A gentle and courageous pet; a victim of bad press
Introduction
Sixty years ago a delightful gang of kids romped across movie screens accompanied in their antics by their faithful dog Petey, a sturdy white pooch with a colored patch over one eye. Petey performed a remarkable array of tricks to help the kids in and out of scrapes -- all in all, he was the consummate childrens' pet.
The original Petey was Lucenay's Peter, a purebred dog registered as an American Pit Bull Terrier with the United Kennel Club and as one of the 50 original Staffordshire Terriers accepted into the American Kennel Club. Whichever breed name is claimed for Petey, one thing is certain; today this dog could not be kept within many city limits without facing arrest and euthanasia. American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are outlaws by city ordinance as vicious dogs.
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a long history as a dog of the common man, and it is from his basic stock that the AKC's AmStaffs and Staffs developed.
History
In 1835 the British Parliament outlawed bull baiting, a sadistic gambling game in which bulldogs were used to attack and harass bulls brought to market with the dubious intention of tenderizing the meat. The dog would assault the bull, avoid the stomping hooves and slashing horns, grab a tender nose or ear, and hang on until the bull collapsed. Commoners and royalty alike sought diversion from the violence and diseases of their day by attending these bloody spectacles until a public outcry forced Parliament to take a stand.
Once bull baiting was banned, dog breeders who appreciated the fierceness, courage, and tenacity of the bull dogs turned their attentions to breeding dogs for dog fighting. They began with the bull dog, mixed in some terrier blood, and produced the Bull and Terrier, a dog that met all of their expectations. The Bull and Terrier was bred for aggression to other dogs, unrelenting bravery, a high pain threshold, a willingness to fight to the end, and an affection for people.
Bull and Terrier dogs came to the US in the early 1800s as all-around farm dogs and frontier guardians. Samuel Clemons featured a pup of this breed in his short book The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.
The United Kennel Club recognized the Bull and Terrier Dog as the American Pit Bull Terrier in 1898. Buster Brown shoes put its mascot in every shoe with the image of Tige, an American Pit Bull Terrier, to enhance its image as a sturdy, dependable shoe. RCA used Nipper, a pit bull of unknown ancestry, to illustrate the clarity of sound emanating from its phonograph -- after all, it could fool the loyal pit bull into thinking he heard "his master's voice" in person. The breed was used to illustrate American neutrality without fear in 1914, the toughness of Levi jeans, and as a"defender of Old Glory."
The AKC eschewed breeds called "pit bulls" until 1936, when it recognized the American Pit Bull Terrier under the alias Staffordshire Terrier, named after the miners of Staffordshire, England, who had a hand in developing the breed for the fighting pit. The name was changed in 1972 to the American Staffordshire Terrier to distinguish the breed from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England, the ancestor of the American dogs, which was recognized by AKC in 1974. The British version of the dog is 14-16 inches tall and weighs up to 45 pounds. The American cousin is 18-19 inches tall and weighs up to 80 pounds. UKC's American Pit Bull Terrier is preferred to range from 30-60 pounds with females generally, but not necessarily, smaller than males.
Staffs, AmStaffs, and APBTs produced by responsible breeders are bred for temperament. Many dogs of these breeds are therapy dogs; some do quite well in obedience, and one -- Bandog Dread HIC, VB, SchH 1, CD -- even has a herding title. Another, Solomon J. Grundy, is a service dog for quadriplegic owner Arvid Kuhnle of Saskatoon, Canada, and Bullitt, was shown on the 1985 Easter Seals poster with his owner, Gordy Ranberg of Genesee, Michigan.
So what happened?
The American Pit Bull Terrier and its AKC cousins had a well- deserved reputation as a loyal and trustworthy family pet in the early years of this century, but of late has been severely castigated as a vicious, man-killing beast, worthy of banishment from the cities, considered guilty with no chance of proving innocence in any case.
"Pit bull" is a generic and derogatory term that encompasses any of several breeds of dogs or crosses on those breeds. Pit Bull fanciers can be divided into several camps: conscientious breeders of the AKC-registered duo who often deny kinship of their dogs with the APBT; ethical breeders of the APBT who face squarely the slander heaped upon them by ignorant neighbors; and unethical breeders of all three breeds who still indulge in dog fighting or promote aggressive temperaments for illegal purposes. Dog fighting rings still exist--it's only been a few years since a ring with national ties was busted in New Richmond and Blanchester, Ohio--and inner city drug dealers often use the dogs to guard their drug supplies and cash.
