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!

New Year, New Resolutions

Well here we are, ready to kick off another year making all sorts of resolutions that we intend to keep but, despite our best efforts, probably won't continue any of them much beyond the month of January.  Since most resolutions we make and later fail to sustain are personal goals we set for ourselves to improve our own lives, why not do something different this year by making a resolution that will have benefits for both you and your beloved pet.  Most pet owners will do just about anything for their 4-legged friends and, by involving your pet and making them part of a new routine, you may find the lifestyle change more enjoyable and thus be more likely to stick with it...especially if it is keeping your pet safe, happy, and healthy!    

 

Here are ten resolution ideas  to make this year your pet’s best year yet!

 

10.  Measure Your Pet’s Food - Every Time.

Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake and pour that into a bowl, usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain.  It’s important to use a measuring cup to ensure your pet isn’t taking in more calories than they need.  The recommended feeding guidelines on the bag are a good place to start to figure out how much food they really need.

 

9.  Choose an Age-Appropriate Diet.

Growing pets have very specific nutrient requirements to ensure their bodies grow healthy and strong.  For example, some senior pets may have lower energy requirements, but have other medical issues like degenerative joint disease that may be helped with the appropriate diet.  Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your pet’s life stage is a great way to keep them in optimal health.

 

8.  Try a New Activity with Your Pet.

From doga (doggy yoga) to hiking to kayaking, it’s easier than ever for people to incorporate their pet into a new exercise routine.  It’s a great way to bond, it will get you both out of the house, and both you and your pet will reap the rewards of physical activity.  

 

7.  Incorporate (More) Playtime into Your Routine.

Cats love the thrill of chasing a laser toy; just don’t tell them it’s exercise!  Toys that trigger a cat’s natural predatory instinct are a great way to get them off the couch.  Experiment to see what really gets your cat going — catnip toys, crinkly balls, and climbable cat trees are some feline favorites.  Even something as simple as a cardboard box can become a cool cat cave that provides them  with the perfect hiding place.

 

6.  Make a Date with Your Vet.

An annual examination by the veterinarian is a key component of good preventive care.  Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging pets and much easier to manage when detected early. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice, update your pet’s food, or get an expert opinion on any behavioral issues that may be affecting your pet.

 

5.  Groom Your Pet Daily.

Brushing your pet serves many purposes.  It removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture.  Daily grooming is also a bonding activity that shows your pet how much you love them by taking care of them in a very soothing manner.

 

4.  Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits with Your Pet.

Brushing your pets teeth routinely is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay — just be sure to use a toothpaste meant for dogs and cats.  Treats designed to reduce tartar can also be a helpful tool in keeping teeth clean.  Regular cleanings by a licensed veterinarian are the best way to keep those pearly whites in tip top shape long into your pet’s senior years.

 

3.  Teach an Old Dog a New Trick.

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals.  In other words, keeping your senior pet’s brain active can actually make it healthier!  Teaching your pet new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons firing.  Puzzle feeders, which force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat, are also an excellent way to keep a pet’s mind engaged.

 

2.  Update Pet ID Info.

Over the course of a year, a lot can change — people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their pet’s tags.  Unfortunately, they often only remember once the pet is lost.  If any of your contact information has changed recently, don’t wait — update their tags and microchip information today!  It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way home.

 

1.  Consider Fostering.

You think you want a new pet, but you’re not completely sure it’s right for you?  Try fostering.  Pet Pal Animal Shelter and many other rescue groups need loving homes to provide safe and temporary living arrangements for pets.  It’s the perfect way to test the waters of pet ownership without the long-term commitment, since you are simply hosting a pet while they wait for their FURever home.  Who knows? That home just might end up being yours!

 

I hope these tips will help all of you make 2015 a fabulous year for you and your pets!  Even if you can only commit to 1 or 2 of these resolutions, you'll still be improving your pet's quality of life in some way which will be improving your life as well!  

 

All the best to you and your furry friends in this coming year!  

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!