Pit Bull Dog Breed Articles

All About Pit Bulls and Bully Breed Dogs

How to Care for Short-Haired Dogs in the Winter

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Not all dogs are fortunate enough to grow a thick winter coat or fur around the pads of their feet when the weather starts to get colder. Short-haired dogs are often not genetically suited to live in extremely cold climates and are, therefore, more prone to cold weather-related conditions such as frostbite or hypothermia. Our beloved pit bulls have wonderfully short, low-maintenance hair that can pose a challenge in the winter months. Read on for tips on how to protect your dog from the elements.

  1. Sweaters add an extra layer of warmth to your dog’s body, somewhat mimicking the thick winter coat that other long-haired dogs are able to grow. Sweaters are great for your dog to wear indoors or outside when it’s not raining or snowing (a wet sweater will only make them colder). Make sure the garment fits properly in the neck, chest, and shoulder areas and isn’t too tight. Also be sure that the sweater isn’t covering the dog’s elimination area so that they can still “go” freely. If you’re scoffing at the idea of dressing your dog, keep in mind that dogs are sensitive to temperature changes just as people are, and might need a little extra warmth to be short-haired dogs in the wintercomfortable.
  2. While sweaters are ideal for indoors or dry conditions outdoors, wet weather may require something a bit more heavy duty. A thick, durable, insulated winter jacket may be just what your dog needs to enjoy outside activity in the rain or snow. As with sweaters, be sure the jacket fits properly and is not covering the elimination area.
  3. Booties can help protect the pads on your dog’s feet from getting frostbite. Many long-haired breeds have evolved to grow heavy fur on their feet to protect their pads from the cold, but pit bulls (and other short-haired breeds) do not have that option. Dog booties are especially important to consider if you live in an area with snow. Some dogs don’t like wearing booties, however, so be sure to clean off their bare paws after they walk outside in the snow. Antifreeze and other snow removal chemicals on the ground can be toxic if ingested, and salt can become an irritant.
  4. Keep your dog feeling warm and secure with a heating pad or heated blanket for his/her bed. Keep the heated pad or blanket on one of the low-medium settings to avoid overheating. Heating pads aren’t generally too expensive (around $20-$40 each) but if you don’t want to buy one, give your dog extra blankets to snuggle into and keep their bed away from drafty doors or windows.
  5. Bathe your dog inside with warm water and make sure he/she is completely dry before going outside. Your dog actually may require fewer baths in the winter months, due in part to less physical activity outside, but if you do give your dog a bath, remember that it takes longer for their fur to dry in cold weather. Giving him/her a quick blow dry may do the trick!
  6. Indoor dog parks are a great option for exercise in the winter months. It will give your dog a chance to release some pent-up energy and socialize with other dogs while staying safe from the elements. If there isn’t an indoor dog park in your area, some doggy daycare centers will allow playtime sessions at their indoor facilities. Exercise is still important, even in cold weather!

How to Care for a Pit Bull

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You’ve thought about it. You’ve done your research. You’ve prepared yourself as best you can. And you adopted a pit bull – congratulations! As you hopefully already know, owning a dog can be hard work. It requires time, money, and sometimes even personal sacrifice to make sure your dog is happy and healthy. So how might caring for a pit bull specifically differ from caring for other dog breeds? Read on to find out.

Pit bulls are not dogs for inexperienced dog owners. Because of their unfortunate reputation as being aggressive fighting dogs, pit bull owners must be especially mindful when out in public with their dog. Pit bull owners must be extremely responsible and willing to act as a breed ambassador at all times.

While every individual dog is different, and because the term “pit bull” actually encompasses many breeds, it can be difficult to know what to expect when you adopt a pit or bully breed dog. There are a few things, however, that most pit bulls have in common:

–Exercise needs: considerable

–Grooming: minimal

–Life expectancy: 11-14 years

Pit bulls are muscular, athletic dogs that require daily exercise. They should be walked every day and played with (fetch, tug-of-war, etc.) often. Pit bulls are usually medium-sized dogs (or bigger) and should have enough space to move around comfortably.

