Sunday, December 30, 2007

Dog Toys



Dog toys are essential to keeping most dogs, not all, entertained. Toys help enhance exercise and playtime. They can enhance dental care (ropes). And, play toys can enhance the dog’s chewing urges on things he’s supposed to chew.

I find that PetStages Dog Toys has a great assortment of toys that can suit dogs of all ages. Most of the toys are more geared towards smaller and medium sized dogs, but the chew toys, comfort toys, and teething toys, can work wonders on the new APBT puppy.

You can find other great toys that will keep your pup entertained. You can try Kong Toys, ropes, squeaky toys, and other toys such as treat releasers, puzzle games, and tennis balls. In most cases, dogs, like children, will have their favorite type of toy. My APBT puppy loves ropes; they help release her chew inhibitions and increase dental care.

Not every dog likes every toy. And, not every dog likes toys. But, it’s up to you, the pet parent, to find your pup’s favorite, which may even be the paper towel roll or a balled up piece of paper. But, in any cases, find what your dog likes, and stick with it…


DogToys.com - Toys, Treats and Gifts for your pet

Saturday, December 29, 2007

APBT Dog




The American Pit Bull Terrier is a great and loyal breed. They would die defending their pet parents, and that's not exaggeration.

Like other breeds the American Pit Bull and its cousin bully breed dogs deserve rehabilitation and the chance for a new life in a new home. Just because they may have a history in the pit, doesn't mean that they should be discriminated against as a viscious, man-eating breed. That was a past, and unfortunate present, but not all individuals in a breed should suffer as a part.



This sad past, present, and hopefully, unlikely future should not be affected by breed specific legislations. As once these laws begin to take affect in more than a handful of cities, it will overtake our nation. This is not the world I want to see, and it is not the world I want my APBT puppy growing up to know.



I'm tired of seeing this poor breed and its bully counterparts being shoved into the euthanasia room at the city pound becuase they were born with a bad reputation. It's just not fair. This sort of discrimination was fought against when humans were involved (Nazi Germany and Slavery amongst a few other times), who will fight for our dogs?!

The American Pit Bull Terrier is the true American breed, not the Labrador Retriever or the Golden Retriever, but the AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER! This breed is a famous breed that shares a strong portion of the American history. They are a part of search and rescue groups, pet therapy organizations, drug dogs, military companions, and other wonderful groups across the United States that help aid our country.

And, lately, I've seen APBT puppies in Old Navy commercials. I'm sure that I'm one of the hopeful APBT lovers that hope that this will be the start of a new age and a new beginning for the breed that has so stolen our hearts.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Dealing with reckless owners and very dangerous dogs

Published on Friday, December 14, 2007

When it comes to laws that regulate “dangerous dogs,” there is at least one fact that is hard to dispute: Dogs permitted by their owners to run loose and dogs who attack people or other animals are real and often serious problems in communities across the country. The more vexing and contentious issue arises in figuring out how to best address this. While many states, including New York, Texas and Illinois, favor laws that identify, track and regulate dangerous dogs regardless of breed and prohibit “breed-specific” laws that either regulate or ban a certain breed of dog, some local governments have enacted breed-specific laws. However, the problem of “dangerous dogs” will not be remedied by the “quick fix” of breed-specific laws.

There is no evidence that breed-specific laws—which are costly and difficult to enforce—make communities safer for human families or for the companion animals who are a part of so many households. And it turns out, such laws also have negative and wholly unintended consequences.

For example, a task force formed in 2003 to study the effectiveness of the Prince George’s County, Maryland, pit bull ban estimated that the county spends more than $250,000 each year to enforce the ban. Further, in a report to the County Council, the task force noted that “public safety is not improved as a result of [the ban],” and that “there is no transgression committed by owner or animal that is not covered by another, non-breed specific portion of the Animal Control Code (i.e., vicious animal, nuisance animal, leash laws).” The task force recommended that Prince George’s County repeal the ban.

Breed-specific laws also cause unintended hardship to responsible owners of entirely friendly, properly supervised and well-socialized dogs who happen to fall within the regulated breed category. Regulated breeds, it is worth noting, have expanded in some localities to include not just American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, bull terriers and Rottweilers, but also a variety of other dogs, including American bulldogs, mastiffs, Dalmatians, chow chows, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers and any mix of these breeds. Although these dog owners have done nothing to endanger the public, they may be required to comply with onerous regulations. Sadly, these responsible caretakers may be forced to choose between costly compliance and giving up their beloved companion.

Moreover, in their study of human fatalities resulting from dog bites, the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) did not support the breed-specific approach. They cited, among other problems, the inaccuracy of dog bite data and the difficulty in identifying dog breeds (especially true of mixed breeds). They also noted the likelihood that as certain breeds are regulated, those who exploit dogs by making them aggressive will merely turn to other, unregulated breeds.

Significantly, the CDC also noted how many other factors beyond breed may affect a dog’s tendency toward aggression—things such as heredity, sex, early experience, reproductive status and socialization and training.
These last two concerns seem well-founded given that more than 70 percent of all dog bite cases involve unneutered male dogs, and that an unneutered male dog is 2.6 times more likely to bite than is a neutered dog. In addition, a chained or tethered dog is 2.8 times more likely to bite than a dog who is not chained or tethered. Further, 97 percent of dogs involved in fatal dog attacks in 2006 were not spayed/neutered; 78 percent were maintained not as pets but rather for guarding, image enhancement, fighting or breeding; and 84 percent were maintained by reckless owners—abused or neglected, not humanely controlled or contained, or allowed to interact with children unsupervised.

Perhaps the most unintended yet harmful consequence of breed-specific laws is their tendency to compromise rather than enhance public safety. When limited animal control resources are used to regulate or ban a certain breed of dog, without regard to behavior, the focus is shifted away from routine, effective enforcement of laws that have the best chance of making our communities safer: dog license laws, leash laws, animal fighting laws, anti-tethering laws, laws facilitating spaying and neutering and laws that require all dog owners to control their dogs, regardless of breed.

Unfortunately, these laws are often only enforced when a tragedy occurs, rather than as a routine function of law enforcement and animal control.

Solutions

Recognizing that the problem of dangerous dogs requires serious attention, the ASPCA seeks effective enforcement of breed-neutral laws that hold dog owners accountable for the actions of their animals. The ASPCA believes that this is the most reliable way to control aggressive dogs and reckless owners.

(Source: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys - Defending Dog - Bull Breed Alliance of Tennessee

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Vick's Sentence Shows America's Racist Ways

New America Media, Commentary, Charles Jones, Posted: Dec
11, 2007

Editor's Note: Atlanta Falcon's quarterback Michael Vick was
sentenced to two years in prison for running a dogfighting ring out
of his home and some dog-lovers are up in arms over – what they say –
is not enough time. But New America Media commentator Charles Jones
says that the reaction of some Americans to the Vick case gives away
their contradictory views regarding black men.

Michael Vick doesn't deserve the almost two years the Feds slapped
on him this week for fighting and killing pit bulls. But he was
lucky to get 23 months – it's not the five or six years I thought he
would get. I'm sure that Michael Vick is as close to elated as
possible, under the circumstances.

With Vick's sentencing out of the way, maybe his critics can back
off and stop couch quarterbacking his legal proceedings. If there is
any good luck Vick has had over this past year, it's that the dog-
loving world isn't his judge and jury. If they were, he would have
been lucky to get off with the legal maximum.

When I checked out comments responding to an article about his
sentencing, I wasn't surprised to see the PETA (People for Ethical
Treatment of Animals) crowd disgruntled about how "short" his prison
term is. I wasn't even surprised to see the number of people who
actually equate the value of a dog's life to that of a human. People
who seriously feel that Vick should be executed or banned from pro-
football for life just rub me the wrong way – especially because a
lot of what I've heard in the media concerning this case has racist
undertones.

Black people have a history in this country of having our lives
valued at less than those of dogs. We were only 3/5th human after
all.

I know, some of you are thinking: "Race-card! Race-card! Out of
context!"