To further complicate matters, those who still breed for fighting are not as careful to preserve the dog's strong instinct to bond with humans as the early breeders did. So, today "pit bull" is a pejorative term that strikes fear in the hearts of many and leads to the spreading of urban legends about dogs with locking jaws that exert 20 thousand pounds of pressure, unstable breed temperament, and overwhelming human aggression.
In fact, the well-bred American Pit Bull Terrier is a family guardian and protector; an intelligent and obedient pet; a sweet, even-tempered dog that serves well as a help-mate to handicapped owner and friend to small children; and a healthy, hardy dog that complains little and offers much to his family.
Unfortunately, it has been more important for legislators in many jurisdictions to prove to constituents that they have "done something" about community problems. Spurred on by media accounts of "pit bull" attacks described in lurid detail, these councils and commissioners have banned pit bulls in all their forms from their communities. Never mind that the owners are the ones at fault for harboring a vicious dog; never mind that few of these dogs actually bite people; never mind that the breed and its crosses are not always easy to identify. Just ban them.
So, many shelters do not offer pit bulls or any dog that might be part pit bull to be adopted. Insurance companies cancel house insurance if a pit bull is in residence. Neighbors mistake everything from Boxers to Pugs as "pit bulls". And those criminals who used pit bulls as protectors of their illegal activities switch to Akitas or Rottweilers.
The standard
The United Kennel Club standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier is rather sparse. The dog is square and powerful with a blocky head, prominent cheeks and jaw, and taut, muscular body. He has a deep chest, and a short, glossy coat of any color. His ears may be cropped or not. Size can range from 50- 80 pounds for females and 70-95 pounds for males. Although they are from the same stock and meet the same criteria as the AKC American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terriers cannot be registered as an AmStaffs, but AmStaffs are admitted to the APBT registry.
Care and training
This short-coated breed needs little grooming and suffers from few diseases. He is subject to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and some tumors.
Training is a critical consideration for the American Pit Bull Terrier. This is a strong-minded dog that needs socialization as a pup to accept humans as the beings in charge and obedience training to keep him from setting out to control the household. Meek and mild potential owners should forget about this breed and choose another.
The training relationship should not be one of master and slave, however. The dog should be shown what to do and made to do it without any yanking, smacking, jerking, or other punishment. Firm guidance will lead to respect and trust; physical penalties will lead to disrespect and distrust.
[More on finding a dog]
More on dog laws:
- Dogs and the law; When emotion enters the door, good sense goes out the window
- More on dogs and the law; Irresponsible owners and animal rights activists propel a plethora of restrictive dog laws
If you are thinking about weight pulling here are some great answers to common questions!
Q- What will I need to train my dog to weigh pull?
A- The most important things you will need is a healthy dog, time and patients! Once you have those the rest is simple!
You will need a weight pull harness designed for the size of your dog and items of different weight.
Q- At what age can I start training?
A- Around the age of 6 months you dog will be able to start pulling light weight. Puppies that are still growing and maturing can be damaged if introduced to weight to early, the pulling can alter the way their bones and joints mature in a harmful way.
By the age of 18 Months he or she will have fully developed mussels and tissue to pull heavier weights.
Q- Should I get my dog a weight pulling harness to get him used to it ahead of time?
A- No, a regular harness leash will work great to get the dog used to the feel of it. Just do not have your dog pulling anything with a regular harness. Only use it to get your dog used to the feeling of a harness. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOG TO PULL WEIGHT IN A REGULAR HARNESS.
Q- Once my dog is ready for training how do I introduce the harness?
A- Put the harness on the dog and play with him or her! This will make them feel as if, it has something to do with playing or fun. Walk with the dog while he or she is wearing the harness. Make sure you also praise him or her to let them know it is a good thing!
Q- How do I teach the pull command?
A- With the harness on, take the dog for a walk with a learn attached. Then call him back to you and introduce a word you want to use as the command to pull. So "Pull" or "Work". Just make sure you pick a work to use that you will stick with. If you try to change commands, it will only confuse the dog.
Q- Should I use a "bait"?
