History of the Pit Bull

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a wonderful dog, well-known for its intelligence, strength, and loyalty. In recent years, the breed has been unfairly villanized as overly aggressive and dangerous. While the pit bull does indeed possess a feisty and spirited character, the history of the breed reveals a much more complex tapestry of temperament and personality.

Like many modern breeds, it is impossible to be completely sure of the details of the American Pit Bull Terrier’s long history. However, many pit bull enthusiasts believe the origins of the breed can be traced back to antiquity and the Molossian family of dogs. The Molossian family of dogs bears the name of the people with whom they were most often associated – the Molossi tribe, a group of people who lived in ancient Greece and favored the use of robust, muscular dogs in warfare. Officially termed canus molossi (dogs of the Molossi), these animals were reknowned for their fierceness, and for their innate ability to intimidate the enemies of the tribe.

The Most Important Command Every Dog Should Know

Come” is a command every puppy needs respect. Here again, control is essential. When you say “Come,” the puppy must have no alternative. Consistency in your conditioning is imperative, for once the puppy realizes he does not have to come, your troubles begin! The come is taught using a puppy collar and a twenty-five-foot line.

1. When you first put your puppy out in the yard on his line, the very first time, allow him to explore until he seems to be getting tired.

2. At that point, kneel and say “Come” and give the line a small, sharp tug. The tug will turn the puppy toward you. He may then:

ATLANTA -What can a pit bull named Petey tell us about brain cancer? Apparently a lot. The Alpharetta dog was the first in the country to try an experimental new treatment for brain tumors, and that’s when things really got interesting. When you think about cancer research, you probably don’t think of a big old pit bull taking a nap on the kitchen floor. But when it comes to our brains, people and dogs have a lot in common.We develop brain cancer at about the same rate. We have the same types of tumors and share the same problem: if you take the tumor out, it almost always grows back. That’s why what’s happening inside Petey’s head gives researchers so much hope.Alex and Mary Beth Frame say that Petey, a 90-pound pit bull, is a gentle dog.”He likes to snuggle with you, he likes to lay down next to you — he’s a touchy feely dog from that standpoint,” said Alex Frame.And the Frames are so tight with Petey

1. Pit Bulls are commonly used as therapy dogs. Whether they are visiting a senior care facility or helping someone recover from an emotional accident, Pit Bulls are making a mark as outstanding therapy dogs.

2. Pit Bulls are used in Search and Rescue work. One example of well known SAR Pit Bulls is Kris Crawford and her dogs. Kris and her dogs have helped save the lives of many people during their efforts.

3. Pit Bulls serve as narcotic and bomb sniffing dogs. One Pit Bull, Popsicle (named that because he was found in an old freezer) has the largest recorded single drug find in Texas history. Read more about Popsicle here. Including how he found over 3,000 lbs of cocaine in Hildago, Texas.

Temperament of the Pit Bull Terrier

A correct and well-bred Pit Bull will often be the family goofball - when socialized properly they can develop into a truly remarkable family dog. If you are considering owning a Pit Bull, you will want to purchase from areputable Pit Bull breeder. Reputable breeders will know the importance of breeding for temperament, which is key in such a powerful dog.

With this said, you should also carefully evaluate yourself as an owner before bringing a Pit Bull into your life. Most Pit Bulls have wonderful potential in them, but they are still at times, a willful and strong-minded dog breed. If you are an extremely passive individual with limited knowledge of dog training, you may want to look at some other more suitable breeds. At the same time, if you purchase your Pit Bull as a puppy and are committed to his training, you will very likely end up with a loyal and faithful companion - the dog you’d always hoped for.

3 Important Training Tips For Every Dog Owner

3 Important Training Tips For Every Dog Owner

1. Be fair with corrections. Make sure your dog understands what you want before you correct him for not doing it. And let the punishment fit the crime. A correction should not be a release of anger, a clearing out of pent-up feelings by unloading them on the apparent cause of the problem, your dog. Instead, a correction is another way to communicate with your dog, to foster in him a clear understanding of his place in your human pack. As such, a proper correction is another way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. At its mildest level, a correction is the absence of praise. Remember to always ask yourself if you’re being fair before you give in to the knee-jerk reaction to leash-jerk.

2. Be positive. This tip refers to having the right attitude, of course, but it’s more than that. Praise that’s well timed and appropriate is essential to your dog’s learning process. If all you ever do is tell your dog “no,” your relationship isn’t going to be a very good one. How would you like to work with a boss like that?

3 Tips When Getting Your Dog Comfortable With His Own Bed

3 Tips When Getting Your Dog Comfortable With His Own Bed

Buy a loose-fill bed: As far as comfort is concerned, it doesn’t matter all that much what kind of bed you buy. To give the most pawing satisfaction, however, you may want to get a bed that’s made from loose fill – from cedar chips, for example – rather than a solid mattress. This gives dogs the opportunity to move the filling around when they paw, which is closer to what they’d experience naturally.

Optional Tools and Supplies For Grooming Your Dog

Optional Tools and Supplies For Grooming Your Dog

Although you can customize your product selection to your type of breed and to specific products you want to use, below is a general list of the kinds of products you will want to consider for stocking your grooming station. The products listed are necessary for the basis of good dog grooming. Optional products are also included for dog owners who want to go the extra mile in grooming their dogs.

The following are eight necessary products essential for grooming your dog:

1. Shampoo for your dog’s coat type
2. Coat conditioner for your dog’s coat type
3. Petroleum jelly to protect your dog’s eyes and ears
4. Nail coagulant or styptic pencil
5. Medicated ear powder or other ear cleaning liquid such as rubbing alcohol or a product designed for this purpose

Dog Exercise: How much dog exercise does your pet need?

The amount of dog exercise that is needed for your dog depends on several factors.   One important factor to consider is his type of breed.  Dog exercise also depends on his energy level and his personality. Your dog’s breed has an effect on his need for proper dog exercise.  Examples of breeds that require plenty of dog exercise are hunting dogs, herding dogs, and sled dogs.  These breed of dogs have high energy levels and were developed for tireless activity.  Obviously, if your dog has a high level of energy, then he would need plenty of dog exercise.  On the other hand, if your dog has a low level of energy and would rather relax and sleep on the couch, then he apparently does not need a lot of dog exercise. An older dog would need less exercise than a younger dog.  Another factor to consider in recognizing how much dog exercise your pet needs is whether he is the only pet in the house or if there is another dog