OWNING A DOG

We shouldn't have to remind responsible dog owners that proper nutrition, socialization, training, veterinary care, regular exercise and love and understanding are the necessary elements to pet ownership. As you consider saving an American Pit Bull Terrier or other bully breed please continue to read the information below.

Check out this great ownership resource from Bad Rap:
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/owning.cfm

*costs will vary depending on charges by individual veterinarians
**this cost can be less if you are saving a shelter dog or use a low cost clinic in your area.
The a dog's lifespan is more than 10 years which means the average cost of pet ownership is over $10,000

Owning a pet is often a wonderful experience; however, it requires responsibility and commitment. Understanding these responsibilities is essential to acquiring a dog and should always be a family decision and never a surprise "gift". Research breed characteristics of the dog you are interested in adding to your home to ensure that you get a dog that is appropriate for your lifestyle and consider the dog's needs as you think about your future. It is very important to think about whether you are willing to commit the time, effort and expense required for its proper care before you acquire a dog, not after the dog is in your home!!

Once the dog is in your home, it only has YOU to depend on to make the right decisions regarding its future.  You are now responsible for this life.

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ACQUIRING A PIT BULL:

• proper food and shelter

• breed education

• consideration for other pets if you have them

• annual inoculations/tests/checkups

• licensing, breed specific restrictions

• neutering/spaying

• adequate attention and safe exercise

• care while you vacation/travel

• known allergies of family members

• initial and ongoing training 

• medical emergency costs

• preventing your pet from wandering or becoming a nuisance to others

• a ten year commitment (or more!)

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you!

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

6. Be aware, however you treat me, I'll never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it," or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you

The 10 Commandments of Pit Bull Ownership
(By Susan Thompson)

1. Thou shall NEVER trust thy Pit Bull not to fight (with another dog or animal)
2. Thou shall contain thy Pit Bull securely when not supervised by an adult (and obey all leash laws)
3. Thou shall NEVER leave thy adult Pit Bull alone and unsupervised with another dog.
4. Thou SHALL attend obedience classes most faithfully with thy Pit Bull
5. Thou SHALL keep thy Pit Bull socialized with ALL KINDS of people
6. Thy Pit Bull wilt NEVER be allowed off-leash in a public place (no dog parks!)
7. Thy Pit Bull wilt NEVER be allowed to roam free in thy neighborhood, EVER!
8. Thou SHALL take thy well trained Pit Bull out in public and show him/her off - on leash for good breed Public Relations!
9. Thy Pit Bull shall go forth into the world as an ambassador of the Pit Bull breed
10. THOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY WRONG DONE BY THY DOGS!

BE A RESPONSIBLE PIT BULL OWNER!

• Keep your pit bull healthy - physically and mentally: You need to provide food, water, shelter, exercise, training, and vet care. Pit bulls belong in the house as "house pets", they do not have the physical requirements for temperature extremes.  Pit bulls should never be left for long periods of time - they crave companionship and should stay in the house with the family whenever possible. Pit bulls require more exercise than your average dog, especially when they are young.  Be sure to provide enough positive outlets of exercise for your dog on a daily basis.  If you need suggestions, let us know.

• A one-time surgery, A lifetime benefit: Spaying or neutering your pit bull is the single most important step you can take to be a responsible owner. The result is that your dog will no longer be able to bring more homeless animals into the world. Spaying and neutering reduces or eliminates the possibility of several cancers and prostate disorders - spayed and neutered dogs live longer, healthier lives and make better, more affectionate companions.

• Obey the law, Protect your pit bull: No matter how careful you are, there's always the chance that you'll lose your dog. License and put an ID tag on your pit bull before a problem occurs. Microchips are a great idea!

• Exercise Restraint: An essential rule is: Off property, On leash. When not confined to your property, your dog MUST be under control. If your property is not fenced, your pit bull should be on a leash at all times while outside.

• A lifetime commitment: Dogs tied or kenneled out in the backyard for long periods of time, crated inside all day or exercised only at their owners' convenience are neglected dogs that are likely to develop serious behavior problems. It's up to you to provide your dog a "lifetime guarantee" for love, attention and care.  Dogs are not "things" made purely for your enjoyment, they require time and attention.

Click here for more information on why you may not want a pit bull dog: Don't Get A Pit Bull

You love him, he's your "boy". You wouldn't want to do anything to harm him right?  You wouldn't want "yours" removed so he must be just as attached to "his" right?  WRONG.  He is a dog, stop personalizing this and listen to the facts.

Most of the pets killed on our roads are males that haven't been neutered. The #1 dog most likely to bite is an unaltered male.  Most of the pit bulls we see in shelters are young, unaltered males. When you alter your pet you don't change his masculinity or personality. You allow him to ignore the urges to run away, climb your fence, bolt across that busy street, the urge to fight with other dogs.  With the urges in control, he'll be happy to stay at home with you....happy to be "your boy". He will be more attentive to training, more affectionate, and less tense.  He will only get "fat and lazy if you feed him too much and don't exercise him enough.  Dogs don't over feed themselves.

- credit for these materials to The American Kennel Club, The Humane Society of the United States, Dog World (Nov. 1997), SPCA of Texas (Dallas), Community Animal Programs (Herkimer County, NY) & Pit Bull Rescue Central, BadRap, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue.