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Tips for Renting with a Pit Bull

January 12, 2017 by Samantha Edwards 1 Comment

renting with a pit bullAre you a renter thinking about moving? Do you own a pit bull? As you can probably imagine, apartment hunting with a dog is a bit more difficult than apartment hunting without one. Many landlords don’t want to deal with the liabilities that come with renting to tenants with animals. This is especially true if that animal is a pit bull or bully breed dog. As pit bull owners are unfortunately well aware, bully breed-type dogs often face breed discrimination. As unfair as it may be (and as hard as we are trying to change the status quo!), it is likely something you, as a pit bull owner, will have to consider. Read on for our best tips on winning over those landlords and getting your fair choice of living quarters.

  1. Take your time. While many landlords are not dog-friendly, there are plenty that are. It just might take a bit longer to find them. If time permits, it is a good idea to plan ahead and be persistent in your search.
  2. Include a pet resume with your application. This can be especially helpful if you are attempting to sway a landlord who might not be normally willing to rent to tenants with dogs. It will show that you take pet ownership seriously and will directly address any concerns he/she may have.
  3. Also include letter(s) of recommendation. Along with your pet resume, consider attaching a couple of references from your current/past landlords, neighbors, groomers, and trainers who knew your dog, driving the point home that you are a responsible dog owner and your dog is properly trained and well-behaved.
  4. Meet and greet. If you are in a position to visit the landlord in person, it can be to your advantage to do so – with your dog, of course! It’s easier for landlords to decline dog owners over the phone or email, but harder if they meet you and your well-behaved dog in person. Be courteous and schedule an appointment first; dropping in unexpectedly will probably not be appreciated by most people! If you aren’t able to meet the landlord in person, be sure to include some high-quality photos of your dog with his/her pet resume.
  5. Offer an additional pet security deposit. Again, this will likely help ease the landlord’s mind over potential concerns and further catapult you into “ideal tenant” territory.
  6. Consider renter’s insurance. Be sure to buy a policy that covers your dog and make that clear in your application.
  7. Be honest. Don’t ever try to hide your dog or sign a lease that does not allow dogs. As cliche as it may sound, honesty is the best policy! You surely don’t want to risk being turned in by neighbors or found out by your landlord and potentially be evicted. It’s worth it to wait until you find a place that welcomes you and your pit bull.
  8. Hold up your end of the bargain. After all the campaigning you’ve done for you and your dog to be accepted as tenants, you must follow through and be an exceptionally responsible pet owner! Be respectful of your neighbors, pick up after your dog, keep him/her on a leash, etc. Doing so will set a positive example for those around you (serving as a breed ambassador) and you will hopefully be able to use your landlord as a reference for the next time you move.

We hope that you find these tips useful in your apartment search. If you think we missed anything important, please feel free to let us know in the comments!

Filed Under: Pet Resumes, Pit Bull Insurance, Pit Bull Pets, Responsible Ownership Tagged With: breed ambassador, breed discrimination, ownership, pet resume, petbull, renting with pit bulls, responsible ownership

How to Care for Short-Haired Dogs in the Winter

November 26, 2016 by Samantha Edwards 1 Comment

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!

Filed Under: Health Issues, Pit Bull Pets, Responsible Ownership Tagged With: exercise, health, ownership, petbull, pit bull care, short-haired dog care, short-haired dogs, winter, winter care

How to Celebrate Pit Bull Awareness Month

October 18, 2016 by Samantha Edwards 2 Comments

October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month! While there is a National Pit Bull Awareness Day as well, there is a bit of uncertainty as to which day it actually is (some sources say October 27, others say October 24, and even others say the last Saturday in October). In any case, we’re going to celebrate all month long.

The purpose of the annual observance is to bring positive attention to and show appreciation for pit bulls and their responsible owners. Here are eight simple ways to do just that:

  1. Share positive stories, photos, videos, and other information about pit bulls. You can do so online via your personal social media accounts or email and when you’re speaking to other people in your daily life. The more positivity and love we spread, the more we will get in return.
  2. Attend a Pit Bull Awareness Month event. Some animal shelters and rescue groups host  pit bull awareness monthfestivals, charity walks, meet-ups, and other celebrations during October. Even if you don’t own a pit bull, it’s a good opportunity to get out and meet some! Check your local shelter or rescue group for upcoming events.
  3. No event near you? Plan your own pit bull party! Invite friends, neighbors, and other community members to come and bring their pits for an afternoon of fun. Check out this site for event planning ideas.
  4. Do something to help. Make this the month you sign up to volunteer at a local animal shelter, commit to fostering a pit bull in need of a home, or donate supplies to a pit bull rescue group. Many rescue organizations rely on donations and volunteers to keep running, so what better month to get in on the action?
  5. Take action in your local or national government. Reach out to politicians about animal rights, especially as it relates to pit bull-type dogs, and let them know that discrimination will not be tolerated. This is particularly appropriate if there is currently any sort of breed-specific legislation pending or already in place in your city. Write a letter, send an email, make a phone call, sign a petition…do whatever you can to make sure your voice is heard.
  6. If you happen to live in area where BSL is not in place or has been turned down in the past, send your local councilmembers a thank you note. Remember that we’re aiming to spread as much positivity as possible this month and it would be nice to recognize those leaders that actively work against BSL.
  7. If you’re a pit bull owner, set an example for others. Be a breed ambassador. Make the choice to gently inform and educate others at any opportunity you might come across.
  8. While this is a time to celebrate pit bulls and other bully breed dogs, make sure you are not bringing down another breed in the process. We are here to end unfair judgment and stereotypes, not to perpetuate new ones. Be kind and loving towards all animals and their owners.

