Dive into the archives.
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Insurance for Pit Bulls
Think moving or being with a home insurance company that does not allow Pit Bulls means you will have to part with your pet? Think again! There are options out there for Pit Bull and bully breed owners, and there are home insurance companies that do not carry breed restrictions. Whether your are a property owner or renter, there is no need for you to give up your beloved bully in exchange for housing - simply change your insurer and start enjoying your time with your pet. This article will cover insurance options for both home owners and renters looking for Pit Bull friendly insurance, as well as a discussion of ways to keep your current Pit-friendly coverage. (more…)
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Mixed Breed Pit Bulls
Many new dog owners are often unsure what to expect when adopting a dog of a mixed heritage, especially when part of the dog’s lineage is that of a Pit Bull. Fear not, Pit Bulls rank among the most loyal, affectionate, human-oriented, intelligent, and well tempered dogs on the planet. A good rule of thumb for all owners is to treat your Pit Bull mix as if it were a “purebred”, always remembering that in the eyes of the public and media a Pit Bull mix is practically the same thing as a purebred Pit Bull. Any problems your Pitty mix causes will be attributed to the Pit Bull breed as a whole. (more…)
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Crate and Rotate
Perhaps you acquired same-sex pit bulls that, upon maturation, no longer tolerate each other. Maybe you have a multi-dog household, and two or more of your dogs have recently been fighting. Or you recently added a pit bull to your home, and it just isn’t working out with the other dogs. Whatever the reason, by employing the use of ‘Crate and Rotate’ in your home you will be able to safely manage your pets and maintain them in your home. A pet is a lifetime commitment; re-homing should be a last resort. Dog aggression is common among Pit Bulls and other bully breed dogs, and it is important to recognize this behavior for what it really is, and accept the reality that this breed has selectively been bred to be aggressive towards other dogs. (more…)
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The Myth of the Hypo-Allergenic Dog
Yes, it’s true. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. I am not really sure who came up with this one, maybe dog breeders looking to sell more puppies by advertising their dogs as “allergy free”, or possibly it is the result of a whisper-down-the-alley effect of a doctor’s consultation with a patient. Regardless of its origins, the story and existence of hypo-allergenic or allergy-free dogs is a complete myth. (more…)
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Dog Adoption Scams
There are a number of wonderfully caring and perfectly respectable dog rescue organizations out there, but unfortunately not all of them are what they seem. The newest scam is for supposed rescuers to search shelters, Craigslist, The Penny Saver, etc., to locate dogs which are in high demand and easy to sell. These con-artists will then obtain the dog, often seeking out purebred or family dogs, and then sell them. They will refer to this charge as an adoption or rehoming fee, and will turn around and make a pretty serious profit. (more…)
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Tips for Buying From a Breeder
As a Pit Bull advocate, I do not endorse the breeding of dogs. There are way too many dogs in shelters, foster homes and being euthanized every day to justify the need for the breeding of more dogs. If you are really interested in getting a dog, and feel you must have a puppy, your first try should be a rescue organization or your local animal shelter. Your local breed-specific rescue can be a great resource for puppy adoptions, and if you let them know of your interest they will often add you to a waiting list and conduct any pre-adoption house checks/paperwork before a suitable dog has even arrived. Puppies are usually not that hard to find, but be prepared to deal with some serious scrutiny. Good rescues will not allow great pups into the arms of a potentially horrible owner. (more…)
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12 Tips for Responsible Pitbull Ownership
Why do you think the Pit Bull reputation has become as tarnished as it is today? How did a dog that was once considered to be a decorated war hero and wonderful family pet suddenly turn into the vicious, unpredictable creature we see today on the nightly news? The answer is a simple one really, the dogs have not changed over the years, but the types of people seeking ownership of these dogs has. (more…)
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Why Foster a Dog?
Foster parents are an integral part of successful rescues, especially dog rescue organizations dealing mainly with bully breed dogs like Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs and Mastiffs. Many first-time dog owners are weary of adopting Pitbulls and bully breed dogs directly from shelters, so foster programs can be a great way for potential owners to get to know a dog before adopting. Foster parents know the ins-and-outs of each and every dog and are able to give prospective owners a good idea of what to expect with regard to personality, activity level, play style and compatibility with other animals. Without the support and presence of foster parents, most of the dogs that would otherwise find homes will end up stuck in a shelter, or not finding a home at all. (more…)
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Things to Consider Before You Adopt a Dog
Many dogs in shelters and foster care have ended up there because of ill-prepared owners that did not take into account the financial and time considerations that need to be made when bringing a dog into the family; this is especially true with puppies. While no one wants to think about the not-so-pleasing qualities that come along with dog ownership such as destroyed furniture, fleas, medical emergencies, allergies and illness, they are common setbacks experienced by pet owners. As someone that is thinking about bringing a new pet into your home, you need to carefully weigh out the pros and cons as to whether or not you, and your family, is ready for the increased responsibility that goes along with dog ownership. Below are a few topics to discuss before taking the final step in finding a new family member. (more…)
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Is a Pit Bull the Right Dog For Me?
There are way too many Pit Bulls that end up in shelters because of ill-prepared and careless owners not knowing what to do once their cute little Pit Bull puppy grows up and starts asserting his personality. Properly trained, exercised and socialized Pit Bulls are wonderful family pets, but there are certain breed characteristics that Pit Bulls often possess which can make them a troublesome breed to deal with for an inexperienced or inattentive owner. You can never do too much research when considering raising a Pit Bull, or any bully breed dog for that manner. While this article is a good place to start, you will want to explore other resources and talk to other owners about their experiences before making any sort of commitment you may not be able to keep. (more…)
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Dog Toys For Heavy Chewers
Bully breed dogs can be rough on toys, and it can be difficult to find toys and treats that are safe for them to eat.
Some of the smaller or less dense toys can be easily broken apart and swallowed by these dogs, and no one wants to spend $10 on a special reward that is going to be ripped up by the dog in less time it takes to Tivo through the commercials on the nightly news. Here is a list of bully friendly toys I have compiled from my personal experience - (more…)
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Pit Bull Myths
Aren’t Pit Bulls mean? Well so-and-so told me they have a special enzyme in their mouth that lets their jaws lock together! My cousin said to NEVER adopt a pit from the shelter because of their unknown history - they will just turn on you in an instant. Those are just a few of my favorite Pit Bull myths I have come across when people find out I own a Pit Bull. Now for the truth: (more…)
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Inspiration
I have not always been a Pit Bull lover and advocate. In fact, the majority of my childhood I was afraid of dogs as a result of being chased down my street by a 100 pound lab that wanted to play. In my naiveté I assumed all dogs were untrained beasts that just sat and waited for the perfect time to catch a kid off guard and pounce. I grew up listening to the media and was poisoned by their negative spin, selective reporting, and misrepresentation of facts with regard to Pit Bull characteristics and attack statistics. I was among the masses that typecast Pit Bulls and other bully breeds as cruel, aggressive, unpredictable baby-eaters. That was until I met Biz…
