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All About Pit Bulls and Bully Breed Dogs

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.

 

Pit Bull Caitlyn Named Survivor of the Year

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As this year comes to a close, we are elated to hear that abused pit bull turned animal rights advocate, Caitlyn, has been named People Magazine’s best survival story of 2015. In May, Caitlyn was found wandering the streets of North Charleston, South Carolina, with her muzzle taped tightly shut, her tongue sticking out and bleeding. It appeared that she had been in that condition for several days, unable to eat or drink. For a moment rescuers were unsure if she would survive, but she has indeed overcome the odds. She underwent multiple surgeries to reconstruct her lips, tongue, and cheeks and, despite a visible scar that runs across her face, has recovered beautifully.

The man who is accused of taping Caitlyn’s muzzle shut to keep her quiet has been arrested and sits in jail as he awaits trial next year. Caitlyn has found a new loving family to call home and continues to gain national recognition as a symbol for abused animals everywhere. Caitlyn was featured in People’s annual pet awards issue (which will hit newsstands on December 21st), appearing in the “Hero Pets” section with her own photo shoot spread. The Charleston Animal Society has also started a movement using the hashtag #IamCaitlyn as a reminder that Caitlyn stands for every abused and abandoned dog in shelters.

Caitlyn’s story is one of resilience, strength, and willingness to love despite cruelty. We’re inspired and, of course, glad to see some positive press about a beautiful pit bull! We hope others will be reminded by her story that there are so many shelter animals waiting to be adopted into loving homes.

Landlord Will Only Rent To Tenants With Pit Bulls

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On the heels of our recent pet resume article comes a bit of hopeful news: there is a woman in Rhode Island who will only rent her home to tenants with pit bulls. For those of you who have tried to find housing with your pit or bully breed dog, you can appreciate this gesture. We applaud her. Read the story below. [Read more…]

What Is Dog Liability Insurance?

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Dog Liability Insurance, also known as canine liability insurance or pit bull insurance, pays for damage your dog does to other people/animals or property.

With so many states, cities and counties changing laws about Pit Bulls (and other “dangerous” dog breeds), you may need dog liability insurance. Even if you are not required to have dog liability insurance, it’s highly recommended! The unfortunate truth is that many people are often looking for any excuse to sue, and a dog liability policy can help to make sure you are covered.

 

Does your home or renters insurance provide dog liability insurance?

Blow the dust off your policy and crack it out. Look in the EXCLUSIONS portion of the policy and read about the Liability Exclusions. See if your policy mentions anything about excluding dog bites, injuries caused by animals/dogs or if it lists specific breeds. If it does, your dog is most likely not covered.

While many insurance companies and carriers breed discriminate, there are a few that love all dog breeds (so long as there is no history of biting/aggression). You don’t have to give up your beloved 4-legged family member, you just need to know what options are available.

 

Einhorn Insurance Keeps Families Together

insurance-for-pitbull-dogsEinhorn Insurance can help owners of all dog breeds get dog liability insurance. If they are not licensed in your state, they’ll point you in the right direction. The folks over at Einhorn Insurance all own Pit Bulls and understand how it feels to be discriminated against.

Even if your dog has a bite history and/or been deemed dangerous, potentially dangerous, vicious or potentially vicious, Einhorn Insurance has options. Feel free to give them a call at 858.336.4644, send an email to agent@einhorninsurance.com or visit their website www.einhorninsurance.com

 

What does dog liability insurance cover?

Many people think dog liability insurance is like having health insurance for your dog. This is not the case.

Dog Liability Insurance Covers:

  • Bodily injury your dog causes to other people or other animals.
  • Vet Bills including surgeries and medicine.
  • Medical Bills including plastic surgery to the injured person.
  • Attorney fees if your claim goes to court.
  • Damage your dog causes to other people’s property (not including the damage your dog causes to the place you are renting).
  • Income compensation if the injured person can’t work.

 

It is important to have the right dog liability insurance!

Dog owners may lose their homes, assets and income in a dog claim. People (especially the parents of hurt children) that are victims of a dog injury want compensation for injuries. When a dog owner doesn’t have the right coverage, the injured party can go after that person’s assets or take a portion of each of your pay checks until they are fully compensated.

Kelly Ripa Pit Bull Comment

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Here we go again…

100% Gangster

Kelly Ripa is the latest in a string of celebrities and organizations that feel it’s necessary to continue to perpetuate stereotypes about pit bulls.

Kelly Ripa’s Quote From the Show:

“But the gangster’s dog is uh, I mean if it’s a gangster it would have to be a dangerous, uh, Pit Bull kind of dog, right?”

I’ve read a few reports defending Kelly Ripa saying that she “chose poor wording” or that she had not adequtely prepared for the segment and was just going “on the fly”. Um…isn’t speaking on television her job? Do you mean to tell me that every segment on her show is scripted and that for some reason this one wasn’t and she stumbled? Even if she did stumble on her words, we are still left with the root issue – which is that Kelly Ripa immediately associated gangsters with dangerous dogs, which (in her mind) means a “Pit Bull kind of dog”.

Do you think is being blown out of proportion, or does Kelly Ripa owe Pit Bull owners and advocates an apology?

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