Pit Bull Dog Breed Articles

All About Pit Bulls and Bully Breed Dogs

Pit Bulls in the Workforce

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Besides being incredibly loving, silly, social, and eager-to-please pets, pit bulls also have pit bulls in the workforceextraordinary value in the workforce. It is perhaps these qualities, coupled with their intelligence, loyalty, athletic ability, stamina, and drive, that make pit bulls the ideal pick for specialized jobs that have a significant impact on our society. A few jobs that pit bulls excel at include:

1. Drug detection. Their ability to sniff out dangerous drugs makes pit bulls excellent police dogs. A pit bull named Popsicle (he was found in an old freezer where he was left to die after being used as bait for dog fights) has the largest recorded single drug find in Texas history – over 3,000 pounds of cocaine with a street value of nearly $1.4 million.

2. Explosive Detection. Some dogs have a talent for detecting explosives, which makes them perfect for military service. A pit bull called Sergeant Stubby, for example, has been called the most decorated war dog of World War I and the only dog to be nominated for rank and then promoted to sergeant through combat. Stubby served for 18 months and participated in 17 battles on the Western Front, where he was wounded in action twice, saved his entire platoon by warning them of a poison gas attack, found and comforted the wounded, and single-handedly captured a German soldier.

3. Search and rescue (SAR). Pit bulls Cheyenne, Dakota, and Tahoe are top-rated SAR dogs. The dogs have helped save the lives of many people over the years. They are so good, in fact, that Dakota and her owner Kris Crawford were requested by NASA to assist in the recovery of astronauts after the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003. Kris and her dogs were even awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their valuable contributions to the community for over a decade.

4. Therapy/emotional support. Pit bulls’ gentle, affectionate nature make them wonderful therapy dogs, and are frequently used to help veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD as well as people with other mental or physical illnesses. Check out therapy dogs Zen and Blueberry.

pit bulls in the workforceThere are a number of organizations across the nation that are dedicated to training pit bulls for the workforce. Pits for Patriots for example, specializes in training qualified pit bulls from rescues and shelters in the Chicago area to work as service, therapy, skilled companion, and companion dogs for U.S. military veterans and first responders. Animal Farm Foundation, whose mission is to secure equal treatment and opportunity for pit bulls, has formed a collaboration with Austin Pets Alive! and Universal K9 so that rescued and sheltered pit bulls can be selected and considered for detection dog work, which is traditionally reserved for purebred, purpose-bred dogs. It is because of efforts like these that pit bulls are able to prove themselves as treasured members of the modern workforce, fighting the stigma one dog at a time.

Tips to Keep Your Bully Safe

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Unfortunately, owning a bully breed dog such as a Pit Bull, American Bulldog, Bull Terrier, etc. often means that you don’t catch any breaks. One small incident is all it takes to jeopardize the life you share with your pet. YOUR dog may not be trained to fight, but the propensity for fighting exists throughout their lineage, and it is in your dog’s best interest to protect them from situations that may escalate into trouble.

Keep in mind, while dogs are pack animals, the history of the Pit Bull and related breeds have created a dog whose pack is human in nature, not animal. They do not always do well meeting other dogs they do not already know, and in most instances it’s preferable to avoid it all together. Most of these dogs really can’t be bothered with making new dog friends, so do them a favor and always do introductions in a neutral zone, when both dogs are calm, and with owners who have a solid knowledge of their particular dog’s behaviors, mannerisms and preferences. [Read more…]

Introducing Your Pit Bull to Another Dog

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The key to introducing your Pit Bull (especially if they already have a tendency for dog aggression) is to have the dogs meet by taking a walk in a neutral area (i.e. somewhere either dog has ever been before). By walking in a neutral area you minimize, if not diminish, the risk of one dog exhibiting any type of territorial behavior. Before going out for the walk, be sure that each dog is properly fitted with a properly fitted collar and sturdy leash. It is not recommended to use choke chains or prong collars when going through the introduction, as you risk injury to your dog if a fight does break out. [Read more…]

Crate and Rotate

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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. [Read more…]

The Problem With Chaining Dogs

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I am not talking about putting a leash on your dog to take him for a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, as there is certainly no problem with Fido getting some much-needed exercise to work off the holiday pounds. Instead, I am talking about the practice of attaching your dog to a stationary object, such as a stake or tree, and attaching a leash, chain or rope as a means of confining your canine companion. Dogs are social creatures, and being confined to a small space for long periods of time can cause immense psychological damage. This inhumane practice can harm not only the dog, but also poses a threat to other animals and humans. [Read more…]

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