A- This is a tricky question. It has been noted over the years as being done, however, if you chose to, make sure you do not use any thing that resembles a human or an animal should never be used as bait! Using any such item will actually get your dog disqualified during an event! We find that teaching dogs to pull on command is much easier and does not cause any confusion to the dog.
Q- Are we ready for weight yet?
A- Once you dog feels comfortable with the harness on and is responding to your command, its time to introduce some weight. A 1-10 pound barbell weight tied to a cable or a tire is a good first light resistance that doesn't make to much noise. The chances are good if your dog has had fun, he or she will run to you like there is nothing on it. It is very important that you go very easy the next month. After each pulling event, make sure you reward the dog with a treat or love, or how ever you normally praise the dog. You will want to practice with this weight for a month or so, to get the dog used to the feel of pulling. After about a month of this weight, increase the e weight. Make sure you only increase the weight slowly. After each weigh increase work with your dog for a few weeks with that weight, before you introduce heavier weights.
Chad Zetrouer is a leading expert on Pitbulls and recently released one of the most popular and most highly acclaimed books on Pitbulls available. You can reach Chad or purchase his new book The Pitbull Guide from his website at www.PitbullGuide.com.
Crate Training:
| Crate training is not cruel nor should it be punishment for Puppy. A crate the proper size for Puppy is: a safe place to be while sleeping; safety when you are not around to watch him; a place to eat uninterrupted; a place to go to get away from it all. Dogs are den animals and many like a place they can curl up in and feel secure.
WHY USE A CRATE? You can leave Puppy or Doggy home alone with peace of mind. He is comfortable and not forming bad or destructive habits. |
He also is not going to be confused by your reactions to bad behavior when you return. Remember, dogs do not have the reasoning humans do. When we return and see the garbage rooted through and then punish Puppy, chances are he will not realize what you are punishing him for. He may think you are punishing him for something completely different. Crates also make house training easier. Puppies and dogs generally will not soil their sleeping and eating area. Used with a consistent schedule, a crate can be your best ally with house training. Crates offer safety when traveling. A dog in a crate is far less likely to be injured in an accident. A crate keeps your dog from bouncing around, getting on your lap, blocking your view or even getting under the driver's feet! If crating while driving is not possible, at least train Puppy to lie quietly in the back seat or use a doggy seat belt available at many pet supply places.
WHAT A CRATE IS NOT!
A crate is not a substitute for human companionship. Use of a crate should be limited to no more than eight hours, less for a younger animal. If your work schedule is longer than that, consider getting a dog walker to exercise Puppy or Doggy for you midday. There are also Dog Day Care centers cropping up! Crates are not to be used for punishment. The crate must be viewed by Puppy as a safe place to be. Do not allow your children to torment Puppy while crated. Make sure he has fresh water, a sturdy bed and safe toys (rotate toys daily so he always has different ones and a different combination).
HOW TO MEASURE A CRATE.
If buying for an adult dog, get a crate big enough that he can fit in from tip of nose to base of tail (a few inches longer in each direction). He should be able to stand up, sit, turn and lie down on his side stretched out comfortably. If buying for a puppy, get one that will fit him as an adult. Some manufacturers even make crate dividers so you can expand the crate area as Puppy grows. If in doubt of size, I opt for the next size up. A crate slightly too large is better than one too small!
WHERE TO PUT THE CRATE.
Put the crate in a people area such as family room, kitchen or even the bedroom. You do not want your dog to feel banished when crated so the cellar or garage is no good.
WHERE TO GET A CRATE.
Many pet supply and feed stores carry crates or you can mail order them. Do not be put off by the cost - crates are far less expensive than replacing a shredded couch or even carpet cleaning by a professional company. Some crates are quite reasonably priced. You can even find them at yard sales!!! (Make certain all the hardware is there and the door latches correctly and securely). PetsMart, PetCo, various pet supple and feed stores generally carry crates. If you wish to check out mail orders, a few places to get catalogs from are: Cherrybrook 1-800-524-0820, www.cherrybrook.com; Mid-West Metal Products, 1-800-428-8560; Doctors Foster & Smith, 1-800-826-7206, drsfostersmith.com; New England Serum Company, 1-800-637-3786, www.neserum.com. Or else, check out your local dog shows. Often vendors selling a myriad or doggy items will be there. I have purchased many an item from dog shows - including crates! For a list of upcoming dog shows nationwide, check out INFODOG.COM!
