PAWSitively For The Pits!

Contrary to what we hear in the news or from our friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc., American Pit Bull Terriers are generally good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal, and affectionate family pets.  They are always eager to please their masters.  They are extremely courageous and intelligent guard dogs who are very full of vitality.  Highly protective of their owners and the owner's property, they will fight an enemy to the death.  They are usually very friendly, but also have an uncanny ability to know when they need to protect and when everything is okay.  Pit Bulls can be overpowering with meek owners and need a firm hand.  They are generally okay with other pets if they are raised with them.  They are very friendly, but not recommended for most people because most people do not understand how to properly raise and train this breed. 

 

With basic training along with the proper amount of exercise and a firm owner, Pit Bulls can be trustworthy and obedient dogs.  They should be socialize very thoroughly when young to prevent aggressive tendencies, and they definitely need to be kept under control when other dogs are present.  This breed needs to be taught respect for humans too.  Pit Bulls excel in practically every canine task including herding, guarding, hunting, and policing.  When properly trained and socialized, they are very good dogs and great family companions.  Unfortunately however, some choose to promote the natural fighting instinct in the breed, giving it a bad name.  

 

At one time, Pit Bulls had an all-around reputation of being much loved and trustworthy companions.  Unfortunately, the breed has become somewhat of a status symbol for many who choose to train these dogs to fight.  It is these types of people who are chiefly responsible for the negative images that are becoming all too familiar to us.  The media, however, should not go unmentioned as they, too, are responsible for escalating isolated incidences in a relentless and attention-getting way.  Most Pit Bulls are bred as family dogs, but the media will rarely mention this.  They get more views pretending all Pit Bulls are bred by fighters.  Often when the media reports about a Pit Bull attack, it is not even a Pit Bull at all but another "bully breed", i.e. rottweiler, Doberman, mastiff, etc.  The Pit Bull's future has been perhaps irreparably undone and everyone is to blame except the dog itself. 

 

As a result of the common misconceptions of Pit Bulls and other "bully breeds", the process to adopt a Pit Bull or Pit mix requires that any potential Pit Bull parents MUST own their home.  Due to strict insurance policy guidelines, most landlords can not have Pit Bulls or any other "bully breeds" residing on their properties...even if they're diehard fans of these breeds.  This is because the insurance companies exclude these breeds from their coverage due to the increased liability these dogs are supposedly known for.  All of this leads to just one thing...it's becoming more and more difficult for Pit Bulls and Pit mixes as well as the other "bully breeds" to be placed in FURever homes.  This then causes overcrowding in shelters resulting in many more animals being turned away simply because of a lack of space.  

 

As one of these so-called "bully breeds" that are often misunderstood and even sometimes mistreated", shelters everywhere are facing an increase in the number of Pit Bulls and Pit mixes that are being surrendered because their owners could not or would not properly care for these animals.  The Pit Project is a program being offered by Pet Pal Animal Shelter with a goal of rescuing and adopting out more Pit Bulls by educating adopters about the breed.  It takes a special type of person to be a Pit owner and, with the right leadership and training, Pet Pal can get you prepared for one of the best experiences of your life!

 

While at the shelter, all Pit Bull Terriers and Pit mixes will receive temperament testing and evaluations from CDPT certified trainers.  Once these dogs have been assessed, a training regimen will be put into place to keep them active and motivated during their stay at the shelter.  Upon adoption, with the help of their “Guardian Angels”, all Pittie adopters will go home with a crate, leash, collar, Kong toy, small bag of Science Diet, and free initial vet visit at Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic (where a 1-month supply of heartworm and flea prevention will be provided) as well as a review of the training program being used at the shelter.  Additionally, a group training class will be offered by a certified trainer to provide guidance in leadership skills for all family members.  Of course ALL Pet Pal dogs have already been neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and de-wormed prior to being put up for adoption.

 

To become a Guardian Angel for a beloved Pet Pal Pittie, go to Pet Pal's web site and click on the Pit you would like to sponsor.  Complete your donation through Pay Pal using your credit card.  We will mail you a picture of our Angel in recognition of your donation and place this in their adoption file at the shelter.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.  I feel it is VERY important to get as much accurate information about Pit Bulls out there as possible in hopes of educating the public and bringing the "right" kind of attention to this breed! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!