Wallace the Pit Bull

Check out Wallace the American Pit Bull Terrier. He was once on death row, but now he's a champion!

Pit Bull Wears E Collar

Elizabethan Collars for Dogs

As, you can see your dog can wear his/her e collar and still play with other dogs. MIA had no problems playing with that little blue heeler mix puppy. But, you always want to be careful about letting your dog play while wearing an elizabethan collar. Just make sure that the play is supervised.

Spay and Neuter Your Pit Bulls

I find that it is very important that dogs that aren't meant to be bred (IE non-champion bloodline) and dogs that aren't going to be bred (typically pure human want not to breed), should be spayed or neutered. There are so many reasons as to why you should spay or neuter your pit bull that you really need to take into consideration.

Spaying Your Female Dog

Neutering Your Male Dog

Of the many reasons as to why you should spay and neuter your Pit Bull, here are just a few of them.

1. Pit Bulls already have a bad reputation, and by breeding "pit bulls" that are not of champion lines, you're probably not doing the breed any favors by releasing more puppies that may have bad temperaments bc you don't really know the full bloodline.
2. If you don't spay your female Pit Bull, you may end up with an unwanted mix-breed litter, which means more "pit bulls" are released into the public, which means the higher potential for mishap since you don't know the other dog's lineage and temperament.
3. Pit Bulls are already one of the most pupular dog breeds out there, which means there are tons of them whereever you look, and by having one more litter, you're putting more puppies out there who can have puppies and more puppies, etc. which can in turn create a worse reputation becuase you just don't know what all of hte puppies are doing.
4. It's just healthier for the dog to be spayed or neutered. You are preventing other illnesses, or at least lessening the risk for other illnesses and complications.
5. You are reducing the amount of estrogen and testosterone that your dog has running through his/her body, which means less chance for temperament problems, given that you have and are socializing and training the dog.

There are other reasons, but these alone should be enough to want to get your dog spayed or neutered. I mean if you really love your Pit Bull and you really love the breed, you'll do it.

Female Dogs in Heat

When you've got a female dog, one of the more important decisions that you can make is getting her spayed. Unless you plan on breeding your American Pit Bull Terrier, there is absolutly no reason to let her go through a heat cycle.

Tips for a Female Dog in Heat

And, in reality there is no reason to breed her unless she is of champion bloodlines on both sides of her lineage and she is a show quality Pit Bull. If you are wanting to better the breed in terms of the breed's appearance, temperament, intelligence, and overall build, there is no reason to breed the dog.

And, if your APBT is not of champion lines on both sides of her pedigree, you really aren't bettering the breed in any way. I mean, yea your female Pit Bull may be the sweetest dog you've ever had, but that does not necessarily mean that her lineage depicts that trait.

But anyway understanding your dog's heat cycle is important if you plan on waiting to have her spayed. Find out the common questions related to a female dog's heat cycle.

Why is My Dog Running Away?

Why is My Dog Running Away & How to Stop Him from Escaping

One of the biggest problems with many dog breeds is that some dogs just like to run away. American Pit Bull Terriers typically aren't one of those breeds, but that does not mean that none of them want or try to run away. There are many different reasons as to why your dog may try to run away, which means if you can find the reason, you can find a solution to correcting the problem.

Putting Your Dog to Sleep

How to Decide When to Put Your Dog to Sleep?

It is a very hard decision to make, but if you have a dog, you may potentially have to make this decision one day. It will be easier to deal with if you understand the full process and if you plan ahead. If you know that you dog is suffering, you want to end the suffering before it is too late, and you want to make sure that you dog has the best last days without pain.

Caring for an Old Dog

Caring for an Elderly and Aging Dog

Although Pit Bulls are one of the more hardy dog breeds, the one thing that you can't prevent is your dog getting older. And, when that time comes you want to make sure that you are prepared for the health problems that are commonly associated with old age, such as cataracts and joint problems (IE arthritis).

In terms of an older dog, you want to make sure that you DO go to the vet for checkups. Many vets actually require checkups twice a year for older dogs.

Make sure that you have your senior dog on senior dogfood so that he is getting the proper nutrients for his age.

Pit Bull and Boston Terrier

Dog Obesity is a Big Concern

With any dog of any breed, you want to make sure that you keep your dog at peak health condition. This means no overweight dogs. You want to make sure that you cut out the table scraps and purchase non-fatty dog treats.

And, believe it or not you can prevent your dog from getting fat. This is somethign that you really want to pay attention to becuase by keeping yoru dog at optimum weight, you can prevent other health conditions.