INTRODUCING THE CRATE
First remove your dog's collar so he will not get caught. It happens rarely, by why take the risk. NEVER crate a dog with a choke collar on. Choke collars should NEVER be used for everyday use - they are for training and walks only, then should be removed. The same for a pinch collar! Set up the crate in the place you wish to keep it. Encourage your dog or puppy to enter the crate by enticing him with bits of food. Use something he cannot resist like cooked chicken or hot dog slices. Praise as he enters. Let him walk in and out a few times. Now start to encourage him to lie down quietly and relax. Give him a couple safe toys and close the door. Sit with him and talk softly. Let him out. Now start to leave for a short time. Even if he cries and whines, do not weaken. He should adjust to the crate eventually. Just keep making it a positive experience.
HOW LONG TO USE THE CRATE.
Some dogs can never be trusted with run of the house unattended. Some dogs are fine. If you think your dog is able to behave uncrated, begin testing by leaving his loose for five minutes while you walk outside. If that works, increase to ten, fifteen and so on. Should he begin to misbehave, continue using the crate. It is safer for Doggy and saner for you!
CRATES AS A HOUSE TRAINING AIDE.
Always have a feeding and potty schedule for your puppy or adult dog. This makes house training much easier. If you are not able to be with Puppy, put him in the crate. Take him out on lead and encourage him to go potty. Once he does, praise lavishly and bring back inside. Should he not go, put him back in the crate and try again in a little bit. Dogs do not like to soil their beds as a rule. Should he soil the crate, take him out while someone cleans the crate. Do not punish for eliminating in the house unless you catch him in the act. DO NOT rub his nose in it or hit him. Just give a loud, firm, growly "AAAAAH! NO!!!" and get him out immediately. Try to get him to potty outside and then praise lavishly when he goes. Remember, the younger the Puppy, the smaller the bladder capacity. It is unreasonable to ask a young puppy to hold an eight-hour day. Consider a dog walker for a midday potty break. Also, sometimes older dogs have bladder control issues. Sudden house soiling in a dog without problems could be a sign of an underlying problem such as a bladder infection. Unaltered or spayed dogs are also more apt to soil in the house. Males if not neutered have a greater chance of wanting to mark their territory and may do so inside. I also know females who mark. Do not paper train or use those pads designed for puppy to eliminate on. This only teaches Puppy it is OK to potty in the house. Paper training could actually delay house training.
No part of this article may be reproduced without written permission from Karen Peak© by West Wind Dog Training
SNOWMAN KENNELS/MONSTER G LINE KENNELS
Snowman Kennels/Monster G Line Kennels "Pitbulls", "Pit Bulls" or "American Bullies" is a high quality "pit bull kennels" and "American bully kennel" specializing in the short wide "American Pitbull Terrier". We love and appreciate our "Pitbulls" and /or "American Staffordshire Terriers". We particularly love the "blue pitbulls" and we often have the "blue pitbulls" or blue "American Staffordshire Terriers" for sale. Here at Snowman Kennels/Monster G Line Kennels we have experience with "American Pitbull Terrier" or "American Staffordshire Terrier" also known as "pitbulls" or "pit bulls" at our "pit bull kennels" / "American bully kennels" for structure and personality since 2000. We have just started breeding "Blue pitbulls", "American Staffordshire Terriers" or "American Bullies" here at our "Pitbull Kennel". All of our "American Pitbull Terrier" and/or "Blue Pitbulls" / "Blue American Bullies" are dual registered with the UKC and ABKC and all our "pitbulls" or "Pit bulls" puppies come with complete UKC "Pitbulls" registration and our "Blue American Bullies" puppies come with a "American Bully" ABKC registration. We are believed to have some of the best "pit bull" / "American bully" bloodlines in the world here at our facility "Pit bull kennels" and we continue to improve our "Blue pitbulls" dog bloodlines as well as our other "pitbulls" dog bloodlines for years to come. Our goal is to create the very best "Pit Bulls" bloodlines on earth. Please vote for our "Pit bull Kennels" and /or "American Bully Kennel in the "American Pitbull Terrier" top 50, the "American Pitbull Terrier" top 100, and the "American Pitbull Terrier" top 200.