TERRE HAUTE —
Despite the bad publicity, pit bulls can be very lovable and loyal family dogs. There is a great deal of confusion associated with the label “pit bull.” The most accurate definition refers to two breeds: the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. Some people include other breeds in this group because they share similar head shapes and body types.
The ASPCA created 10 tips in order to help make good choices when selecting a pit bull for your new family member.
• Socialization is key to having a happy pit bull. All pit puppies should be enrolled in a puppy class where some of the time is devoted to off-leash play with other dogs.
• Pit bulls are enthusiastic learners. Pits enjoy trick training and many graduate at the head of their class.
• Pit bulls are fairly active indoors and extremely active outdoors. Be ready to spend 20 to 30 minutes twice daily in aerobic-type activities with your dog.
• Be prepared for breed discrimination. Legislation may prevent you from living in certain communities and homeowners insurance may be more difficult to obtain in some areas.
• Research. People often wrongly associate pit bulls as being aggressive. Be prepared with breed facts and history in order to let people know that it’s bad ownership that causes pit bulls to be aggressive.
• The best option is adoption. Rescuing a pit bull is saving a dog that needs a family and home. Adopting a pit from a shelter means he will have had an initial health evaluation and should already have been vaccinated and spayed or neutered. More and more shelters are using a standardized evaluation in order to assess the behavior of the dogs. You can ask about the result of the evaluation to get a better picture of how he reacts to specific things.
• Don’t forget about the older pit bulls. With an adult, what you see is what you get. Their personality is pretty much developed and you will be able to spot the characteristics you’re looking for more easily than with a puppy.
• Establish house rules for your new pit bull that everyone will adhere to. With pits, consistency is the key to training. Decide which behaviors you will allow and those you want to discourage, such as, is your new dog allowed on the furniture? Can he play with toys in the house? How do you want him to act when guests come over? Will he be allowed to bark in the house?
• Be a good example for others. Be sure to show your pit the love and care he/she deserves. They should be treated with care and respect. Pit bulls have an inspiring zest for life and a devoted affinity for people. Most are faithful, fun-loving, and affectionate. Let others know they can be good companions.
• Understand that pit bulls are strong dogs. If they aren’t used to being around small children, they may unintentionally knock them over while playing. Some pit bulls do best in a home with children 12 and older.
Pesach
• Pesach is a sweet, approximately 5-year-old boy weighing 59 pounds. He is altered, heartworm negative and housebroken. He currently is in a foster home. Pesach loves tennis balls. Visit the following Facebook link to see current photos and how he interacts with people and other dogs: www.facebook.
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