New Owner’s Manual for Pit Bull Terrier
Posted by Jeanne on February 19, 2009
When you buy a car, it comes with a manual. What kind of fuel it needs, when it should be serviced, basically how to make it serve your family well. Pets come with no such manual. They arrive in your home, sometimes shiny and new, others a little used, some in need of major repair. But none has a manual.
I have lived with pets most of my life. Growing up we had cats, hamsters, a Brittany Spaniel, and Chihuahuas. As an adult I’ve been the proud parent of a sugar glider (odd I know), a wolf hybrid, a couple cats, and finally my current trio of terriers. Not just any terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, all from rescue.
Here is a summary of some of the great resources out there for new pet owners, particularly new American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier owners. Although it’s not a manual, it’s a great place to start while deciding what pet is right for you. And so many things that I’ve found written for Pit Bull owners applies to many breeds of dog, and their owners are missing out because they set aside these “breed-specific” materials.
In a choosing a pet, the most important thing is to recognize what kind of animal will fit in to your life. Look at your family, number of persons in the home, ages of children, other pets. Do all the people in the family want a new pet? If one of you wants a Pit Bull and the other a Parakeet, that is an issue to address. Will everyone be able to live comfortably and share responsibilities for the animal you do choose? A great checklist for kids and pets can be found here.
What kind of home do you live in? Do you own or rent? Know the rules of your area, how many pets are allowed per home, what ordinances your city has regarding tethering, etc. Do you have a fenced yard? People often forget that living near certain elements can affect your pet. A loud highway, school yard, body of water, all these things should be considered.
Research breeds before you visit the shelter. There are several breeds profiled by Animal Planet’s Breed All About It series, including the Terrier Group. Although they don’t really show Pit Bulls, they are included in this group, and fit the description very well. The American Kennel Club also has profiles on over 150 breeds of dogs. The profiles include history, lifestyle, and physical attributes. Although your shelter dog may not be purebred or exhibit all of the traits profiled, it does give you an idea of what to expect. You can make a more educated choice if you have some breed knowledge. But never overlook the type of dog I call the American Shelter Dog, mixed breed dogs, the common “mutt” are often the most loving, healthy dogs out there. And can provide your family years of happiness.
Next, visit your local shelters. Don’t choose a dog on sight, visit more than one animal. Go home with your family and make the decision as a group, in a non stressful setting. Also consider rescue. Particularly if you are interested in a certain breed, a specific rescue can offer a wealth of information on the needs of the breed you are choosing. Overcome some of the myths and stereotypes of adoption, and check out the available pets in your area on sites like Petfinder.com.
No matter what kind of dog you end up choosing, you are obligated to be a great owner for that animal. Your first task is to have all the supplies necessary for the care and keeping of that pet. Food, right kind of dishes, toys, bedding, litter for cats, the appropriate crate or kennel for dogs (and yes, I believe all dogs of any breed should be crate trained for their safety and happiness). Next, schedule your first vet visit. Even if the dog is current on shots, and healthy you should have establish a relationship with and area veterinarian as soon as possible. Also you can get a baseline of what your healthy pet is like and be more aware if illness does arise. Schedule your new pets spay or neuter as soon as possible, if they are not yet altered, this way you avoid any unnecessary issues that come with unaltered dogs.
A responsible owner will consider the social and emotional needs of their new pet as well. Although these 15 Tips for Responsible Owners is directed toward Pit Bull owners, they are true of all breeds. Training, respect, exercise, socialization, all dogs need you to provide these things for them. Also understanding dog tolerance and managing a multi-dog home is important for your pets happiness as well as yours.
If you have decided the breed you must have falls in to one of the four often defined as “Pit Bulls” then I suggest you first visit the following sights and read up on what it takes to be the best owner of this breed. Animal Farm Foundation provides many levels of education, from training, to breed specific legislation, they should be your first stop. Next visit Bad Rap and Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC).
Good luck in your search for that perfect pet. One last link for a light hearted look at choosing a shelter pet, visit Mutts and read the Shelter Stories . Print off some coloring pages for the kids, and open the door to discussion with them about how they feel about owning and choosing a pet!
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing this blog post with Lots About Dogs. You can find Jennifer’s blog here: In the Shelter of Your Heart.
Jennifer lives in the Midwest with her husband, daughter, and three dogs. Lady and Ginger are American Pit Bull Terriers, and Theodore is a Mini Poodle. All of the family dogs are adopted, as the family does not believe in breeding or buying dogs. Jennifer works hard to share the lives of her APBT’s with others so they can overcome fear and misconception about the breed.