But, consider this contradiction: Vick and co. were fighting pit
bulls – a breed that has been deemed so vicious that mainstream
America is increasingly working toward eradicating them. Cities like
San Francisco have adopted strict neutering and euthanization laws
for these dogs. Mainstream America hates, fears and mistrusts pit
bulls damn near as much as they do young African Americans like
Michael Vick.

Maybe that's why the hood loves pit bulls so much. Maybe it's that
they are as feared and mistrusted by mainstream society as we are –
and they make people think twice about robbing your house.

My neighbor is a 10-year PETA member. This neighbor not only stays
away from pit bulls, but even complained (and exaggerated) to my
landlord that a "vicious dog" was roaming the complex when I allowed
my two-year-old daughter to play outside our apartment with a
friend's two-and-a-half- month-old pit bull puppy. My landlord
freaked, the puppy was banned from the property and I was threatened
with eviction if he was ever seen within our gates again. I have
personal experience with how people deal with pit bulls.

So to feign this care for all dogs and fake like the fact that
Vick is black has nothing to do with the public vitriol that
surrounds him is just dog doo-doo. Michael Vick is in prison where
men and women all over this country are beaten, raped and stabbed
daily. And he'll be there for at least two years. To say that he
deserves a murder sentence because he abused or even killed a few
dogs belonging to a breed that the powers that be would like to kill
off, is ludicrous and shows how very little a young black male's
life means to America at the subconscious core of her being.

Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys - Defending Dog - Bull Breed Alliance of
Tennessee

Friday, December 14, 2007

'Best friend' bites tot

Although, I personally, do not agree with the manner that was taken after the dog bit the child, they chose to euthanize him. Although, the cause of the bite was not aggressive, as the dog wanted food, the future of the dog could have been different versus euthansia. I believe that the dog could have found a home with another family.


Wed, December 12, 2007
By JENNIFER O'BRIEN, SUN MEDIA

MOM MEDICINE: Melissa Price kisses her 22-month-old daughter, Ava, the day after child was bitten by Mugsy, her family's pit bull. (DEREK RUTTAN Sun Media)

A London toddler is recovering after the family pit bull terrier ripped into her cheek, leaving her with about 25 stitches.

Ava Price, 22 months old, spent several hours in hospital, 45 minutes getting stitches and will likely need reconstructive surgery by age 10.

The pit bull, Ava's "best friend," is to be put down.

The attack occurred Monday when the girl was left alone in a toy room with the dog, as she had been "100 times before," only this time the dog had a bone, said Melissa Price, Ava's mother.

"We had this dog for eight months and we all loved and cherished this dog and at no point did we think that she was aggressive or going to be aggressive," said Price, who has three other kids at home.

"But now, I truly don't think a pit bull should be a family pet," she said.

London police investigated, and no charges were laid.

Price said a visit from Children's Aid yesterday went "fine."

She agreed to talk to reporters about the case, hoping to provide a warning to other families with pit bulls.

Ontario banned the squat, muscular dogs in 2005, the first North American jurisdiction to do so, after a series of highly publicized attacks on humans and other dogs.

Pit bulls already in Ontario before the ban took effect were spared, but subjected to tough restrictions under the law, such as mandatory muzzles when the dogs are in public.

"I love that dog to pieces -- I still wish she was here with us -- and I still do not support the ban on pit bulls," Price said.

"But I do not think a pit bull is a good family pet, especially if you have small children."

Ava Price, 22 months old, received 25 stitches on her face; the pit bull will be put down.

Despite a painful looking gash yesterday, Ava happily sipped back juice and climbed around her mom's legs.

"They were best friends," said Price of Ava and Mugsy. "She would hop on (the dog's) back and ride her like a horse, and they would chase each other all around the house.

"She's going to miss her."

As her mom spoke, Ava puttered around the living room coffee table, eating and dropping some hot dog pieces.

"She's dropping hot dogs on the floor for the dog," said Jenny, a community support worker that visits the family through the city's Hostel to Homes program.

Like other relatives and friends in the busy home yesterday, Jenny -- who declined to give her last name -- praised Mugsy as a good- natured dog loved by Ava and Price's other children.

Ava's siblings said they were devastated to learn Mugsy would be destroyed.

"I'm sad," said Nicholas, 9.

Added seven-year-old Mariah: "I want (Mugsy) to come back, but we can't have a doggy."