Dog Obesity Prevention and Health Risks

You Pit Bull can get fat, although they are not necessarily prone to dog obesity, it is possible. You want to make sure that you keep up regular exercise and limit the number of treats and the amount of table scraps that you feed your dog.

Dogs and Chocolate Poisoning

Now, we have all heard that chocolate is bad for dogs. But why? Will your dog die if he eats a chocolate chip cookie or an M&M? Probably not, but why? Well, you can check out the following article about dogs and chocolate. How does chocolate affect dogs, and why exactly chocolate affects dogs.

Dogs and Chocolate Poisoning

Even your iron stomach Pit Bull is not invincible to chocolate....

And as I write this blog, I am reminding about the bag of Dove chocolates that you'll see staged in the link about (there's a stage picture of my APBT with dove chocolates). Well, a few weeks ago she REALLY did get that back. Ate every last chocolate and the wrappers. MIA had foil wrappers in her poo for days, although she did throw most of it up. She had diarrhea for a few days as well. Luckily, we did not have to have her stomach pumped, as it was dark chocolate and about a quarter of a bag.

Adopting Pit Bulls and the Mix or Purebreed Debate

With just about any breed of dog, you hear the basic debate of should you get a pure breed dog or a mix breed dog. Well, there's nothing wrong with mix breeds, not even with bully breed dogs, like the APBT. You can easily go to your local shelter and find at least one or two Pit Bull mixes (given that you do not live in a BSL area). These dogs need homes and loving people just like a pure bred dog. And, most of the time they are calmer, as they are mixed with some other breed, but of course that isn't a definitely 100% guarantee with a mix APBT.

For basic info check out the following link:

Should I Get a Mix-Breed or Pure Breed Dog?

Now, as for adopting, it's simple... If you really want the dog, you'll jump through the hoops that most adoption agencies make you jump. Because adopting a bully breed dog can be a liability, the shelter wants to make sure that you are the right person for the dog in terms of experience, knowledge, and common sense.

For myths about adopting Pit Bulls and other bully breed dogs, as well as basic restrictions that you may encounter when trying to adopt a bully breed dog, check out the following link:
Adopting Pit Bulls and Other Bully Breed Dogs

Dog Seizures

Although, American Pit Bulls are pretty hardy dogs, but it is still possible that yours can have a seizure disorder. If your dog has had a seizure or if it does have a disorder, you want to know what you can do during and after the seizure takes place. Below, you will find basic information about treatment and what to do about your dog's seizures. Hopefully, it will help you out.

Dog Seizures- Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, & More

Dog Chew Deterrents

If you have a dog or a puppy that is constantly chewing up som aspect of your home, whether it be your furnature or your shoes, you may want ot consider a chew deterrent spray.

Otherwise, you may want to consider basic obedience classes and refreshers, as well as other means of deterrents, such as more chew toys and dog kong toys.

Dog Chew Deterrent Sprays

But, generally if you keep your off limit things off the floor and away from the dog, you should not have any problems.

Flea Prevention

No matter where you live you want to have a good flea and tick prevention. There are several that are popular, but you always want to compare the ingredients and potential adeverse side effects before choosing one to use.

Check out this link for more information
Frontline, Advantage, Advantix, and Other Flea and Tick Control for Dogs

Pit Bull Puppy

Here's a cute video of a pit bull puppy.

Dog Collars

It's very important that you have a dog collar that fits your dog. You don't want to be walking your dog and him slip out of it, nor do you want the collar to be too tight. The general rule is that the collar be 2 fingers width wider than the dog's neck.

When choosing a dog collar, you can choose from so many different styles and patterns. You'll find nylon and leather, stripes and solids, reflectors and spikes. There are so many basic collars that you can choose from, that the options are near limitless.

Choosing a Dog Collar

The most common collar that I've seen used for APBT's is the typical spike collar. Now for whatever your reason, you may or may not like them. But, there is a wide variety available, ranging from very long spikes, to short studs. Typically spike collars are made of strong leather. The one thing you want to watch out, is purchasing a cheap spike collar... Not cheap in price, but in quality, as the inside of the stud, can irritate your dog's neck. I tried a studded collar on my Pit Bull, and she's still missing hairs and has a little irritation from the inside studs.

Now, that doesn't mean that you can't purchase a cheap collar, but watch the quality. There are many great quality leather spike dog collars on ebay that are pretty cheap.

