MySpace.com - PITBULLGEAR.COM - 40 - Male - OLDSMAR, Florida

TRAINING & INFORMATION
Sadly pit bulls have acquired a reputation as unpredictable, dangerous and vicious. Their sometimes intimidating appearance has made them attractive to the wrong kind of owner - people who are looking for a macho dog and who encourage aggressive behavior.
In reality a well-bred, well socialized and well trained pit bull is one of the most delightful, intelligent and gentle dogs imaginable.
Pit bulls are loyal and affectionate dogs and most of them are ambassadors for their breed that are loving companions in families, that work in search and rescue and as therapy dogs. Unfortunately we usually hear more about the exceptions than of the rule.
It is irresponsible people who take an innocent puppy and turn it into a “bad dog”. And though it is true that some dogs have aggressive tendencies, these traits are not breed specific
So what can you do to not become one of those people? BE RESPONSIBLE! Owning a dog is a responsibility. • Never allow your pit bull to roam around the neighborhood off-leash and unsupervised. While all dogs should be leashed and supervised when out in public, pit bulls, by virtue of their less-than favorable public image as well as their immense physical strength and tenacity, should always be closely supervised and under control. Even the most gentle, docile pit bull can inadvertently scratch someone during play or nip at a child who is being too rough or who doesn't know how to be behave around dogs, which can quickly turn into a giant problem! • Never keep your pit bull chained or tied up for long periods of time. Long hours spent restrained on a chain can turn a good dog into an aggressive, neurotic, anxious animal. It is a terrible way for a dog to live. If you can't give a dog a good life, maybe you shouldn't have one! Either keep your dog in the house, a well-gated back yard, or in a suitable size dog crate.
• Be quick to reprimand or restrain your pit bull when exhibiting any aggressive, hostile behavior. Most dogs, including pit bulls, will find themselves in situations where they react aggressively or engage in fighting with other dogs. While not always an emergency situation or even an unjustified situation, pit bulls, once again, do not possess the same leeway that most other dog breeds possess; again, this is due to their public profile and, to a lesser extent, on their physical capabilities. So be smart. Be quick to remove your dog from any hostile or aggressive situations, and be quick to reprimand or scold your dog when clearly out of line or overstepping normal boundaries.
TRAINING YOUR PIT BULL:
Training a dog is a 24/7 job. Everything you do with your dog should be a form of training or a way of life. A “Pit Bull” is an extremely bright dog, and very trainable and the thing they want to do most in life is please their owners. The most important thing to do with a Pit Bull is to exercise them everyday. If this is something you can't do, this might not be the right breed for you. This breed has so much energy that they need to release it on a daily basis or it will build up inside of them. This can then lead to aggression. Also, it is good to exercise your dog before you walk them, as this will help make them calm and easier to teach on their walk. It is also very important to socialize them with other Dogs and People at an early age, doing this can never come too early in their life. When socializing, always make sure that you are in control of your Dog and the situation you put them in. Socializing your dog to the world around him/her builds confidence. Not socializing your dog could cause the dog to become fearful of people, other dogs and the environment. Socialization develops a stronger bond between you and your dog as well as defining your relationship as the pack leader. Socialization does not you’re your dog has to play with other dogs and be petted by people all the time, but to be in the environment of all of those things. Treats are always a good thing to have when socializing your dog, as you can reward them for a good behavior at that moment. Make sure your dog has all their shots before socializing. I strongly recommend that any Dog owner watch Cesar Millan's "Dog Whisperer". Read his book and watch his DVD's. You will learn so much about how a Dog's mind works, what makes them do certain things, what the dog's needs are, proper ways of correcting them without hurting them, and how you play such an important role in how your Dog lives their life. I’ve listed some of Cesar’s “Priority” training advice that will make a difference in your dog’s life and how they live day to day. Believe me, IT WORKS! Thanks Cesar.

Train your Dog or it will Train You!
Other things to remember to achieve a well balanced Dog: • WALK YOUR DOG EVERYDAY for at least 45 minutes to an hour. Walking with your dog twice a day for 30 minutes is the first step toward improving your relationship with your dog. The walk is the foundation of your relationship. It is a powerful tool that will help you connect with all aspects of your dog's mind.
• SET RULES, BOUNDRIES, LIMITATIONS every day. As a pack leader, you need to set the rules both inside and outside the house. What you allow and don't allow is up to you, but be consistent, use calm-assertive energy, and never, ever correct out of anger.
• LIVE IN THE MOMENT. Start every day with a clean slate for you and your dog. Let go of the past. Don't worry about the future. With your dog and in your day-to-day life, you will find many benefits.
• SCHEDULE PLAYTIME AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. Play fetch. Go for a swim. Play Frisbee. Run an obstacle course. Just make sure your dog has had a long walk beforehand, and only play for the time you have decided in advance to allot.
• SHARE AFFECTION...at the right times only. Share affection only when the dog is in a calm-submissive state! *After your dog has exercised or eaten. *After your dog has changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior that you asked for. *After your dog has responded to a rule or command.
• DON'T SCREAM AT YOUR DOG! Dogs often perceive loud vocalizing by humans in an excited, emotional state as a sign of instability. They will either be unaffected by your tantrum or confused and frightened by it. They will not relate this to your rules. Use a calm, assertive voice and you will have much better results. Remember to always stay CALM & ASSERTIVE!