On Monday, Mugsy had a bone in the toy room, said Price, who thinks Ava must have tried to take the bone.

She imagines Mugsy bit Ava in an attempt to get the bone, but instead tore into her right cheek, which was left hanging.

Price was in the kitchen, about two metres away, and said she didn't hear anything.

But a cousin who was visiting heard a whimper, went into the hall and found Ava sitting on the floor and holding her cheek.

Mugsy was in the corner, "looking frightened," said Price.

"I truly, honestly believe the baby was playing with the dog . . . Judging by the bloody trail marks, it looks like the baby was trying to take her bone and (the dog) bit her face," said Price.

"I always had an understanding there was a chance of a pit bull being dangerous, but I gave this dog a chance."

Mugsy has been quarantined with Animal Care & Control, said Jay Stanford, London's manager of environmental services.

"The owners have signed over to have the dog be destroyed, so they have taken responsibility, " said Stanford.

The family could be charged under a city bylaw since the dog wasn't licensed, he said.

THE LAW ON PIT BULLS
- Ontario banned the powerful, broad-shouldered dogs in March 2005 and slapped restrictions on existing ones.
- In London, the dogs make up about four per cent of the city's 25,000 licensed dogs, but chew up a quarter of the time spent on animal control, a city report says.

San Antonio City Council Approves Controversial Ordinance (Texas)

New Pet Ordinance Approved San Antonio City Council Approves Controversial Ordinance

SAN ANTONIO -- Local pet owners take notice – the city of San Antonio has a new ordinance with many new rules.

City Council members spent most of Thursday discussing the ordinance before unanimously passing it.

The ordinance includes new definitions defining dangerous animals, fines for animal cruelty, licensing for breeders and other fees.

Thirty residents – both for and against the ordinance – spoke before the council voted.

Effective immediately, animals deemed dangerous will have to wear a special collar, be kept in an enclosure, be muzzled when outside the enclosure and will have a microchip implanted by the city.

Owners will also have to post warning signs alerting of the dangerous animal.

Jef Hale, the director of Animal Care Services, said his staff will do their best to balance public safety as well as the rights of pet owners.

Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys - Defending Dog - Bull Breed Alliance of Tennessee

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Pet Names

Pet names can be important in how people see your dog. So, when choosing a name, there are different things you may want to consider.

  • Think about personality.
  • Make it short so that the dog won't confuse its name with commands.
  • Consider uniqueness. (Think about your favorite book, movie, band, car, food, drink, etc.)

    When it comes to naming an American Pit Bull Terrier, you always want to consider what image you want to portray. I mean if you name a poodle, 'Killer,' it doesn't give the same connotation as an APBT with the same name. In many situations, giving American Pit Bulls a strong, dominant name can, and more than likely, will strike fear on others.

    There are so many names that are in-between names. You know, those that are vicious sounded yet not whimpy, either.

    You can consider a variety of names for you APBT, in many cases personality is the key.
  • Thursday, November 29, 2007

    American Pit Bull Terrier Forums



    APBT lovers may want to converse with others with the same love... Their dog... Well, I found a wonerful forum that allows just that.

    You can talk about bloodlines, share pictures, share information, ask questions, and MORE!

    Go Pitbull

    Tuesday, October 23, 2007

    Puppy Thieves

    I bet you thought I was giong to write about people stealing puppies.... Nope...

    Puppy Thieves are the puppies who are the thieves. They have this bad habit of stealing and running, or stealing and destroying the forbidden items that you would rather them not have or touch.

    How do you correct the behavior?

    Monday, October 8, 2007

    The Illusive APBT



    "Pit bulls" have been a part of American history for a long time, but not for what you may be thinking... Attack people, but as celebrities or the pet of a celebrity. Yes, the American Pit Bull Terrier, itself, was once a widely known figure on television and on movie screens. Famous APBT's covered advertisements, magazines, television shows, music videos, and movies. Famous movies to include The Little Rascals. APBTs have been highly decorated military dogs, search and rescue, and pet therapy dogs.

