Saturday, December 20, 2008

What do you do?

As (in my opinion) a responsible 'pit bull' owner, I try to make sure my dogs won't get into trouble. They've been raised around dogs since they were 5 months old, but I still keep a break-stick handy in case something happens (which it has. They got into an all-out fight with each other over a rib bone the second day we got them). I also make sure my dogs are well-socialized with all ages of people and dogs, and make sure I have the equipment to keep others safe as well as my dogs when I go out in public. This includes the breaking stick, and a sturdy muzzle just in case I need it. I haven't yet, although we've had some scuffles. (A german shepherd and an english bulldog have both tried to take a souvenir from DC). I also don't allow people to randomly come up to them when they're not expecting it. Though they may not attack, their behavior can be perceived as dangerous, particularly when a 60 lb pit bull starts jumping everywhere.Photobucket So while this may seem like a walking excuse to ban these dogs, it can in fact save your dog from being confiscated and euthanized. If people ask why my dog is muzzled, I simply say it is for training purposes (for Kiba, my littlest) or simply because he is in a weird funk today and I don't trust him around other dogs at the time. The chances of actually seeing one of my pit bulls in a muzzle is rather rare, but it is still a handy tool for protecting someone else's dog-and yours.

So what are some methods you use to make sure you're a responsible pit bull owner? What do you think makes a responsible owner? IMO, a responsible pit bull owner knows the history of the breed, what the dog is capable of, and takes steps to prevent any problems like dog aggression. Many people I've spoken to don't know that the dog requires any socialization at all, which, quite frankly, scares me. Also, what about chaining your pit bull?PhotobucketThat, I think depends on how long the dog stays outside, and how you interact with him. I do not believe pit bulls should be an outside dog unless you spend ample time (i.e. 3 hours or more) with him. The dog having a job is also a major plus. Pit bulls love nothing more than working (aka playtime), especially when they see how happy it makes you. But if they are to be outside for extended periods of time, at least make sure they've got shelter.


Now, let's hear those opinions!

2 comments:

LegendsLiveOn said...

Hit the nail right on the head!

I, too, always bring a muzzle when I know my dog Buddy will be out in a more "active" scenario... like going to Petsmart, or on a day when it's particularly busy on my street.

There's nothing wrong with going the extra mile to prevent accidents. That's what responsible owners do! :-)

Chaining, to me, is a no, regardless of breed. Having a cable run with a metal lead doesn't bug me that much.

If you chain, make sure it's not some heavy, bulky chain like the "thug gangstas" like to put on their pitties. It can cause severe neck stress depending on the weight (as well as sores). If you go too heavy, you're facing a kind of Rollkur situation in the idea that it is VERY damaging to the vertebrae in the neck and can cause severe pain.

I think you've got responsible ownership down pat - it takes a special person to own and raise a Bully properly.

I look forward to more bloggings from you, and have a happy New Year! :)

lifelovepitbulls said...

Thanks. oh, and when i used the word chain, i meant it as a general term for having your dog outside. i prefer a kennel since one of my pits was killed using his cable tie. happy new years!