Dog Shampoo

It's very important that you choose a good dog shampoo to bathe your dog in. There are all natural shampoos which are better for your dog and his skin and coat, but there are also shampoos on the market with tons of chemicals, which can act as irritants to your dog's skin.

Choosing a Dog Shampoo

When bathing your Pit Bull, you'll want to stick with an all natural dog shampoo so that you can ensure that you're not putting harmful chemicals on his body that he can potentially lick off.

What are pit bulls capable of??? Are they all true killers?

Check out this cute video.

A real life look at how a pit bull plays with a small size dog in a little confined yard. Can big and small dogs all follow the rules when they respect their pack leader? This big girl is Jada, a 3 year old pitbull that came to me with a serious food aggression problem...

Grooming Your Dog

It's very important that you groom even your short haired Pit Bull. But the great thing about APBT's is that they only require minimal grooming. You need to make sure that you bath the dog regularly; I'd suggest twice a month for inside dogs and either once a week or everyother week for outside dogs. You don't want to over bathe the dog.

Grooming Your Dog and Dog Grooming Kits

You want to clip the dog's nails regularly, starting when you get the dog. I'd say maybe once a week trim up the nails of inside dogs. You don't want to be able to hear the dog's nails on hardwood or tile flooring.

I'd say that you want to take a flea comb to the dog at least once a week, more if you keep the dog outside more than 50% of the day. You want to use a flea and tick control to help keep fleas and ticks to a minimum.

Brushing Your Pit Bull's Teeth

It's very important that you brush your dog's teeth once a day to help remove tatar before it hardens, forming plaque. By brushing your dog's teeth at least once a day, you can prevent gum disease and other dental diseases from occuring.

Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

You may want to start with a professional teeth cleaning, so that you have a clean slate to start your daily brushings with. Otherwise, you can just start. You want to purchase an all natural toothpaste and a dog friendly toothbrush to get started.

Once you and your dog get into the routine, it's actually a pretty simple process.

Trimming your dog's nails

It is very important that you trim your dog's toenails on a regular basis. You should really start young, so that your dog gets used to the process and in the long run, the least amount of stress is put on your dog.

With any grooming process, you want to make sure that you're dog is safe and stress-free when you are actually cutting the dog's nails.

Dog Nail Clippers and Trimming Your Dog's Nails

If your Pit Bull has dark nails, you can purchase quick detecting nail clippers so that you'll always know when you're getting close to the vein inside your dog's nail. Otherwise, you may want to consider using a pet nail dremel tool (that you can find in the link above with information about how to use them when trimming your dog's toenails).

Entertaining your dog with a kong toy

Kong toys and similar style dog toys are a wonderful toy that will keep your dog entertained. By stuffing a Kong with peanut butter, cheese whiz, or a meat spray, you can keep your dog busy and out of your hair.

I've found that when MIA is getting on my nerves by just acting out from pure boredom, I can stuff a kong toy and she'll be find for hours, even after she's completely cleaned the toy.

You can purchase Kong toys in various sizes; if you dog is a heavy chewer, I'd recommend the black extreme Kongs versus the red classic Kongs. Otherwise, you can also check out the Buddy Toys (I believe that's what they're called); they have a few similar products that you can stuff, but they are generally purple, as seen in the video.

Brushing Your American Pit Bull Terrier

Yes, believe it or not you really should brush your short haired American Pit Bull. Regular brushing will help spread the natural oils in your dog's skin and coat, which can potentially help keep the fleas from starting a colony, which can potentially infest your house and yard.

Fleas and ticks can cause a number of health concerns for your dog if the infestation gets out of hand, so definitely consider using a soft bristle dog brush and/or a flea comb to help prevent fleas as best as you can.

Dog Brushes and Combs

Choosing the right brush and flea comb can aid your short haired Pit Bull. Even though the breed doesn't suffere tangles, regular brushing can help to keep the fleas down, so in my book, it's definitely worth the extra 5 to 10 minutes.

Pit Bull Plays With Sticks

Picking a Pit Bull Puppy

Along the lines of temperament testing and picking the right puppy for you and your household, you want to make sure that you pick a puppy from a reputable person versus a puppy mill or backyard breeder.

You can use the folling Tip for Choosing a Pit Bull Puppy to pick out any puppy really. You can implement some of the tips to picking any dog of any breed from a breeder, and you can implement some of the tips for picking a puppy from a litter at a local rescue.

Game Pit Bulls

Gameness is so often compared to agression or dominance, but it's really nothing more than the determination to continue and presevere through pain and and stress.