THINK!
"Calm Assertive Leadership is the only leadership that works in the Animal World"
"Consistency is the key to training"
"A Puppy will become what you make of it"
Aggression develops when a dog's issues "Your Dog must understand you will always be fair to him"
"Aggression develops when a dog's issues aren't dealt with, and frustrated energy has no release"
"Dogs that are mistreated by abusive owners often develop fear-aggression"
"Avoid using overly emotional techniques on your dogs. This confuses them and creates insecurity, which often leads to behavioral problems and fear aggression."
"A dog's aggression is created by you and can be changed by you"
"If a Leader shows inconsistent behavior, the pack is apt to see this as a weakness, creating confusion and disharmony"

WHAT MAKES A PIT BULL TURN "BAD"?
•POOR BREEDING PRACTICES.
Breeders must be aware of how genetics work and must consciously breed to produce dogs that are physically and emotionally sound. Ignorant breeding practices can produce unsafe, dangerous dogs.

•POOR SOCIALIZATION.
They need to be socialized with other dogs more then any other breed because of their past. Start this as soon as possible, and never stop. It is important to socialize them with all walks of life at a young age. The more they experience, the more it will help them cope with the world around them.

•BAD TRAINING.
If you train your dog to be aggressive and do not know what you are doing (not a professional) bad things can happen and you can have a dangerous dog.

•HARSH TRAINING.
Very harsh, forceful training techniques can cause a dog to resent his training and trainer. Unfair or overly hard corrections or punishments can cause a dog to fight back.

•CHAINING THE DOG.
Pit Bulls that live their life chained in the backyard are prone to develop problem behaviors. A chained dog is vulnerable and feels tormented, by everything passing by him. (Every child who wishes to tease or torment the dog, stray animals that pass by freely, etc.) These dogs often are bored, frustrated, depressed, angry and lack needed exercise. The majority of Pit Bull Attacks that are in the news are from dogs who live life secluded (chained up, caged, etc.) and never got a chance to be a dog and explore the outside world.

UNCHAIN YOUR DOG! - LET THEM HAVE FUN!
Do you know that a chained dog feels rejected and doesn't understand why? I magine being chained up year after year. You watch the door hoping someone will come out to play, and no one does. You see people walk by and look at you as they think...."That must be a mean dog to be on that big chain". You long to run, but all you can do is pace. You keep building up unreleased energy and it starts effecting your mind, making you bark constantly at everything. You shiver in the Winter and pant in the Summer. Eventually you will stop barking and give up hope. It is a terrible way for a dog to live. If you can't give a dog a good life, maybe you shouldn't have one!

I strongly suggest and recommend that all Pit Bull Owners become members of the American Dog Owners Association and Endangered Breeds Association.

READY TO OWN A PIT BULL? Ask yourself these questions: • AM I AN EXPERIENCED DOG OWNER, OR A NATURAL LEADER?
• AM I FIRMLY COMMITTED TO SOCIALIZING AND TRAINING MY PUPPY FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE?
• DO I TEND TO BE CALM AND QUIET RATHER THAN SHORT FUSED AND HYPER?
• WILL I TRAIN MY DOG WITH KINDNESS, CONSISTENCY AND PATIENCE?
• AM I A PHYSICALLY ACTIVE PERSON?
• AM I WILLING TO EXERCISE THIS DOG EVERYDAY?
• AM I INFORMED ABOUT THE MISCONCEPTIONS AND THE BIASES AGAINST THIS BREED?
• DO I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS DOG MUST BE A PART OF THE FAMILY?
• CAN I PROVIDE A WARM HOME FOR THIS DOG AND NOT KEEP HIM CHAINED OUTSIDE?
• AM I EAGER TO CONVINCE THE PUBLIC THAT BULLY BREEDS MAKE GREAT FAMILY PETS?
• AM I UP FOR FIGHTING BSL AND NEGATIVE BREED PROFILING?
• DO I WANT TO RESCUE OR GO TO A BREEDER? AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN EITHER ONE
• ARE YOU AWARE OF YOUR COMMUNITY AND KNOW YOU CAN HAVE A BULLY BREED?
Did You Know:

While some Pit Bulls do tend to be aggressive towards other DOGS (as are most terriers), the normal, a well raised Pit Bull has NO human-aggressive tendencies! In fact, human-aggression was actually bred out of the breed. The majority of Pit Bulls are affectionate, intelligent, trainable dogs. In fact, the highest obedience trial record of all time is held by an American Pit Bull Terrier. According to the American Canine Temperament Testing Association, 95% of the American Pit Bull Terriers that took its temperament test passed, compared to a 77% passing rate for all breeds on average. Furthermore, APBTs had a passing rate that was the fourth highest of all 122 breeds tested.

PIT BULLS LOVE KIDS! It's an actual fact that is not well known outside the Pit Bull Community, because they are stereotyped by the media to be mean & dangerous dogs. Well-managed, responsibly owned pit bulls are some of the best family dogs you can have. The American Canine Temperament Test Society lists this breed as having one of the most stable temperaments of any of the purebreds, right up there with golden retrievers. Many APBTs go out of their way to lick little faces and will wag their tails when they see a child. Many will let kids pull their ears, climb on their backs and the rough and tumble fans that they are, will love every minute of rugged kid-style attention. See for yourself, just click on the banner below:

SAVE AN AMERICAN HERO

....

RESCUE RESOURCES (click picture below)

MySpace a place for friends