    And, all this coming from a dog breed with dog fighting in its history. But, if you actually looking into the ancestry of the "pit bull" it is a classification of dog that was bred to for game and dog aggression. Human aggression was highly frowned upon. Dogs that had any sign of human aggression were not allowed to fight or breed.



    Because of their history of pit fighting, many American pit bull terriers are found dead, dying, and injured daily from the horrors of dog fighting. Most of these dogs are euthanized, but it is in high debate of rehabilitating these fighting dogs because SOME of them can actually be saved in order to live a happy life with a loving family.

    Unfortunately, Breed Specific Legislation has gotton ahold of the "pit bull" and has ruined their reputation. People now forget about the beloved Petey, from The Little Rascals, and see a Cujo from Steven King's novel. BSL has been implented in many counties across America. Due to dog fighting, media protrayed "pit bull" attacks, and other incidents involving the American Pit Bull Terrier and its other pit dog counterparts, now a part of established breeds, these dogs must suffer.

    Tuesday, October 2, 2007

    Dog Fighting

    Dog Fighting is a large part of the American pit bull's history and ancestry. If you are interested in caring for an APBT or if you currently care for one, it may be best to fully understand the history behind the great breed.

    Knowing the breed's history and background can help you fully understand your dog and why he does the things he does.

    Look at the Australian Shepherd. Sometimes they're found nipping the feet of small children and running around them as to herd them. Why? Because it's what their ancestors did... Well, not children but sheep and other wildlife.

    I'm one of the biggest American pit bull advocates. I would not by any means condone the acts of dog fighting traditional or not. I do not condone breeding for game. I do not condone the mistreatment of dogs. And, I do not condone egos in combination with dogs.

    Sunday, September 30, 2007

    American Pit Bull Breeders/Rescues in Georgia

    In light of Online Puppy Scams, I have decided to compose a safe list of American Pit Bull Breeders in Georgia that you can trust.

    The APBT can be registered in two dog registries- the ADBA and the UKC. You can, also, find APBT registered under the CKC (Continental Kennel Club), but you should watch out for this particular registry, as just about anyone can have their dog registered with their registry.


    Atlanta King Pit Bulls
    Specializing in performance bred working blue pit bulls and XL pit bulls that are true athletes.
    They breed according to UKC and ADBA standards.

    Blue Horizon Pit Bulls
    A small kennel who are professional breeders of blue American Pitbull Terriers. More than half of their dogs are Purple Ribbon Bred. They breed various bloodlines such as azors Edge, Gotti, Knowlwood, Dela Cruz, and Grapevine.

    Bryant's Red Devils
    Specializing in red APBTs, these pups are dual registered with Purple Ribbon, Champion and Grand Champion bloodlines in their backgrounds. The kennel is a hobby breeder, breeding bloodlines like Peterson, Camelot, Sarona, Hemphill, Wilder, and McKenna.

    Gully Pitbull Kennel
    Breeding Gotti, Razor's Edge, and Butthead bloodlines, this breeder focuses on the blue, fawn, and tri-colored pit bulls with thick bones, wide chest, a big head, and a great temperament.

    Haynes Pit Bulls
    Breeding UKC, ABDA, and Continental Kennel Club pedigrees. They breed seal, black, red, fawn, black and white, and chocolate pit bulls.

    Southern Pride Pitbulls
    This breeder is working with ABKC grand champion bloodlines and dogs. They tend to work most with the Razor's Edge and Gotti lines.

    True Kennels
    Showing their APBTs, the parents of these pups are Grand Champion show dogs. Puppies are socialized and temperament tested.

    Ultimate Blues Pit Bulls
    Breeding high quality Pit Bulls and striving for good health and temperament.


    Rescue:

    Atlanta Bully Rescue
    This is a non-profit shelter that focuses on bully breeds. The dogs are generally strays from East and South Atlanta. They are professionally evaluated, spayed/neutered, rehabilitated, and rehomed.


    Remember when rescuing ANY dog, you save two lives. The pup you bring into your home, and the pup allowed to take his place behind the kennel doors.

    When chooing an APBT, take time talking to the breeders. Ask for references if you're not 100% comfortable with the proceedings. Trust your gut.