Gameness is the trait that pushes APBT's and any other dog to fight till death or defend his human even if wounded.

Other breeds experience the determination to not give up, but that is not the same as to not give up under any pain or stress.

What is a Game Pit Bull?

Why Should You Adopt A Dog?

Even the vicious American Pit Bulls and mixes thereof, need to be adopted from pet shelters. There are so many myths about adopting dogs and other pets from animal shelters, but there are even more about adopting Pit Bulls and mixes from shelters and pit bull rescues.(By the way the picture to the left, is of Bubba a blue APBT that is wearing a gentle leader, NOT a muzzle, and has been up for adoption; the picture was posted by jumping lab on Flickr.com.)

Many people believe that because the dog is at the shelter it is prone to being agressive and it'll never be able to live in a home environment with a family. Both of these are of course not true.

I've known many a purebred and mix Pit Bull and pit bull type dogs get adopted from shelters and end up in loving homes as indoor, family pets. It's possible. It really is.

For general information about adopting dogs and puppies from shelters, you can check out the following article, just remember that the same rules apply to adopting American Pit Bull Terriers and mixes thereof. The only difference is that you want to make sure that the dog is 100% able to live in your family with your lifestyle. Ask the shelter if it's possible to foster the dog for a few days to a week to decide if the dog will truly fit, as you'd hate to have to bring him back if otherwise.

Anyway, here's the article. I hope it's helpful.

Why Should You Adopt a Dog

Housetraining Puppies

When bringing home a new puppy or dog, you want to make it a part of the family, so why throw it in the backyard? Let the new dog hang out inside and really be a part of the family.

The tip is good housetraining. Once you get housetraining down, your dog or puppy will tell you when he's ready to go outside instead of soiling your carpet, tile, or hardwood floors.

There are several methods to successful housetraining. The easiest of which is crate training, followed by a few lesser used and known methods. Find the best that is easiest for you and your dog.

How to House Train Your Puppy

How Puppies Learn

When training a puppy, it's best to understand how puppies learn so that you can ensure successful training. Puppies do best with repetition and practice. You also want to implement positive training sessions.

When training your new puppy, make sure to make the experience a pleasant one. The more enjoyable and fun the training sessions, the more your puppy will get out of it.

Puppies are like sponges and will soak up everything, so watch out what you do around them that may possible increase an unwanted or wanted behavior in the future.

For more information about raising and training puppies, plus to find out how puppies learn, check out the following link.

How Do Puppies Learn?

Schedule of Puppy Vaccinations

It's very important to keep up with your puppy's vaccinations in order to prevent core and non-core diseases. In order to ensure a long and healthy life, core vaccinations are definitely a must have.

Core vaccinations include: Parvo, distemper, infectious hepatitis, rabies.

Non-core vaccinations include: Parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, Lyme.

For more information, check out
Schedule of Puppy Vaccinations and Common Diseases

Dog GPS Tracking Devices

GPS tracking devices are a great means of tracking your dog in field events and if you have a large yard area, but I wouldn't use them as a sole means of tracking for your dog. Pet GPS tracking devices are run off of batteries, so the batteries can die; they also only have a certain distance from the home that they'll track, so once the dog has surpassed that distance, they no longer track properly. Also, because they are a little bulky, they can be easily spotted and removed by a passerby, or they can get stuck on something and possibly slip off.

Although, there are so many reasons as to why they may not work, they are a good investment for those with large yards and those who use their dogs in field events.

For more information about pet tracking device, check out
Dog GPS Tracking Devices

Puppy Temperament Tests

When picking out a puppy from a litter at the breeder's house or at the shelter, there are several temperament tests that you should perform to make sure that the puppy you choose is the right puppy for you.

There are different tests to determine dominance vs submission, dependence vs independence, prey drive, retrieval drive, and sound sensitivity.

You want to make sure to appropriately match the puppy's temperament with your experience as a dog owner and trainer. You don't want to bring hom an overly dominant and independent puppy if you have minimal experience with dogs.

To check out the exact tests, click
Puppy Temperament Tests

Dog Training

Anyone who either has a Pit Bull or knows someone who does, knows and understands the amount of training that goes into keeping them socialized and well-behaved. American Pit Bull Terriers can be very strong willed and stubborn dogs, not to mention dominant, if you let them have the run of the house without proper training, that is.

I've comprised a fairly comprehensive list of dog training techniques and tips that you will find at the link below. I hope that anyone considering bringing a Pit Bull or a mix into their life reads the article and finds the various links and hubs about dog training useful.

