been able to walk up to each & every dog without a problem. Do they bark like crazy? Yes indeed. But they know that humans bring treats & pets so why shouldn't they try to get you to come to them first.
If chains/tie-outs make a dog aggressive, then why is it we always see "rescuers" freeing these dogs off these chains only to have the dogs' tails wagging a thousand times & minute & trying to jump up or get close to these people?
On the other hand, there will always be bad representatives of each & every breed. Dogs will be bred for severe temperament flaws b/c the owners/breeders think it's "cool", & many more will just be thrown in the back yard & forgotten thus never allowing any human socialization. It is these dogs that are more prone to aggressive tendencies (notice I didn't say that all would be that way b/c a dog with a proper sound temperament is hard to break down).
It is our job to arm ourselves with facts. And unfortunately, the facts are not printed in the newspaper nor are they shown on t.v. very often. If one wants to know the truth, then do the research. What you find may surprise you.
www.understand-a-bull.com
Chained dogs that are aggressive will be aggressive when they are not chained. And by aggressive I mean territorial aggression & outright human aggression. This is not a trait that comes & goes. And I will never understand why people continue to get bitten by chained dogs....leave them alone! IMO, stay out of their space & nothing bad will/can happen to you. But again, I referring to more of your guardian types that APBTs. In fact, I have to have 3 other breeds of dogs to "protect" my yard because none of my APBTs will nor do I want them to.
I've visited many different homes/yards with APBTs on proper chain set-ups & with the owners ok (I don't care if it's your best friend, ALWAYS ask before approaching a dog loose in the back yard or on a tie-out), I have been able to walk up to each & every dog without a problem. Do they bark like crazy? Yes indeed. But they know that humans bring treats & pets so why shouldn't they try to get you to come to them first.
If chains/tie-outs make a dog aggressive, then why is it we always see "rescuers" freeing these dogs off these chains only to have the dogs' tails wagging a thousand times & minute & trying to jump up or get close to these people?
On the other hand, there will always be bad representatives of each & every breed. Dogs will be bred for severe temperament flaws b/c the owners/breeders think it's "cool", & many more will just be thrown in the back yard & forgotten thus never allowing any human socialization. It is these dogs that are more prone to aggressive tendencies (notice I didn't say that all would be that way b/c a dog with a proper sound temperament is hard to break down).
It is our job to arm ourselves with facts. And unfortunately, the facts are not printed in the newspaper nor are they shown on t.v. very often. If one wants to know the truth, then do the research. What you find may surprise you.
www.understand-a-bull.com
As withany breed of dog, a dogs' output will ONLY ever be as good as its owners' input. The APBT is no exception.
Many confuse human aggression, (H.A), with dog aggression, especially in regards to this breed, tho these are two entirely different and seperate issues, and NO where even remotely related. As mentioned "pit bulls" make bad "guard" dogs due to their VERY human friendly tendencies.
For sure, do your home work. Research your "breed of choice" and make certain it will be one whose needs will be met, happily, I might add, as hopefully your bond with your dog will last its lifetime and bring you unwavering, unconditional, and unending love.
and "us APBT owners" know= "A tired pitbull is a happy pitbull". Can't be a couch potato with this breed!!!!
Many confuse human aggression, (H.A), with dog aggression, especially in regards to this breed, tho these are two entirely different and seperate issues, and NO where even remotely related. As mentioned "pit bulls" make bad "guard" dogs due to their VERY human friendly tendencies.
For sure, do your home work. Research your "breed of choice" and make certain it will be one whose needs will be met, happily, I might add, as hopefully your bond with your dog will last its lifetime and bring you unwavering, unconditional, and unending love.
and "us APBT owners" know= "A tired pitbull is a happy pitbull". Can't be a couch potato with this breed!!!!
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