Pitbulls and Dog parks

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]The "genetic whisper."[/font]

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]Pit Bulls have historically been bred for fighting other animals. Dog aggression is, therefore, "in their blood." Excellent people skills and rock-solid temperaments are as well.[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]Just as a herding dog will chase, a pit bull has a tendency to want to fight with other dogs. Could be every dog he sees, could be every 100th dog he sees. Could be only yellow dogs with black spots. Could be only females, only males. It's not an exact science, but it's up to you to know what triggers your dog. NO MATTER HOW "well-socialized" Buster is, this "genetic whisper" is in his ear. In one litter of pit bull pups, you will likely find a huge range of aggression, from none to lots. Most are in the middle somewhere.[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]IN MOST CASES, DOG-AGGRESSION DOES NOT EMERGE UNTIL SEXUAL MATURITY, IN MOST CASES BETWEEN AGES TWO AND THREE. So, take your pit bull puppy to the dog park, have a blast, teach him about the dog world, get him used to a variety of people, dogs, sights, sounds and surfaces, and around 9 months of age, start watching him like a hawk for dog-aggressive signs. (Learn to recognize the signs . . . rough play doesn't equal fighting . . .and also, please, try to relax!)[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]If you see signs of aggressive behavior, BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF and REMOVE HIM FROM DOG-PARK SITUATIONS. Keep him active in the world, however, but at your side, ON A LEASH. [/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]***Consider yourself lucky to own a dog that is so wonderful with people, the skill that really matters.***[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]While he is on a leash, don't let him sniff other dogs and vice versa. Dog trainers agree that all dogs on leash tend to be more aggressive - they can't express normal dog body language, they feel they must defend you . . . trust us, it's just a bad idea all around.[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]PLEASE don't let dog aggression become an excuse for isolating him! Just because he might be dog-aggressive doesn't mean he can't control himself, act polite, go to obedience class, go on neighborhood walks, etc. Like humans, dogs have the ability to learn self-control. Let him become worldly and you'll have a better dog. Just don't tempt fate at the dog park. IT IS YOUR JOB TO PROTECT YOUR DOG. [/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]While you're at it, never, ever leave Buster unsupervised with another dog. Even with Buster Two, his life-long buddy and housemate. Crate one and let one roam or [/font][font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]crate both (in their own cages of course), keep one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom, but "keep 'em separated." [/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]But what about this one pit bull I knew . . .[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]Of course there are exceptions to this rule. There ARE non-dog-aggressive pit bulls, and there are dog-aggressive beagles. BUT these are the exceptions! [/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]*PLEASE BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND BE PREPARED.*[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]Yes, your pit bull puppy loves all dogs, this is common! [/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]No, your pit bull adult will probably not love all dogs! This is also common! [/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]
Despite your best intentions and socializing experiences, your adult Buster will probably harbor SOME dog-aggressive tendencies. This is a fact, accept it, deal with it and move on. (It's not your fault, either, it's called genetics.)[/font]

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]"But he looooves people!" [/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]Of course he loves people. . . he's a pit bull!! Dog aggression and human aggression are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS. Pit bulls are some of the most stable, PEOPLE LOVIN' DOGS OUT THERE. [/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]The majority of pit bulls defer to and adore humans!! They are supreme examples of "man's best friend." They are not the best guard dogs for this reason. Remember that people-aggression and dog-aggression are VERY different drives, and this misconception has hurt more pit bulls than we like to ponder. [/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]So now what do I do? YOU, my friend, join the ranks of the creative, energetic souls who proudly own pit bulls! Please see "your pitbull is an athlete" for tons of ways to have fun with your dog!![/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman](here are two fun ideas)[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]Your own private dog park?![/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]Ok, the verdict is still out on this one. But just as pit bulls can love and be cool with their doggie housemates, we believe that in a carefully controlled environment Buster and his friend Marilyn, the All-American mutt next door, can enjoy regular play dates. You eliminate the chaos and stress of a dog park situation, you and Marilyn's owner are close by and prepared to break up a fight, should it occur, and Buster has grown accustomed to Marilyn, after a careful introduction IN NEUTRAL TERRITORY, out on a neighborhood walk, with yummy treats. Don't let them touch, just walk 'em, side by side, and keep the treats coming. After a few blocks, the dogs will become relaxed (even bored) around each other. (if not, then this may not be a good plan, and call it a day). There is no new influx of dogs every 15 minutes, and you are familiar with Buster and Marilyn's playing style. You are in control. Approach with caution, but still, give it a try, you might find it a great compromise between total isolation and the overwhelming scene at the dog park![/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]Java Pit[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]A great way to practice "down/stays" and social skills is to bring Buster to the local Java Hut. Set up at an outdoor table (of course) enjoy your coffee and let Buster enjoy the passing parade of people, bikes, cars, and other dogs. Pit bulls adore being "part of the action" like this, and it teaches them about all sorts of things. They will be consumed and highly entertained by the sights, sounds and smells of the city. Make a list of dog-friendly coffee shops and restaurants and frequent them often! The more you go, the easier it gets, even if you have to tie Buster to your waist to get him to stay still and anchored, soon enough, he will "get it!"[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]A final tip[/font]​

[font=Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman]If walks and trips to the coffee shop seem daunting because your dog likes to act macho to every passing dog, try this: practice on short walks around the neighborhood. When you see a dog coming toward you, get the treats ready. Just before Buster notices the other dog, call his name happily. When he makes eye contact with you, reward, reward, reward with treats and praise! Keep walking, and if he tried to focus his gaze on the other dog, repeat, using lots of treats to get by the distraction! Soon enough, when he sees other dogs, he will FIRST look at you for that treat! In the case of a dog barking wildly at Buster (from behind a fence, say) and you've really got to distract him, a few tricks that you've practiced at home can come in handy. I like to use "sit, shake, say hello" with my dogs. This seems to calm them down, switch their minds away from the "threat" and onto me. We have gotten to where we can sit a few feet from a snarling yard dog and calmly practice "shake" and then walk away. (p.s. this is not meant to substitute for a good trainer ) Also, walking a tired dog (from a pre-walk jog on the treadmill or fetch game in the yard) REALLY cuts down on the macho posturing thing! [/font]​