Just remember that training begins the day you bring the dog home, and you should not stop training even when you think your dog is 100%. Continue dog training in regards to basic obedience for the entrie span of the dog's life. Move onto tricks and other commands, as you will to keep the dog mentally stimulated, as well.

Dog Training Tips, Help, and Techniques

How to Choose a Dog Crate

When choosing a dog crate, you want to take into account where you're going to put the crate, what style of crate, and what size crate. All three of these things will determine what crate is best for you and your dog.

Remember to never put more than one dog per crate, even puppies, because when you can't watch the dogs, you can't stop or interrupt a quarrel, which can result in a trip to the vet to treat minor to sever injuries.

Choosing the right dog crate is important in successful house training and safety. It prevents the dog from tearing up your house and potentially injuring himself. Plus, to most dogs, the crate is a place of security where he can retreat to be alone and rest.

The one main component to proper crate training is that you never use the crate as a means of punishment.

For more information, check out
How to Choose a Dog Crate

Tough Dog Toys

I know it's been a while.. Honestly, I've had other things on my mind, and well I just plain forgot how far behind I've gotten with blogging.

Well, as promise a LONG time ago, here's a fun article about the trials and tribulations of picking out a dog toy that will outlast the toughest chewers.

Although, to date, I haven't been the most successful at finding the perfect one, maybe some of the stories and pictures will help you find the one for your dog. I mean, yea Pit Bull tend to be tough chewers, but not all chew the same rate or have the same destructive tendencies.

You'll find the tire toy and yanker's toys, as well as a few others. The site will be updated as I try more and more toys. I currently need to add the firehouse dog toy, which sadly to say was completely and udderly destroyed in about two days.

Anyway, for more information, check below.

Tough Dog Toys: Destruction of the Dog Toy

American Pit Bull Terrier Facts

So I've composed a hub that features all of my Pit Bull articles. Check it out and let me know what you think.

I'd love some tips and feedback.

All About the American Pit Bull Terrier

All About the American Pit Bull Terrier

Here is a combination hub, that includes all of my hubs that are pertaining to the breed characteristics and history of the American Pit Bull Terrier. The article is pretty simple and straight forward. You should find tons of great information about the breed, hopefully enough to convince your leary friends that they can be great dogs.

Give it a look and see.

All About the American Pit Bull Terrier

Tough Dog Toys

If can be hard to find the perfect dog toy for tough chewers. My American Pit Bull Terrier will destroy just about any dog toy you give her. Granted it may take some toys longer than others to completely chew up.

I've found that the cute pluch toys last less than one day, and the tough tire toys about 4 to 5 days. Other than that, toys last an in-between number of days.

THe Yanker's dog toy seems to last the longest, although they currently are missing faces and feet.

When choosing a dog toy for your dog, you'll need to assess your dog's chewing skills.

Here's a link towards the destruction of MIA's dog toys.

Tough Dog Toys: Destruction of the Dog Toy

Myths About Pit Bulls

Unfortunately, the most common dog to get the rap from the awful pit bull myths, is the American Pit Bull Terrer, but that doesn't mean that other bully breed dogs do not suffer the same myths.

I found it rather interesting, when research for the below article, that the myths that surround these poor dogs are so extreme. The myths, if all true, would create this super dog, sub-human- type creature. I mean a dog who can't feel pain, has disjointed jaws, and attacks like an alligator. It's like an experiment on a dog in a laboratory gone wrong.

It's a little funny if you know the truths, to sit back and read what people think and believe about "pit bulls."

The Truth About American Pit Bull Terriers

The picture at the top is of Wendy the Whippet, NOT a pit bull. She has genetic disorder that has resulted in an exceptionally muscular appearance. I just figured that if the super dog that people believe is a pit bull existed, it would look like Wendy.

Severe Dog Attacks and Pit Bull- Type Dogs

As a lover and advocate for American Pit Bull Terriers, I want to make sure that when I talk to other people, I provide true statistics and an unbiased veiw, even if in my heart I know they really are good dogs.

I won't deny that they attack people. I won't deny that they may be dog aggressive. I won't deny they were bred for the kill of another dog.

But, I also won't deny that they can be loving family pets, that can live happily and safely in a home with other pets and even children.

What I will fight and argue is that these dogs are made out to be worse than they truly are. The media protrays these dogs as inherently vicious and aggressive. They portray pit bull as nasty dogs with the want to kill your child. It doesn't work that way.

