Before you buy a dog, you need to be sure that you and the dog breed are compatible. The same applies with pit bulls. Know the necessary tips you should be aware of when you decide to buy one.
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, citizens from England and Wales are prohibited from owning a pit bull terrier.
Today, more than half the population of the world has little or no understanding about pit bulls, and the remaining firmly believe the preconceived notions they have about this breed. DogAppy hereby enlists the important points that you should be mindful of before you get this dog home.
Pit Bulls Are Social Butterflies
Having a history of aggressive behavior, this trait can be avoided or reduced if you train your pit bull puppy to be social by taking him to parks, right from the beginning. Early socialization, that is, before they attain social maturity is extremely important. This is because the chances are high to override their aggressive trait and calm them down before they turn 2 – 3 years old.
There are dog shelters that work exclusively on training these breeds from a young age using several professional techniques that include socializing, which is an innate urge in this breed. Puppy classes focus on making the pit bull puppies play with other dogs without anyone monitoring the leash. This helps in reducing the aggression they might develop towards other animals.
They Are Active Breeds
A bored pit bull definitely turns into a big tantrum-throwing bully; so you should be definitely avoiding such scenarios. This breed is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For families who are peace-lovers and prefer tranquility, pit bulls are probably not suitable for them.
You need to make sure that your dog gets its daily dose of exercise, and by this, we do not mean leisure walks―ensure he runs a lot. Nowadays, you even get treadmills designed especially for dogs. So, get yourself one of those if you stay in an apartment, or do not have enough area nearby your home for him to go for a run or perform intense cardio activities.
Pit Bulls Adore Children
Pit bulls are well-known for their gentle nature around kids. They take extreme pleasure engaging in social activities involving them. It has been observed that if these dogs are allowed to socialize well early on in their development, they gel well with kids, showing no sign of aggression. However, you need to monitor their play as their strength can prove harmful to the child. As it is with dogs in general, it is recommended to keep this breed with older kids.
They Have a Breed-specific Legislation
Their temperament history and reported attacks on people have led to the enforcement of a breed-specific legislation in various laws. Owing to their infamous belligerent behavior, various jurisdictions have enacted this legislation forbidding citizens right from owning the breed to assigning certain areas where these dogs are required to wear a muzzle.
Hence, it is advised that before you adopt or buy this dog, contact your nearby animal shelter and/or local city halls to know more about the laws that are in force in your neighborhood regarding this dog breed.
The Breed is Rife with Unfortunate Myths
Carry out a thorough research. The most common myth about this breed is that they have locking jaws. This means that they possess an enzyme that gives them the ability to lock their jaws the moment they bite on something. However, detailed study in this matter has proved that physiologically, their jaws do not exhibit any such mechanism.
Another myth that you should be aware of is that this breed is naturally vicious and aggressive. Research backs up to debunk this myth and states that proper training plays a major role in shaping up its behavior.
Thus, do proper research about the breed and whether it will suit your lifestyle and family members. Do not believe in myths, legends, and stories about pit bulls that have been passed on over generations together.
All dogs are inherently loyal, and loving; pit bulls too are not far behind and are ideal companions that one can wish for. Buying it might just be the best decision you’ll ever make.
