LIFESTYLE NEWS - Are you or someone you know considering adding a pit bull terrier to the family?
In light of another fatal pit bull dog attack recently we deem it necessary to share these tips from an article by Lins Rautenbach of the Pitt Bull Federation of South Africa (PBFSA):
A pit bull is a pit bull, registered or not?
Not true. As with any breed of dog, temperament is more than 60% inherited. Your puppy's temperament is predetermined before birth. No amount of love or training can remove a faulty temperament. Online breeders, be they registered or unregistered, do not have an understanding of genetics. They breed male to female and that is where it ends. Being registered does not mean that a dog's temperament is guaranteed.
How do you choose a breeder if that is the route you want to take?
Ask your breeder for copies of both parents' papers and send them to Pro@pbfsa.co.za. These will be passed on to the correct people who will look at the pedigrees, ask you questions about the dog and advise you.
Never buy unregistered dogs. There is no proof that what you are buying is a purebred pit bull. A pedigree is proof of lineage. It also provides valuable information to those in the know about your dog's ancestry.
Registered does not equal well-bred. All it means is that the dog is registered. Ask your breeder for the parents' show and working titles. Contact us at the PBSA and we will offer feedback.
If your breeder is not selling on a contract, walk away! Any breeder who is legitimate will want to protect their bloodline. If there is no contract, it means you and your dog are viewed as an income. True breeders will also take your pup back should you not be able to keep him or her.
Health issues such as skin problems, heart defects and orthopaedic issues are genetic. Legitimate breeders will not breed with dogs who have these complaints. Greeder breeders do not care and you could be in for massive vet bills.
So you want to adopt a rescued dog...
High 5 for wanting to do good. But rescued dogs are not automatic saints.
Research the shelter you are adopting from. Ask questions such as the name of the behaviourist and trainer who worked with the dog you plan to adopt.
Ask the rescuer what breeding experience they have. If they tell you stories about the nanny dog, or say it is how you raise them that matters, or they are just like other dogs, walk away. Do not get bullied or made to feel guilty into adopting a dog that could potentially attack you or your family. Responsible rescuers do not take chances. They are honest about the breed.
What type of home and owner does the American pit bull need?
A home that accepts the breed's natural propensity for dog aggression. If you can't separate your dog from other pets while you are not supervising the dog, or you cannot keep your pit bull separate from other pets if it doesn't get along with your other pets, then the pit bull is not for you. If you want to take your dog to play dates or if you want to be able to take your dog to off-leash places, then the pit bull is not for you.
An owner who is dedicated to early and ongoing socialisation and training at a force-free trainer, continuing throughout the dog's life. If you are not able to do this, then the pit bull is not for you.
An owner who is committed to ongoing environmental management. Your pit bull will need to be safely contained in your garden and you are responsible for ensuring that your dog is not a nuisance to neighbours and the people around it.
An owner who ensures the safety of all children and your dog. These are not nanny dogs. Children should be taught to respect dogs and owners must never leave children unattended with the family dog. Ever!
An owner who will sterilise their dogs. We have enough unwanted dogs. Do not add more. Breeding should be left to the very small percentage of people who know what they are doing
These are wonderful dogs who require a special owner. If you cannot meet their needs, please admire them from a distance.
For dog-related issues feel free to e-mail George at george@rehabdogworks.com.
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