Lets look at each of these issues, one at a time:
1. Having time for a dog does not mean that you cannot work and own a dog. Your pet will need quality time, though, just as a child does. He must be fed two times a day and exercised several times a day. He needs to be petted and loved, and he will like to go for rides in the car with you. You must work with him and spend time with him to have an obedient dog who has good manners.
Your dog should have at least two good outings a day, and that means a walk or a good romp in the morning and the evening. Never let him out loose to run the neighborhood. This is a breed that may not last long on the street because of the publics negative attitude. Many Pit Bulls are picked up by animal control and turned over to shelters every day.
2. Do you have a fenced-in yard? This should give you at least enough space to throw a ball and for your dog to run with it. Remember, it is your responsibility to keep the yard clean of dog feces. When walking your dog, it is essential to carry a plastic bag or two to pick up droppings. These can be easily dropped in a handy trash receptacle on your way home.
3. Have you owned a dog previously? This will give you a good idea of what a dog expects from you and what you must do for your dog. Since the APBT is one of the strongest dogs in the canine world, you must be able to handle him. In addition, like other terriers, the Pit Bull is smart and needs an owner that is smarter than he is!
4. Be sure to check with your town or city and find out if there are any anti-Pit-Bull or other breed-specific laws for your area. If your local council has banned certain breeds in the area, you can be almost certain that this ban will include the Pit Bull.
5. You should talk to your neighbors about adding an APBT to your household. Give them some information on the breed and reassure them that you are purchasing a sound, well-bred puppy from a responsible breeder.
6. Grooming is minimal with this breed, but you will need to go over him with a brush, trim his toenails, wash his face once or twice a week, keep his ears clean and give him a bath as needed.
7. Anyone considering APBT ownership must enjoy keeping active and be willing to spend time participating in activities with his dog. It doesn't have to be all structured; the APBT is a playful animal that will enjoy just goofing off with his owner. That being said, in order to fully enjoy activities together, the dog must be well trained and well behaved. The owner must make a commitment to his dogs training so that his APBT is a mannerly and reliable dog around everyone. You cannot take a chance with such a strong breed; added to that is the publics generally negative view of the Pit Bull. If your APBT is a good canine citizen, not only will you have a wonderful relationship with him but you also will be presenting the breed in a positive light.
Next step: American Pit Bull Terrier Overview
Reprinted from Breeders Best: American Pit Bull Terrier © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.
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