First off the pit bull that the media is portraying includes APBT, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and other bully breed dogs. As a whole, these dogs have been known 'nanny dogs' in the past. They've been military dogs, pet therapy dogs, and more. They've been loving family pets.

Before you fall into the media's perception of the pit bull type dog, make sure to read the following hub, which is the first hub that I've published for the month of April on HubPages.

Severe Dog Attacks and Pit Bull- Type Dogs

Pit Bull Myths and Other Articles

So, this isn't much of an entry, but I wanted to give a heads up about a few new articles that I'm working on for HubPages

They include:
The Truth About American Pit Bull Terriers
Severe Dog Attacks and Pit Bull- Type Dogs
All About the American Pit Bull Terrier

I also have a few other dog articles that I'm working on. To include:
Tough Dog Toys: The Destruction of the Dog Toy
How to Choose a Dog Crate
Dog Training Tips, Help, and Techniques
Dog GPS Tracking Devices
New Dog: To Adopt or To Purchase

So, as they are completed and published, I will be posting links, discriptions and pictures.

If anyone has suggestions for more articles, please drop in a comment.

Update about the tire toy

I want to update that after 4 days of playing with the Pup Tread toy, MIA has chewed holes in it.

I've decided that the only time she can play with the toy is when she's playing tug of war, as it's easier for me to hold onto versus her alligator and fish Yankers toy.

Puppy Tread Tire Toy

It's been a while since my last blog, but I didn't have much to say. I still don't have a novel that I could interest you about But, I wanted to take the time to mention a new toy that I just bought for MIA, my APBT puppy.

It's a nasty old tire!!! ;-) Well, sort of. It's a Pup Tread Dog Tire. I wasn't too sure about it, but went ahead and purchased the 8" black dog tire.

When it came via UPS yesterday, MIA wasn't too sure about it. I rolled it on it's side, and she watched in confusion. Head tilted as to say, "Mommy toy's don't move on their own... ?"

She wanted nothing to do with this smell ol' tire, which I cleaned before I first tried to give it to her.

Well, I left her alone with the toy, giving her time to bond, so to speak. Still nothing...

So, I picked it up and played with it, trying to get her interested. Had it up against her face trying to get her to grab it and play tug of war- her favorite game.

It took a little coaxing, but little by little she opened her mouth more and more until she grabbed it! :-D

Now, everytime you turn around she has this tire on the couch knawing at it. I'm beginning to think that the 10" may last longer. Ha. But, with the serious chewing that she's been invoking on this innocent toy it's holding up pretty nicely. I haven't noticed any scratches or pieces falling off, yet.

That is the main thing I worry. Because this toy is made of recyclable materials, I don't want MIA ingesting anything that she may break off, so if you decide to purchase a tire toy or any of the toys manufactured by Pup Treads, I'd recommennd checking the toy quite frequently for loose pieces.

If you're interest in a tough tough that your destructive chewer can't destroy in 10 minutes, I'd definetly invest in some of these Pup Tread Do Toys.

I hate that I can't purchase cutsey toys for my female Pit Bull, but why should I waste the money if I know the toy is doomed for the garbage in less than a few hours.



Check out some of the other Pup Tread Dog Toys. (The tire toy on a rope are sizes 4, 6, and 8 inches. Above you'll find the tires alone for sizes 8 and 10 inches.)

Cropping Ears and Docking Tails

American Pit Bulls are one of the more common dog breeds that get their ears cropped and/or tail docked.

But, do you really know what that entails?

Both are painful procedures, no matter what you're claiming. Just watch the tail docking video on the following link. Listen to the young puppy's cries.

Read the following link and add your comment in the comment box at the end of the page.

Stylizing Your Dog: The Nip/ Tuck of the Canine Variety

Pit Bull Videos

Check out the following documentaries about the American Pit Bull Terrier. No these aren't music videos by pitbull, or whatever that guy's name is.

The documentaries on the following link tell all about the American Pit Bull. Watch these unedited documentaries about the rough world of dog fighting and how the once beloved breed became the most feared.

Pit Bull Videos

Games to Play With Your Dog

Hyper dogs and active puppies will definitely benefit from this one. Playing games and strenuous play will tire out your pup.

Take Wallace the Pit Bull, the Purina Incredible Dog winner for the Flying Disk Competition, he was a misunderstood APBT in a shelter. He was going to be put to sleep because of his breed (considered high risk) until his owner fought for him. Quickly, it was decided that Wallace needed an outlet for his high activity level, and the flying disk was brought out. And now look at him. Once on the kill list, now a champion.

