How to Be a Responsible Pit Bull Owner

The pit bull, also known as the American Pit Bull Terrier, is a medium-sized performance dog that is muscular and strong. Although the pit bull can be a good-natured family pet, the breed has naturally aggressive tendencies towards other dogs and requires a responsible owner to keep the pet and family members safe. Responsible pit bull owners must ensure the breed receives proper training and exercise as well as attention and companionship. Proper socialization with other dogs and with people can make the pit bull an enjoyable pet and companion.

  1. Obedience Training

    • Have your pit bull trained to prevent accidents and reduce aggressive behavior. A pit bull needs obedience training to teach it structure and guidance. Obedience training should begin while the dog is a puppy. However, if the pit bull is older and has never been trained, it can still benefit from the guidance that training provides. Pit bulls should learn basic behaviors and commands such as when to sit or stay, as well as more complex instructions such as stop, stand or back up.

      Obedience training also teaches the dog how to socialize with others. Pit bulls tend to be more aggressive towards other dogs, and occasionally, people. Socialization training is an effective way to allow the breed to associate with other dogs and humans.

    Safety

    • Take several measures to ensure the safety of your pit bull and others. While at home, keep the dog in a fenced in yard or inside the home. Don't leave the dog unsupervised in the presence of other dogs, small children or unfamiliar friends or family. Outside the home, always keep the dog on a leash and display strong leadership and control of the pet in public places. Even if your pit bull is well-trained, it might still get into a fight with another dog if it senses a threat to itself or to you. Carrying pepper spray on walks or to the dog park is an effective way to break up a fight and to ensure the safety of those around your dog.

    Health and Hygiene

    • Although pit bulls are generally healthy, they are prone to certain physical ailments, including hip dysplasia, cataracts and heart disease. Take your pit bull to the veterinarian regularly to ensure that it remains healthy. Exercise the dog outside daily. After walks, wipe the dog down with a moist cloth to remove dirt and sediments from his coat. The breed has smooth, short hair that's generally easy to groom, but you must ensure that it remains clean to prevent fleas and other bugs that can harm your dog.

    Considerations

    • Similar to most dogs, pit bulls become naturally aggressive when they're ready to breed. Thwart aggressive behavior by having your pet spayed or neutered before adulthood. Spaying or neutering your pet is also an effective way to control the population of unwanted dogs that are euthanized each year.

      As a pit bull owner, you must also consider the possibility that, despite your best efforts to train and keep your dog and others safe, the dog might be overly aggressive and unfit to be around others. You are responsible for your dog's behavior and actions and you must do what is necessary if your dog harms another dog or a human. This may include turning the dog over to animal control.