So you adopted a dog from MPR (or plan to adopt one) and want to make sure you will do things right to ensure the best possible relationship with your dog. Here's a few tips that should help you start on a good note.
For more info about crate training, which are the best leashes and collar to use, the ideal food for a Pit Bull, etc, please Click Here
Additional tips: Responsible - Training
To never leave a Pit Bull outside unattended - These dogs are the number 1 targets for thieves and people with bad intentions. Leaving a Pit Bull outside alone is like leaving a diamond ring on a restaurant table. Chances are it won’t be there when you come back... In addition, Pit Bulls are incomparable escape artists and can get out of the best fenced yard if they set their heart to it. They are social animals and many of them won’t resist the temptation to explore the neighborhood if they realize they have been left alone. A Pit Bull running lose is at great danger. And remember, If the dog does anything wrong during his or her escapade, you will be held responsible.
To secure your fence if needed - See above. Even if you are home, we recommend that you "Pit-proof" your yard. This means making sure all gates close properly (many responsible Pit Bull owners don't hesitate to put a lock on their gate), regularly do a walk through to make sure no holes are being dug under the fence, or part of it is broken, etc. If you have a low fence (5 foot and under), running an electric wire all around may be necessary to ensure top security. Many Pit Bulls are fence jumpers - Some might need to be kept on a cable outside if you have a low fence.
To always keep your Pit Bull on a lead when out of your fenced yard, and to never take a Pit Bull to areas where other dogs run lose. While you may think you know your dog and can control him or her well, you certainly don't know the dogs you may encounter in off-leash areas, much less control them. Remember that if anything bad happens, the Pit Bull will most likely be blamed which only adds to the bad reputation of the breed.
To remember that your Pit Bull may not always get along with other dogs. He or she should be able to live with a familiar dog of the opposite sex if you are breed savvy, but most Pit Bulls will develop a certain degree of dog-aggression as they mature, especially towards dogs they are not familiar with.
To not encourage your dog to become too protective. A good Pit Bull will defend you if you are seriously threaten but a normal Pit Bull should always enjoy meeting new people. You can nurture this trait by handing treats to your visitors and asking them to give it to the dog. Same if you take your dog in public. The best thing you can do to help Pit Bulls in need is to show people how friendly and fun-loving these dogs are so more people are willing to adopt one.
To use a squirt bottle for corrections and keep a few handy in the house when there is a need for correction - Avoid using your hands in a negative way if you want to maintain a good relationship with your pets. A squirt of water in the face usually works great to remind a dog that a certain behavior is unacceptable - Don't over spray though! Show the bottle as a threat with a look that means it when needed. Only spray if the dog is really pushing it. Eventually the dog will make the association.
To crate your dog when you cant keep an eye on him or her. Click HERE for more info
To keep a box of treats on top of the crate. Always give a treat as the dog goes in his or her crate. That way your dog will associate the crate with something pleasant. Large wire crates are usually Pit Bulls' favorites.
To follow the NO FREE LUNCH PROGRAM to prevent behavior problems, dominance, aggression, etc.
To keep dominant or unresponsive dogs "off" the furniture and beds. Cuddling on the couch is a "privilege" that should be earned and only allowed upon invitation - The dog must respect the "get down" command.
To teach your dog not to jump up on you or your visitors. Nothing is more irritating than being jumped on by such powerful dogs. However, remember that Pit Bulls are very enthusiastic greeters and you don't want to break their spirit by being too restrictive. Most of them cant help it. Greeting everyone like a long-lost friend is part of the breed's personality. Your visitors might have to accept to get a few Pit Bull kisses when they come to your house.
To take your dog to obedience training - Find a trainer who understands selective breeding and doesn't believe that all dogs are Labs. Pit Bulls have special characteristics that must not be ignored or denied or you could have problems controlling them in a group.
| If you have another dog and adopt a Pit Bull (or plan to adopt), MPR Highly recommends... |
To control triggers such as bones, food, treats, attention, toys, etc.
To separate the dogs when home alone - Crates work best, or some people keep the dogs in separate rooms.
To supervise roughhousing - Dog are like kids. It can start as a game but quickly escalate into a conflict. With a "fighting breed" we can't let the dogs work things out on their own. Time-out for everyone may be necessary
To watch out for redirect aggression - This type of aggression is often misunderstood by humans and may occur more frequently than we may believe. A dog that becomes excited by outside stimuli may redirect their response to another pet. Two companion dogs restrained behind a fence and triggered by a squirrel on the other side for example, could attack each other. Redirected aggression is not uncommon with Terriers.
| If you have young children and adopt a Pit Bull (or plan to adopt), MPR Highly recommends... |
To remember that "you" are the leader of the pack.
To supervise your dog's interaction with the kids
To teach the kids to respect the dog and not treat him or her like a "toy". Remember that dogs cant express with words when they are irritated. They can only talk "dog"; Growl, snarl and bite.
To teach the dog that jumping up on the kids, or knocking them over by running through, is not acceptable behavior.
To involve the kids in feeding the dogs (don't let the kids tease the dog with food though or play in the food bowl while dog eat). Again supervision is key. |