I have video of my blue APBT, MIA, playing tug of war.

You'll also find information about FlyBall.

Check out the below link. Watch the videos. Read. Bookmark.

Games to Play With Your Dog

Books for a Pit Bull Lover

Fill your bookshelf with these great books. You'l;l find books on caring for APBTs, training them, and myths debunked.

I picked my favorite books about APBT's and bully breeds and featured them in one spot, so that you don't have to go looking for them.

Books for a Pit Bull Lover

If you have suggestions for other APBT books that you like, please say so. I'll check them out and consider adding them.

How to be a Responsible Parent to a Bully Breed Dog

Think you're ready for a bully breed dog? Well, make sure that you can be a responsible bully breed dog parent. The keys to a successful dog, are by far the keys for a successful, happy bully breed dog.


How to be a Responsible Parent to a Bully Breed Dog

MIA & Rat Puppies

Whoever said that American Pit Bulls don't get along with other animals need to rethink their statement.

Here is MIA playing with my three rats.

MIA Plays with Bella

Sorry, the video is a little dark, but it's a video of my blue APBT playing with my mother's St. Bernard/ Collie mix.

It's just so funny about how so many people say that all dogs of t his breed is dog aggressive.

It's also pretty funny about how they say dogs of the same sex don't get along... If they're names didn't cue you in; MIA and Bella are both females.

Blue Pit Bull Pictures

So I have a vicious Blue American Pit Bull Terrier.
She's of the Gotti bloodline.
I love her dearly.

I have composed a nice listing of her pictures and some videos that you may find of interest.

Blue Pit Bull Pictures: Photos of My APBT

American Pit Bull for Adoption

Jade a gorgeous APBT mix is available for adoption at Claws N Paws in Buena Vista, GA.

Age: about 3 years old
Color: white with red markings; red nose
Notes: Housetrained, knows simple commands, gets along with other dogs and cats

Jade was surrendered by her owner's children. The owner commited suicide, and her boyfriend was in jail for driving without a license. The children did not want Jade or Nyla, Jade's 7 month old puppy, so they surrendered the 2, to the rescue.

As a no-kill shelter, Jade and her daughter will be housed until adoption.

For more information, contact- Claws N Paws.

The American Bully

There is some controversy as to whether or not the American Bully is a breed on its own or is it just a selectively breed APBT.

I have my personal opinions, but for the most part one can look at it deferently.


You can really look at it a few different ways.
1. It is a selectively breed APBT using the Gotti and Razor's Edge Bloodlines.
2. It is a purbred dog.
3. It is a mixbreed.

I have thought that the American Bully is nothing more than an APBT, but with further research into the situation, I have found it to be a mix-breed dog, similar to that of the labradoodle or goldendoodle. As poodle hybrids are not registerable by any reputable breeder, they are not considered purbred dogs. They do not have a set standard. The American Bully, is similar. It is the mix between an American Pit Bull Terrier and an American Staffordshire Terrier. Although, you can get this mix registered with the ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club), it is not registerable with any other kennel club.

Because the "breed" is not registerable with the UKC or the ADBA, it is not considered a breed with a set standard. Although, the ABKC does have its own standard for the "breed," which is as follows:

General Impression

Give the impression of strength for its size.

Medium size dog with a muscular body.

Agile and graceful in movement and keenly alert to his surroundings.

Stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline.

Head

Medium length

Broad skull with pronounced cheek muscles and high set ears

Ears: Natural or Cropped
Eyes: All colors except albinism; Shape would be round to oval; Set low down in skull and far apart.
Muzzle: Medium length; Rounded on upper side or slightly squared to fall away abruptly below eyes.
Jaws: Well defined; Under jaw to be strong and have biting power.
Lips: Close and even; Some looseness accepted, but not preferred.
Teeth: Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front or scissor bite accepted.
Nose: All colors acceptable.

Neck

Heavy

Slightly arched

Tapering from shoulders to back of skull

No looseness of skin.

Medium length.

Shoulders

Strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping.

Back

Fairly short.

Slight sloping from withers to rump or straight accepted with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail.

Slightly higher rears accepted, but not encouraged.

Body

Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear and all ribs close together.

Forelegs set wide apart to permit chest development.

Chest should be deep and broad.

Tail

Short in comparison to size

Low set

Tapering to a fine point

Not curled.

Not docked.