    Friday, September 28, 2007

    American Pit Bull Terriers Suffering BSL

    If we don't stand up for our dogs, our so called vicious beasts, no one will. The government will punish our well bred American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Bull Terriers, and Staffordshire bull terriers.



    Then they'll move towards taking the German shepherds, chow chows, akitas, huskies, malamutes, rottweilers, and dobermans, too.

    After that, they'll resort to labs, retrievers, terriers, poodles, dalmatians, chihuahuas, shih tzus, great danes, schnauzers, and virtually every other breed left.

    If we don't fight for our breed. Our AMERICAN pit bull terriers, and other bully breed dogs, we'll loose our American RIGHT to care and raise any dog, not approved by someone else.

    Is that right? Is it fair?

    I don't think so, which is why I'll be there fighting for my dogs.

    Will you be there fighting for yours?

    Wednesday, September 26, 2007

    Demons (APBTs that is)



    A Demon Sleeps In My Bed, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

    APBT's have great personalities and even better temperaments. I just wish that the ignorant people that have never spent more than two seconds looking at an APBT and walking away would see that. You can't judge a dog by its history. You can't judge a dog by the actions of another dog in the same breed.

    You wouldn't jude a human that way, and we're animals just like them. We just have a higher sense of intelligence and awareness.

    Tuesday, September 25, 2007

    Is Your Dog Safe From BSL?

    I was a little surprised by my last post of famous American Pit Bull Terriers. I guess I didn't realize how many people on here have a problem with the breed. Did you know that even when fighting was more prevalent than today, the dogs were bred to be dog aggressive and NOT human aggressive? That any sign of human aggression in a dog was so frowned upon that the dog was banned from the fighting pit, not was that dog allowed to breed; human aggressive pit dogs were put down. These dogs were family pets with jobs and missions behind them. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours kind of feel. Human aggression comes from poor breeding and socialization, not the breed.

    BSL and APBTs

    Banning American Pit Bull Terriers and other bully breed dogs may not affect you, but what happens when all those dogs become extinct? The fighting ring will come after YOUR dogs. What will you do then? ... Will you fight the Breed Specific Legislations like current bully breed owners are? Probably. I'm sure you'll want to keep your lab or retriever in your home just like I'll fight to keep my APBTs.

    One last tidbit.. Statistically, APBT's are the least likely dog breed to attack a human... How about that? Did you know that most of the dog attacks that you hear aren't even "pit bull" attacks? The media catches whim of a dog attack and throws "pit bull" out there. They never retract their statements.

    Friday, September 21, 2007

    Dog Fighting

    Dog Fighting is a large portion of how APBT became the loving, strong, and loyal breed that they are today. What is not understood about pit fighting, is that dog agression and human aggression is completely different. Human agression was strongly frowned upon. Even right before a fight, owners would switch dogs and was the opponent; if any signs of human aggression was seen, the dogs were not allowed to fight. In many cases the dogs did not make it home. Human aggression in pit bulls has never been bred into the dogs. That should be known in today's society. Just becuase a dog fighting past is in their breed, in no way does that mean they are prone to human agression.

    Monday, September 17, 2007

    More Dog Training Thoughts

    As training in any dog is important, training an American pit bull terrier, is even more. You should train the dog with Reinforcement Training.

    Basic obedience is a must!

    But what about the other problems that your dog has that you haven't quite gotten a grip on? Try using Problem Solving tools and techniques. You may, also, want to try Untraining Your Dog's Behaviors. Untraining is the opposite of training, as with training you are hoping to enforce that a behavior will occur again, with untraining you are hoping to enforce that a behavior will not occur again.

    But, at the same time, not all American pit bull terriers are the strong and illusive type dog. Some, like any other dog and any other breed, will succumb Fears and Phobias. How do you overcome those fears? You don't want a dominant dog, but you do want a confident dog.

    Wednesday, September 12, 2007

    Internet Puppy Scams

    According to a recent article on yahoo news, a Online Scamnew is in the midst... But, unfortunately it involves innocent people wanting to open their lives to a new puppy. You assume the puppy in the picture is the puppy you're going to get... Not all the time... The classifieds and online ads that float all around the interent are filled with puppies. Breeders getting the word out about a new litter of pups. You take the bait, and get screwed....