 

Filed Under: Breed Specifc Legislation, Pit Bull Pets, Responsible Ownership, Save A Bull News Tagged With: advocacy, breed ambassador, breed discrimination, breed specific legislation, breed stereotypes, bsl, education, myths, ownership, pit bull awareness month, positive press

Montreal Imposes BSL

October 1, 2016 by Samantha Edwards Leave a Comment

It’s been a sad week in the pit bull/bully breed community. On Tuesday, September 27, legislators in a council meeting voted 37-23 in favor of imposing breed-specific legislation in Montreal, Québec, Canada. The law will effectively outlaw any dog that resembles a pit bull – unless owners comply with a strict set of regulations. Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of the new law is that pit bull-type dogs that are currently in city shelters cannot be adopted. They must be euthanized. According to The Dodo, the Montreal SPCA takes about 2,000 dogs into the city shelters it runs every year. About a third of those dogs meet the city’s standard as pit bulls.

For people who already own pit bull-type dogs, the new law allows them until March to undergo a criminal background check and pay $150 for a special permit. They must also have their dog neutered/spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. Dogs also must be muzzled and on a 4-foot leash at all times in public. For those who cannot or do not follow these rules, their dogs are subject to seizure and euthanasia.

montreal imposes bsl Even further, the bylaw also creates two categories of dogs of all breeds: at-risk and dangerous. At-risk dogs are those that exhibit aggressive behaviour, such as biting. Dangerous dogs are those that have killed someone or are deemed dangerous by an expert. If a dog is “deemed dangerous,” he/she will also be subject to seizure and euthanasia.

The controversial legislation was proposed after a series of dog attacks in the city. One of those attacks lead to the death of a woman in her yard, but it is still unclear if the dog that killed her was even a pit bull at all.

The new law is definitely not supported by everyone, however. The ban has sparked protests throughout Canada and around the world. Rescue groups are working tirelessly to move pit bull-type dogs into other provinces that don’t enforce BSL before the law goes into effect on October 3.

While this news is discouraging for our pit bull-loving community, the fight is not over. Here are a few things you can do to take action:

  1. Sign a petition – here and here.
  2. Write to city officials (especially Mayor Denis Coderre). Here is a list of elected officials you can email:
    mbarbe@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    dimitrios.beis@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    frantz.benjamin@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richardbergeron@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    michel.bissonnet@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    karine.boivin.roy@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    eric.alan.caldwell@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richard.celzi@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    harout.chitilian@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    mariecinq-mars@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    jfcloutier@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    catherineclementtalbot@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    russell.copeman@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    francois.croteau@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    cdauphin@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    adesousa@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    mderos@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richarddeschamps@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    p.desrochers@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    elus.sudouest@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    sterling.downey@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    erika.duchesne@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    suzannedecarie@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    france.st-jean@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    marc-andre.gadoury@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    pierre.gagnier@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    manon.gauthier@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    jgibeau@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richard.guay@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    ahenault@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    laurence.lavigne.lalonde@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    guillaume.lavoie@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    elsie.lefebvre@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    francois.limoges@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    louise.mainville@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    normand.marinacci@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    justine.mcintyre@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    peter.mcqueen@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    francesco.miele@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    lmiranda@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    real.menard@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    alex.norris@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    sylvain.ouellet@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    lorraine.page@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    jean-francois.parenteau@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    lionel.perez@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    dperri@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    valerie.plante@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    magda.popeanu@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    giovanni.rapana@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    chantal.rossi@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    mrotrand@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    chantal.rouleau@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richard.ryan@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    aref.salem@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    asamson@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    craig.sauve@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    jeremy.searle@sympatico.ca
    steve.shanahan@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    anne-marie.sigouin@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    emilie.thuillier@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    monique.vallee@ville.montreal.qc.ca
  3. If you are interested in adopting a pit bull, consider doing so from the Montreal SPCA here.

It is okay to be angry about this news, but it is important to not act out in anger or violence. As pit bull and bully breed advocates, we must continue to fight for breed equality in a peaceful manner. It will take time, but our voices WILL be heard.

Filed Under: Breed Specifc Legislation, Laws, Pit Bull Pets, Save A Bull News Tagged With: adoption, advocacy, breed specific legislation, breed stereotypes, bsl, education, montreal, montreal bsl, ownership

How to Care for a Pit Bull

September 19, 2016 by Samantha Edwards Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Pit Bull Pets, Responsible Ownership Tagged With: adoption, advocacy, breed ambassador, exercise, ownership, petbull, pit bull ownership, temperament, training

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