Legs
Front legs: should be straight a slight turning outwards of the feet is accepted but not desired

Large or round bones; Pastern upright; No resemblance of bend in front.
Hindquarters: Well-muscled; Let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out.
Feet: Moderate size; Well-arched and compact.
Gait: Should be springy with drive off the rear.

Coat

Short, Stiff to the touch, Glossy

Color

All colors and patterns are expect the color merle.

Size

Height and weight should be in proportion.

A height of about 18 to 21 inches at shoulders for the male and 17 to 20 inches for the female.

There is no particular weight for the breed.

You can take this info as you will, and form you own opinions. I will stick by my opinion in that the American Bully by these standards set by the ABKC is a mix breed dog, as it is the breeding of an APBT and an AmStaff.

Pictures of American Bullies, ranging from Bullies, Gotti APBT, Razor's Edge APBT, and AmStaffs:

Zues- mandyp0221

Spirit- yomamasnastepits

Chamillionaire- BooBie Da Bully

Mija- BooBie Da Bully

Lil' Miss Porkchop- BooBie Da Bully

Uzi Clip- BooBie Da Bully

Deca- Sandi Marie

Hummer- shellbell44

Purina Freestyle Flying Disk

Who says that the APBT isn't athletic and mobile?



Wallace, the American Pit Bull Terrier, sure doesn't!

Wallace won the 2007 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Freestyle Flying Disc contest. He is the new Freestyle Flying Disk National Champion.

Read more at : WallaceThePitBull

On the website, it states that Wallace was a rescued APBT. He was untrained and bored. Flying disk (aka dog frisbee) was the perfect outlet for a dog of these criteria.

Wallace is truly a story that any APBT lover wants to hear about- a rescued dog doomed at a either a life in a cage or no life at all ending up in a loving home. A dog someone turned down because of lack of training and, well, care; is now a champion of his breed in the sport he loves and enjoys.

What more can any dog ask for?

And... For the main attraction... ;-)

...

WALLACE (pictures courtesy of Andrew and Wallace)








Unfortunately not a video of Wallace, but a video of the Purina Incredible Dog Challange, none-the-less.

Potty Training Update

So M.I.A. ia now 7 months old. She has her moments, I'll say that for sure. We started crate training her, but because she seemed to like the crate and have absolutely no idea what was going on, the crate training solution never really kicked into her mind. Then, we started tying her up, basically with the same sentiment of crate training but tie her leash to something stationary while she was still attached versus put her in the crate. This was the key... To start...

Once M.I.A. started to realized that if she went outside, and didn't potty, she had to stay leashed, she started pottying more outside. This was great. We were able to give her shorter times on the leash, when she wouldn't go. And things were really working...

Then, she had a step back... Deciding that my parents bedroom was a much nicer place to use the bathroom versus having to go outside. I assume she felt that this would solve the problem of being tied up. Who knows?



Now, all doors must be shut, and we know that as soon as she takes off down the hallway she has to go. We've been doing this for about 2 months, give or take. But, she still has her moments. She'll go days without pottying in the house, and then...

She'll start at the door and move her way to the living room, peeing as she walks. It's happened twice now, I believe. It's just not a pretty site or thing to clean up.

I just with that this poor pup was little enough to litter box train.. Yes, it's rather silly and amusing, but you can really Litter Box Train a dog..

Puppy Teething Stage

All dogs go through a teething stage as puppies. As pet parents, it’s not the best stage to go through. You can loose many socks, shoes, and even furniture, if you’re not careful. But, you can actually make it through the teething puppy stage.

As a parent to a new APBT puppy, you may have already determined they have very strong jaw muscles, and you may have figured out that they like to chew! This, is usually the cause of the teething period that can last several months. But, don’t fret…





You may have all the teething toys and tons of chew toys, but the pup still prefers your shoes. Well, don’t hit the dog, or punish the dog. You can actually praise the dog every time he picks up your shoes, but remember to take the shoe away from him as soon as you praise. No, this doesn’t teach the dog that it’s ok to play with your new shoes, but instead to take your shoes and give them to you.

You can try tying old socks in knots, in order to differentiate what he can and cannot chew one. Take the knotted sock and dip it in a broth. Freeze the sock, and give it to him once frozen. This is a tasty new toy that he can chew on.



Try nylabones. Never rawhides or greenies.
Frozen fruits and veggies, but make sure to avoid those that can pose harm to your pup.

You can overcome a teething puppy. It just takes a little time and a lot of patience.