    I will admit that I have searched for days on online classfieds and adds. Searched tons of breeders and looked through many photos. Luckily, I did not get caught in one of these scams. I received my pit bull puppy from a loving pet parent in Atlanta. His ad was different than most of the ones I had seen. Just listing that he had 11 puppies, 4 males and 7 females available, serious inquiries call xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxx-xxx-xxxx. I called. Met with him the day after, and brought home a gorgeous blue pit bull.

    Some people aren't so lucky. Read the following article to hear a few stories... Find ways to protect yourself!

    Online Puppy Scams

    Monday, September 10, 2007

    Famous American Pit Bull Terriers

    When people think pit bull, the tend to forget that they are very noted in history for the good that they've done. Pit bulls are found throughout movies, history, and celebrity lifestyles.

    Many people don't realize the the American pit bull terrier is the only breed that has been on the cover of Life for three issues.



    The pit bull was, also, the poster image for the U.S. during the 1900's. The American pit bull was the image people saw on various war posters, representing the country's strength and dignity.



    Sergeant Stubby, has been a poster dog for the pit bull breed for years, but many people have NO clue who he is. Stubby is the most decorated dog in military history, much less the only dog promoted to sergeant. He was in combat during WW1 with John Robert Conroy, who snuck him aboard the USS Minesota after finding him on the Yale campus. Stubby fought beside the 102nd Infantry of the 26th Yankee Division in the trenches of France. He fought for 18 months and through 17 battles, even being wounded in his front leg. After receiving proper care, like a brave soldier, Stubby returned to the battle field to warn his fellow soldiers of gas attacks, located wounded soldiers in "No Man's Land," and being a 'listen out' instead of a look out to warn his men of incoming artillery. Stubby was solely responsible for capturing a German spy when at Argonne. When returning home, Stubby met with three presidents- Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, Warren G. Harding. Stubby was made a life member of the American Legion, the Red Cross, and the YMCA. Sergeant Stubby died on March 16, 1926, a hero.



    Bud was the first dog to travel cross country (1903).


    Pit Bulls in Movies:
  • Petey from the Little Racals

  • Blue Walter's Blitz from Cheaper By the Dozen

    Other Famous Pit Bulls
  • Popsicle- Number 1 US customs dog. Popsicle was found in a freezer during a drug raid.
  • RCA- Certified hearing dog in Alaska
    Tahoe, Cheyenne, and Dakota- Search and rescue dogs in Sacramento; working none stop at the World Trade Center and Pentagon after 9/11

    Famous People Who Have Pit Bulls
  • Helen Keller's pit bull Sir Thomas.

  • Theodore Roosevelt
  • Woodrow Wilson
  • General George Patton
  • Jamie Foxx
  • Rachael Ray
  • Jon Stewart of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
  • Ken Howard from 'Crossing Jordan' was saved by his pit bull during a medical crisis
  • Alicia Silverstone
  • Jessica Biel
  • Jessica Alba
  • Kevin Federline
  • Pink
  • And a few other celebrities


  • "Pit bulls get a bad rap because of irresponsible owners. Many people consider the look or popularity of a breed before thinking about whether the dog works for their lifestyle. Please evaluate your lifestyle before taking on the responsibility of a pit bull." Cesar Millan

    Famous Pit Bulls

    Sunday, September 9, 2007

    Training Your Dog

    Reinforcement Training is the best way to teach your dog. It's the quickest and most effective. Using Punishment as a Training Method is NOT the best way to teach your dog. Especially when considering the pit bulls are stubborn and hard-headed dogs. You NEVER want to use punishment as a training method for you pit bull. I would NEVER recommend it to any breed of dog, in any case. Punishment has a sever downfall of aggression...

    When Training a Dog consider your dog. Never train when you're upset or stressed, as these emotions will be emitted upon the dog.

    My 14 week old pit bull has been responding with great efficiency to positive reinforcement training. I have chosen to use the clicker with her, as an unconditioned reiforcer, and her learning of the basic commands of sit, down, sit/stay, down stay, and look, has heightened. She is becoming more and more efficient with the cues and her behaviors daily. I strongly recommend using positive reinforcement training in conjunction with clicker training, which ARE closely related.