Because pit bulls have short hair, they require little grooming. Be mindful, though, if you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter months. Do not leave your pit outside if it’s raining, snowing, or cold. Dogs can get frostbite and hypothermia too! how to care for a pit bull

As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, part of being a responsible pit bull owner is making sure your dog is well-trained. Your dog’s behavior is a reflection of the entire pit bull/bully breed community. Pit bulls can be stubborn, but they are also obedient and eager-to-please. They are smart, inquisitive animals who can benefit from the kind of mental stimulation that training classes can offer.

Depending, of course, on the individual, pit bulls are generally very social, people-oriented dogs. Like all dogs, they should receive lots of love and attention. Do not leave your dog home alone for long periods of time, especially if he/she does not have access to the outside. Pit bulls are generally known to be gentle with kids as well, but always be cautious when introducing your dog to new people. Never leave your dog unattended with a child.

Other basic things to consider:

-Make sure your dog is licensed, up-to-date on all required vaccinations, and always wears identification tags
-Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered
-Make sure your dog is fed at least once a day and has access to fresh water at all times

What To Know Before Adopting a Pit Bull

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adopting a pit bullIt’s no secret that owning a dog comes with responsibility. But in many ways, owning a pit bull requires even more responsibility. Pit bull owners face some tough challenges, like breed stigmatization, discrimination, and bias. It’s not for everyone, but being a pit bull or bully breed owner can be one of the most rewarding experiences you could have.

Ask yourself the following questions before you adopt to help you decide if a pit bull is the right dog for you:

–What are you looking for in a dog? Consider what traits or characteristics are important to you. Pit bulls are loyal, intelligent, silly, affectionate, and sometimes stubborn creatures. They need moderate daily exercise and ongoing socialization. Every dog varies in his/her specific requirements, however, so be sure to ask as many questions as you can and obtain us much information as possible about the particular dog you want.

–Are you ready and willing to be a responsible dog owner? This means having your dog spayed/neutered (if you adopt from a shelter, they require it), training your dog, making sure he/she is always wearing up-to-date identification, and keeping him/her socialized. Being a responsible pet owner requires time and money, so be sure you are at a stable point in your life in order to make this commitment.

–Do you have other pets? Make sure your existing pet(s) and the dog you hope to adopt will be
able to coexist. While many dogs can live comfortably with other animals in the house, not all can. It is important to introduce the animals (and human family members!) prior to adopting to be sure everyone gets along. Check with the rescue or shelter staff to see if the dog has been evaluated for compatibility with other animals.

–What are the federal, state, or local laws pertaining to pets in general and pit bulls specifically? Do some research about the area where you live to ensure there is no breed specific legislation in place, which bans dogs who look a certain way, regardless of their actual temperament or behavior. If you rent or have a homeowners association, make sure a pit bull-type dog is allowed under those terms. Also be aware that if you own a pit bull or other bully breed dog, finding housing in the future may be difficult. Creating a pet resume can help.

–Are you willing to stand up for your pit bull? If you’re thinking about adopting a pit bull, perhaps the most important thing for you to understand is that once you do, you become a breed ambassador. Being a breed ambassador means separating yourself from the stereotypical pit bull owner and proving to the public that pit bulls are not the scary, violent dogs they are so often perceived to be. You must peacefully and patiently combat the negative stigma surrounding pit bulls on a frequent basis. You are your dog’s advocate from now on.

Above all else, understand this: if you adopt a pit bull, you will have a loyal, loving companion for years to come. Yes, owning a dog is sometimes hard work. And yes, being a breed ambassador can be hard work, too. But the joy of sharing your life with a canine companion is unparalleled, and for the right person, a pit bull is the perfect fit.

 

What is a Spring Pole?

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There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding the use and safety of springpoles for pit bulls. This post will explore a few of the more common questions such as – What is a spring pole? Should my dog use a spring pole? Are spring poles safe for dogs to use? Why do dogs like spring poles so much?? – While also getting into more depth on the use of spring poles, and whether or not a springpole is right for your dog. [Read more…]

Nutritional Requirements for Large Breed Dogs

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Just as we do not like to eat the same thing every day, our dogs also need some variation in their diets so we can be sure they are getting all the essential nutrients they require for healthy coats, skin, teeth and general, overall health. Not only do Bully breeds like Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs, Boxers, Dogo Argentino, Am Staffs, Mastiffs, Bull Terriers and others, require a greater amount of food than most dogs, they also do much better and have longer life expectancies when given a diet including lots of fruits and veggies. Here are my top 5 feeding tips for larger breed dogs: [Read more…]

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