    Saturday, September 8, 2007

    Clicker Training

    With my new pit puppy, I started positive reinforcement training the day I brought her home. A few weeks later, I picked up my old clicker, and decided to give it a try. I have seen faster results in her behaviors with training with the clicker than with not. I personally, vouch for Clicker Training with your dogs.

    Tuesday, September 4, 2007

    Growing Puppies

    I never really thought about feeding my puppy vitamins and supplements, but then when flipping through an issue of the APBT Gazette, I found an add for K9 Puppy Gold. I had to try it. I recommend the supplement for any and all puppies. My pit bull puppy, MIA, LOVES it.

    You can find it at PetCo, Amazon, and K9 Power . I'm sure other petstores and websites carry the supplement as well, these are the only ones that I have seen. Although, I tend to just buy it at PetCo. Never really looked elsewhere.

    Monday, September 3, 2007

    The great AMERICAN pit bull terrier



    Did you know that at one time people were trying to get the name changed to American pit bulldog in order to better classify the breed. A great dog needs a great name.

    Saturday, September 1, 2007

    Pit Bulls are BSL

    I strongly disagree with breed specific legislations. Many just plain and simple ban the specific breed(s), but some do add grandfather clauses to the legislation, saying that if a pet parent has owned the breed in question for a certain time frame before the law has been passed, they CAN keep the dog... Usually these clauses include many restrictions towards keeping the dog(s) such as muzzles in public and outdoor kennels.

    BSL and Pit Bull Terriers

    Monday, August 27, 2007

    Vick's 53 Dogs and AN APPOLOGY?!

    Involving the Michael Vick scandal, many dogs were taken. Personally, I think that they should be given a chance. They should all be evaluated thoroughly on multiple days, as even dogs have bad days. Then the ones that pass temperament test after temperament test, should then be put through extensive training in order to make sure that they will not show aggressive tendencies in the future. Just my opinion though. We'll all see what the animal behavorists and the government of Virginia have to say about it.

    Pit Bull Rehabilitation

    Experts Evaluate Pit Bulls Seized from Vick

    No need to appologize to us. Appologize to all the dogs that you killed...
    Good try though...
    Vick Apologizes After Entering Guilty Plea

    Saturday, August 25, 2007

    Friday, August 24, 2007

    Pitbulls in today's society

    In today's society the American Pit Bull Terrier, is known as the derogatory pit bull. 'Pit bull' emmits a bad aroma, leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. It's just not a good thing... For what reason? Becuase they're strong dog with a stronger will. Because they're stubborn. Because they're silly. Nope...

    Pit bulls in today's society is a bad thing. To say, 'I think I'm going to get a pit bull,' leads to stares and disbelief.

    Pitbulls like any other dog breed is nothing more than a group of dogs with the same historical background and similar appearance. This group of dogs just happens to have a bad reputation due to bad owners.

    Some people see their historical background of bull bates and dog fights. They see their strong will, stubborness, and powerful musculature. Those people turn the gorgeous pit bull breed into monsters. They have ruined the loving image of Petey from the Little Rascals.

    What's not understood in today's society is that this breed of dog was tailored for dog aggression. Not people agression. These dogs have always been nothing more than family pets, even in historical dog fights. Historical dog fighters were family pets first. If any signs of people aggression were shown, the dog was put down, not prized.

    Today's society sees 'pit bull mauls woman,' but they don't see the other side of the story in which the same pit bull plays with the other neighbor's children. Why isn't that side of the dog portrayed? Why is the only side of the dog seen, the one that portrays the bad? Is there not enough bad in today's world, that we have to find something bad in our dogs? Yes the dog did something wrong, but isn't it only fair to show both sides?

    In a human trial, don't we see the good and the bad. She was an active volunteer for the Salvation Army, but she aided 3 major bank robberies. He raped 5 women, but did you know that he volunteered with the homeless? We hear those stories. Why don't we hear about the dog's sweet side?

    In any sense, pit bulls are only what they're made. You must make a bad dog. You can make ANY dog bad. It just so happens we only hear about bad pit bulls.
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